Edgar Filing: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP

f10q2ndquarter2011.htm

FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________

[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number 0-17071

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana 35-1544218

(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47305-2814

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (765) 747-1500

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X]

As of July 29, 2011, there were 25,690,649 outstanding common shares of the registrant.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

INDEX

			Page No.
PART I. Financial Information:
	ITEM 1.	Financial Statements:
		Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets	3
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income	4
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	5
		Consolidated Condensed Statement of Stockholders’ Equity	6
		Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	7
		Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	8
	ITEM 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	34
	ITEM 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	46
	ITEM 4.	Controls and Procedures	46
PART II. Other Information:
	ITEM 1.	Legal Proceedings	47
	ITEM 1.A.	Risk Factors	47
	ITEM 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	47
	ITEM 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	47
	ITEM 4.	[RESERVED]	47
	ITEM 5.	Other Information	47
	ITEM 6.	Exhibits	48
		Signatures	49
		Index to Exhibits	50

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

	June 30,			December 31,
	2011			2010
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	50,874		$	50,844
Federal funds sold					7,463
Cash and cash equivalents		50,874			58,307
Interest-bearing time deposits		15,865			65,216
Investment securities available for sale		591,212			539,370
Investment securities held to maturity		347,154			287,427
Mortgage loans held for sale		4,846			21,469
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $77,133 and $82,977		2,646,889			2,752,706
Premises and equipment		51,851			52,450
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		31,384			33,884
Interest receivable		17,001			18,674
Core deposit intangibles		10,460			12,662
Goodwill		141,357			141,357
Cash surrender value of life insurance		102,880			96,731
Other real estate owned		15,437			20,927
Tax asset, deferred and receivable		36,790			45,623
Other assets		30,218			24,045
TOTAL ASSETS	$	4,094,218		$	4,170,848
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	590,199		$	583,696
Interest-bearing		2,552,334			2,685,184
Total Deposits		3,142,533			3,268,880
Borrowings:
Federal Funds purchased		22,978
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		124,236			109,871
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		74,050			82,684
Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans		226,580			226,440
Total Borrowings		447,844			418,995
Interest payable		3,601			4,262
Other liabilities		31,762			24,303
Total Liabilities		3,625,740			3,716,440
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, no-par value:
Authorized -- 500,000 shares
Series A, Issued and outstanding - 69,600 shares		68,118			67,880
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1,000 par value, $1,000 liquidation value:
Authorized -- 600 shares
Issued and outstanding -- 125 shares		125			125
Common Stock, $.125 stated value:
Authorized -- 50,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 25,690,649 and 25,574,251 shares		3,211			3,197
Additional paid-in capital		233,544			232,503
Retained earnings		169,313			160,860
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(5,833	)		(10,157	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		468,478			454,408
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	4,094,218		$	4,170,848

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
INTEREST INCOME
Loans receivable:
Taxable	$	37,457		$	43,977		$	76,195		$	89,425
Tax exempt		247			252			349			529
Investment securities:
Taxable		5,040			3,286			9,587			6,177
Tax exempt		2,535			2,548			5,088			5,194
Federal funds sold		1			3			3			20
Deposits with financial institutions		100			95			183			155
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		341			330			682			690
Total Interest Income		45,721			50,491			92,087			102,190
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		5,864			10,520			12,730			22,015
Federal funds purchased		3			4			6			4
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		386			429			764			928
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		977			1,440			1,978			3,004
Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans		2,644			1,919			5,285			3,845
Total Interest Expense		9,874			14,312			20,763			29,796
NET INTEREST INCOME		35,847			36,179			71,324			72,394
Provision for loan losses		5,625			15,015			11,219			28,884
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES		30,222			21,164			60,105			43,510
OTHER INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts		2,997			3,506			5,776			6,768
Fiduciary activities		1,929			1,978			3,965			4,038
Other customer fees		2,634			2,195			4,869			4,693
Commission income		1,024			1,487			2,912			3,476
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance		571			526			1,149			1,034
Net gains and fees on sales of loans		1,030			1,185			2,903			2,334
Net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities		825			257			1,288			2,099
Other-than-temporary impairment on available for sale securities					(1,307	)		(2,775	)		(1,787	)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income before taxes					907			2,375			899
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings					(400	)		(400	)		(888	)
Other income		51			208			457			352
Total Other Income		11,061			10,942			22,919			23,906
OTHER EXPENSES
Salaries and employee benefits		18,560			17,942			35,736			35,504
Net occupancy		2,415			2,058			5,160			4,909
Equipment		1,677			1,861			3,460			3,714
Marketing		436			495			818			924
Outside data processing fees		1,458			1,311			2,903			2,591
Printing and office supplies		313			321			601			639
Core deposit amortization		1,101			1,192			2,202			2,399
FDIC assessments		1,451			2,243			3,555			3,965
Other real estate owned and credit-related expenses		2,843			1,503			6,038			4,188
Other expenses		4,145			5,417			7,807			10,150
Total Other Expenses		34,399			34,343			68,280			68,983
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAX		6,884			(2,237	)		14,744			(1,567	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		1,396			(1,894	)		3,795			(2,810	)
NET INCOME (LOSS)		5,488			(343	)		10,949			1,243
Gain on exchange of preferred stock for trust preferred debt					10,052						10,052
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion		(990	)		(1,443	)		(1,978	)		(2,893	)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	4,498		$	8,266		$	8,971		$	8,402
Per Share Data:
Basic Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	0.18		$	0.35		$	0.35		$	0.36
Diluted Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	0.18		$	0.35		$	0.35		$	0.36
Cash Dividends Paid	$	0.01		$	0.01		$	0.02		$	0.02
Average Diluted Shares Outstanding (in thousands)		25,783			25,633			25,773			23,555

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June, 30						June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net income	$	5,488		$	(343	)	$	10,949		$	1,243
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
Unrealized holding gain on securities available for sale arising during the period,
net of income tax of $(1,099), $(3,144), $(3,674), and $(3,891)		2,041			5,838			6,823			7,226
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale for which a
portion of an other than temporary impairment has been
recognized in income, net of tax of $0, $318, $844, and $314					(590	)		(1,568	)		(584	)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges:
Unrealized loss arising during the period, net of
income tax of $217, $0, $170, and $0		(403	)					(316	)
Amortization of items previously recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(losses), net of income tax of $11, $(15), $20, and $(30)		(20	)		22			(38	)		45
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income
net of income tax expense of $289, $(50), $311, and $424		(537	)		93			(577	)		(787	)
		1,081			5,363			4,324			5,900
Comprehensive income	$	6,569		$	5,020		$	15,273		$	7,143

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:

	June 30, 2011			December 31, 2010

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale	$	8,008		$	2,767

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale for which a portion of an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized in income		(1,568	)		(1,001	)

Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges		(29	)		288

Defined benefit plans		(12,244	)		(12,211	)

	$	(5,833	)	$	(10,157	)

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

	Preferred				Common Stock						Additional						Accumulated Other
	Shares		Amount		Shares			Amount			Paid in Capital			Retained Earnings			Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total
Balances, December 31, 2010		69,725	$	68,005		25,574,251		$	3,197		$	232,503		$	160,860		$	(10,157	)	$	454,408
Comprehensive Income
Net Income															10,949						10,949
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax																		4,324			4,324
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($.02 per Share)															(518	)					(518	)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock under Capital Purchase Program															(1,740	)					(1,740	)
Accretion of Discount on Preferred Stock				238											(238	)					-
Share-based Compensation						68,205			9			709									718
Stock Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans						58,021			7			419									426
Stock Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan						4,155			1			34									35
Stock Redeemed						(13,983	)		(3	)		(121	)								(124	)
Balances, June 30, 2011		69,725	$	68,243		25,690,649		$	3,211		$	233,544		$	169,313		$	(5,833	)	$	468,478

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

	June 30,
	2011			2010
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	10,949		$	1,243
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		11,219			28,884
Depreciation and amortization		2,571			2,889
Share-based compensation		718			933
Tax expense from stock compensation					50
Mortgage loans originated for sale		(106,979	)		(84,105	)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans		123,602			84,541
Gains on sales of securities available for sale		(1,288	)		(2,099	)
Recognized loss on other-than-temporary-impairment		400			888
Change in interest receivable		1,673			1,924
Change in interest payable		(661	)		(800	)
Other adjustments		15,250			11,862
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	57,454		$	46,210
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net change in interest-bearing deposits	$	49,351		$	33,202
Purchases of:
Securities available for sale		(93,887	)		(152,085	)
Securities held to maturity		(75,971	)		(34,724	)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		25,911			64,314
Proceeds from maturities of:
Securities available for sale		22,237			38,407
Securities held to maturity		15,362			12,974
Proceeds from redemptions of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		2,500			2,358
Purchase of bank owned life insurance		(5,000	)
Net change in loans		80,883			169,200
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned		5,349			8,084
Other adjustments		7,929			(522	)
Net cash provided by investing activities	$	34,664		$	141,208
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net change in :
Demand and savings deposits	$	(12,918	)	$	(65,772	)
Certificates of deposit and other time deposits		(113,429	)		(209,801	)
Proceeds from borrowings		62,351			8
Repayment of borrowings		(33,634	)		(47,391	)
Cash dividends on common stock		(518	)		(472	)
Cash dividends on preferred stock		(1,740	)		(3,190	)
Stock issued in private equity placement					24,150
Stock issued under dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans		461			345
Tax (expense) benefit from stock options exercised					(50	)
Stock redeemed		(124	)		(68	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(99,551	)	$	(302,241	)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(7,433	)		(114,823	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 1		58,307			179,147
Cash and Cash Equivalents, June 30	$	50,874		$	64,324
Additional cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	21,424		$	30,597
Income tax refunded	$	2,977		$	6,044
Exchange of preferred stock for trust preferred debt				$	46,400
Loans transferred to other real estate owned	$	3,814		$	15,197
Non-cash investing activities using trade date accounting	$	1,036		$	1,602

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. General

Financial Statement Preparation

The significant accounting policies followed by First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements.

The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Corporation as of December 31, 2010, has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Corporation’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

NOTE 2. Investment Securities

The amortized cost and approximate fair values of securities are as follows:

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at June 30, 2011
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	99	$	14			$	113
State and municipal		229,743		9,059	$	289		238,513
Mortgage-backed securities		342,582		7,131		568		349,145
Corporate obligations		5,610				5,434		176
Equity securities		3,265						3,265
Total available for sale		581,299		16,204		6,291		591,212
Held to maturity at June 30, 2011
State and municipal		13,152		35		9		13,178
Mortgage-backed securities		334,002		5,799		1,114		338,687
Total held to maturity		347,154		5,834		1,123		351,865
Total Investment Securities	$	928,453	$	22,038	$	7,414	$	943,077

	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2010
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	600	$	16			$	616
State and municipal		233,622		7,108	$	740		239,990
Mortgage-backed securities		293,311		4,293		2,287		295,317
Corporate obligations		5,856				5,674		182
Equity securities		3,265						3,265
Total available for sale		536,654		11,417		8,701		539,370
Held to maturity at December 31, 2010
State and municipal		10,070		389		5		10,454
Mortgage-backed securities		277,357		2,064		3,605		275,816
Total held to maturity		287,427		2,453		3,610		286,270
Total Investment Securities	$	824,081	$	13,870	$	12,311	$	825,640

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2. Investment Securities continued

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities and held to maturity securities at June 30, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Maturity Distribution at June 30, 2011:
Due in one year or less	$	4,379	$	4,398	$	3,234	$	3,234
Due after one through five years		13,602		13,917		1,447		1,450
Due after five through ten years		51,766		54,546		4,883		4,901
Due after ten years		165,705		165,941		3,588		3,593
	$	235,452	$	238,802	$	13,152	$	13,178

Mortgage-backed securities		342,582		349,145		334,002		338,687
Equity securities		3,265		3,265

Total Investment Securities	$	581,299	$	591,212	$	347,154	$	351,865

The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits and for other purposes, was $285,731,000 at June 30, 2011 and $271,091,000 at December 31, 2010.

The book value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $98,718,000 at June 30, 2011, and $84,965,000 at December 31, 2010.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 gross gains of $825,000 and $1,288,000 were realized from sales and redemptions of available for sale securities. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 gross gains of $482,000 and $2,324,000 were realized from sales and redemptions of available for sale securities. There were no gross losses resulting from sales and redemptions of available for sale securities realized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. Gross losses of $225,000 resulting from the sales and redemptions of available for sale securities were recognized for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. The Corporation did not recognize any other-than-temporary (“OTTI”) loss in the three months ending June 30, 2011, but did recognize a $400,000 OTTI loss in the three months ended June 30, 2010, equal to the credit loss, establishing a new, lower amortized cost basis. The Corporation has recognized OTTI losses of $400,000 and $888,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, equal to the credit loss, establishing a new, lower amortized cost basis.

Certain investments in debt and equity securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. The historical cost of these investments totaled $184,106,000 and $273,853,000 at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. Total fair value of these investments at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, was $176,691,000 and $261,542,000, which is approximately 18.8 percent and 31.6 percent of the Corporation’s available for sale and held to maturity investment portfolio at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

Except as discussed below, management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the OTTI is identified.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2. Investment Securities continued

The following table shows the Corporation’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at June 30, 2011
State and municipal	$	18,760	$	(298	)						$	18,760	$	(298	)
Mortgage-backed securities		157,787		(1,682	)							157,787		(1,682	)
Corporate obligations						$	144	$	(5,434	)		144		(5,434	)
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	176,547	$	(1,980	)	$	144	$	(5,434	)	$	176,691	$	(7,414	)

	Less than 12 Months					12 Months or Longer					Total
	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at December 31, 2010
State and municipal	$	31,796	$	(745	)						$	31,796	$	(745	)
Mortgage-backed securities		229,441		(5,892	)	$	154					229,595		(5,892	)
Corporate obligations							151	$	(5,674	)		151		(5,674	)
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	261,237	$	(6,637	)	$	305	$	(5,674	)	$	261,542	$	(12,311	)

Mortgage-backed Securities

The unrealized losses of $1.7 million on the Corporation’s investment in mortgage-backed securities were a result of changes in interest rates. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities as the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.

State and Municipal

The unrealized losses of $298,000 on the Corporation’s investment in securities of state and political subdivisions were caused by changes in interest rates. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost basis of the investments. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2. Investment Securities continued

Corporate Obligations

The Corporation’s unrealized losses on pooled trust preferred securities total $5.4 million on a book value of $5.6 million at June 30, 2011. The decline in value is attributable to temporary illiquidity and the financial crisis affecting these markets coupled with the potential credit loss resulting from the adverse change in expected cash flows. Due to the illiquidity in the market, it is unlikely that the Corporation would be able to recover its investment in these securities if the Corporation sold the securities at this time. Management has analyzed the cash flow characteristics of the securities and this analysis included utilizing the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information, including announcements of deferrals or defaults of trust preferred securities. The Corporation did not recognize any OTTI losses in the three months ending June 30, 2011. The Corporation has recognized an OTTI loss of $400,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2011, equal to the credit loss, establishing a new, lower amortized cost basis. The credit loss was calculated by comparing expected discounted cash flows based on performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security to the carrying value of the investment. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. The Corporation does not consider the remainder of the investment securities, which are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, to be other-than-temporarily impaired at June 30, 2011.

Credit Losses Recognized on Investments

Certain debt securities have experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses and other market factors. The following table provides information about debt securities for which only a credit loss was recognized in income and other losses are recorded in other comprehensive income.

	Accumulated Credit Losses in 2011		Accumulated Credit Losses in 2010
Credit losses on debt securities held:
Balance, January 1	$	10,955	$	9,411
Additions related to other-than-temporary losses not previously recognized		400		888
Balance, June 30	$	11,355	$	10,299

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance

The Corporation’s primary lending focus is small business and middle market commercial and residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. The following tables show the composition in our loan portfolio, loan grades and the allowance for loan losses excluding loans held for sale. Residential real estate loans held for sale at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 were $4,846,000 and $21,469,000, respectively.

The following table shows the composition of the corporation’s loan portfolio by loan class for the periods indicated:

	June 30,			December 31,
	2011			2010
Loans:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	529,742		$	530,322
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers		99,360			95,516
Real estate loans:
Construction		96,308			106,615
Commercial and farm land		1,171,901			1,229,037
Residential		495,256			522,051
Home Equity		191,839			201,969
Individual's loans for household and other personal expenditures		94,123			115,295
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		4,399			5,157
Other loans		41,094			29,721
		2,724,022			2,835,683
Allowance for loan losses		(77,133	)		(82,977	)
Total Loans	$	2,646,889		$	2,752,706

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover probable credit losses identified during its loan review process. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge offs less recoveries. All charge offs are approved by the Bank’s senior loan officers or loan committees, depending on the amount of the charge off, and are reported to the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Bank charges off loans when a determination is made that all or a portion of a loan is uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings.

The amount provided for loan losses in a given period may be greater than or less than net loan losses, and is based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The determination of the provision amount in a given period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan "watch" list and an independent loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified and management’s judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio at June 30, 2011. The process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is critical to the Corporation’s financial results. It requires management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, as estimates about the effect of uncertain matters are needed. The allowance for loan losses considers current factors, including economic conditions and ongoing internal and external examination processes and will increase or decrease as deemed necessary to ensure the allowance for loan losses remains adequate. In addition, the allowance as a percentage of charge offs and nonperforming loans will change at different points in time based on credit performance, loan mix and collateral values.

The historical loss allocation for loans not deemed impaired according to ASC 310 is the product of the volume of loans within the non-impaired criticized and non-criticized risk grade classifications, each segmented by call code, and the historical loss factor for each respective classification and call code segment. The historical loss factors are based upon actual loss experience within each risk and call code classification. The historical look back period for non-criticized loans looks to the most recent rolling-four-quarter average and aligns with the look up back period for non-impaired criticized loans. Each of the rolling four quarter periods used to obtain the average, include all charge offs for the previous twelve-month period, therefore the historical look back period includes seven quarters. The resulting allocation is reflective of current conditions. Criticized loans are grouped based on the risk grade assigned to the loan. Loans with a special mention grade are assigned a loss factor and loans with a classified grade but not impaired are assigned a separate loss factor. The loss factor computation for this allocation includes a segmented historical loss migration analysis of criticized risk grades to charge off.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

In addition to the specific reserves and historical loss components of the allowance, consideration is given to various environmental factors to help ensure that losses inherent in the portfolio are reflected in the allowance for loan losses. The environmental component adjusts the historical loss allocations for commercial and consumer loans to reflect relevant current conditions that, in management’s opinion, have an impact on loss recognition. Environmental factors that management reviews in the analysis include: national and local economic trends and conditions; trends in growth in the loan portfolio and growth in higher risk areas; levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals; experience and depth of lending management and staff; adequacy of, and adherence to, lending policies and procedures including those for underwriting; industry concentrations of credit; and adequacy of risk identification systems and controls through the internal loan review and internal audit processes.

The risk characteristics of the Corporation’s material portfolio segments are as follows:

Commercial

Commercial loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Commercial real estate

These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.

Residential and Consumer

With respect to residential loans that are secured by 1-4 family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Corporation generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires PMI if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in 1-4 family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following tables summarize changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Commercial			Real Estate Commercial			Consumer			Residential			Finance Leases			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balances, April 1	$	30,206		$	37,240		$	3,098		$	10,371		$	21		$	80,936
Provision for losses		(11,993	)		14,264			(253	)		3,617			(10	)		5,625
Recoveries on loans		6,351			545			332			225			3			7,456
Loans charged off		(849	)		(13,381	)		(318	)		(2,336	)		-			(16,884	)
Balances, June 30, 2011	$	23,715		$	38,668		$	2,859		$	11,877		$	14		$	77,133

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Commercial			Real Estate Commercial			Consumer			Residential			Finance Leases			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balances, January 1	$	32,508		$	36,341		$	3,622		$	10,408		$	98		$	82,977
Provision for losses		(13,875	)		21,190			(468	)		4,459			(87	)		11,219
Recoveries on loans		6,998			866			618			697			3			9,182
Loans charged off		(1,916	)		(19,729	)		(913	)		(3,687	)		-			(26,245	)
Balances, June 30, 2011	$	23,715		$	38,668		$	2,859		$	11,877		$	14		$	77,133

The following tables summarize changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2010:

	2010
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance, January 1	$	92,131
Provision for losses		46,483
Recoveries on loans		11,935
Loans charged off		(67,572	)
Balance, December 31, 2010	$	82,977

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following table shows the Corporation’s allowance for credit losses and loan portfolio by loan segment for the periods indicated:

	June 30, 2011
	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases		Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	7,882	$	4,995	$		$	838	$		$	13,715
Collectively evaluated for impairment		15,833		33,673		2,859		11,039		14		63,418
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	23,715	$	38,668	$	2,859	$	11,877	$	14	$	77,133

Loan Balances (includes loans held for sale):
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	34,584	$	62,718	$		$	11,022	$		$	108,324
Collectively evaluated for impairment		635,612		1,205,491		94,123		676,073		4,399		2,615,698
Total Loans	$	670,196	$	1,268,209	$	94,123	$	687,095	$	4,399	$	2,724,022

	December 31, 2010
	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases		Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	5,726	$	7,545	$	-	$	643	$	-	$	13,914
Collectively evaluated for impairment		26,782		28,796		3,622		9,765		98		69,063
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	32,508	$	36,341	$	3,622	$	10,408	$	98	$	82,977

Loan Balances (includes loans held for sale):
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	28,965	$	77,705	$	-	$	9,534	$	-	$	116,204
Collectively evaluated for impairment		626,594		1,257,947		115,295		714,486		5,157		2,719,479
Total Loans	$	655,559	$	1,335,652	$	115,295	$	724,020	$	5,157	$	2,835,683

Information on non-performing assets, including non-accruing, real estate owned and renegotiated loans, plus accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more, is summarized below:

	June 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
Non-Performing Assets:
Non-accrual loans	$	87,583	$	90,591
Renegotiated loans		6,269		7,139
Non-performing loans (NPL)		93,852		97,730
Real estate owned and repossessed assets		15,437		20,927
Non-performing assets (NPA)		109,289		118,657
90+ days delinquent and still accruing		227		1,330
NPAs & 90+ days delinquent	$	109,516	$	119,987

Loans are reclassified to a non-accruing status when, in management’s judgment, the collateral value and financial condition of the borrower do not justify accruing interest. Interest previously recorded, but not deemed collectible, is reversed and charged against current income. Payments subsequently received on nonaccrual loans are applied to principal. A loan is returned to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and collectability is probable, typically after a minimum of six consecutive months of performance. Payments received on impaired accruing or delinquent loans are applied to interest income as accrued.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s non-accrual loans by loan class for the periods indicated:

Non Accruals by Class
	June 30,		December 31,
	2011		2010
Commercial and Industrial	$	21,097	$	9,812
Agriculture production financing and other loans		306		544
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		14,121		17,164
Commercial and farm land		33,787		45,308
Residential		14,948		15,115
Home Equity		2,723		2,648
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
Other Loans		601
Total	$	87,583	$	90,591

Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans and renegotiated loans as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310. Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more. A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected.

Impaired loans are measured by the present value of expected future cash flows or the fair value of the collateral of the loans, if collateral dependent. The fair value for impaired loans is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans and is determined using several methods. The fair value of real estate is generally based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically valued by using the financial information such as financial statements and aging reports provided by the borrower and is discounted as considered appropriate.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following table shows the composition of the Corporation’s impaired loans by loan class as of June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

							Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	June 30, 2011						June 30, 2011				June 30, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial	$	30,307	$	18,532			$	19,087	$	152	$	19,857	$	285
Agriculture production financing and
other loans to farmers		705		306				312		-		385		-
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		20,435		13,286				14,485		-		15,661		-
Commercial and farm land		53,747		33,538				35,939		205		37,301		401
Residential		8,495		6,151				6,391		2		6,566		5
Home equity		5,272		2,026				1,816		4		1,816		8
Individuals loans for household and
other personal expenditures		-		-				-		-		-
Lease financing receivables, net of
unearned income		-		-				-		-		-
Other loans		94		12				12		-		13
Total	$	119,055	$	73,851			$	78,042	$	363	$	81,599	$	699

Impaired loans with related allowance:
Commercial and industrial	$	15,284	$	15,144	$	7,284	$	15,262	$	44	$	15,324	$	127
Agriculture production financing and
other loans to farmers		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		677		677		301		697		-		707		-
Commercial and farm land		16,982		15,214		4,694		16,378		43		16,797		67
Residential		2,907		2,846		838		2,944		8		2,991		15
Home equity		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Individuals loans for household and
other personal expenditures		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Lease financing receivables, net of
unearned income		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Other loans		604		592		598		601		-		605		-
Total	$	36,454	$	34,473	$	13,715	$	35,882	$	95	$	36,424	$	209

Total Impaired Loans	$	155,509	$	108,324	$	13,715	$	113,924	$	458	$	118,023	$	908

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

	December 31, 2010
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance
Impaired loans with no related allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial	$	30,006	$	16,572
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers		966		530
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		12,598		9,150
Commercial and farm land		64,064		43,653
Residential		7,909		5,153
Home equity		4,460		1,245
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
Other loans		101		14
Total	$	120,104	$	76,317

Impaired loans with an allowance recorded:
Commercial and industrial	$	11,477	$	11,374	$	5,250
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		9,353		7,824		2,049
Commercial and farm land		17,984		17,076		5,496
Residential		2,740		2,691		465
Home equity		458		446		178
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income
Other loans		476		476		476
Total	$	42,488	$	39,887	$	13,914

Total Impaired Loans	$	162,592	$	116,204	$	13,914

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to: (i) the level of criticized commercial loans, (ii) net charge offs, (iii) non-performing loans and (iv) the general national and local economic conditions.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The Corporation utilizes a risk grading of pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss to assess the overall credit quality of large commercial loans. A description of the general characteristics of these grades is as follows:

·	Pass – Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality.

Special Mention – Loans which possess some credit deficiency or potential weakness, which deserves close attention. A special mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Corporation’s credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Such loans pose an unwarranted financial risk that, if not corrected, could weaken the loan adversely impacting the future repayment ability of the borrower. The key distinctions of this category’s classification are that it is indicative of an unwarranted level of risk; and weaknesses are considered “potential”, not “defined”, impairments to the primary source of repayment. Examples include businesses that may be suffering from inadequate management, loss of key personnel or significant customer or litigation.

Substandard – A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Other characteristics may include:

o	the likelihood that a loan will be paid from the primary source of repayment is uncertain or financial deterioration is underway and very close attention is warranted to ensure that the loan is collected without loss,

o	the primary source of repayment is gone, and the Corporation is forced to rely on a secondary source of repayment, such as collateral liquidation or guarantees,

o	loans have a distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected,

o	unusual courses of action are needed to maintain a high probability of repayment,

o	the borrower is not generating enough cash flow to repay loan principal; however, it continues to make interest payments,

o	the Corporation is forced into a subordinated or unsecured position due to flaws in documentation,

o	loans have been restructured so that payment schedules, terms and collateral represent concessions to the borrower when compared to the normal loan terms,

o	the Corporation is seriously contemplating foreclosure or legal action due to the apparent deterioration of the loan, and

o	there is significant deterioration in market conditions to which the borrower is highly vulnerable.

Doubtful – Loans that have all of the weaknesses of those classified as Substandard. However, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, these weaknesses make full collection of principal highly questionable and improbable. Other credit characteristics may include the primary source of repayment is gone or there is considerable doubt as to the quality of the secondary sources of repayment. The possibility of loss is high, but because of certain important pending factors that may strengthen the loan, loss classification is deferred until the exact status of repayment is known.

Loss – Loans that are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuing to carry them as an asset is not warranted. Loans will be classified as Loss when it is neither practical not desirable to defer writing off or reserving all or a portion of a basically worthless asset, even though partial recovery may be possible at some time in the future.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following table summarizes the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class for the periods indicated. Consumer Non-Performing loans include accruing consumer loans 90 plus days delinquent and consumer non-accrual loans. The entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified date.

	June 30, 2011
	Commercial Pass		Commercial Special Mention		Commercial Substandard		Commercial Doubtful		Commercial Loss		Consumer Performing		Consumer Non-Performing		Total Loans
Commercial and industrial	$	459,932	$	18,628	$	49,110	$	2,072	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	529,742
Agriculture production financing and other loans		94,721		2,308		2,331		-		-		-		-		99,360
Real Estate Loans:																-
Construction		65,630		6,415		19,321		4,785		-		-		157		96,308
Commercial and farm land		997,215		38,929		131,089		4,628		-		-		40		1,171,901
Residential		134,058		11,904		19,190		678		-		322,710		6,716		495,256
Home equity		15,488		25		3,605		12		-		171,697		1,012		191,839
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures		-		-		-		-		-		94,122		1		94,123
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		162		-		9		-		-		4,228		-		4,399
Other loans		40,324		76		102		592		-		-		-		41,094
Total	$	1,807,530	$	78,285	$	224,757	$	12,767	$	-	$	592,757	$	7,926	$	2,724,022

	December 31, 2010
	Commercial Pass		Commercial Special Mention		Commercial Substandard		Commercial Doubtful		Commercial Loss		Consumer Performing		Consumer Non Performing		Total Loans
Commercial and industrial	$	454,305	$	19,928	$	53,199	$	2,870	$	20					$	530,322
Agriculture production financing and other loans		92,293		574		2,649										95,516
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		66,918		10,100		28,167		1,430								106,615
Commercial and farm land		1,038,861		38,676		146,213		5,287								1,229,037
Residential		144,163		9,220		18,747		1,169			$	340,932	$	7,820		522,051
Home equity		17,913		283		2,872		524				178,470		1,907		201,969
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures												115,239		56		115,295
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		280				18						4,859				5,157
Other loans		27,642		1,295		784										29,721
Total	$	1,842,375	$	80,076	$	252,649	$	11,280	$	20	$	639,500	$	9,783	$	2,835,683

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited

NOTE 3. Loans and Allowance continued

The following table shows a past due aging of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class for June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010:

	June 30, 2011
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Loans > 90 Days And Accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due & Non-Accrual		Total Loans
Commercial and industrial	$	506,817	$	1,664	$	149	$	15	$	21,097	$	22,925	$	529,742
Agriculture production financing and other loans		98,930		124		-		-		306		430		99,360
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		81,819		138		230		-		14,121		14,489		96,308
Commercial and farm land		1,120,389		6,056		11,669		-		33,787		51,512		1,171,901
Residential		472,620		5,327		2,248		113		14,948		22,636		495,256
Home equity		186,969		1,451		598		98		2,723		4,870		191,839
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures		92,812		1,139		171		1		-		1,311		94,123
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		4,399		-		-		-		-		-		4,399
Other loans		40,493		-		-		-		601		601		41,094
Total	$	2,605,248	$	15,899	$	15,065	$	227	$	87,583	$	118,774	$	2,724,022

	December 31, 2010
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Loans > 90 Days And Accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due & Non-Accrual		Total Loans
Commercial and industrial	$	518,683	$	1,477	$	211	$	139	$	9,812	$	11,639	$	530,322
Agriculture production financing and other loans		94,972								544		544		95,516
Real Estate Loans:
Construction		86,710		1,543		996		202		17,164		19,905		106,615
Commercial and farm land		1,171,580		6,769		5,380		-		45,308		57,457		1,229,037
Residential		498,066		5,261		3,363		246		15,115		23,985		522,051
Home equity		196,276		1,825		534		686		2,648		5,693		201,969
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures		112,760		1,989		489		57				2,535		115,295
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		5,157										-		5,157
Other loans		29,721										-		29,721
Total	$	2,713,925	$	18,864	$	10,973	$	1,330	$	90,591	$	121,758	$	2,835,683

See the information regarding the analysis of loan loss experience in the Loan Quality/Provision for Loan Losses section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as ITEM 2 of this Form 10-Q.

Note 4. Goodwill

During 2009, the impact of deteriorating economic conditions had significantly impacted the banking industry and the financial results of the Corporation. As a result, while only required to test goodwill annually, the Corporation decided to test its goodwill for impairment on three separate occasions during 2009. In 2010, the Corporation returned to its annual testing of goodwill for impairment, most recently as of November 30, 2010.

The Corporation used an independent, outside firm to help determine the fair value of the Corporation for purposes of the first step of the impairment test. The Discounted Earnings method (an Income Approach) as well as the Guideline Publicly Traded Company Method and the Transaction Method (both Market Approaches that apply market multiples to various financial metrics to derive value) were used and weighted to form the conclusion of fair value. The Discounted Earnings method was given primary weight in the fair value analysis.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Note 4. Goodwill continued

The Discounted Earnings method was based primarily on: 1) management projections derived from expected balance sheet and income statement assumptions, based on current economic conditions, which continue to show signs of stabilization from 2009, improvements in 2010 and continued improvements going forward; 2) present value factors based on an implied market cost of equity, and 3) historic (long-term) price-to-earnings multiples for comparable companies. Determining the Corporation’s fair value using the Discounted Earnings method involves a significant amount of judgment. The methodology is largely based on unobservable level three inputs. The test results are dependent upon attaining actual financial results consistent with the forecasts and assumptions used in the valuation model. The Discounted Earnings method relied on a terminal Price/Earnings (“P/E”) multiple. The P/E multiple used to determine terminal value was notably lower than the historic P/E multiple observed for the Corporation, the peer group, and the NASDAQ community banking index (ABAQ). Based on the results of the step one analysis, the fair value exceeded the Corporation’s carrying value; therefore, it was concluded goodwill is not impaired.

Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the Discounted Earnings methodology by testing a range of the following metrics: 1) implied market cost of equity; and 2) historic (long-term) price-to-earnings multiples for comparable companies. Based on the sensitivity testing, at the low-end of the sensitivity test range (for both metrics), the fair value of the Corporation exceeded its carrying value. For reasons that include but are not limited to the aforementioned, management believes the Corporation’s recently traded stock price is not indicative of fair value.

NOTE 5. Derivative Financial Instruments

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Corporation’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Corporation primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of fixed amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation receiving variable payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. As of June 30, 2011, the Corporation had one interest rate swap with a notional amount of $13 million and one interest rate cap with a notional amount of $13 million that were designated as cash flow hedges.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During 2011, such derivatives were used to hedge the forecasted LIBOR-based outflows associated with existing trust preferred securities when the outflows convert from a fixed rate to variable rate in September 2012. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Corporation did not recognize any ineffectiveness.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Corporation’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next twelve months, the Corporation does not expect to reclassify any amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 5. Derivative Financial Instruments continued

Non-designated Hedges

The Corporation does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Corporation provides to certain customers. The Corporation executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Corporation executes with a third party, such that the Corporation minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. As of June 30, 2011, the notional amount of customer-facing swaps was approximately $80,058,000. This amount is offset with third party counterparties, as described above.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet

The table below presents the fair value of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

June 30, 2011

December 31, 2010

June 30, 2011

December 31, 2010

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Other Assets

954

Other Assets

1,393

Other Liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Other Assets

3,783

Other Assets

3,718

Other Liabilities

3,939

Other Liabilities

3,876

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement

The tables below present the effect of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments on the Income Statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815-10	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative			Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2011			Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
Interest rate contracts	Other income	$	(21	)	$	2

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815-10	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative			Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized Income on Derivative
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2010			Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
Interest rate contracts	Other income	$	(207	)	$	(213	)

The Corporation’s exposure to credit risk occurs because of nonperformance by its counterparties. The counterparties approved by the Corporation are usually financial institutions, which are well capitalized and have credit ratings through Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s, at or above investment grade. The Corporation’s control of such risk is through quarterly financial reviews, comparing mark-to-mark values with policy limitations, credit ratings and collateral pledging.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 5. Derivative Financial Instruments continued

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Corporation has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation fails to maintain its status as a well or adequate capitalized institution, then the Corporation could be required to terminate or fully collateralize all outstanding derivative contracts.

The Corporation has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, the Corporation could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

As of June 30, 2011, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $4,196,000. As of June 30, 2011, the Corporation has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and has posted collateral of $4,120,000. If the Corporation had breached any of these provisions at June 30, 2011, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value.

Note 6. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

The Corporation has adopted fair value accounting guidance that defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

Investment securities

Where quoted, market prices are available in an active market and securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. There are no securities classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include agencies, mortgage backs, state and municipal and equity securities. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. Level 3 fair value, including corporate obligations and equity securities, was determined using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated market estimates of interest rates and volatility in markets that have not been active.

Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities classified within Level 2. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities. Any investment security not valued based upon the methods above are considered Level 3.

Pooled Trust Preferred Securities

Pooled trust preferred securities in the portfolio amount to $5.6 million in amortized cost, with a fair value of $144,000; all of which are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. These securities were rated A or better at inception, but at June 30, 2011, Moody’s ratings on these securities now range from Ca to C. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. On a quarterly basis, the Corporation uses an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) evaluation process to compare the present value of expected cash flows to determine whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred. The OTTI process considers the structure and term of the collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”), interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation of the payments to the note classes. The current estimate of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying trust preferred securities. Assumptions used in the process include expected future default rates and prepayments as well as recovery assumptions on defaults and deferrals. In addition, the process is used to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Corporation’s note class. Upon completion of the June 30, 2011, quarterly analysis, the conclusion was no additional OTTI impairment for the three months ending June 30, 2011. The Corporation recognized OTTI impairment of $400,000 and $888,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and June 30, 2010.

Interest rate swap agreements

See information regarding the Corporation’s interest rate derivative products in Note 5. Derivative Financial Instruments, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10Q.

The fair value is estimated by a third party using inputs that are primarily unobservable and cannot be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

The following presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

	Fair Value Measurements Using
June 30, 2011	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	113			$	113
State and municipal		238,513				238,513
Mortgage-backed securities		349,145				349,145
Corporate obligations		176					$	176
Equity securities		3,265				3,261		4
Interest rate swap asset		3,783						3,783
Interest rate cap		954						954
Interest rate swap liability		(3,986	)					(3,986	)

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2010	Fair Value			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	616			$	616
State and municipal		239,990				239,990
Mortgage-backed securities		295,317				295,317
Corporate obligations		182					$	182
Equity securities		3,265				3,261		4
Interest rate swap asset		4,002						4,002
Interest rate cap		1,109						1,109
Interest rate swap liability		(3,876	)					(3,876	)

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010.

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011												Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Asset			Interest Rate Cap			Interest Rate Swap Liability			Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Asset			Interest Rate Cap			Interest Rate Swap Liability
Balance at beginning of the period	$	173		$	3,647		$	1,124		$	(3,379	)	$	186		$	4,002		$	1,109		$	(3,876	)
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses:
Included in net income (loss)					586						(607	)		(400	)		112						(110	)
Included in other comprehensive income		(82	)	$	(450	)	$	(170	)					240		$	(331	)	$	(155	)
Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3
Principal payments		89												154
Ending balance at June 30, 2011	$	180		$	3,783		$	954		$	(3,986	)	$	180		$	3,783		$	954		$	(3,986	)

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2010								Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
	Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Asset		Interest Rate Swap Liability			Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Asset		Interest Rate Swap Liability
Balance at beginning of the period	$	1,394		$	2,843	$	(2,873	)	$	2,483		$	2,624	$	(2,648	)
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses:
Included in net income (loss)		(400	)		1,081		(1,288	)		(888	)		1,300		(1,513	)
Included in other comprehensive income		345								(324	)
Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3
Principal payments		92								160
Ending balance at June 30, 2010	$	1,431		$	3,924	$	(4,161	)	$	1,431		$	3,924	$	(4,161	)

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

	Fair Value Measurements Using
June 30, 2011	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans	$	37,957			$	37,957
Other real estate owned (collateral dependent)	$	7,830			$	7,830

	Fair Value Measurements Using
December 31, 2010	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Impaired loans	$	45,432			$	45,432
Other real estate owned (collateral dependent)	$	6,314			$	6,314

Impaired Loans (collateral dependent) and Other Real Estate Owned

Loan impairment is reported when substantial doubt about the collectability of scheduled payments exists. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of the loan is confirmed. During the first six months of 2011, certain impaired loans were partially charged-off or re-evaluated. The valuation would be considered Level 3, consisting of appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.

The fair value for impaired loans and other real estate owned is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans or real estate and is determined using several methods. The fair value of real estate is generally determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically calculated by using financial information such as financial statements and aging reports provided by the borrower and is discounted as considered appropriate.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 6. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

The estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments are as follows:

	June 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
	Carrying Amount		Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	50,874	$	50,874	$	50,844	$	50,844
Federal funds sold						7,463		7,463
Interest-bearing time deposits		15,865		15,865		65,216		65,216
Investment securities available for sale		591,212		591,212		539,370		539,370
Investment securities held to maturity		347,154		351,865		287,427		286,270
Mortgage loans held for sale		4,846		4,846		21,469		21,469
Loans		2,646,889		2,649,114		2,752,706		2,715,924
FRB and FHLB stock		31,384		31,384		33,884		33,884
Interest Rate Swap Asset		4,737		4,737		5,111		5,111
Interest receivable		17,001		17,001		18,674		18,674
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	3,142,533	$	3,147,704	$	3,268,880	$	3,280,489
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased		22,978		22,978
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		124,236		124,774		109,871		110,494
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		74,050		77,702		82,684		87,463
Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans		226,580		178,832		226,440		176,259
Interest Rate Swap Liability		3,986		3,986		3,876		3,876
Interest Payable		3,601		3,601		4,262		4,262

Cash and due from banks: The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

Federal Funds Sold: The fair value of Federal funds sold approximates carrying value.

Interest-bearing time deposits: The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits approximates carrying value.

Investment securities: Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Mortgage loans held for sale: The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale approximates carrying value.

Loans: The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. See Impaired Loans above.

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock: The fair value of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock is based on the price which it may be resold to the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank.

Interest receivable and Interest payable: The fair value of interest receivable/payable approximates carrying value.

Derivative instruments: The fair value of the derivatives, consisting of interest rate swaps, reflects the estimated amounts that would have been received to terminate these contracts at the reporting date based upon pricing or valuation models applied to current market information.

Deposits: The fair values of noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand accounts and savings deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts for variable rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on such time deposits.

Federal funds purchased: The fair value of federal funds purchased approximates carrying value.

Borrowings: The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on current rates for similar debt.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 7. Share-Based Compensation

Stock options and restricted stock awards ("RSAs") have been issued to directors, officers and other management employees under the Corporation's 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options, which have a ten-year life, become 100 percent vested ranging from three months to two years and are fully exercisable when vested. Option exercise prices equal the Corporation's common stock closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant. RSAs provide for the issuance of shares of the Corporation's common stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after three years. The RSAs vest only if the employee is actively employed by the Corporation on the vesting date and, therefore, any unvested shares are forfeited. RSAs for employees retired from the Corporation are either immediately vested at retirement or continue to vest after retirement, depending on which plan the shares were granted under. Deferred stock units ("DSUs") have been credited to non-employee directors who have elected to defer payment of compensation under the Corporation's 2008 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors. DSUs credited are equal to the restricted shares that the non-employee director would have received under the plan. As of June 30, 2011, all outstanding DSUs were converted to RSA’s due to director retirements.

The Corporation’s 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) provides eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation through quarterly offerings financed by payroll deductions. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees shall be equal to 85 percent of the average of the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on each trading day during the offering period. However, in no event shall such purchase price be less than the lesser of an amount equal to 85 percent of the market price of the Corporation’s stock on the offering date or an amount equal to 85 percent of the market value on the date of purchase. Common stock purchases are made quarterly and are paid through advance payroll deductions up to a calendar year maximum of $25,000.

Compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards is recorded by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards, with no change in historical reported fair values and earnings. Awards are valued at fair value in accordance with provisions of share-based compensation guidance and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the service periods of each award. To complete the exercise of vested stock options, RSA’s and ESPP options, the Corporation generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. Share-based compensation for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, was $350,000 and $718,000, respectively compared to $448,000 and $933,000, respectively, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010. Share-based compensation has been recognized as a component of salaries and benefits expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income.

The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during 2011, and in prior years, was calculated using a Black Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the 2011 Black Scholes model:

Risk-free interest rate	2.74%
Expected price volatility	45.43%
Dividend yield	3.65%
Forfeiture rate	5.00%
Weighted-average expected life, until exercise	6.91	years

The Black Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value share-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest, for periods equal to the expected life of the option, is based on a U.S. government instrument over a similar contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, the Corporation generally uses historical information to determine the dividend yield and weighted-average expected life of the options until exercise. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior with regard to option exercise timing and forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes.

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures were estimated to be approximately five percent for the six months ended June 30, 2011, based on historical experience.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 7. Share-Based Compensation continued

The following table summarizes the components of the Corporation's share-based compensation awards recorded as expense:

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Stock and ESPP Options
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	38		$	162		$	109		$	345
Income tax benefit					(14	)		(1	)		(31	)
Stock and ESPP option expense, net of income taxes	$	38		$	148		$	108		$	314
Restricted Stock Awards
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	312		$	286		$	609		$	588
Income tax benefit		(111	)		(100	)		(213	)		(206	)
Restricted stock awards expense, net of income taxes	$	201		$	186		$	396		$	382
Total Share-Based Compensation:
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	350		$	448		$	718		$	933
Income tax benefit		(111	)		(114	)		(214	)		(237	)
Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	239		$	334		$	504		$	696

As of June 30, 2011, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options and RSAs totaling $101,000 and $1,584,000, respectively, is expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 1.09 and 1.75 years, respectively.

Stock option activity under the Corporation's stock option plans, as of June 30, 2011, and changes during the six months ended June 30, 2011, were as follows:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2011		1,061,429		$	23.01
Granted/ Converted		40,296		$	9.17
Exercised		-			-
Cancelled		(6,180	)	$	26.13
Outstanding June, 2011		1,095,545		$	22.54		4.82		119,704
Vested and Expected to Vest at June 30, 2011		1,095,545		$	22.54		4.55		119,704
Exercisable at June 30, 2011		1,024,745		$	23.57		4.52		12,555

The weighted-average grant date fair value was $3.08 for stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on June 30, 2011. The intrinsic value is the difference between the Corporation's closing stock price on the last trading day of the first six months of 2011 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock. There were no stock options exercised during the first six months of 2011.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 7. Share-Based Compensation continued

The following table summarizes information on unvested RSAs outstanding as of June 30, 2011:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested RSAs at January 1, 2011		272,737		$	12.46
Granted		128,013		$	9.04
Forfeited		(2,635	)	$	8.45
Vested		(68,205	)	$	23.54
Unvested RSAs at June 30, 2011		329,910		$	8.87

The grant date fair value of ESPP options was estimated at the beginning of the April 1, 2011, quarterly offering period of approximately $16,000. The ESPP options vested during the three months ending June 30, 2011, leaving no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested ESPP options at June 30, 2011.

NOTE 8. Income tax

	2011			2010
Income Tax Expense for the Six Months Ended June 30:
Currently Payable:
Federal	$	(902	)	$	(17,029	)
State					(379	)
Deferred:
Federal		4,697			14,219
State					379
Total Income Tax Expense	$	3,795		$	(2,810	)

Reconciliation of Federal Statutory to Actual Tax Expense:
Federal Statutory income Tax at 35%	$	5,160		$	(549	)
Tax-exempt Interest Income		(1,877	)		(1,960	)
Non-deductible Interest Expense		419			2
Stock Compensation		37			89
Earnings on Life Insurance		(402	)		(362	)
Tax Credits		(26	)		(53	)
Other		484			23
Actual Tax Expense	$	3,795		$	(2,810	)

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 9. Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the combination of all dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of share-based awards, the amount of compensation expense, if any, for future service that the Corporation has not yet recognized, and the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when share-based awards are exercised, are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock in the current period.

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2011						2010
	Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Income (Loss)			Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Amount
Basic net income (loss) per share:	$	5,488					$	(343	)
Gain on exchange of preferred stock for trust preferred debt								10,052
Less: Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion		990						1,443
Net income available to common stockholders		4,498		25,656,826	$	0.18		8,266			25,523,145	$	0.35
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants				125,973							110,307
Diluted net income per share:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	4,498		25,782,799	$	0.18	$	8,266			25,633,452	$	0.35

Stock options to purchase 1,033,546 and 1,075,864 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively, were not included in the earnings per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011						2010
	Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Amount		Net Income		Weighted-Average Shares		Per Share Amount
Basic net income per share:	$	10,949					$	1,243
Gain on exchange of preferred stock for trust preferred debt								10,052
Less: Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion		1,978						2,893
Net income available to common stockholders		8,971		25,631,340	$	0.35		8,402		23,459,738	$	0.36
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants				141,523						95,487
Diluted net income per share:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	8,971		25,772,863	$	0.35	$	8,402		23,555,225	$	0.36

Stock options to purchase 1,026,177 and 1,100,760 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively, were not included in the earnings per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

Note 10. Impact of Accounting Changes

ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. In July 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. ASU 2010-20 requires that more information be disclosed about the credit quality of a company’s loans and the allowance for loan losses held against those loans. A company is required to disaggregate new and existing disclosure based on how it develops its allowance for loan losses and how it manages credit exposures. Existing disclosures to be presented on a disaggregated basis include a roll-forward of the allowance for loan losses, the related recorded investment in such loans, the nonaccrual status of loans, and impaired loans. Additional disclosure is also required about the credit quality indicators of loans by class at the end of the reporting period, the aging of past due loans, information about troubled debt restructurings, and significant purchases and sales of loans during the reporting period by class. For public companies, ASU 2010-20 required certain disclosures as of the end of a reporting period effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. Other required disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Corporation adopted the applicable required additional disclosures effective December 31, 2010. The additional disclosures are included in Note 3. Loans and Allowance, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-02 “Receivables (Topic 310) – A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring.” ASU 2011-02 clarifies whether loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructuring. In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that both of the following exist: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. ASU 2011-02 is effective for the first interim and annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. Management is assessing the impact of ASU 2011-02 on the Corporation’s financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

ASU No. 2011-05; Amendments to Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. In June, 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05. Under the amendments in this ASU, an entity has the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments in this ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.

The amendments in this ASU should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. The amendments do not require any transition disclosures. Due to the recency of this pronouncement, the Corporation is evaluating its timing of adoption of ASU 2011-05, but will adopt the ASU retrospectively by the due date.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

From time to time, we include forward-looking statements in our oral and written communication. We may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Form 10-Q, in other written materials and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words like “believe”, “continue”, “pattern”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “can”, “may”, or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:

●

statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

●

statements regarding our business plan and growth strategies;

●

statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

●

estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors which could affect the actual outcome of future events:

●

fluctuations in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, which could negatively affect our net interest margin, asset valuations and expense expectations;

●

adverse changes in the economy, which might affect our business prospects and could cause credit-related losses and expenses;

●

adverse developments in our loan and investment portfolios;

●

competitive factors in the banking industry, such as the trend towards consolidation in our market;

●

changes in the banking legislation or the regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies applicable to bank holding companies and banks like our affiliate banks;

●

acquisitions of other businesses by us and integration of such acquired businesses;

●

changes in market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with our business; and

●

the continued availability of earnings and excess capital sufficient for the lawful and prudent declaration and payment of cash dividends.

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our anticipated future results.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require us to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

We believe there have been no significant changes during the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

BUSINESS SUMMARY

First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was organized in September 1982. The Corporation’s Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ’s Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), which opened for business in Muncie, Indiana, in March of 1893. The Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust Company as divisions of First Merchants Bank, N.A. The Bank includes seventy-eight banking locations in twenty-three Indiana and two Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, the Corporation’s delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, interactive voice response systems, remote deposit and internet technology.

The Bank services the following Indiana counties: Adams, Brown, Carroll, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, Hamilton, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Jasper, Jay, Johnson, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Randolph, Tippecanoe, Union, Wabash, Wayne and White counties. Ohio counties include Butler and Franklin.

The Corporation’s business activities are currently limited to one significant business segment, which is community banking. Through the Bank, the Corporation offers a broad range of financial services, including accepting time deposits, savings and demand deposits; making consumer, commercial, agri-business and real estate mortgage loans; renting safe deposit facilities; providing personal and corporate trust services; providing full-service brokerage; and providing other corporate services, letters of credit and repurchase agreements.

The Corporation also operates First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc., operating as First Merchants Insurance Group, a full-service property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefit insurance agency headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) into law. The Dodd-Frank Act is likely to have a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes. Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time and most will be subject to various federal agencies implementing regulations over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies through regulatory guidance, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on the financial services industry, and on operations specifically, is currently unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may materially impact the profitability of the Corporation’s business activities, require changes to certain business practices, impose more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise adversely affect the business. At a minimum, the Dodd-Frank Act is likely to:

·	increase the cost of operations due to greater regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks and bank holding companies, including higher deposit insurance premiums;

·	limit the Corporation’s ability to raise additional capital through the use of trust preferred securities as new issuances of these securities may no longer be included as Tier 1 capital;

·	reduce the flexibility to generate or originate certain revenue-producing assets based on increased regulatory capital standards; and

·	limit the ability to expand consumer product and service offerings due to anticipated stricter consumer protection laws and regulations.

The timing and extent of these increases and limitations will remain unclear until the underlying implementing regulations are promulgated by the applicable federal agencies. In the interim, the Corporation’s management is currently taking steps to best prepare for the implementation and to minimize the adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operation.

On February 7, 2011, the FDIC adopted final rules implementing a portion of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to deposit insurance assessments. The rules modify the base amount for a financial institution’s insurance assessments from an institution’s insured deposits to the difference between an institution’s daily average consolidated assets and its daily average tangible equity. The rules also eliminated the requirement that the FDIC provide rebates to institutions on their deposit premiums once the reserve ratio exceeded 1.50 percent. These new rules became effective on April 1, 2011.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary

First Merchants Corporation reported second quarter earnings of $.18 per fully diluted common share and net income available to stockholders of $4,498,000, compared to $.35 per common share and net income available to stockholders of $8,266,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

In the second quarter of 2010, an after-tax gain of $10.1 million applicable to income available to common stockholders was recorded. The gain was a result of favorable accounting treatment attributed to the exchange of 46,400 shares of the Corporation’s fixed rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock for $46.4 million of trust preferred securities. Also, as a result of this transaction, a $5.4 million deferred tax liability was recorded resulting in a net decrease of the tax asset.

Net charge offs were $9.4 million for the quarter, exceeding provision expense of $5.6 million by $3.8 million as a large recovery was recorded and certain charge offs were preceded by specific reserves. The specific reserves at June 30, 2011 were $13.7 million compared to $13.9 million at December 31, 2010. Non-performing assets plus 90 days delinquent loans were $109.5 million or 2.7 percent of total assets at June 30, 2011, compared to $120.0 million, or 2.9 percent of total assets at December 31, 2010. The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses decreased to 2.83 percent of total loans from 2.90 percent of loans at December 31, 2010.

Assets decreased by $76.6 million during the first six months of 2011. Loans, including loans held for sale, decreased $128.3 million during the first six months of 2011, or 4.5 percent, due to normal loan run-off coupled with a reduction in both consumer and commercial demand for borrowing. The combined cash and cash equivalents and interest bearing deposits declined by $56.8 million. These declines have generated excess liquidity of $185.1 million, of which $111.6 million has been invested in the investment securities portfolio.

Deposits decreased $126.3 million during the first six months of 2011, or 3.9 percent. CDs below $100,000 and CDs over $100,000 accounted for $64.2 million and $42.1 million of the decline, respectively. Another $13.6 million of the decline was a result of declining savings deposits. Management continues to focus on maximizing deposit pricing in an effort to balance maintaining strong customer relationships, remaining competitive in the local markets while still allowing higher cost deposits to mature.

Net deferred and refundable taxes have declined by $8.8 million in the first six months of 2011. The decline is primarily a result of receiving $3.0 million in net tax refunds during 2011, utilization of $3.4 million of deferred tax asset associated with net operating loss carryforwards and $2.7 million reduction in deferred tax asset related to the allowance for loan losses.

The Corporation continues to maintain all regulatory capital ratios in excess of the regulatory definition of “well capitalized” as discussed in the section entitled “CAPITAL” below.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income is the primary source of the Corporation’s earnings. It is a function of net interest margin and the level of average earning assets. Net interest income and net interest margin are presented in the following table on a fully taxable equivalent basis, which adjusts tax-exempt or nontaxable interest income to an amount that would be comparable to interest subject to income taxes using the federal statutory tax rate of 35% in effect for all periods. Net interest margin increased 9 basis points from 3.90 percent in the second quarter of 2010 to 3.99 percent in the second quarter of 2011, while earning assets decreased by $118 million. The table below presents the Corporation’s asset yields, interest expense, and net interest income as a percent of average earning assets for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, asset yields decreased 31 basis points on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest costs decreased 41 basis points, resulting in a 10 basis point (FTE) increase in net interest income as compared to the same period in 2010.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Annualized net interest income	$	143,389		$	144,714		$	142,649		$	144,787
Annualized FTE adjustment	$	5,993		$	6,031		$	5,856		$	6,163
Annualized net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis	$	149,382		$	150,745		$	148,505		$	150,950
Average earning assets	$	3,751,241		$	3,868,749		$	3,747,738		$	3,912,442
Interest income (FTE) as a percent of average earning assets		5.04	%		5.38	%		5.07	%		5.38	%
Interest expense as a percent of average earning assets		1.05	%		1.48	%		1.11	%		1.52	%
Net interest income (FTE) as a percent of average earning assets		3.99	%		3.90	%		3.96	%		3.86	%

Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment. In addition, annualized amounts are computed utilizing a 30/360 day basis.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income increased by $119,000 or 1.1% during the second quarter of 2011, compared to the second quarter of 2010. During the second quarter of 2011, gains recognized on the sale of investment securities totaled $825,000 with no other-than-temporary impairment losses on pooled trust preferred investments. In comparison, during second quarter of 2010, gains recognized on the sale of investment securities totaled $257,000 while other-than-temporary impairment losses on pooled trust preferred investments of $400,000 were recognized.

Additionally, interchange income from electronic card transactions was $226,000 higher in the second quarter of 2011 when compared to the second quarter of 2010. Declines in service charges were recognized due to a decrease in the volume of customer overdrafts and returned items. Insurance commissions also declined by $463,000 when compared to the second quarter of 2010, due to a one-time adjustment.

During the first six months of 2011, non-interest income was $22.9 million or 4.1% lower than the same period in 2010. The sale of investment securities resulted in net gains of approximately $888,000 when netted against other-than-temporary impairment charges of $400,000 recognized on pooled trust preferred investments, a decrease of $323,000 from the same period in 2010. Service charges declined $992,000 from the same period in 2010 due to a decrease in the volume of customer overdrafts and returned items. Additionally, insurance commissions were $564,000 lower in the first half of 2011 than 2010. The largest increases over the prior period were gains on the sale of mortgage loans totaling $569,000 more than the first six months of 2010.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expenses for the second quarter of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010, increased by $56,000 or .2%. Non-interest expenses in the first six months of 2011 decreased $703,000 or 1.0%, compared to the same period in 2010.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INCOME TAX

The income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $3,795,000 on pre-tax net income of $14,744,000. For the same period in 2010, the income tax benefit was $2,810,000 on a pre-tax net loss of $1,567,000.

CAPITAL

Capital adequacy is an important indicator of financial stability and performance. The Corporation maintained a strong capital position as tangible common equity to tangible assets was 6.36% at June 30, 2011 and 5.86% at December 31, 2010.

The Corporation and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies and are assigned to a capital category. The assigned capital category is largely determined by three ratios that are calculated according to the regulations: total risk-based capital, Tier 1 capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios. The ratios are intended to measure capital relative to assets and credit risk associated with those assets and off-balance sheet exposures of the entity. The capital category assigned to an entity can also be affected by qualitative judgments made by regulatory agencies about the risk inherent in the entity's activities that are not part of the calculated ratios. At June 30, 2011, the management of the Corporation believes that it meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The most recent notifications from the regulatory agencies categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from well capitalized to critically undercapitalized. Classification of a bank in any of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that could have a material effect on a bank's operations.

To be considered well capitalized, a bank must have a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 6%, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%, and must not be subject to any order or directive requiring the bank to improve its capital level. An adequately capitalized bank has a total risk-based capital ratio of a least 8%, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 4% and a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4%. Banks with lower capital levels are deemed to be undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, depending on their actual levels. The appropriate federal regulatory agency may also downgrade a bank to the next lower capital category upon a determination that the bank is in an unsafe or unsound practice. Banks are required to monitor closely their capital levels and to notify their appropriate regulatory agency of any basis for a change in capital category.

As of June 30, 2011, the Corporation, on a consolidated basis, as well as the Bank, exceeded the minimum capital levels of the well capitalized category.

	June 30, 2011					December 31, 2010
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
Consolidated
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	471,790		16.05	%	$	476,490		15.74	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)		394,543		13.42	%		388,090		12.82	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)		394,543		9.94	%		388,090		9.50	%

First Merchants Bank
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)	$	455,190		15.55	%	$	450,629		14.89	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)		418,317		14.29	%		412,654		13.64	%
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)		418,317		10.57	%		412,654		10.14	%

Tier I regulatory capital consists primarily of total stockholders’ equity and subordinated debentures issued to business trusts categorized as qualifying borrowings, less non-qualifying intangible assets and unrealized net securities gains or losses.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CAPITAL continued

The United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) holds 69,600 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which were issued to the Treasury in connection with the Troubled Assets Relief Program’s Capital Purchase Program (“TARP”), along with warrants to purchase up to 991,453 shares of the Corporation’s common stock also issued pursuant to TARP. The Treasury also holds 46,400 shares of trust preferred securities, having a liquidation amount of $1,000 per share, issued by the Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary trust, First Merchants Capital Trust III, a Delaware Statutory Trust. The trust preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital, subject to the 25 percent aggregate limitation on Tier 1 capital for these and similar securities.

Management believes that all of the above capital ratios are meaningful measurements for evaluating the safety and soundness of the Corporation. Additionally, management believes the following table is also meaningful when considering performance measures of the Corporation. The table details and reconciles tangible earnings per share, return on tangible capital and tangible assets to traditional GAAP measures.

	June 30,			December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2011			2010
Average goodwill	$	141,357		$	141,357
Average core deposit intangible (CDI)		11,596			15,026
Average deferred tax on CDI		(2,651	)		(3,385	)
Intangible adjustment	$	150,302		$	152,998
Average stockholders' equity (GAAP capital)	$	460,488		$	470,379
Average cumulative preferred stock issued under the Capital Purchase Program		(67,992	)		(89,847	)
Intangible adjustment		(150,302	)		(152,998	)
Average tangible capital	$	242,194		$	227,534
Average assets	$	4,130,481		$	4,271,715
Intangible adjustment		(150,302	)		(152,998	)
Average tangible assets	$	3,980,179		$	4,118,717
Net income available to common stockholders	$	8,971		$	11,722
CDI amortization, net of tax		1,326			2,852
Tangible net income available to common stockholders	$	10,297		$	14,574
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.35		$	0.48
Diluted tangible earnings per share	$	0.40		$	0.60
Return on average GAAP capital		3.90	%		2.49	%
Return on average tangible capital		8.50	%		6.40	%
Return on average assets		0.43	%		0.27	%
Return on average tangible assets		0.52	%		0.35	%

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LOAN QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Corporation’s primary business focus is small business and middle market commercial and residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. Commercial loans are individually underwritten and judgmentally risk rated. They are periodically monitored and prompt corrective actions are taken on deteriorating loans. Retail loans are typically underwritten with statistical decision-making tools and are managed throughout their life cycle on a portfolio basis.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan “watch” list and an ongoing loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified.

Non-performing loans will change as a result of routine problem loan recognition and resolution through collections, sales or charge offs. The performance of any loan can be affected by external factors such as economic conditions, or factors particular to a borrower, such as actions of a borrower’s management.

Non-accruals declined by $3,008,000 in the six month period from $90,591,000 at December 31, 2010, to the current June 30, 2011, balance of $87,583,000. Decreases were also experienced in other real estate owned, which declined $5,490,000, and 90 plus day delinquents, which decreased $1,103,000, during the first six months of 2011. For other real estate owned, current appraisals are obtained to determine value as management continues to aggressively market these real estate assets.

	June 30,		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011		2010
Non-Performing Assets:
Non-accrual loans	$	87,583	$	90,591
Renegotiated loans		6,269		7,139
Non-performing loans (NPL)		93,852		97,730
Real estate owned and repossessed assets		15,437		20,927
Non-performing assets (NPA)		109,289		118,657
90+ days delinquent and still accruing		227		1,330
NPAs & 90+ days delinquent	$	109,516	$	119,987
Impaired Loans	$	108,324	$	116,204

The composition of non-performing assets plus 90-days delinquent is reflected in the following table.

	June 30,		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011		2010
Non Performing Assets and 90+ Days Delinquent:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	23,371	$	10,499
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers		306		544
Real estate loans:
Construction		21,691		28,907
Commercial and farm land		40,644		54,297
Residential		22,767		25,339
Individual's loans for household and other personal expenditures		136		401
Other loans		601
Non performing assets plus 90+ days delinquent	$	109,516	$	119,987

A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected substantially within the contractual terms of the note. At June 30, 2011, impaired loans totaled $108,324,000, which is a decrease of $7,880,000 from the December 31, 2010, balance of $116,204,000. At June 30, 2011, an allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for impaired loans totaling $73,851,000, as there was no identified loss on these credits. An allowance of $13,715,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of impaired loans totaling $34,473,000 and is included in the corporation’s allowance for loan losses.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LOAN QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES continued

At June 30, 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $77,133,000, a decrease of $5,844,000 from year end 2010. As a percent of loans, the allowance was 2.83 percent at June 30, 2011, and 2.90 percent at December 31, 2010. The provision for loan losses for the first six months of 2011 was $11,219,000, a decrease of $17,665,000 from $28,884,000 for the same period in 2010. Specific reserves on impaired loans decreased $199,000 from $13,914,000 at December 31, 2010 to $13,715,000 at June 30, 2011.

Net charge offs for the second quarter of 2011 were $9,428,000, a decrease of $7,185,000 from the same period in 2010. Of this amount, $6,662,000, or 70.6%, was made up of seven customer charge offs of more than $500,000. The three largest relationships that were charged off for the second quarter were $1,401,000, $1,331,000 and $1,000,000. Specific reserves totaling 1,373,000 were held against these loans at the time of charge off. In addition, a large recovery on a commercial and industrial relationship totaling $6,110,000 was recognized during the quarter. In addition to the large recovery and previously identified specific reserves, the provision was lower than net charge offs due to the decrease in criticized loans, which play a large part in the allowance for loan loss methodology as discussed in Note 3 of the Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements of this Form 10Q. One of the primary drivers was a decrease in commercial loans graded Substandard, which declined $27,892,000 or 11 percent since December 31, 2010. The distribution of the net charge offs for both the three months ended and six months ended June 30, 2011, and June 30, 2010 is reflected in the following table.

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	June 30,						June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net Charge Offs:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	(5,428	)	$	1,964		$	(4,920	)	$	14,117
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers		(75	)		(141	)		(156	)		642
Real estate loans
Construction		2,602			2,768			5,190			2,831
Commercial and farm land		10,234			9,651			13,673			12,587
Residential		2,111			2,102			2,990			3,164
Individual's loans for household and other personal expenditures		(14	)		269			295			650
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income		(2	)					(3	)		54
Other Loans								(6	)
Total Net Charge Offs	$	9,428		$	16,613		$	17,063		$	34,045

The declines in the value of commercial and residential real estate in our market over the last couple of years has had a negative impact on the underlying collateral value in our commercial, residential, land development and construction loans. Management continually evaluates commercial borrowers by including consideration of specific borrower cash flow analysis and estimated collateral values, types and amounts on non-performing loans, past and anticipated loan loss experience, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the current condition and amount of loans outstanding. The determination of the provision in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available for the holding company and its subsidiaries. These funds are necessary in order to meet financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, paying dividends to stockholders, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by the asset/liability committee.

The Corporation’s liquidity is dependent upon our receipt of dividends from the Bank, which is subject to certain regulatory limitations and access to other funding sources. Liquidity of the Bank is derived primarily from core deposit growth, principal payments received on loans, the sale and maturity of investment securities, net cash provided by operating activities, and access to other funding sources.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY continued

The most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both the long-term and short-term is deposit growth and retention in the core deposit base. In addition, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances are utilized as funding sources. At June 30, 2011, total borrowings from the FHLB were $74,050,000. The Bank has pledged certain mortgage loans and investments to the FHLB. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at June 30, 2011, was $183,695,000.

The Bank currently has $79,000,000 of Senior Notes (the “Notes”) that are guaranteed by the FDIC under its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) and are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The Notes mature on March 30, 2012. The Notes are issued by the Bank and are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, the Corporation. In connection with the FDIC’s TLGP, the Bank entered into a Master Agreement with the FDIC that contains, among other things, certain terms and conditions that must be included in the governing documents for any senior debt securities issued by the Bank that are guaranteed pursuant to the FDIC’s TLGP.

The principal source of asset-funded liquidity is investment securities classified as available for sale, the market values of which totaled $591,212,000 at June 30, 2011, an increase of $51,842,000, or 9.61 percent, from December 31, 2010. Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing within a short period of time can also be a source of liquidity. Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing in one year or less, totaled $3,234,000 at June 30, 2011. In addition, other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, and securities purchased under agreements to resell, loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks maturing within one year are sources of liquidity.

The Corporation currently has a $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., comprised of (a) a term loan in the principal amount of $5.0 million (the “Term Loan”) and (b) a subordinated debenture in the principal amount of $50.0 million (the “Subordinated Debt”). Pursuant to the terms of the underlying Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), the Term Loan and the Subordinated Debt each mature on February 15, 2015. The Term Loan is secured by a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank.

The Loan Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and financial and negative covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the Loan Agreement. As of June 30, 2011, the Corporation failed to meet the minimum return on average total assets covenant of at least 0.75%.

The Loan Agreement provides that upon an event of default as the result of the Corporation’s failure to comply with a financial covenant, Bank of America may (a) declare the $5 million outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan immediately due and payable, (b) exercise all of its rights and remedies at law, in equity and/or pursuant to any or all collateral documents, including foreclosing on the collateral if payment of the Term Loan is not made in full, and (c) add a default rate of 3% per annum to the Term Loan. Because the Subordinated Debt is treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes, the Loan Agreement does not provide Bank of America with any right of acceleration or other remedies with regard to the Subordinated Debt upon an event of default caused by the Corporation’s breach of a financial covenant. To date, Bank of America has chosen to apply the default rate, but not to accelerate the Term Loan based on the Corporation’s failure to meet these financial covenants.

In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to a number of other off-balance sheet activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in our consolidated financial statements. Such activities include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

The Bank provides customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Summarized credit-related financial instruments at June 30, 2011 are as follows:

	June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011
Amounts of commitments:
Loan commitments to extend credit	$	585,422
Standby letters of credit		22,425
	$	607,847

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY continued

Since many of the commitments are expected to expire unused or be only partially used, the total amount of unused commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

In addition to owned banking facilities, the Corporation has entered into a number of long-term leasing arrangements to support ongoing activities. The required payments under such commitments and borrowings at June 30, 2011 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	2011 Remaining		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017 and after		Total
Operating leases	$	1,080	$	2,096	$	1,840	$	1,700	$	1,528	$	1,165	$	741	$	10,150
Federal funds purchased		22,978														22,978
Securities sold under repurchase agreements		99,986		14,250				10,000								124,236
Federal Home Loan Bank advances		10,500		49,964		222		1,207		2,000		4,095		6,062		74,050
Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans		111		78,988						55,000				92,481		226,580
Total	$	134,655	$	145,298	$	2,062	$	12,907	$	58,528	$	5,260	$	99,284	$	457,994

INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset/Liability Management has been an important factor in the Corporation's ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of interest rate volatility and product deregulation. Management and the Board of Directors monitor the Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity positions at regular meetings to review how changes in interest rates may affect earnings. Decisions regarding investment and the pricing of loan and deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure liquidity, rate sensitivity, the Corporation’s exposure to changes in net interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive environments.

It is the objective of the Corporation to monitor and manage risk exposure to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. It is the goal of the Corporation’s Asset/Liability function to provide optimum and stable net interest income. To accomplish this, management uses two asset liability tools. GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation Modeling are constructed, presented and monitored quarterly.

Net interest income simulation modeling, or earnings-at-risk, measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements. The Corporation's asset liability process monitors simulated net interest income under three separate interest rate scenarios; base, rising and falling. Estimated net interest income for each scenario is calculated over a 12-month horizon. The immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario used in the model are presented below. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent management's view of future market movements. Rather, these are intended to provide a measure of the degree of volatility interest rate movements may introduce into the earnings of the Corporation.

The base scenario is highly dependent on numerous assumptions embedded in the model, including assumptions related to future interest rates. While the base sensitivity analysis incorporates management's best estimate of interest rate and balance sheet dynamics under various market rate movements, the actual behavior and resulting earnings impact will likely differ from that projected. For certain assets, the base simulation model captures the expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Assumptions and methodologies regarding the interest rate or balance behavior of indeterminate maturity products, such as savings, money market, NOW and demand deposits, reflect management's best estimate of expected future behavior.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK continued

The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of June 30, 2011, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In the current rate environment, many driver rates are at or near historical lows, thus total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management have the following results:

	At June 30, 2011
	RISING	FALLING
Driver Rates	(200 Basis Points)	(100 Basis Points)
Prime	200	0
Federal Funds	200	0
One-Year CMT	200	(2)
Three-Year CMT	200	(20)
Five-Year CMT	200	(48)
CD's	200	(55)
FHLB Advances	200	(26)

Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below based upon the Corporation’s rate sensitive assets and liabilities at June 30, 2011. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.

	At June 30, 2011
			RISING			FALLING
Driver Rates	Base		(200 Basis Points)			(100 Basis Points)
Net Interest Income	$	146,882	$	145,454		$	143,430
Variance from Base			$	(1,428	)	$	(3,452	)
Percent of change from base				-0.97	%		-2.35	%
Policy Limit				-5.00	%		-2.00	%

The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of December 31, 2010, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management in the base simulation are as follows:

	At December 31, 2010
	RISING	FALLING
Driver Rates	(200 Basis Points)	(100 Basis Points)
Prime	200	0
Federal Funds	200	0
One-Year CMT	200	(3)
Three-Year CMT	200	(37)
Five-Year CMT	200	(77)
CD's	200	(59)
FHLB Advances	200	(47)

Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.

	At December 31, 2010
			RISING			FALLING
Driver Rates	Base		(200 Basis Points)			(100 Basis Points)
Net Interest Income	$	144,603	$	147,478		$	140,811
Variance from Base			$	2,875		$	(3,792	)
Percent of change from base				1.99	%		-2.62	%
Policy Limit				-5.00	%		-2.00	%

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EARNING ASSETS

The following table presents the earning asset mix as of June 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010. Earning assets decreased by $76,029,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2011. Federal funds sold decreased $7,463,000, and interest-bearing time deposits decreased $49,351,000. Investments increased by approximately $111,569,000, while loans and loans held for sale decreased by $128,284,000. Excess liquidity mainly created by the decline in the loan portfolio was used to increase the investment securities portfolio. The three largest loan segments that decreased were commercial and farmland, residential real estate and individual loans.

	June 30,		December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)	2011		2010
Federal funds sold	$		$	7,463
Interest-bearing time deposits		15,865		65,216
Investment securities available for sale		591,212		539,370
Investment securities held to maturity		347,154		287,427
Mortgage loans held for sale		4,846		21,469
Loans		2,724,022		2,835,683
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock		31,384		33,884
Total	$	3,714,483	$	3,790,512

OTHER

The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including us, and that address is (http://www.sec.gov).

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required under this item is included as part of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the headings “LIQUIDITY” and “INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK”.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation discussed above that occurred during the Corporation’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

ITEM 1.A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Corporation’s December 31, 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

a. None

b. None

c. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information relating to our purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 as follows:

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April, 2011		114	$	8.47
May, 2011
June, 2011		25	$	8.03

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. [RESERVED]

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

a. None

b. None

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

Exhibit No: Description of Exhibits:

3.1	First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-K/A filed on March 31, 2009)
3.2	Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
4.1	First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.2	Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.3	Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.4	Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.5	Form of Certificate for the First Merchants Corporation Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A dated February 20, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2009)
4.6	Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of First Merchants Corporation dated February 20, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2009)
4.7	First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
4.8	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.9	Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.10	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.11	Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.12	Form of Capital Securities Certificate of First Merchants Capital Trust III (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
10.1	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael C. Rechin dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.2	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Mark K. Hardwick dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.3	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael J. Stewart dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.4	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with John J. Martin dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.5	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jami L. Bradshaw dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.6	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Robert R. Connors dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.7	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Kimberly J. Ellington dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.8	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jeffery B. Lorentson dated June 1, 2011 (2)
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
32	Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document (2)
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (2)
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (2)
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (2)
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (2)
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkebase Document (2)
	(1) Filed herewith.
	(2) Furnished herewith.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

First Merchants Corporation

(Registrant)

Date: August 9, 2011 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C. Rechin

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: August 9, 2011 by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick

Mark K. Hardwick

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No: Description of Exhibits:

3.1	First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-K/A filed on March 31, 2009)
3.2	Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
4.1	First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.2	Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.3	Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.4	Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.5	Form of Certificate for the First Merchants Corporation Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A dated February 20, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2009)
4.6	Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of First Merchants Corporation dated February 20, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 23, 2009)
4.7	First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
4.8	Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.9	Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.10	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.11	Guarantee Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
4.12	Form of Capital Securities Certificate of First Merchants Capital Trust III (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2010)
10.1	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael C. Rechin dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.2	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Mark K. Hardwick dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.3	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael J. Stewart dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.4	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with John J. Martin dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.5	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jami L. Bradshaw dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.6	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Robert R. Connors dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.7	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Kimberly J. Ellington dated June 1, 2011 (2)
10.8	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jeffery B. Lorentson dated June 1, 2011 (2)
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
32	Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (1)
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document (2)
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (2)
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (2)
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (2)
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (2)
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkebase Document (2)
	(1) Filed herewith.
	(2) Furnished herewith.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.1

RECHIN

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Michael C. Rechin (the “Executive”), of Carmel, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to assure the continued services of the Executive on behalf of the Corporation and/or its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Merchants Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”) (for purposes of this Agreement, the term “Corporation” shall include the Bank, unless otherwise expressly stated); and

WHEREAS, the Corporation recognizes that, if faced with a proposal for a Change of Control, the Executive will have a significant role in helping the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) assess the options and advising the Board on what is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and it is necessary for the Executive to be able to provide this advice and counsel without being influenced by the uncertainties of the Executive’s own situation; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and undertakings herein contained and the continued employment of the Executive by the Corporation, the Corporation and the Executive, each intending that this Agreement shall modify and supersede any existing or previous Change of Control Agreement between the parties, agree as follows:

1. Term of Agreement.

This Agreement shall continue in effect through December 31, 2011; provided, however, that commencing on December 31, 2011 and each December 31 thereafter, the term of this Agreement shall automatically be extended for one additional year unless, not later than October 31, 2011 or October 31 immediately preceding any December 31 thereafter, the Corporation shall have given the Executive notice that it does not wish to extend this Agreement; and provided further, that if a Change of Control of the Corporation, as defined in Section 2, shall have occurred during the original or extended term of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue in effect for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) months beyond the month in which such Change of Control occurred.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(1) any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [“Exchange Act”]), other than the Corporation, is or becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly of securities of the Corporation or the Bank representing twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s or the Bank’s then outstanding securities;

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

(3) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a merger or consolidation of the Corporation or the Bank with any other corporation, other than (a) a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Corporation or the Bank outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Corporation or Bank such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such a merger or consolidation, or (b) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Corporation or the Bank (or similar transaction) in which no person acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Corporation’s or the Bank’s then outstanding securities; or

(4) the stockholders of the Corporation approve a plan of complete liquidation of the Corporation or the Bank or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Corporation or the Bank of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s or the Bank’s assets.

(C) Date of Termination: “Date of Termination” shall mean the date stated in the Notice of Termination (as hereinafter defined) or thirty (30) days from the date of delivery of such notice, as hereinafter defined, whichever comes first.

(D) Disability: “Disability” shall mean the definition of such term as used in the disability policy then in effect for the Corporation, and a determination of full disability by the Corporation; provided that in the event there is no disability insurance then in force, “disability” shall mean incapacity due to physical or mental illness which will have caused the Executive to have been unable to perform his or her duties with the Corporation on a full time basis for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive calendar days.

(E) Notice of Termination: “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice, communicated to the other parties hereto, which shall indicate the specific termination provisions of this Agreement relied upon and set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provisions so indicated.

(F) Retirement: “Retirement” shall mean termination of employment by the Executive in accordance with the Corporation’s normal retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees in effect at the time of a Change of Control.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

3. Termination.

(A) General. If any of the events described in Section 2 constituting a Change in Control of the Corporation or the Bank shall have occurred, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits described in Section 4 upon the subsequent termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement, unless such termination is (a) because of the death or Disability of the Executive, (b) by the Corporation for Cause, or (c) by the Executive other than on account of Constructive Termination (as hereinafter defined).

(B) If, following a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment shall be terminated for Cause, the Corporation shall pay the Executive his or her salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and the Corporation shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. If, following a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment shall be terminated as a result of death or Disability, compensation to the Executive shall be made pursuant to the Corporation’s then existing policies on death or Disability, and the Corporation shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. If, following a Change of Control, the Executive’s employment is terminated by and at the request of the Executive as a result of Retirement, compensation to the Executive shall be made pursuant to the Corporation’s normal retirement policy generally applicable to its salaried employees at the time of the Change of Control, and the Corporation shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.

(C) Constructive Termination. The Executive shall be entitled to terminate his or her employment upon the occurrence of Constructive Termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “Constructive Termination” shall mean, without the Executive’s express written consent, the occurrence, after a Change of Control of the Corporation or the Bank, of any of the following circumstances:

(1) the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent (unless in the nature of a promotion) with the position in the Corporation that the Executive held immediately prior to the Change of Control of the Corporation or the Bank, or a significant adverse reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Executive’s position, duties or responsibilities or the conditions of the Executive’s employment from those in effect immediately prior to such Change of Control;

(2) a reduction in the Executive’s annual base salary, as in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control of the Corporation or the Bank or as the same may be adjusted from time to time, except for across-the-board salary reductions similarly affecting all management personnel of the Corporation;

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

(4) the taking of any action to deprive the Executive of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by him at the time of the Change of Control, or the failure to provide him with the number of paid vacation days to which he is entitled on the basis of years of service with the Corporation and in accordance with the Corporation’s normal vacation policy in effect at the time of the Change of Control;

(5) the failure to continue to provide the Executive with benefits substantially similar to those enjoyed by the Executive under any of the Corporation’s life insurance, medical, health and accident, or disability plans in which the Executive was participating at the time of the Change of Control of the Corporation or the Bank, or the taking of any action which would directly or indirectly materially reduce any of such benefits; or

(6) the failure of the Corporation to continue this Agreement in effect, or to obtain a satisfactory agreement from any successor to assume and agree to perform this Agreement, as contemplated in Section 5 hereof.

For purposes of this Section 3(C), a Constructive Termination shall be deemed to have occurred thirty (30) days after the Executive has given the Corporation written notice of any condition that the Executive believes constitutes Constructive Termination under this Agreement, but only if the Corporation has failed within such thirty (30)-day period to remedy such condition. Any failure by the Executive to give written notice, within ninety (90) days of its initial existence, of a condition that the Executive believes constitutes Constructive Termination under this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver and consent by the Executive to the action or inaction by the Corporation causing the existence of the condition and shall not thereafter provide a basis for a claim by the Executive of Constructive Termination. In any Notice of Termination given by the Executive on account of Constructive Termination in accordance with Section 2(E), the Date of Termination stated in such Notice shall not be earlier than the date a Constructive Termination is deemed to have occurred, as provided above; provided, however, if the Executive’s claim of Constructive Termination is based on the condition described in Subsection (6) of this Section 3(C), then the Date of Termination shall be the date provided in Section 5.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

Following a Change of Control, if his or her employment by the Corporation shall be terminated by the Executive on account of Constructive Termination or by the Corporation other than for Cause, death, Disability, or Retirement (by and at the request of the Executive), then the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits provided below:

(A) No later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive his or her full base salary through the Date of Termination, at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, plus all other amounts to which the Executive is entitled under any incentive, bonus or other compensation plan of the Corporation in effect at the time such payments are due;

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to two and ninety-nine hundredths (2.99) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

(C) During the period beginning with the Executive’s Date of Termination and continuing until the earlier of (a) the second anniversary of such Date of Termination, or (b) Executive’s sixty-fifth (65th) birthday, the Corporation shall arrange to provide the Executive with life, disability, accident and health insurance benefits substantially similar to those which the Executive was receiving immediately prior to the Notice of Termination and shall pay the same percentage of the cost of such benefits as the Corporation or the Bank was paying on the Executive’s behalf on the date of such Notice;

(D) In lieu of shares of common stock of the Corporation (“Corporation Shares”) issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options (“Options”), if any, granted to the Executive under any Corporation stock option plan (which Options shall be cancelled upon the making of the payment referred to below), the Executive shall receive, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, an amount in cash equal to the product of (a) the excess of the higher of the closing price of Corporation Shares as reported on the national securities exchange where the Corporation’s securities are then listed, on or nearest the Date of Termination or the highest per share price for Corporation Shares actually paid in connection with any Change of Control of the Corporation, over the per share exercise price of each Option held by the Executive (whether or not then fully exercisable), times (b) the number of Corporation Shares covered by each such Option;

(E) The Corporation shall pay to the Executive all reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred by the Executive as a result of such termination (including all such fees and expenses, if any, incurred in contesting or disputing any such termination or in seeking to obtain or enforce any right or benefit provided by this Agreement), unless the decision-maker in any proceeding, contest, or dispute arising hereunder makes a formal finding that the Executive did not have a reasonable basis for instituting such proceeding, contest, or dispute; and

(F) The Corporation shall provide the Executive with individual out-placement services in accordance with the general custom and practice generally accorded to an executive of the Executive’s position.

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

(A) The Corporation shall require any successor to the Corporation or the Bank, as the result of a Change of Control (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise), to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Corporation would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. Failure of the Corporation to obtain such assumption and agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle the Executive to compensation from the Corporation in the same amount and on the same terms to which the Executive would be entitled hereunder if the Executive terminates his or her employment on account of Constructive Termination following a Change of Control of the Corporation or the Bank, except that for the purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination. As used in this Agreement, “the Corporation or the Bank” shall mean the Corporation or the Bank and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive and his or her personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive should die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive hereunder had the Executive continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the devisee, legatee or other designee or, if there is no such designee, to his or her estate.

6. Miscellaneous.

No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and such officer as may be specifically designated by the Corporation. No waiver by either party hereto at the time of any breach by the other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreement or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana without regard to its conflicts of law principles. All references to a section of the Exchange Act shall be deemed also to refer to any successor provisions to such section. Any payments provided for hereunder shall be paid net of any applicable withholding required under federal, state or local law. The obligations of the Corporation under Section 4 shall survive the expiration of the term of this Agreement.

7. Validity.

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before a panel of three (3) arbitrators in Muncie, Indiana in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction; provided, however, that the Executive shall be entitled to seek specific performance of his or her right to be paid until the Date of Termination during the pendency of any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement.

10. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of any party hereto; and any prior agreement of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein is hereby terminated and cancelled.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Executive has hereunder subscribed his or her name, as of the day and year first above written.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Kimberly J. Ellington by /s/ Michael C. Rechin

Kimberly J. Ellington Michael C. Rechin

Senior Vice President & HR Director

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.2

HARDWICK

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Mark K. Hardwick (the “Executive”), of Yorktown, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick

Michael C. Rechin Mark K. Hardwick

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.3

STEWART

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Michael J. Stewart (the “Executive”), of Indianapolis, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Michael J. Stewart

Michael C. Rechin Michael J. Stewart

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.4

MARTIN

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and John Jason Martin (the “Executive”), of Westfield, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to one and fifty hundredths (1.50) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ John J. Martin

Michael C. Rechin John J. Martin

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.5

BRADSHAW

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Jami L. Bradshaw (the “Executive”), of Muncie, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to one and fifty hundredths (1.50) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Jami L. Bradshaw

Michael C. Rechin Jami L. Bradshaw

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.6

CONNORS

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Robert R. Connors (the “Executive”), of Carmel, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to one and fifty hundredths (1.50) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Robert R. Connors

Michael C. Rechin Robert R. Connors

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.7

ELLINGTON

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Kimberly J. Ellington (the “Executive”), of Yorktown, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to one and fifty hundredths (1.50) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Kimberly J. Ellington

Michael C. Rechin Kimberly J. Ellington

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

Exhibit 10.8

LORENTSON

CHANGE OF CONTROL AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made and entered into as of June 1, 2011, by and between First Merchants Corporation, an Indiana corporation (the “Corporation”), with its principal office located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana, and Jeffery B. Lorentson (the “Executive”), of Fishers, Indiana.

WHEREAS, the Corporation considers the continuance of proficient and experienced management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders; and

WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to provide fair and reasonable benefits to the Executive on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

1. Term of Agreement.

2. Definitions.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:

A. Cause: “Cause” shall mean:

(1) professional incompetence;

(2) willful misconduct;

(3) personal dishonesty;

(4) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit;

(5) intentional failure to perform stated duties;

(6) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist orders; and

(7) any intentional material breach of any term, condition or covenant of this Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) Change of Control: “Change of Control” shall mean:

(2) persons constituting a majority of the Board were not directors of the Corporation for at least the twenty-four (24) preceding months;

3. Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(3) the Corporation requires the Executive to be relocated anywhere other than its offices serving the market area of the Corporation;

4. Compensation Upon Termination.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

(B) In lieu of any further salary payments to the Executive for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, no later than the fifth day following the Date of Termination, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive a lump sum severance payment, in cash, equal to one and fifty hundredths (1.50) times the sum of (a) the Executive’s annual base salary rate as in effect on the date of the Notice of Termination, and (b) the largest bonus received by the Executive during the two (2) years immediately preceding the Date of Termination under the Corporation’s Management Incentive Plan covering the Executive;

5. Successors; Binding Agreement.

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

6. Miscellaneous.

7. Validity.

8. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

9. Arbitration.

10. Entire Agreement.

“CORPORATION” “EXECUTIVE”

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

by /s/ Michael C. Rechin by /s/ Jeffery B. Lorentson

Michael C. Rechin Jeffery B. Lorentson

President & Chief Executive Officer

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

EXHIBIT-31.1

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION

I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that:

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Merchants Corporation;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report, based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 9, 2011 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C. Rechin

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

EXHIBIT-31.2

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION

I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that:

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Merchants Corporation;

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 9, 2011 by: /s/ Mark K. Hardwick

Mark K. Hardwick

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

FORM 10Q

EXHIBIT-32

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.

Date: August 9, 2011 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin

Michael C. Rechin

President and

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

A signed copy of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to First Merchants Corporation and will be retained by First Merchants Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

_____________________________________________________

In connection with the quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2011 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.

Date: August 9, 2011 by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick

Mark K. Hardwick

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)