The Management of FirstMerit Corporation is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of the financial information presented in this annual report. These consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, based on the best estimates and judgment of management.

The Corporation maintains a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, that transactions are executed in accordance with the Corporation’s authorization and policies, and that transactions are properly recorded so as to permit preparation of financial statements that fairly present the financial position and results of operations in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These systems and controls are reviewed by our internal auditors and independent auditors.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of only outside directors and has the responsibility for the recommendation of the independent auditors for the Corporation. The Audit Committee meets regularly with management, internal auditors and our independent auditors to review accounting, auditing and financial matters. The independent auditors and the internal auditors have free access to the Audit Committee.

JOHN R. COCHRAN Chairman & Chief Financial Officer	TERRENCE E. BICHSEL Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer