Release Details

BATON ROUGE, La., October 20, 1997 -- The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank One, Louisiana issued the following statement after today's definitive announcement of the merger agreement between First Commerce Corporation and BANC ONE CORPORATION (NYSE:ONE):

"The announcement of the merger agreement between First Commerce and BANC ONE represents a great fit between two fine banks," said Bank One, Louisiana Chairman and Chief Executive Officer G. Lee Griffin. "Combined, these two affiliates will become the largest bank in Louisiana, as well as the largest in five of the top six markets in the state. This is very good news for our company.

"First Commerce's strength in New Orleans, combined with BANC ONE's, will push us way out in front in that market. Their banking centers in Alexandria and ours in Shreveport give us a strong presence in every major financial market in Louisiana.

"I have known the officers affiliated with First Commerce for a long time, and our philosophies are very aligned. Ian Arnof, their Chairman, is an outstanding leader, manager and banker. Together, we will make this merger a tremendous success."