Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FirstMerit Corporation Analysts: Thomas O’Malley/Investor Relations Officer Phone: 330.384.7109 Media Contact: Robert Townsend/Media Relations Officer Phone: 330.384.7075

FirstMerit Reports Fourth Quarter 2010 EPS of $0.25 Per Share

Quarterly Highlights include:

	•		47th consecutive quarter of profitability
	•		Commercial loan growth of $182.7 million compared with prior quarter
	•		Net interest margin expansion to 4.14%
	•		Core deposit growth of $407.3 million compared with prior quarter
	•		Increase in tangible common equity to 7.46%

          Akron, Ohio (February 1, 2011) — FirstMerit Corporation (Nasdaq: FMER) reported fourth quarter 2010 net income of $27.0 million, or $0.25 per diluted share. This compares with $29.0 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2010 and $14.5 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2009. For the full year 2010, the Corporation reported net income of $102.9 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, compared with $82.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share in 2009.

          Returns on average common equity (“ROE”) and average assets (“ROA”) for the fourth quarter 2010 were 7.04% and 0.74%, respectively, compared with 7.60% and 0.79%, respectively, for the third quarter 2010 and 5.38% and 0.54% for the fourth quarter 2009. ROE and ROA for the year ended December 31, 2010 were 7.82% and 0.76% respectively, compared with 8.09% and 0.76%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

          “Our continued focus on the fundamentals of sound banking drove FirstMerit’s solid and profitable performance in the fourth quarter and throughout 2010,” said Paul G. Greig, chairman, president and CEO of FirstMerit Corporation. “During the fourth quarter we produced our 47th consecutive profitable quarter; successfully converted our Midwest Bank and Trust acquisition in Chicago; continued the integration of three Chicago acquisitions into the FirstMerit franchise; and further penetrated the Chicago and Northeast Ohio markets, taking advantage of the opportunities created by market disruption in both regions. We achieved these results by leveraging our strong balance sheet, our rich culture built around our superior customer service and disciplined growth strategies which support the execution of our super community bank model.”

          Net interest margin was 4.14% for the fourth quarter of 2010 compared with 3.96% for the third quarter of 2010 and 3.64% for the fourth quarter of 2009. Expansion in the net interest margin in both the prior and

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

year-ago quarters were driven primarily by increased loan volume and lower certificate of deposit product balances. The Corporation continues to successfully execute its strategy of increasing core deposits while shifting the deposit mix away from high-cost certificate of deposit products. Lower yields on average investment securities compared with both prior and year-ago quarters partly offset the respective, 18 and 50 basis point expansion in net interest margin over those periods. During the quarter, the Corporation reinvested maturing securities into shorter-duration investments to maintain balance sheet liquidity.

          Average loans, not including covered loans, during the fourth quarter of 2010 increased $54.6 million, or 0.77%, compared with the third quarter of 2010 and also increased $194.3 million, or 2.80%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. Average commercial loans, not including covered loans, drove the growth over both time periods, increasing $109.1 million, or 2.51%, compared with the prior quarter, and $386.8 million, or 9.53%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. Average covered loan balances including the indemnification assets were $2.0 billion during the fourth quarter of 2010.

          Average deposits were $11.4 billion during the fourth quarter of 2010, down $37.3 million, or 0.33%, compared with the third quarter of 2010, and up $4.0 billion, or 53.95%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter 2010, average core deposits, which excludes time deposits, increased $294.1 million, or 3.63%, compared with the third quarter 2010 and $2.5 billion, or 43.19%, compared with the fourth quarter 2009. Average time deposits decreased $331.4 million, or 9.94%, and increased $1.5 billion, or 94.8%, respectively, over prior and year-ago quarters, demonstrating the Corporation’s success in shifting the deposit mix and lowering funding costs.

          Average investments decreased $33.0 million, or 1.01%, compared with the third quarter of 2010 and increased $488.8 million, or 17.78% compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2010 average investments compared with the year-ago quarter, is due to the purchase of $575.0 million of securities in the first quarter of 2010 as a result of the First Bank acquisition.

          Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis was $130.0 million in the fourth quarter 2010 compared with $125.5 million in the third quarter of 2010 and $89.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

          Noninterest income net of securities transactions for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $54.2 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 1.66%, from the third quarter of 2010 and an increase of $3.4 million, or 6.69%, from the fourth quarter of 2009.

          Other income, net of securities gains, as a percentage of net revenue for the fourth quarter of 2010 was 29.42% compared with 30.50% for third quarter of 2010 and 36.28% for the fourth quarter of 2009. Net revenue is defined as net interest income, on an FTE basis, plus other income, less gains from securities sales.

          Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2010 was $122.5 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 1.48%, from the third quarter of 2010 and an increase of $27.6 million, or 29.05%, from the fourth quarter of 2009. One-time expenses associated with data processing conversions and related expenses for acquisitions totaled $3.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

          During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Corporation reported an efficiency ratio of 65.95%, compared with 66.26% for the third quarter of 2010 and 67.74% for the fourth quarter of 2009.

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

          Net charge-offs totaled $21.7 million, or 1.25% of average loans in the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding acquired loans, compared with $19.9 million, or 1.17% of average loans, in the third quarter 2010 and $31.2 million, or 1.79% of average loans, in the fourth quarter of 2009.

          Nonperforming assets totaled $123.5 million at December 31, 2010, an increase of $8.2 million, or 7.14%, compared with September 30, 2010. Nonperforming assets at December 31, 2010 represented 1.78% of period-end loans plus other real estate compared with 1.70% at September 30, 2010 and 1.48% at December 31, 2009.

          The allowance for noncovered loan losses totaled $114.7 million at December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2010, the allowance for noncovered loan losses was 1.65% of period-end loans compared with 1.72% at September 30, 2010 and 1.68% at December 31, 2009. The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for noncovered loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. For comparative purposes the allowance for credit losses was 1.78% at December 31, 2010 compared with 1.84% at September 30, 2010 and 1.77% at December 31, 2009. The allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans was 118.01% at December 31, 2010, compared with 118.49% at September 30, 2010 and 131.82% at December 31, 2009.

          The Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 2010 were $14.1 billion, a decrease of $216.6 million, or 1.51%, compared with September 30, 2010 and an increase of $3.6 billion, or 34.13%, compared with December 31, 2009. The primary increase in total assets compared with December 31, 2009 is attributed to the three 2010 acquisitions that increased total loans, including a loss share receivable of $288.6 million, by $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2010.

          Total deposits were $11.3 billion at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 0.03%, from September 30, 2010 and an increase of $3.8 billion, or 49.92%, from December 31, 2009. The increase in total deposits over December 31, 2009 was driven by the Corporation’s expansion strategy in Chicago. Core deposits totaled $8.5 billion at December 31, 2010, an increase of $407.3 million, or 5.05% from September 30, 2010 and an increase of $2.3 billion, or 37.61%, from December 31, 2009. Deposit retention rates for the three acquired Chicago institutions at December 31, 2010, are as follows: First Bank, 94.9%; George Washington, 96.8%; and Midwest, 91.1% (excluding brokered certificate of deposits, Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services balances and internet certificate of deposits).

          Shareholders’ equity was $1.51 billion at December 31, 2010, compared with $1.52 billion at September 30, 2010, and $1.07 billion at December 31, 2009. The Corporation maintained a strong capital position as tangible common equity to assets was 7.46% at December 31, 2010, compared with 7.41% at September 30, 2010 and 8.89% at December 31, 2009. The common cash dividend per share paid in the fourth quarter 2010 was $0.16.

          Mr. Greig said, “Our dedication to disciplined capital management has allowed us to maintain one of the strongest balance sheets in the industry and has provided us with the ability to generate positive returns for our shareholders throughout the economic downturn.”

Acquisitions and Integration

          The First Bank, George Washington and Midwest acquisitions were considered business combinations and accounted for under FASB Accounting Standard Codification 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805). All acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition and

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

identifiable intangible assets were recorded at their estimated fair value. Estimated fair values are considered preliminary and, in accordance with ASC 805, are subject to change up to one year after the acquisition date. This allows for adjustments to the initial purchase entries if additional information relative to closing date fair values becomes available, and we continue to analyze our estimates of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. Material adjustments to acquisition date estimated fair values are recorded in the period in which the acquisition occurred and, as a result, previously reported results are subject to change. Certain reclassifications of prior periods’ amounts may also be made to conform to the current period’s presentation and would have no effect on previously reported net income amounts.

          During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, we obtained additional information that resulted in changes to certain acquisition-data fair value estimates relating to the Midwest acquisition. These purchase accounting adjustments have resulted in an increase to goodwill of approximately $18.7 million which was recognized for the Midwest acquisition in the quarter ended June 30, 2010. Prior period amounts appropriately reflect these adjustments.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Conference Call

          FirstMerit (Nasdaq: FMER) senior management will host an earnings conference call on February 1, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to provide an overview of fourth quarter results and highlights. To participate in the conference call, please dial (888) 693-3477 ten minutes before start time and provide the reservation number: 39868207. A replay of the conference call will be available at approximately 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on February 1, 2011 through February 14, 2011 by dialing (800) 642-1687, and entering the PIN: 39868207.

About FirstMerit Corporation

          FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of $14.1 billion as of December 31, 2010 and 207 banking offices and 220 ATMs in Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Chicago areas. FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through its core operations. Principal wholly-owned subsidiaries include: FirstMerit Bank, N.A., FirstMerit Mortgage Corporation, FirstMerit Title Agency, Ltd., and FirstMerit Community Development Corporation.

Subsequent Events

          The Corporation is required under generally accepted accounting principles to evaluate subsequent events through the filing of the December 31, 2010 consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K. As a result, the Corporation will continue to evaluate the impact of any subsequent events on critical accounting assumptions and estimates made as of December 31, 2010 and will adjust amounts preliminarily reported, if necessary.

Forward-Looking Statement

          This release contains forward-looking statements relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry, and specifically the financial condition and results of operations, including without limitation, statements relating to the earnings outlook of the Corporation, as well as its operations, markets and products. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated. Among the important factors that could cause results to differ materially are interest rate changes, continued softening in the economy, which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans, changes in the mix of the Corporation’s

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

business, competitive pressures, changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements and those risk factors detailed in the Corporation’s periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Highlights

		Quarters
(Unaudited)		2010				2010				2010				2010				2009
(Dollars in thousands)		4th Qtr				3rd Qtr				2nd Qtr				1st Qtr				4th Qtr
EARNINGS
Net interest income FTE (a)		$	129,971			$	125,514			$	118,817			$	92,348			$	89,171
Provision for noncovered loan losses			19,816				18,108				20,366				25,493				29,960
Provision for covered loan losses			3,572				593				—				—				—
Other income			54,311				55,135				53,209				49,900				52,701
Other expenses			122,452				120,670				105,723				94,013				94,885
FTE adjustment (a)			2,107				2,021				2,050				1,954				1,793
Net income			27,030				28,996				31,493				15,390				14,478
Diluted EPS			0.25				0.27				0.32				0.18				0.17
PERFORMANCE RATIOS
Return on average assets (ROA)			0.74	%			0.79	%			0.94	%			0.55	%			0.54	%
Return on average common equity (ROE)			7.04	%			7.60	%			11.21	%			5.71	%			5.38	%
Net interest margin FTE (a)			4.14	%			3.96	%			4.02	%			3.72	%			3.64	%
Efficiency ratio			65.95	%			66.26	%			61.30	%			65.93	%			67.74	%
Number of full-time equivalent employees			3,058				3,093				3,095				2,723				2,495
MARKET DATA
Book value/common share		$	13.86			$	13.95			$	13.87			$	12.69			$	12.25
Period-end common share mkt value			19.79				18.32				17.13				21.57				20.14
Market as a % of book			143	%			131	%			124	%			170	%			164	%
Cash dividends/common share		$	0.16			$	0.16			$	0.16			$	0.16			$	0.16
Common stock dividend payout ratio			64.41	%			60.03	%			50.00	%			88.89	%			94.12	%
Average basic common shares			108,807				108,793				98,968				87,771				86,149
Average diluted common shares			108,808				108,794				98,969				87,777				86,157
Period end common shares			108,817				108,803				108,786				90,810				87,004
Common shares repurchased			9				4				46				115				35
Common stock market capitalization		$	2,153,479			$	1,993,276			$	1,863,504			$	1,958,772			$	1,752,261
ASSET QUALITY (excluding acquired loans)
Gross charge-offs		$	27,553			$	25,817			$	24,967			$	26,195			$	34,232
Net charge-offs			21,654				19,923				19,829				22,779				31,220
Allowance for noncovered loan losses			114,690				116,528				118,343				117,806				115,092
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments			8,849				7,864				6,812				6,337				5,751
Nonperforming assets (NPAs) (b)			123,502				115,267				109,781				123,320				101,001
Net charge-offs/average loans ratio (b)			1.25	%			1.17	%			1.15	%			1.36	%			1.79	%
Allowance for noncovered loan losses/period-end loans (b)			1.65	%			1.72	%			1.75	%			1.72	%			1.68	%
Allowance for credit losses/period-end loans (b)			1.78	%			1.84	%			1.85	%			1.82	%			1.77	%
NPAs/loans and other real estate (b)			1.78	%			1.70	%			1.62	%			1.80	%			1.48	%
Allowance for noncovered loan losses/nonperforming loans			109.56	%			111.00	%			119.62	%			105.14	%			125.55	%
Allowance for credit losses/nonperforming loans			118.01	%			118.49	%			126.51	%			110.80	%			131.82	%
CAPITAL & LIQUIDITY
Period-end tangible common equity to assets			7.46	%			7.41	%			7.23	%			7.91	%			8.89	%
Average equity to assets			10.51	%			10.38	%			8.40	%			9.63	%			10.11	%
Average equity to total loans (c)			17.15	%			16.93	%			13.68	%			15.39	%			15.37	%
Average total loans to deposits (c)			78.00	%			78.25	%			77.73	%			85.18	%			93.94	%
AVERAGE BALANCES
Assets		$	14,492,149			$	14,586,207			$	13,424,825			$	11,357,110			$	10,559,231
Deposits			11,388,423				11,425,740				10,600,401				8,340,796				7,397,592
Loans, excluding acquired loans (c)			6,868,222				6,781,123				6,810,582				6,812,647				6,932,566
Acquired loans, including covered loans (c)			2,014,361				2,160,075				1,429,388				291,651				16,419
Earning assets			12,466,629				12,579,486				11,860,439				10,076,565				9,714,193
Shareholders’ equity			1,523,078				1,513,527				1,127,017				1,093,568				1,068,013
ENDING BALANCES
Assets		$	14,136,908			$	14,353,515			$	14,520,554			$	12,324,589			$	10,539,902
Deposits			11,268,006				11,271,416				11,515,171				9,370,009				7,515,796
Loans, excluding acquired loans (c)			6,937,142				6,776,098				6,779,941				6,836,451				6,835,425
Acquired loans, including covered loans (c)			1,953,093				2,119,504				2,244,737				533,888				88,064
Goodwill			479,099				479,099				479,099				187,945				139,598
Intangible assets			10,411				11,416				12,422				5,659				1,158
Earning assets			12,427,936				12,507,979				12,680,627				10,775,434				9,685,155
Total shareholders’ equity			1,507,715				1,517,892				1,505,345				1,152,721				1,065,627

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited, except December 31, 2009, which is derived from the		December 31,
audited financial statements)		2010				2009
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	523,113			$	161,033
Investment securities
Held-to-maturity			59,962				50,686
Available-for-sale			2,987,040				2,565,264
Other investments			160,752				128,888
Loans held for sale			41,340				16,828
Noncovered loans:
Commercial loans			4,527,497				4,066,522
Mortgage loans			403,843				463,416
Installment loans			1,308,860				1,425,373
Home equity loans			749,378				753,112
Credit card loans			149,506				153,525
Leases			63,004				61,541
Total noncovered loans			7,202,088				6,923,489
Allowance for noncovered loan losses			(114,690	)			(115,092	)
Net noncovered loans			7,087,398				6,808,397
Covered loans (includes loss share receivable of $289 million)			1,976,754				—
Allowance for covered loan losses			(13,733	)			—
Net loans covered			1,963,021				—
Net loans			9,050,419				6,808,397
Premises and equipment, net			197,866				125,205
Goodwill			479,099				139,598
Intangible assets			10,411				1,158
Other real estate covered by FDIC loss share			54,710				—
Accrued interest receivable and other assets			572,196				542,845
Total assets		$	14,136,908			$	10,539,902
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing		$	2,790,550			$	2,069,921
Demand-interest bearing			868,404				677,448
Savings and money market accounts			4,811,784				3,408,109
Certificates and other time deposits			2,797,268				1,360,318
Total deposits			11,268,006				7,515,796
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase			777,585				996,345
Wholesale borrowings			326,007				740,105
Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities			257,595				222,029
Total liabilities			12,629,193				9,474,275
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, without par value: authorized and unissued 7,000,000 shares			—				—
Preferred stock, Series A, without par value: designated 800,000 shares; none outstanding			—				—
Convertible preferred stock, Series B, without par value: designated 220,000 shares; none outstanding			—				—
Common stock, without par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued 115,121,731 and 93,633,871 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively			127,937				127,937
Capital surplus			485,567				88,573
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(26,103	)			(25,459	)
Retained earnings			1,080,900				1,043,625
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,305,218 and 6,629,995 shares, at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively			(160,586	)			(169,049	)
Total shareholders’ equity			1,507,715				1,065,627
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	14,136,908			$	10,539,902

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

		Quarterly Periods
(Unaudited)		December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2010				2010				2010				2010				2009
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	809,828			$	821,713			$	762,781			$	521,666			$	167,608
Investment securities
Held-to-maturity			64,287				63,364				64,650				56,322				43,228
Available-for-sale			3,012,983				3,049,056				3,131,787				2,731,639				2,577,759
Other investments			160,756				158,591				179,735				129,658				128,214
Loans held for sale			39,174				21,659				18,827				14,538				16,007
Noncovered loans:
Commercial loans			4,445,691				4,336,631				4,376,274				4,197,663				4,058,851
Mortgage loans			403,334				421,087				438,243				454,525				472,829
Installment loans			1,331,130				1,363,248				1,377,748				1,402,552				1,449,091
Home equity loans			754,270				762,626				763,943				757,094				756,478
Credit card loans			146,744				146,863				145,880				150,117				151,233
Leases			62,115				58,223				59,049				60,430				60,503
Total noncovered loans			7,143,284				7,088,678				7,161,137				7,022,381				6,948,985
Covered loans and loss share receivable			2,046,145				2,198,138				1,304,303				122,027				—
Total loans			9,189,429				9,286,816				8,465,440				7,144,408				6,948,985
Less: allowance for loan losses			119,924				113,062				116,436				115,031				113,438
Net loans			9,069,505				9,173,754				8,349,004				7,029,377				6,835,547
Total earning assets			12,466,629				12,579,486				11,860,439				10,076,565				9,714,193
Premises and equipment, net			195,915				172,712				167,009				141,405				126,073
Accrued interest receivable and other assets			1,139,701				1,125,358				751,032				732,505				664,795
TOTAL ASSETS		$	14,492,149			$	14,586,207			$	13,424,825			$	11,357,110			$	10,559,231
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand-non-interest bearing		$	2,816,850			$	2,730,483			$	2,496,826			$	2,146,969			$	2,028,977
Demand-interest bearing			857,960				858,168				775,031				687,233				651,381
Savings and money market accounts			4,710,682				4,502,779				4,278,756				3,709,246				3,175,825
Certificates and other time deposits			3,002,931				3,334,311				3,049,788				1,797,348				1,541,409
Total deposits			11,388,423				11,425,741				10,600,401				8,340,796				7,397,592
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase			904,163				928,607				843,652				951,927				1,076,199
Wholesale borrowings			368,397				443,890				526,963				708,414				762,023
Total funds			12,660,983				12,798,238				11,971,016				10,001,137				9,235,814
Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities			308,088				274,442				326,792				262,405				255,404
Total liabilities			12,969,071				13,072,680				12,297,808				10,263,542				9,491,218
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock			127,937				127,937				127,937				127,937				127,937
Capital surplus			485,126				484,197				127,143				106,350				74,213
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(9,867	)			(2,332	)			(15,913	)			(20,593	)			(9,266	)
Retained earnings			1,080,809				1,065,001				1,051,308				1,049,774				1,047,097
Treasury stock			(160,927	)			(161,276	)			(163,458	)			(169,900	)			(171,968	)
Total shareholders’ equity			1,523,078				1,513,527				1,127,017				1,093,568				1,068,013
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY		$	14,492,149			$	14,586,207			$	13,424,825			$	11,357,110			$	10,559,231

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBIDARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Fully Tax-equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

		Three months ended												Three months ended
		December 31, 2010												December 31, 2009
(Unaudited)		Average								Average				Average								Average
(Dollars in thousands)		Balance				Interest				Rate				Balance				Interest				Rate
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	809,828											$	167,608
Investment securities and federal funds sold:
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable)			2,579,880				19,337				2.97	%			2,224,704				23,348				4.16	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)			352,330				5,073				5.71	%			331,098				5,021				6.02	%
Other securities and federal funds sold			305,816				2,158				2.80	%			193,399				1,799				3.69	%
Total investment securities and federal funds sold			3,238,026				26,568				3.26	%			2,749,201				30,168				4.35	%
Loans held for sale			39,174				470				4.76	%			16,007				204				5.06	%
Noncovered loans, covered loans and loss share receivable			9,189,429				121,434				5.24	%			6,948,985				81,762				4.67	%
Total earning assets			12,466,629				148,472				4.72	%			9,714,193				112,134				4.58	%
Allowance for loan losses			(119,924	)											(113,438	)
Other assets			1,335,616												790,868
Total assets		$	14,492,149											$	10,559,231
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand — non-interest bearing		$	2,816,850				—				—			$	2,028,977				—				—
Demand — interest bearing			857,960				198				0.09	%			651,381				149				0.09	%
Savings and money market accounts			4,710,682				8,145				0.69	%			3,175,825				6,880				0.86	%
Certificates and other time deposits			3,002,931				7,209				0.95	%			1,541,409				8,413				2.17	%
Total deposits			11,388,423				15,552				0.54	%			7,397,592				15,442				0.83	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			904,163				960				0.42	%			1,076,199				1,268				0.47	%
Wholesale borrowings			368,397				1,989				2.14	%			762,023				6,253				3.26	%
Total interest bearing liabilities			9,844,133				18,501				0.75	%			7,206,837				22,963				1.26	%
Other liabilities			308,088												255,404
Shareholders’ equity			1,523,078												1,068,013
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	14,492,149											$	10,559,231
Net yield on earning assets		$	12,466,629				129,971				4.14	%		$	9,714,193				89,171				3.64	%
Interest rate spread											3.98	%											3.32	%

Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.

Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

FIRST MERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDARIES
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Fully Tax-equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential

		Twelve months ended												Twelve months ended
		December 31, 2010												December 31, 2009
(Unaudited)		Average								Average				Average								Average
(Dollars in thousands)		Balance				Interest				Rate				Balance				Interest				Rate
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	728,723											$	183,215
Investment securities and federal funds sold:
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable)			2,554,538				87,019				3.41	%			2,222,771				97,871				4.40	%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)			348,832				20,505				5.88	%			321,919				19,718				6.13	%
Other securities and federal funds sold			300,700				8,508				2.83	%			204,272				8,394				4.11	%
Total investment securities and federal funds sold			3,204,070				116,032				3.62	%			2,748,962				125,983				4.58	%
Loans held for sale			23,612				1,162				4.92	%			19,289				1,032				5.35	%
Noncovered loans, covered loans and loss share receivable			8,529,303				433,308				5.08	%			7,156,983				339,381				4.74	%
Total earning assets			11,756,985				550,502				4.68	%			9,925,234				466,396				4.70	%
Allowance for loan losses			(116,118	)											(108,017	)
Other assets			1,153,192												793,062
Total assets		$	13,522,782											$	10,793,494
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Demand — non-interest bearing		$	2,550,849				—				0.00	%		$	1,910,171				—				0.00	%
Demand — interest bearing			794,497				751				0.09	%			656,367				600				0.09	%
Savings and money market accounts			4,303,815				31,912				0.74	%			2,886,842				23,472				0.81	%
Certificates and other time deposits			2,801,270				32,713				1.17	%			2,056,208				54,610				2.66	%
Total deposits			10,450,431				65,376				0.63	%			7,509,588				78,682				1.05	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			907,015				4,477				0.49	%			1,013,167				4,764				0.47	%
Wholesale borrowings			510,799				13,998				2.74	%			952,979				27,317				2.87	%
Total interest bearing liabilities			9,317,396				83,851				0.90	%			7,565,563				110,763				1.46	%
Other liabilities			338,916												267,835
Shareholders’ equity			1,315,621												1,049,925
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	13,522,782											$	10,793,494
Net yield on earning assets		$	11,756,985				466,651				3.97	%		$	9,925,234				355,633				3.58	%
Interest rate spread											3.78	%											3.24	%

Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis.

Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

FirstMerit Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year EPS Results

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

		Quarters ended								Twelve months ended
(Unaudited)		December 31,								December 31,
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)		2010				2009				2010				2009
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans, including held for sale		$	121,651			$	81,907			$	433,763			$	340,236
Investment securities
Taxable			21,495				25,146				95,527				106,265
Tax-exempt			3,219				3,288				13,080				13,026
Total investment securities interest			24,714				28,434				108,607				119,291
Total interest income			146,365				110,341				542,370				459,527
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits:
Demand-interest bearing			198				149				751				600
Savings and money market accounts			8,145				6,880				31,912				23,472
Certificates and other time deposits			7,209				8,413				32,713				54,610
Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase			960				1,268				4,477				4,764
Interest on wholesale borrowings			1,989				6,253				13,998				27,317
Total interest expense			18,501				22,963				83,851				110,763
Net interest income			127,864				87,378				458,519				348,764
Provision for noncovered loan losses			19,816				29,960				83,783				98,433
Provision for covered loan losses			3,572				—				4,432				—
Net interest income after provision for loan losses			104,476				57,418				370,304				250,331
Other income:
Trust department income			5,627				5,374				21,951				20,683
Service charges on deposits			15,938				16,568				65,900				63,366
Credit card fees			12,678				12,049				49,010				46,512
ATM and other service fees			2,910				2,730				11,259				11,110
Bank owned life insurance income			3,192				4,524				14,949				13,740
Investment services and insurance			2,300				2,322				9,451				10,008
Investment securities gains, net			146				1,934				855				6,037
Loan sales and servicing income			9,221				2,947				19,440				12,954
Gain on George Washington acquistion			—				—				1,041				—
Gain on post medical retirement curtailment			—				—				—				9,543
Other operating income			2,299				4,253				18,700				16,348
Total other income			54,311				52,701				212,556				210,301
Other expenses:
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits			62,331				45,748				221,316				175,906
Net occupancy expense			9,236				5,631				32,665				24,099
Equipment expense			7,549				6,445				27,664				24,301
Stationery, supplies and postage			3,183				2,414				11,438				8,907
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs			7,810				8,215				31,572				31,467
Professional services			7,731				6,098				29,357				16,414
Amortization of intangibles			1,006				87				2,914				347
FDIC expense			4,342				3,160				17,790				16,510
Other operating expense			19,264				17,087				68,144				54,866
Total other expenses			122,452				94,885				442,860				352,817
Income before federal income tax expense			36,335				15,234				140,000				107,815
Federal income tax expense			9,305				756				37,091				25,645
Net income		$	27,030			$	14,478			$	102,909			$	82,170
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Unrealized securities’ holding gain (loss), net of taxes		$	(21,560	)		$	(9,880	)		$	(555	)		$	38,994
Unrealized hedging loss, net of taxes			—				—				—				(94	)
Less: reclassification adjustment for securities’ gain realized in income, net of taxes			95				2,618				556				3,924
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes			467				3,899				467				3,068
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes			(21,188	)			(8,599	)			(644	)			38,044
Comprehensive income		$	5,842			$	5,879			$	102,265			$	120,214
Net income applicable to common shares		$	27,030			$	14,478			$	102,909			$	75,799
Net income used in diluted EPS calculation		$	27,030			$	14,478			$	102,909			$	75,799
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic			108,807				86,149				101,163				84,678
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted			108,808				86,157				101,165				84,686
Basic earnings per share		$	0.25			$	0.17			$	1.02			$	0.90
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.25			$	0.17			$	1.02			$	0.90
Stock dividend per share			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.73	%
Dividend per share		$	0.16			$	0.16			$	0.64			$	0.77