Current Report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 2, 2004

 

 

FIFTH THIRD BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Ohio   0-8076   31-0854434

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

   (Commission File Number)  

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

Fifth Third Center

38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio

   45263
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (513) 534-5300

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Item 5. Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure

 

On August 1, 2004, First National Bankshares of Florida, Inc. (“First National”) and Fifth Third Bancorp (“Fifth Third”) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which First National will be merged with and into Fifth Third, with Fifth Third as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”).

 

As a result of the Merger, each issued and outstanding share of First National (excluding treasury shares) will be exchanged, on a tax-free basis, for .5065 shares of Fifth Third common stock. Consummation of the Merger will result in the First National common stock ceasing to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the termination of the registration of such securities pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLOSURE

 

This filing may contain forward-looking statements about Fifth Third Bancorp, First National Bankshares and/or the combined company within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. This filing may contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Fifth Third Bancorp, First National Bankshares and/or the combined company including statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words or phrases such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “trend,” “objective,” “continue,” “remain” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions. There are a number of important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from historical performance and these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures among depository institutions increase significantly; (2) changes in the interest rate environment reduce interest margins; (3) prepayment speeds, loan origination and sale volumes, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (4) general economic conditions, either national or in the states in which Fifth Third, First National Bankshares and/or the combined company do business, are less favorable than expected; (5) political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities markets or other economic conditions; (6) changes and trends in the securities markets; (7) legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation, adversely affect Fifth Third, First National Bankshares and/or the combined company or the businesses in which Fifth Third, First National Bankshares and/or the combined company are engaged; (8) difficulties in combining the operations of First National Bankshares and/or other acquired entities and (9) the impact of reputational risk created by the developments discussed above on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity. We undertake no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this filing. Further information on other factors which could affect the financial results of Fifth Third after the merger are included in Fifth Third’s and First National Bankshares’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents are available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Fifth Third or First National Bankshares.

 

Investors and security holders are advised to read the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the transaction referenced in this document when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. The proxy statement/prospectus will be filed with the Commission by Fifth Third Bancorp and First National Bankshares. Security holders may receive a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other related documents filed by Fifth Third Bancorp and First National Bankshares at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from Fifth Third Bancorp and First National Bankshares.

 

First National Bankshares and its executive officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of First National Bankshares with respect to the transaction contemplated by the definitive agreement. Information regarding such officers and directors is included in First National Bankshares’ proxy statement for its 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the Commission on March 12, 2004. This document is available free of charge at the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and/or from First National Bankshares.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired.

 

Not Applicable.

 

(b) Pro forma financial information.

 

Not Applicable.

 

(c) Exhibits.

 

  99.1 Press Release dated August 2, 2004
  99.2 Website presentation dated August 2, 2004

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

    FIFTH THIRD BANCORP
    (Registrant)
August 2, 2004  

/s/ R. Mark Graf

    R. Mark Graf
    Senior Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer