As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2008

Registration No. 333-[      ]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

 

Form S-4

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

 

 

THE PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

(412) 762-2000

(Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

 

 

 

 

Richard J. Johnson

Chief Financial Officer

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

(412) 762-2000

(Name, Address, including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of the proposed sale of the securities to the public:  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and upon completion of the merger described in the enclosed document.

 

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.  o

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  o

 

 

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such dates as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY — SUBJECT TO COMPLETION — DATED FEBRUARY 6, 2008

 

 

MERGER PROPOSED — YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

 

Dear Sterling Shareholder:

 

On July 19, 2007, Sterling Financial Corporation agreed to merge with The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. We are sending you this proxy statement/prospectus to notify you of the special meeting of Sterling shareholders being held to vote on the plan of merger and related matters and to ask you to vote at the special meeting in favor of the plan of merger.

 

If the merger is completed, Sterling will merge with and into PNC, and you will be entitled to elect to receive your merger consideration in the form of PNC common stock, cash or a combination of both. Subject to the election and adjustment procedures described in this document, you will be entitled to receive, in exchange for each share of Sterling common stock you hold at the time of the merger, consideration, without interest, with a value equal to the sum of (i) 0.1543 multiplied by the average closing price of PNC common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, which we refer to as the NYSE, during the five trading days ending the day before the completion of the merger and (ii) $7.60. We expect that the merger will generally be tax-free to you as to shares of PNC common stock you receive in the merger and generally taxable to you as to the cash you receive.

 

The implied value of the merger consideration will fluctuate with the market price of PNC common stock. As explained in more detail in this document, whether you make a cash election, a stock election or no election, the value of the consideration you will receive as of the completion date will be substantially the same and will be based on the average pre-closing PNC trading price.

 

As an example, if the average closing price of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days ending the day before the completion of the merger is $[     ], which was the closing price of PNC common stock on the NYSE on [          ], 2008 (the most recent practicable date prior to the mailing of this proxy statement), each share of Sterling common stock would be converted into the right to receive either approximately $[     ] in cash or approximately 0.[          ] shares of PNC common stock. Based on that PNC closing price, the 0.[          ] shares of PNC common stock would have a market value of approximately $[     ]. As an additional example, if the average closing price of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days ending the day before the completion of the merger is $73.21, which was the closing price for PNC common stock on July 18, 2007 (the last trading day prior to the announcement of the merger), each share of Sterling common stock would be converted into the right to receive approximately $18.90 in cash or approximately 0.2582 of a share of PNC common stock. A chart showing the cash and stock merger consideration at various hypothetical closing prices of PNC common stock is provided on pages 2 and 40 of this document.

 

The market prices of both PNC common stock and Sterling common stock will fluctuate before the merger. You should obtain current stock price quotations for PNC common stock and Sterling common stock. PNC common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “PNC” and Sterling common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SLFI.”

 

The special meeting of the shareholders of Sterling will be held on [     ] at [     ], EST, at the [     ]. Your vote is important. A majority of the votes cast at the Sterling special meeting is required to adopt the plan of merger, and a majority of the outstanding shares, represented in person or by proxy, is necessary to constitute a quorum in order to transact business at the special meeting. Regardless of whether you plan to attend the special shareholders’ meeting, please take the time to vote your shares in accordance with the instructions contained in this document. The Sterling board of directors recommends that Sterling shareholders vote ‘FOR’ adoption of the plan of merger.

 

This document describes the special meeting, the merger, the documents related to the merger and other related matters. Please carefully read this entire document, including “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15, for a discussion of the risks relating to the proposed merger. You also can obtain information about PNC from documents that it has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and about Sterling from the information in this document.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved the PNC common stock to be issued under this document or determined if this document is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this document is [          ], and it is first being mailed or otherwise delivered to Sterling shareholders on or about [          ].

 

STERLING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
101 North Pointe Boulevard
Lancaster, PA 17601

 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Sterling Financial Corporation will hold a special meeting of shareholders at [     ], at [     ], EST, on [     ] to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

 

The Sterling board of directors has fixed the close of business on [          ] as the record date for the special meeting. Only Sterling shareholders of record at that time are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.

 

Assuming a quorum is present, a majority of the votes cast at the Sterling special meeting is required to adopt the plan of merger.

 

Regardless of whether you plan to attend the special meeting, please submit your proxy with voting instructions. Please vote as soon as possible. If you hold stock in your name as a shareholder of record, please complete, sign, date and return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed self-addressed, stamped envelope. You may also authorize a proxy to vote your shares by either visiting the website or calling the toll-free number shown on your proxy card. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, please direct your bank or broker to vote in accordance with the instructions you have received from your bank or broker. This will not prevent you from voting in person, but it will help to secure a quorum and avoid added solicitation costs. Any holder of Sterling common stock who is present at the special meeting may vote in person instead of by proxy, thereby canceling any previous proxy. In any event, a proxy may be revoked in writing at any time before its exercise at the special meeting in the manner described in the accompanying document.

 

The Sterling board of directors has approved the merger and the plan of merger and recommends that Sterling shareholders vote ‘FOR’ adoption of the plan of merger, ‘FOR’ the approval of the adjournment, if necessary, and ‘FOR’ approval of other matters appropriate in connection with the plan of merger.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

JEAN SVOBODA

Sr. Vice President, General Counsel

and Corporate Secretary

 

[           ], 2008

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.  PLEASE VOTE YOUR SHARES PROMPTLY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING. YOU CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOTING ON THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD.

 

REFERENCES TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

This document incorporates important business and financial information about PNC from documents that are not included in or delivered with this document. You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this document, other than certain exhibits to those documents, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from PNC at the following address:

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

One PNC Plaza

249 Fifth Avenue

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2707

Attention: Shareholder Relations

(800) 843-2206

Email: investor.relations@pnc.com

 

You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request. Sterling shareholders requesting documents should do so by [     ] in order to receive them before the special meeting.

 

See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 74.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

The questions and answers below highlight only selected procedural information from this document. They do not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read carefully the entire document and the additional documents incorporated by reference into this document to fully understand the voting procedures for the special meeting.

 

 

 

SUMMARY

										Stock Election: Stock
		Cash Election:								Consideration per Share
Hypothetical Five-Day		Cash Consideration								Shares of PNC				Market
Average Closing Prices		per Share				OR				Common Stock				Value (*)
$50.00		$	15.32								0.3064			$	15.32
$51.00		$	15.47								0.3033			$	15.47
$52.00		$	15.62								0.3004			$	15.62
$53.00		$	15.78								0.2977			$	15.78
$54.00		$	15.93								0.2950			$	15.93
$55.00		$	16.09								0.2925			$	16.09
$56.00		$	16.24								0.2900			$	16.24
$57.00		$	16.40								0.2877			$	16.40
$58.00		$	16.55								0.2853			$	16.55
$59.00		$	16.70								0.2831			$	16.70
$60.00		$	16.86								0.2810			$	16.86
$61.00		$	17.01								0.2789			$	17.01
$62.00		$	17.17								0.2769			$	17.17
$63.00		$	17.32								0.2749			$	17.32
$64.00		$	17.48								0.2731			$	17.48
$65.00		$	17.63								0.2712			$	17.63
$66.00		$	17.78								0.2694			$	17.78
$67.00		$	17.94								0.2678			$	17.94
$68.00		$	18.09								0.2660			$	18.09
$69.00		$	18.25								0.2645			$	18.25
$70.00		$	18.40								0.2629			$	18.40
$71.00		$	18.56								0.2614			$	18.56
$72.00		$	18.71								0.2599			$	18.71
$73.00		$	18.86								0.2584			$	18.86
$74.00		$	19.02								0.2570			$	19.02
$75.00		$	19.17								0.2556			$	19.17

*		Market value based on hypothetical five-day average closing price on the NYSE of PNC common stock.

	•	U.S. holders of Sterling common stock that receive both cash and PNC common stock generally will recognize gain, but not loss, to the extent of the cash received;

	•	U.S. holders of Sterling common stock that receive only cash generally will recognize gain or loss; and
	•	U.S. holders of Sterling common stock generally will recognize gain or loss with respect to cash received instead of fractional shares of PNC common stock that such holders would otherwise be entitled to receive.

						Sterling Common				Equivalent per
		PNC Common Stock				Stock				Share Value
At July 18, 2007		$	73.21			$	10.55			$	18.90
At [          ]		$	[     ]			$	[     ]			$	[     ]

	•	approval by Sterling shareholders;
	•	the receipt of all regulatory consents and approvals in connection with the merger of Sterling into PNC and the merger of certain banking subsidiaries of PNC and Sterling (in each case unless the failure to obtain such consents and approvals would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Sterling or PNC measured on a scale relative to Sterling) without a condition or a restriction that would have a material adverse effect on Sterling or PNC, with materiality being measured on a scale relative to Sterling; and
	•	the receipt of legal opinions by each company regarding the tax treatment of the merger.

	•	either Sterling or PNC because the Sterling shareholders do not approve the merger at the shareholder meeting;
	•	PNC because the Sterling board of directors fails to recommend that Sterling shareholders approve the merger or withdraws, qualifies, or modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to PNC (or resolves to take such action);
	•	PNC because Sterling breaches its obligation to call and hold a shareholder meeting to consider the merger or its obligation to not solicit competing acquisition proposals; or
	•	PNC because of a willful breach by Sterling that cannot be cured or, if curable, is not cured within 30 days’ written notice to Sterling of the breach;

	•	Sterling consummates an alternative transaction before the twelve-month anniversary of the termination of the plan of merger, Sterling will pay PNC a $21 million termination fee.
	•	Sterling enters into any agreement related to any acquisition proposal before the twelve-month anniversary of the termination of the plan of merger, Sterling will pay PNC a $7 million termination fee. If Sterling consummates an alternative transaction relating to such agreement, Sterling will pay PNC a $14 million termination fee.

	•	adopt the plan of merger;
	•	approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies, in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to adopt the plan of merger; and
	•	approve such other matters as may be appropriate in connection with the plan of merger.

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF PNC

		Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Year Ended December 31,
		2007(a)				2006				2006 (b),(c)				2005				2004				2003				2002
Earnings (in millions)
Net interest income		$	2,122			$	1,679			$	2,245			$	2,154			$	1,969			$	1,996			$	2,197
Provision for credit losses			127				82				124				21				52				177				309
Noninterest income			2,956				5,358				6,327				4,173				3,572				3,263				3,197
Noninterest expense			3,083				3,474				4,443				4,306				3,712				3,467				3,223
Income before minority interest and income taxes			1,868				3,481				4,005				2,000				1,777				1,615				1,862
Minority interest in income of BlackRock			—				47				47				71				42				47				41
Income taxes			579				1,215				1,363				604				538				539				621
Income from continuing operations			1,289				2,219				2,595				1,325				1,197				1,029				1,200
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				—				—				—				—				—				(16	)
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change			1,289				2,219				2,595				1,325				1,197				1,029				1,184
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax			—				—				—				—				—				(28	)			—
Net income		$	1,289			$	2,219			$	2,595			$	1,325			$	1,197			$	1,001			$	1,184
Per common share data
Basic earnings (loss)
Continuing operations		$	3.92			$	7.60			$	8.89			$	4.63			$	4.25			$	3.68			$	4.23
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				—				—				—				(0.05	)
Before cumulative effect of accounting change			3.92				7.60				8.89				4.63				4.25				3.68				4.18
Cumulative effect of accounting change			—				—				—				—				—				(0.10	)			—
Net income		$	3.92			$	7.60			$	8.89			$	4.63			$	4.25			$	3.58			$	4.18

		Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Year Ended December 31,
		2007(a)				2006				2006 (b),(c)				2005				2004				2003				2002
Diluted earnings(loss)
Continuing operations		$	3.85			$	7.46			$	8.73			$	4.55			$	4.21			$	3.65			$	4.20
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				—				—				—				(0.05	)
Before cumulative effect of accounting change			3.85				7.46				8.73				4.55				4.21				3.65				4.15
Cumulative effect of accounting change			—				—				—				—				—				(0.10	)			—
Net income		$	3.85			$	7.46			$	8.73			$	4.55			$	4.21			$	3.55			$	4.15
Cash dividends declared		$	1.81			$	1.60			$	2.15			$	2.00			$	2.00			$	1.94			$	1.92
Period end balances (in millions)
Total assets		$	131,366			$	98,436			$	101,820			$	91,954			$	79,723			$	68,168			$	66,377
Total deposits			78,409				64,572				66,301				60,275				53,269				45,241				44,982
Total borrowed funds			27,453				14,695				15,028				16,897				11,964				11,453				9,116
Total shareholders’ equity			14,539				10,758				10,788				8,563				7,473				6,645				6,859

(a)		Amounts for 2007 reflect the impact of PNC’s March 2, 2007 acquisition of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation.
(b)		Noninterest income for 2006 included the pretax impact of the following: gain on the BlackRock/Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (“MLIM”) transaction of $2.1 billion; securities portfolio rebalancing loss of $196 million; and mortgage loan portfolio repositioning loss of $48 million. Noninterest expense for 2006 included the pretax impact of BlackRock/MLIM transaction integration costs of $91 million. An additional $10 million of integration costs, recognized in the fourth quarter of 2006, were included in noninterest income as a negative component of the asset management line. The after-tax impact of these items was as follows: BlackRock/MLIM transaction gain — $1.3 billion; securities portfolio rebalancing loss — $127 million; mortgage loan portfolio repositioning loss — $31 million; and BlackRock/MLIM transaction integration costs — $47 million.
		The aggregate after-tax impact of these items increased net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 by $1.1 billion. On a per share basis, the aggregate after-tax impact of these items increased net income by $3.72 per basic common share or $3.67 per diluted common share.
(c)		Due to the significant one-time adjustments for PNC during 2006, the results for that year may not be typical.

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA OF STERLING

						Year Ended
		Nine Months Ended				December 31,
		September 30,				2006
		2007				(Restated)(1)
Earnings (in millions)
Net interest income		$	56			$	78
Provision for loan losses			7				17
Noninterest income			58				68
Noninterest expenses			122				132
Income (loss) before income taxes			(15	)			(3	)
Applicable income tax benefit			(8	)			(5	)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations(2)(3)			(7	)			2
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			—				(5	)
Net income (loss)(2)(3)		$	(7	)		$	(3	)
Per Common Share Data
Basic earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations		$	(0.25	)		$	0.06
Discontinued operations			—				(0.17	)
Net income (loss)(2)(3)		$	(0.25	)		$	(0.11	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
Continuing operations		$	(0.25	)		$	0.06
Discontinued operations			—				(0.17	)
Net income (loss)(2)(3)		$	(0.25	)		$	(0.11	)
Cash dividends declared		$	0.15			$	0.58
Period end balances (in millions)
Total Assets		$	3,241			$	3,077
Total Deposits			2,735				2,616
Total Borrowed Funds			340				284
Total Shareholders’ Equity			110				129

(1)		The year ended December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements have been restated to give effect to losses associated with the write-off of certain finance receivables within Sterling’s subsidiary Equipment Finance, LLC. These losses arose due to the fraudulent activity at EFI, discussed under the heading “Introduction” in Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. The net effect of this restatement was a cumulative after-tax adjustment to January 1, 2006 stockholders’ equity of $162.0 million.
		The year ended December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements were restated as follows: a reduction to net interest income of $43.6 million, an increase in the provision for loan losses of $12.4 million, a reduction in noninterest income of $941,000, an increase in noninterest expenses of $5.7 million, and a

		reduction of net income of $39.8 million. Amounts as of December 31, 2006 have been restated as follows: a reduction in total loans, net of allowance for loan losses, of $281.0 million; a reduction of total assets of $203.0 million; and a reduction of stockholder’s equity of $201.8 million. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Annex A for additional information regarding the effect of the fraudulent activities at EFI.
(2)		Sterling incurred EFI-related investigation, legal, accounting and other costs, including losses related to the repurchase of previously sold loans and other losses related to fraudulent payments, of $14.0 million after taxes ($0.47 per share loss) and $7.1 million after taxes ($0.24 per share loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively. Sterling also incurred merger-related expenses totaling $1.1 million after taxes ($0.04 per share loss) in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which relate to the cost of the acceleration of the vesting of stock options and restricted stock upon the signing of the plan of merger and other costs associated with the pending merger with PNC.
(3)		Sterling has not established a reserve or recorded any amounts for any of the litigation described under the heading “Recent Developments Regarding Sterling.”

 

COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA

														Pro Forma
														Equivalent
		PNC				Sterling				Pro Forma				Sterling
		Historical (a),(b)				Historical (d),(e),(f)				Combined(c)				Share
Earnings per share from continuing operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006:
Basic		$	8.89			$	0.06			$	8.71			$	2.25
Diluted			8.73				0.06				8.56				2.21
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
Basic			3.92				(0.25	)			3.81				0.98
Diluted			3.85				(0.25	)			3.75				0.97
Dividends Declared:
For the year ended December 31, 2006			2.15				0.58				2.15				0.56
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007			1.81				0.15				1.81				0.47
Book Value:
As of December 31, 2006			36.80				4.34				37.35				9.64
As of September 30, 2007			43.12				3.74				43.52				11.24

(a)		Amounts for 2007 reflect the impact of PNC’s March 2, 2007 acquisition of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation.

(b)		Noninterest income for 2006 included the pretax impact of the following: gain on the BlackRock/MLIM transaction of $2.1 billion; securities portfolio rebalancing loss of $196 million; and mortgage loan portfolio repositioning loss of $48 million. Noninterest expense for 2006 included the pretax impact of BlackRock/MLIM transaction integration costs of $91 million. An additional $10 million of integration costs, recognized in the fourth quarter of 2006, were included in noninterest income as a negative component of the asset management line. The after-tax impact of these items was as follows: BlackRock/MLIM transaction gain — $1.3 billion; securities portfolio rebalancing loss — $127 million; mortgage loan portfolio repositioning loss — $31 million; and BlackRock/MLIM transaction integration costs — $47 million.

(c)		Due to the significant one-time adjustments for PNC during 2006, the pro forma combined results for that year may not be typical. If the one-time adjustments are excluded, the difference between PNC’s historical results and the pro forma combined results would decrease significantly.
(d)		The year ended December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements have been restated to give effect to losses associated with the write-off of certain finance receivables within Sterling’s subsidiary Equipment Finance, LLC. These losses arose due to the fraudulent activity at EFI, discussed under the heading “Introduction” in Annex A to this proxy statement/prospectus. The net effect of this restatement was a cumulative after-tax adjustment to January 1, 2006 stockholders’ equity of $162.0 million.
		The year ended December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements were restated as follows: a reduction to net interest income of $43.6 million, an increase in the provision for loan losses of $12.4 million, a reduction in noninterest income of $941,000, an increase in noninterest expenses of $5.7 million, and a reduction of net income of $39.8 million. Amounts as of December 31, 2006 have been restated as follows: a reduction in total loans, net of allowance for loan losses, of $281.0 million; a reduction of total assets of $203.0 million; and a reduction of stockholder’s equity of $201.8 million. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Annex A for additional information regarding the effect of the fraudulent activities at EFI.
(e)		Sterling incurred EFI-related investigation, legal, accounting and other costs, including losses related to the repurchase of previously sold loans and other losses related to fraudulent payments, of $14.0 million after taxes ($0.47 per share loss) and $7.1 million after taxes ($0.24 per share loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006, respectively. Sterling also incurred merger-related expenses totaling $1.1 million after taxes ($0.04 per share loss) in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, which relate to the cost of the acceleration of the vesting of stock options and restricted stock upon the signing of the plan of merger and other costs associated with the pending merger with PNC.
(f)		Sterling has not established a reserve or recorded any amounts for any of the litigation described under the heading “Recent Developments Regarding Sterling.”

 

In addition to general investment risks and the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this document, including the matters under the caption “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and the matters discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by PNC for the year ended December 31, 2006 as updated by subsequently filed Forms 10-Q, 10-K/A and 10-Q/A, you should carefully consider the following factors in deciding whether to vote for adoption of the plan of merger.

 

Because the Market Price of PNC Common Stock Will Fluctuate, Sterling Shareholders Cannot Be Sure of the Trading Price of the Merger Consideration They Will Receive.

 

Upon completion of the merger, each share of Sterling common stock will be converted into the right to receive merger consideration consisting of shares of PNC common stock and/or cash pursuant to the terms of the plan of merger. The value of the merger consideration to be received by Sterling shareholders will be based on the average closing price of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days ending on the day before the completion of the merger. This average price may vary from the closing price of PNC common stock on the date we announced the merger, on the date this document was mailed to Sterling shareholders and on the date of the meeting of the Sterling shareholders. Any change in the market price of PNC common stock prior to completion of the merger will affect the value of the merger consideration that Sterling shareholders will receive upon completion of the merger. Accordingly, at the time of the Sterling special meeting and prior to the election deadline, Sterling shareholders will not necessarily know or be able to calculate the amount of the cash consideration they would receive or the exchange ratio used to determine the number of any shares of PNC common stock they would receive upon completion of the merger. Sterling is not permitted to resolicit the vote of Sterling shareholders solely because of changes in the market price of either company’s stock. Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including general market and economic conditions, changes in our respective businesses, operations and prospects, and regulatory considerations. Many of these factors are beyond our control. You should obtain current market quotations for shares of PNC common stock and for shares of Sterling common stock.

 

We May Fail to Realize All of the Anticipated Benefits of the Merger.

 

The success of the merger will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining the businesses of PNC and Sterling. However, to realize these anticipated benefits and cost savings, we must successfully combine the businesses of PNC and Sterling. If we are not able to achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. Upon completion of the merger, PNC would become subject to the litigation matters described under the heading “Recent Developments at Sterling — Civil Litigation” to the extent such matters are still outstanding. PNC does not currently believe that the potential liability in connection with such matters would be material to its business.

 

PNC and Sterling have operated and, until the completion of the merger, will continue to operate, independently. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of each company’s ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. Integration efforts between the two companies will also divert management attention and resources. These integration matters could have an adverse effect on each of Sterling and PNC during the transition period.

 

The Market Price of PNC Common Stock After the Merger May Be Affected by Factors Different from Those Affecting the Shares of Sterling or PNC Currently.

 

The businesses of PNC and Sterling differ and, accordingly, the results of operations of the combined company and the market price of the combined company’s shares of common stock may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the independent results of operations of Sterling. For a discussion of

the businesses of PNC and Sterling and of certain factors to consider in connection with those businesses, see the documents incorporated by reference in this document and referred to under “Where You Can Find More Information,” and the discussion of Sterling’s business and other information in Annex A.

 

Sterling Shareholders Will Have a Reduced Ownership and Voting Interest After the Merger and Will Exercise Less Influence Over Management.

 

Sterling’s shareholders currently have the right to vote in the election of the Sterling board of directors and on other matters affecting Sterling. When the merger occurs, each Sterling shareholder that receives shares of PNC common stock will become a shareholder of PNC with a percentage ownership of the combined organization that is much smaller than the shareholder’s percentage ownership of Sterling. In fact, it is expected that the former shareholders of Sterling as a group will own approximately 1% of the outstanding shares of PNC immediately after the merger. Because of this, Sterling’s shareholders will have less influence on the management and policies of PNC than they now have on the management and policies of Sterling.

 

Sterling Will Be Subject to Business Uncertainties While the Merger Is Pending.

 

Uncertainty about the effect of the merger on employees and customers may have an adverse effect on Sterling and consequently on PNC. These uncertainties may impair Sterling’s ability to attract, retain and motivate key personnel until the merger is consummated, and could cause customers, vendors and others that deal with Sterling to seek to change existing business relationships with Sterling. Retention of certain employees may be challenging during the pendency of the merger, as certain employees may experience uncertainty about any future role with PNC. If key employees depart because of issues related to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with PNC, PNC’s business following the merger could be negatively affected.

 

Sterling Shareholders May Receive a Form of Consideration Different from What They Elect.

 

Although each Sterling shareholder may elect to receive all cash, all PNC common stock, or a combination thereof in the merger, the cash and stock elections are subject to proration and adjustment to preserve the proportion of the aggregate number of PNC shares to be issued to the aggregate cash consideration to be paid in the merger. As a result, even if you make an all-cash election or an all-stock election, you may nevertheless receive a mix of cash and stock consideration. In addition, if you elect to receive a combination of stock and cash, you may not receive the desired mix.

 

If You Are a Sterling Shareholder and You Tender Shares of Sterling Common Stock to Make an Election, You Will Not Be Able to Sell Those Shares, Unless You Revoke Your Election Prior to the Election Deadline.

 

If you are a registered Sterling shareholder and want to make a valid cash or stock election, you will have to deliver your stock certificates (or follow the procedures for guaranteed delivery), and a properly completed and signed form of election to the exchange agent. For further details on the determination of the election deadline, see “The Plan of Merger — Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates and Book-Entry Shares; Elections as to Form of Consideration — Form of Election.” The election deadline will be the later of the day before the special meeting and the date the parties believe to be as near as practicable to five business days before the closing of the merger, unless otherwise agreed to by PNC and Sterling. You will not be able to sell any shares of Sterling common stock that you have delivered as part of your election unless you revoke your election before the deadline by providing written notice to the exchange agent. If you do not revoke your election, you will not be able to liquidate your investment in Sterling common stock for any reason until you receive cash and/or PNC common stock in the merger. In the time between the election deadline and the closing of the merger, the trading price of Sterling or PNC common stock may decrease, and you might otherwise want to sell your shares of Sterling common stock to gain access to cash, make other investments, or reduce the potential for a decrease in the value of your investment. The date that you will receive your merger consideration depends on the completion date of the merger, which is uncertain. The completion date of the merger might be later than expected due to unforeseen events, such as delays in obtaining regulatory approvals.

The Merger Is Subject to the Receipt of Consents and Approvals from Government Entities that May Impose Conditions that Could Have an Adverse Effect on PNC.

 

Before the merger may be completed, various waivers, approvals or consents must be obtained from the Federal Reserve Board, various other bank regulatory and other authorities and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. These governmental entities may impose conditions on the completion of the merger or require changes to the terms of the merger. Although PNC and Sterling do not currently expect that any such conditions or changes will be imposed, there can be no assurance that they will not be, and such conditions or changes could have the effect of delaying completion of the merger or imposing additional costs on or limiting the revenues of PNC following the merger, any of which might have an adverse effect on PNC following the merger. The Federal Reserve Board approved the transaction on January 25, 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking approved the transaction on September 17, 2007 and the Delaware State Bank Commissioner approved the transaction on December 31, 2007. PNC is not obligated to complete the merger if the regulatory approvals received in connection with the completion of the merger include any condition or restrictions that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Sterling or PNC, measured relative to Sterling, but PNC could choose to waive this condition.

 

Sterling’s Executive Officers and Directors Have Financial Interests in the Merger that May Be Different from, or in Addition to, the Interests of Sterling Shareholders.

 

Sterling’s executive officers and directors have financial interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Sterling shareholders. For example, the executive officers and certain key employees of Sterling may receive bonus or retention payments or new equity awards with respect to PNC common stock.

 

Sterling’s board of directors was aware of these interests and took them into account in its decision to approve and adopt the plan of merger. For information concerning these interests, please see the discussion under the caption “The Merger — Sterling’s Directors and Executive Officers Have Financial Interests in the Merger.”

 

The Shares of PNC Common Stock to Be Received by Sterling Shareholders Receiving the Stock Consideration as a Result of the Merger Will Have Different Rights from the Shares of Sterling Common Stock.

 

Upon completion of the merger, Sterling shareholders who receive the stock consideration will become PNC shareholders and their rights as shareholders will be governed by the amended and restated articles incorporation and amended and restated bylaws of PNC. The rights associated with Sterling common stock are different from the rights associated with PNC common stock. See the section of this proxy statement/prospectus titled “Comparison of Shareholders’ Rights” beginning on page 60 for a discussion of the different rights associated with PNC common stock.

 

This document contains or incorporates by reference a number of forward-looking statements, including statements about the financial conditions, results of operations, earnings outlook and prospects of PNC, Sterling and the potential combined company and may include statements for the period following the completion of the merger. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “outlook,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project” and other similar words and expressions.

 

The forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. The ability of either PNC or Sterling to predict results or the actual effects of its plans and strategies, or those of the combined company, is subject to inherent uncertainty. Factors that may cause actual results or earnings to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include those set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15, as well as, among others, the following:

 

 

 

Because these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not

to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this document or the date of any document incorporated by reference in this document.

 

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the merger or other matters addressed in this document and attributable to PNC or Sterling or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this document. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, PNC and Sterling undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

This section contains information about the special meeting of Sterling shareholders that has been called to consider and adopt the plan of merger of Sterling with and into PNC, with PNC as the surviving corporation in the merger.

 

Together with this document, we are also sending you a notice of the special meeting and a form of proxy that is solicited by the Sterling board of directors. The special meeting will be held on [     ], at [     ] EST, at [     ], subject to any adjournments or postponements.

 

The purpose of the special meeting is to vote on a proposal to adopt the plan of merger and related matters.

 

You also will be asked to vote upon a proposal to approve the adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to adopt the plan of merger.

 

Each copy of this document mailed to holders of Sterling common stock is accompanied by a form of proxy with instructions for voting. If you hold stock in your name as a shareholder of record, you should complete and return the proxy card accompanying this document to ensure that your vote is counted at the special meeting, or at any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting, regardless of whether you plan to attend the special meeting. You may also authorize a proxy to vote your shares by telephone or through the Internet as instructed on the proxy card.

 

If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, you must direct your bank or broker to vote in accordance with the instructions you have received from your bank or broker.

 

If you hold stock in your name as a shareholder of record, you may revoke any proxy at any time before it is voted by (1) signing and returning a proxy card with a later date or submitting another proxy via the Internet or by telephone, (2) delivering a written revocation letter to Sterling’s Secretary or (3) attending the special meeting in person, notifying the Secretary, and voting by ballot at the special meeting. If you hold your stock in “street name” through a bank or broker, you must follow your bank’s or broker’s instructions to revoke your proxy.

 

Any shareholder entitled to vote in person at the special meeting may vote in person regardless of whether a proxy has been previously given, and such vote will revoke any previous proxy but the mere presence (without notifying Sterling’s Secretary) of a shareholder at the special meeting will not constitute revocation of a previously given proxy.

 

Written notices of revocation and other communications about revoking your proxy should be addressed to:

 

Sterling Financial Corporation
1097 Commercial Avenue, MC 294-953
East Petersburg, PA 17520
Attention: Corporate Secretary

 

All shares represented by valid proxies that we receive through this solicitation, and that are not revoked, will be voted in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. If you make no specification on your proxy card as to how you want your shares voted before signing and returning it, your proxy will be voted “FOR” adoption of the plan of merger and “FOR” approval of the proposal to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies in the event that there are not sufficient votes at the time of the special meeting to adopt the plan of merger.

 

Sterling has engaged Fiduciary Counselors Inc. as an independent fiduciary to manage the Sterling common stock investment fund in the Sterling Financial Corporation 401(k) Retirement Plan, which we refer to as the 401(k) Plan. If you are a Sterling 401(k) Plan participant who, as of the record date, has shares of Sterling common stock allocated to your account under the 401(k) Plan, you are entitled to give voting instructions for those shares to Fiduciary Counselors. You also have the right, with respect to the shares of Sterling common stock allocated to your account, to elect to receive merger consideration consisting of cash, shares of PNC common stock, or a combination of both. The election procedures are described under the heading “The Plan of Merger — Consideration to Be Received in the Merger” beginning on page 39. As explained in that section, regardless of whether you make a cash election or a stock election, you might nevertheless receive a mix of cash and stock due to proration and adjustment.

 

Fiduciary Counselors has retained Ellen Philip Associates to provide proxy tabulation services for the 401(k) Plan in connection with the merger. You will receive a separate voting instruction card and form of election for your 401(k) Plan shares, and Fiduciary Counselors will make sure that your voting instructions and election of merger consideration remain confidential. Fiduciary Counselors will instruct the trustee of the 401(k) Plan to vote the shares allocated to your account as you direct, provided that your instructions are not contrary to the fiduciary standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. If you do not provide voting instructions to Fiduciary Counselors by the voting deadline, Fiduciary Counselors will determine how to vote the shares allocated to your account, and any other shares for which Fiduciary Counselors receives no voting instructions by the deadline. If a matter arises at the meeting, or at another time when Fiduciary Counselors has no practical means for receiving participant direction, Fiduciary Counselors will determine how to vote on that matter. To allow sufficient time for voting of the shares held by the 401(k) Plan, your voting instructions, whether by proxy, telephone or Internet, must be received by 5:00 p.m., EST, on [     ], 2008.

 

Sterling will bear the entire cost of soliciting proxies from you. In addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, Sterling will request that banks, brokers and other record holders send proxies and proxy material to the beneficial owners of Sterling common stock and secure their voting instructions. Sterling will reimburse the record holders for their reasonable expenses in taking those actions. Sterling has also made arrangements with Georgeson, Inc. to assist in soliciting proxies and has agreed to pay them $8,500 plus reasonable expenses for these services. If necessary, Sterling may use several of its employees, officers or directors, who will not be specially compensated, to solicit proxies from Sterling shareholders, either personally or by telephone, facsimile, letter or other electronic means.

 

PNC and Sterling will share equally the expenses incurred in connection with the printing and mailing of this document.

 

The close of business on [          ] has been fixed as the record date for determining the Sterling shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the special meeting. At that time, approximately [     ] shares of Sterling common stock were outstanding, held by approximately [          ] holders of record. Sterling shareholders are entitled to one vote on each matter considered and voted on at the special meeting for each share of Sterling common stock held of record at the close of business on the record date.

 

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Sterling common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the special meeting. Abstentions will be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present.

Under applicable Pennsylvania law, a majority of the votes cast at the Sterling special meeting is required to approve the plan of merger. For purposes of determining the number of votes cast with respect to a matter, only those votes cast “for” and “against” a proposal are counted. Abstentions and any broker non-votes will be treated as shares that are present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not be counted “for” or “against” a proposal.

 

As of the record date, directors and executive officers of Sterling and their affiliates had the right to vote approximately [     ] shares of Sterling common stock, or [     ]% of the outstanding Sterling common stock at that date.

 

Approval of any proposal to adjourn or postpone the meeting, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies may be obtained by approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of Sterling common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the special meeting, whether or not a quorum is present.

 

The Sterling board of directors has adopted the plan of merger and the transactions it contemplates, including the merger. The Sterling board of directors determined that the merger, plan of merger and the transactions contemplated by the plan of merger are advisable and in the best interests of Sterling and its shareholders and recommends that you vote “FOR” adoption of the plan of merger, “FOR” the approval of the adjournment, if necessary, and “FOR” the approval of other matters appropriate in connection with the plan of merger. See “The Merger — Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of Sterling’s Board of Directors” for a more detailed discussion of the Sterling board of directors’ recommendation.

 

All holders of Sterling common stock, including shareholders of record and shareholders who hold their shares through banks, brokers, nominees or any other holder of record, may attend the special meeting. Shareholders of record can vote in person at the special meeting. If you are not a shareholder of record, you must obtain a proxy executed in your favor from the record holder of your shares, such as a broker, bank or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the special meeting. If you plan to attend the special meeting, you must hold your shares in your own name or have a letter from the record holder of your shares confirming your ownership and you must bring a form of personal photo identification with you in order to be admitted.

 

The following discussion describes certain aspects of the merger. We urge you to read carefully this entire document, including the plan of merger and the financial advisor opinion attached as Annexes to this document, for a more complete understanding of the merger.

 

Sterling’s board of directors has adopted the plan of merger and approved the merger. The plan of merger provides for combining our companies through the merger of Sterling with and into PNC, with PNC as the surviving corporation. We expect to complete the merger of Sterling and PNC in the first half of 2008, although delays may occur.

 

Please see “The Plan of Merger” beginning on page 38 for additional and more detailed information regarding the legal documents that govern the merger, including information about the conditions to the merger and the provisions for terminating or amending the plan of merger.

 

The banking and financial services industry has seen significant consolidation and changes over the last several years. During that time, Sterling’s board of directors has kept abreast of these developments, and Sterling has completed several acquisitions, as a result of which Sterling diversified its business and expanded its geographic reach. From time to time, other financial institutions have expressed interest in pursuing a merger-of-equals or acquisition transaction with Sterling, but until recently Sterling has not engaged in substantial discussions relating to such a transaction.

 

The decision to enter into the merger agreement is the result of an extensive deliberative process by Sterling’s board of directors and was reached after an evaluation of Sterling’s strategic alternatives. As Sterling has previously disclosed, in early April 2007, Sterling management received information suggesting irregularities in certain financing contracts at its commercial finance subsidiary, Equipment Finance LLC, which we refer to as EFI. EFI is a wholly owned subsidiary of BLC Bank, N.A., formerly known as Bank of Lancaster County, N.A., which is the principal banking subsidiary of Sterling. Sterling acquired EFI in February 2002. Upon receiving information regarding the irregularities, management immediately notified the chairman of the board of directors, the board’s audit committee and Sterling’s independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, and the audit committee hired legal counsel, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, to conduct an independent investigation. With the audit committee’s approval, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young engaged a forensic accounting firm, KPMG LLP, to assist in the investigation. Sterling also retained Promontory Financial Group, which we refer to as Promontory, to review its internal controls and procedures and assist with regulatory matters.

 

In its early stages, the investigation revealed evidence of a sophisticated loan scheme orchestrated deliberately by EFI officers and employees over an extended period of time to conceal credit delinquencies, falsify financing contracts and related documents, and subvert Sterling’s established controls and reporting systems. Please see “Recent Developments Regarding Sterling — Results of the Independent Investigation” for further information.

 

As a result of the events related to EFI, Sterling announced on April 19, 2007 that it would delay its first quarter earnings release and, on April 30, 2007, announced that Sterling’s previously issued financial statements and earnings press releases and similar communications for fiscal periods commencing on or after January 1, 2004 should no longer be relied upon in light of these irregularities. Sterling also stated that the impact of the irregularities may be material for prior years, depending on the results of the investigation. In the period from February 2002 through December 31, 2006, EFI contributed an aggregate of approximately $56 million (or approximately 33%) to Sterling’s aggregate consolidated reported net income of approximately $167.5 million.

 

As the investigation progressed, the board of directors and management began to evaluate the ramifications of the loan scheme at EFI. Sterling considered on an ongoing basis the liquidity of the company and its subsidiaries. On May 7, 2007, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., which we refer to as KBW, first met with the board of directors, along with Promontory and senior management, to discuss Sterling’s financial

position and to discuss strategic options, which included remaining independent and raising additional capital, selling certain assets and/or business units, and entering into a business combination. After that meeting, KBW was requested to prepare a presentation for the board of directors analyzing Sterling’s options.

 

On May 15, 2007, Sterling’s management met with the board of directors to discuss capital and liquidity plans, including a plan to consolidate four of Sterling’s subsidiary banks. As the board of directors had previously requested, KBW made a presentation to the board of directors analyzing Sterling’s strategic options, including an equity capital raising and pursuing a business combination with a third party. After considering the strategic options available and KBW’s experience, as more fully described under “— Opinion of Sterling’s Financial Advisor,” Sterling formally engaged KBW to assist it in identifying and evaluating its strategic options. In connection with the discussions, senior management recommended that Sterling assess the possibility of raising capital, and at the same time solicit offers from potential partners for a business combination. At that meeting, Sterling’s board of directors formed a special committee, the Merger and Acquisition Committee, which we refer to as the Committee, and appointed as its members directors Terrence L. Hormel, Michael A. Carenzo and director, president and chief executive officer J. Roger Moyer, as well as Tito L. Lima, Sterling’s chief financial officer, and Thomas P. Dautrich, chairman of BLC Bank. The Committee was directed to facilitate exploration of Sterling’s strategic options and lead any discussions of a business combination, with decisions to be made only by the full board of directors.

 

Sterling’s board of directors met again on May 22, 2007 to review the progress in analyzing and quantifying the estimated EFI-related losses. The board of directors also considered a plan for consolidation of four of Sterling’s subsidiary bank charters to consolidate the capital at its subsidiary banks. In addition, the board of directors and management then discussed strategic options and progress in the review of potential strategic partners, including a timetable for contacting prospective partners.

 

On May 24, 2007, Sterling publicly reported that it had determined that, under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, it would be required to record a material impairment of certain assets of EFI, which it expected to record as a cumulative after-tax charge to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, estimated to be in the range of $145 million to $165 million based upon the results of the investigation’s preliminary findings.

 

This charge was expected to cause the capital ratios of Sterling and Bank of Lancaster County, the direct parent company of EFI, to decline to unacceptable levels. Therefore, also on May 24, 2007, Sterling implemented a plan to mitigate the effect on capital ratios by maximizing the use of regulatory capital of its subsidiary banks. This plan included the consolidation of three of Sterling’s subsidiary banks into Bank of Lancaster County, which the OCC approved on an expedited basis as of May 25, 2007. The consolidated entity was renamed BLC Bank, N.A.

 

In connection with the efforts to manage Sterling’s and its subsidiaries’ liquidity situation, management and the board of directors were mindful that EFI had funding arrangements from two third-party financial institutions for a total of $45 million, which were guaranteed by Sterling. One outstanding line matured on May 31, 2007. Due to EFI’s financial position, Sterling negotiated a one-month extension of the maturity of that line to June 30, 2007 and sought a new line of credit to replace the maturing obligations.

 

In late May 2007, after discussions with the Committee, KBW contacted seventeen potential transaction partners on Sterling’s behalf. Nine of the seventeen parties indicated possible interest in pursuing a transaction with Sterling. Subject to confidentiality agreements, KBW provided certain information about Sterling to those nine parties on May 31 and invited them to provide initial indications of interest. On June 8, 2007, Sterling’s board of directors approved the engagement of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as special counsel to advise on strategic options.

 

In response to KBW’s contacts with potential transaction partners, indications of interest were received from financial institutions on June 15.

 

The Committee met on June 15 to discuss the indications of interest received and again on June 18 to determine its recommendation to the board of directors. Sterling’s board of directors met to discuss the initial indications of interest on June 19. At that meeting, the board of directors discussed all strategic options

available to Sterling, which included remaining independent with no capital raising, raising equity capital, selling certain assets or business units, and pursuing a business combination with a third party. Presentations were made by management, the Committee, KBW and Sullivan & Cromwell. The board of directors considered the possibility of raising equity capital and the large amount of capital that would need to be raised to meet Sterling’s and its subsidiaries’ capital needs and the resulting significant dilution that Sterling’s existing shareholders would suffer, as well as timing considerations due to the likely requirement for Sterling’s financial restatement to be completed before capital could be publicly raised and the prospects for success. The presentations regarding a possible business combination with a third party also included discussion in detail of the proposals from each of the four institutions that had submitted initial indications of interest at a specific preliminary price or range of prices, financial and other information regarding Sterling, and the legal duties and responsibilities of the directors in evaluating the proposals. After considering Sterling’s strategic options and the information presented by KBW, the board of directors authorized the Committee and Sterling’s financial and legal advisors to invite the two financial institutions that had submitted the highest valued initial indications of interest (one of which was PNC) to conduct due diligence and submit final indications of interest. The board of directors also made clear that it would continue to consider the possibility of Sterling remaining as an independent institution.

 

Meanwhile, between May and July, several lawsuits, which are described in more detail under “Recent Developments Regarding Sterling — Civil Litigation” on page 70, were filed against Sterling, EFI and certain of their directors and officers.

 

On June 26, 2007, Sterling secured a line of credit from Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company in the amount of $80 million, $70 million of which Sterling invested in BLC Bank as a capital infusion to provide funds to repay the loans described above. This investment also raised the capital levels of BLC Bank, and with the increase in capital provided by the consolidation of three other Sterling subsidiary banks into BLC Bank, provided enough capital to meet BLC Bank’s immediate needs.

 

During the period from June 25 to July 13, 2007, the two selected potential transaction partners conducted extensive due diligence on Sterling. Sterling requested that final indications of interest be submitted no later than July 16, 2007, and provided both potential partners with the same draft merger agreement and related materials and requested that each raise and seek to resolve issues prior to submitting final indications.

 

Each of the potential transaction partners submitted revised indications of interest on July 16. PNC’s proposal included two purchase prices, the higher of which PNC proposed to couple with a downward purchase price adjustment mechanic based on matters relating to EFI. The other party indicated a somewhat lower purchase price with no adjustment mechanism. The indications from both parties included a mixture of stock and cash, and neither indication contained a financing contingency. Both parties’ bids provided for a retention bonus pool for certain Sterling employees and addressed displacement and severance benefits, and both parties indicated a desire to offer Sterling’s directors positions on local advisory boards following completion of a transaction.

 

The Committee and its advisors held a number of meetings on July 16 and July 17, and KBW continued to negotiate with both parties regarding price, timing and other terms and conditions. Sullivan & Cromwell began negotiations with both potential parties on a draft merger agreement.

 

PNC and the other party were asked to provide their final best offer. On July 17, PNC revised its offer, indicating a purchase price of $19.00 per share and the other institution increased its purchase price to $18.25 per share. PNC indicated that its revised offer was contingent upon executing a definitive merger agreement before the opening of trading on July 19.

 

In the evening of July 17, the Committee determined to move forward with negotiations with PNC and to cooperate as much as possible to meet PNC’s deadline while remaining in contact with the second institution. A special meeting of the board of directors was called for the morning of July 18.

 

On the morning of July 18, the special meeting of the board of directors was called to order. Mr. Moyer provided an overview of the events of the prior days and weeks and the status of the bids, and Mr. Hormel described the involvement of the Committee since June 19, when the board of directors had voted to proceed

to negotiate with the two institutions. Sterling’s strategic options were again reviewed, and Sullivan & Cromwell discussed the duties of the board of directors when considering the bids. Sullivan & Cromwell also summarized the negotiations process to date, and KBW explained the bids and the bid history in detail. KBW noted that PNC’s bid then had a value of $19.00 per share of Sterling common stock, based on the closing price of PNC’s stock on July 17, 2007, with a mix of stock and cash consideration of 60%/40%, respectively. This was approximately 4% higher than the offer from the other bidder and an approximate 78% premium over Sterling’s stock price, based on Sterling and PNC’s closing stock prices on July 17. KBW also noted that the final PNC bid did not include a purchase price adjustment mechanism. PNC’s bid was conditioned on entering into employment agreements with six senior executives of Sterling and included a retention bonus pool for other employees to be determined in consultation with Sterling. KBW noted PNC’s required timetable, which involved execution of a definitive agreement before PNC publicly announced its second quarter earnings on the morning of July 19.

 

KBW then presented an analysis of the financial aspects of the bids, including the dividend impact for Sterling’s shareholders, the historical performance of the bidders’ stock, the effects of the proposed mergers on the bidders, the bidders’ respective businesses and financial information, performance of the bidders’ stocks after announcing previous mergers, and the bidders’ branch footprints and potential overlap with Sterling’s branches. KBW also discussed non-financial characteristics of the two bidders. KBW reminded the board of directors of KBW’s financial analysis of Sterling’s other strategic alternatives at the board of directors’ June 19 meeting.

 

Sullivan & Cromwell summarized the merger agreement that had been provided previously to the board members. Sullivan & Cromwell noted its belief that Sterling would be able to finalize the merger agreement terms with either bidder.

 

The meeting was recessed late in the morning, with the directive from the board of directors that the Committee, Sterling senior management and Sterling’s advisors continue to negotiate with PNC during the day with a view toward signing a definitive merger agreement that night if definitive arrangements could be reached.

 

Late in the evening, the special meeting of the board of directors was reconvened. Sullivan & Cromwell reported that the merger agreement and related materials continued to be negotiated with PNC and that substantial progress had been made. It was reported that the employment agreements requested by PNC had been negotiated with five executives and that the sixth executive would not be executing an agreement, which was acceptable to PNC.

 

While Sullivan & Cromwell worked to finalize the merger agreement with PNC’s counsel, KBW provided an update on stock market developments and the effects on the values of the two bids. In KBW’s view, the price difference between the two bids had not changed significantly. KBW discussed the expected impact of the announcement of PNC’s second quarter earnings on PNC’s stock price and the deal value.

 

KBW provided an oral opinion that the merger consideration proposed by PNC was fair, from a financial point of view, to holders of the shares of Sterling common stock, as of July 18 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions stated in that opinion and in KBW’s written opinion.

 

The meeting went into recess while negotiations with PNC continued. Later in the evening, the meeting was reconvened. Sullivan & Cromwell reported that a final agreement had been reached. After further discussion, and on the basis of that agreement, the board of directors agreed to accept the merger agreement proposed by PNC. One board member abstained from voting; all other members of the board of directors approved the merger agreement.

 

Early in the morning on July 19, the PNC board of directors held a special meeting at which members of PNC’s senior management and PNC’s outside legal and financial advisors made various presentations about, and the board discussed, the potential strategic combination with Sterling and the proposed terms of the merger. At this meeting, the PNC board unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Prior to the opening of the financial markets in New York City on July 19, 2007, Sterling and PNC executed the merger agreement and announced the transaction.

 

The Sterling board of directors believes that the merger is in the best interests of Sterling and its shareholders. The Sterling board of directors therefore has approved the merger agreement and recommends that the Sterling shareholders vote “FOR” the adoption of the merger agreement.

 

In reaching its decision, the board of directors, with advice from its financial and legal advisors, considered a number of factors, including the following:

 

 

 

The reasons set forth above are not intended to be exhaustive, but include material facts considered by the board of directors in approving the merger agreement. In reaching its determination, the board of directors did not assign any relative or specific weights to different factors, and individual directors may have given different weights to different factors. Based on these reasons and others, the board of directors believes that the merger is in the best interests of Sterling and its shareholders, and, therefore, those directors voting unanimously approved the merger agreement, with one director abstaining from the vote.

 

On May 15, 2007, Sterling Financial Corporation executed an engagement agreement with KBW. KBW’s engagement encompassed assisting Sterling as its financial advisor in evaluating and recommending strategic alternatives in connection with a possible business combination with select other institutions. Sterling selected KBW because KBW is a nationally recognized investment-banking firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger and is familiar with Sterling, its directors and executive officers and its business. As part of its investment banking business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of financial businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

 

On July 18, 2007, Sterling’s board of directors held a meeting to evaluate the proposed merger of Sterling with and into PNC. At this meeting, KBW reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed merger and rendered an oral opinion that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid to Sterling shareholders in the merger was fair to such holders from a financial point of view. Sterling’s board of directors approved the plan of merger at this meeting. As of July 19, 2007, KBW confirmed the oral opinion by delivery of a written opinion to Sterling’s board of directors.

 

The full text of KBW’s written opinion is attached as Annex C to this document and is incorporated herein by reference. Sterling’s shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety for a description of the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review

undertaken by KBW. The description of the opinion set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such opinion.

 

KBW’s opinion speaks only as of the date of the opinion. The opinion is directed to Sterling’s board of directors and addresses only the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the consideration offered to the Sterling shareholders. It does not address the underlying business decision to proceed with the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any Sterling shareholder as to how the shareholder should vote at the Sterling special meeting on the merger or any related matter.

 

In rendering its opinion, KBW:

 

 

 

 

 

 

In conducting its review and arriving at its opinion, KBW relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial and other information provided to or otherwise made available to KBW or that was discussed with, or reviewed by or for KBW, or that was publicly available. KBW did not attempt, or assume any responsibility, to verify such information independently. KBW relied upon the management of Sterling and PNC as to the reasonableness and achievability of the financial and operating forecasts and estimates (and assumptions and bases therefor) provided to KBW. KBW assumed, without independent verification, that the aggregate allowances for loan and lease losses for Sterling and PNC are adequate to cover those losses. KBW did not make or obtain any evaluations or appraisals of any assets or liabilities of Sterling or PNC, nor did they examine or review any individual credit files.

 

The estimates furnished to KBW and used by it in certain of its analyses were prepared by Sterling’s senior management team. Such estimates were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. The estimates were based on numerous variables and assumptions, which are inherently uncertain, including factors related to general economic and competitive conditions. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from those set forth in the estimates. In its analysis, KBW used certain publicly available financial information and earnings estimates on PNC and made no attempt to independently verify their accuracy.

 

For purposes of rendering its opinion, KBW assumed that, in all respects material to its analyses:

 

 

 

KBW further assumed that the merger will be accounted for as a purchase transaction under generally accepted accounting principles, and that the merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization for United States federal income tax purposes. KBW’s opinion is not an expression of an opinion as to the prices at which shares of Sterling common stock or PNC common stock will trade since the announcement of the proposed merger or the actual value of the PNC common shares when issued pursuant to the merger, or the prices at which the PNC common shares will trade following the completion of the merger.

 

In performing its analyses, KBW made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of KBW, Sterling and PNC. Any estimates contained in the analyses performed by KBW are not necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Additionally, estimates of the value of businesses or securities do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which such businesses or securities might actually be sold. Accordingly, these analyses and estimates are inherently subject to substantial uncertainty. In addition, the KBW opinion was among several factors taken into consideration by Sterling’s board of directors in making its determination to approve the plan of merger and the merger. Consequently, the analyses described below should not be viewed as determinative of the decision of Sterling’s board of directors with respect to the fairness of the consideration to be paid in the merger.

 

Summary of Analysis by KBW

 

The following is a summary of the material analyses presented by KBW to Sterling’s board of directors, in connection with its written fairness opinion. The summary is not a complete description of the analyses underlying the KBW opinion or the presentation made by KBW to Sterling’s board of directors, but summarizes the material analyses performed and presented in connection with such opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex analytic process involving various determinations as to the most appropriate and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of those methods to the particular circumstances. Therefore, a fairness opinion is not readily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, KBW did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor that it considered, but rather made qualitative judgments as to the significance and relevance of each analysis and factor. The financial analyses summarized below include information presented in tabular format. Accordingly, KBW believes that its analyses and the summary of its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and factors or focusing on the information presented below in tabular format, without considering all analyses and factors or the full narrative description of the financial analyses, including the methodologies and assumptions underlying the analyses, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses.

 

Summary of Proposal.  The terms of the plan of merger call for each outstanding share of Sterling common stock to receive per share consideration of $7.60 in cash plus 0.1543 shares of PNC common stock. Sterling shareholders will have the right to elect to receive either stock or cash or a combination of stock and

cash, subject to proration as described under “The Plan of Merger — Consideration to Be Received in the Merger — Proration.”

 

Selected Peer Group Analysis.  Using publicly available information, KBW compared the financial performance, financial condition and market performance of PNC to the following depository institutions that KBW considered comparable to PNC.

 

Companies included in PNC’s peer group were:

 

 

To perform this analysis, KBW used financial information as of or for the three- or twelve-month period ended March 31, 2007. Market price information was as of July 13, 2007, and 2007 and 2008 earnings estimates were taken from First Call, a nationally recognized earnings estimate consolidator. Certain financial data prepared by KBW, and as referenced in the tables presented below, may not correspond to the data presented in PNC’s historical financial statements as a result of the different periods, assumptions and methods used by KBW to compute the financial data presented.

 

KBW’s analysis showed the following concerning PNC’s financial performance:

 

 

 

 

KBW’s analysis showed the following concerning PNC’s financial condition:

 

 

KBW’s analysis showed the following concerning PNC’s market performance:

 

 

Comparable Transaction Analysis.  KBW reviewed publicly available information related to select comparably sized acquisitions of bank holding companies nationwide announced after January 1, 2003, with

aggregate transaction values between $250 million and $1.0 billion. The transactions included in the group were:

 

 

Transaction multiples for the merger were derived from an offer price of $19.00 per share for Sterling. Sterling’s financial condition and estimated earnings per share were adjusted for the pro-forma impact of Equipment Finance, LLC, which we refer to as EFI, per company management. For each precedent transaction, KBW derived and compared, among other things, the implied ratio of price per common share paid for the acquired company to:

 

 

The results of the analysis are set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

 

No company or transaction used as a comparison in the above analysis is identical to Sterling, PNC or the proposed merger. Accordingly, an analysis of these results is not mathematical. Rather, it involves complex considerations and judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies.

 

Discounted Cash Flow Analysis.  KBW performed a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate a range for the implied equity value per share of Sterling common stock based on a continued independence scenario. In this analysis, KBW assumed discount rates ranging from 11.0% to 15.0% to derive (i) the present value of the estimated free cash flows that Sterling could generate over a five year period and (ii) the present value of Sterling’s terminal value at the end of year five. Terminal values for Sterling were calculated based on a range of 12.5x to 14.5x estimated year six earnings per share. In performing this analysis, KBW used Sterling management’s 2007 and 2008 earnings estimates. Based on management’s estimates KBW assumed 10.0% earnings per share growth thereafter. Further, KBW assumed that Sterling would issue $75 million in common

equity to increase its tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio to 5.50%. In determining cash flows available to shareholders, KBW used forecasted dividend payout ratios (percentages of earnings per share payable to shareholders), which assume the maintenance of a minimum ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets of 5.50%.

 

Based on these assumptions, KBW derived an implied equity value per share of Sterling common stock ranging from $9.95 to $13.38.

 

The discounted cash flow analysis is a widely used valuation methodology, but the results of such methodology are highly dependent on the assumptions that must be made, including asset and earnings growth rates, terminal values, dividend payout rates, and discount rates. The analysis did not purport to be indicative of the actual values or expected values of Sterling common stock.

 

Forecasted Pro Forma Financial Analysis.  KBW analyzed the estimated financial impact of the merger on PNC’s 2008 estimated earnings per share and 2008 estimated cash earnings per share. Cash earnings per share is determined by adding per share amortization of intangible assets to earnings per share. For PNC, KBW used the First Call consensus estimate of earnings per share for 2008. For Sterling, KBW used management’s estimates of earnings per share for 2008. In addition, KBW assumed that the merger will result in cost savings equal to PNC management’s estimates. Based on its analysis, KBW determined that the merger would be slightly accretive to both PNC’s estimated GAAP earnings per share and cash earnings per share in 2008.

 

Furthermore, the analysis indicated that PNC’s Leverage Ratio, Tier 1 Risk Based Capital Ratio and Total Risk Based Capital Ratio would all remain “well capitalized” by regulatory standards. For all of the above analysis, the actual results achieved by PNC following the merger may vary from the projected results, and the variations may be material.

 

Other Analyses.  KBW reviewed the relative financial and market performance of Sterling and PNC to a variety of relevant industry peer groups and indices. KBW also reviewed earnings estimates, balance sheet composition, historical stock performance and other financial data for PNC.

 

The Sterling board has retained KBW as an independent contractor to act as financial adviser to Sterling regarding the merger. As part of its investment banking business, KBW is continually engaged in the valuation of banking businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes. As specialists in the securities of banking companies, KBW has experience in, and knowledge of, the valuation of banking enterprises. In the ordinary course of its business as a broker-dealer, KBW may, from time to time, purchase securities from, and sell securities to, Sterling and PNC. As a market maker in securities KBW may from time to time have a long or short position in, and buy or sell, debt or equity securities of Sterling and PNC for KBW’s own account and for the accounts of its customers.

 

Sterling and KBW have entered into an agreement relating to the services to be provided by KBW in connection with the merger. Sterling has agreed to pay KBW, at the time of closing, a cash fee equal to 1.00% of the market value of the aggregate consideration offered in exchange for the outstanding shares of common stock and options of Sterling, minus $250,000 that was paid to KBW concurrently with the execution of the plan of merger and $500,000 payable promptly after the mailing of this proxy statement/prospectus. Pursuant to the KBW engagement agreement, Sterling also agreed to reimburse KBW for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and disbursements incurred in connection with its retention and to indemnify against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws.

 

Upon completion of the merger, the current directors and officers of PNC are expected to continue in their current positions. Information about the current PNC directors and executive officers can be found in PNC’s proxy statement dated March 23, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 74.

 

PNC common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “PNC.” Sterling common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SLFI.” Upon completion of the merger, Sterling common stock will be delisted from NASDAQ and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act. The PNC common stock issuable in the merger will be listed on the NYSE.

 

The shares of PNC common stock to be issued in connection with the merger will be freely transferable under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act, except for shares issued to any shareholder who is an affiliate of Sterling, as discussed in “The Plan of Merger — Resales of PNC Stock by Affiliates” beginning on page 53.

 

Under Pennsylvania law, shareholders of a corporation are not entitled to exercise dissenters rights if shares of the corporation are listed on a national securities exchange or held beneficially or of record by more than 2,000 persons. Because shares of Sterling’s common stock are quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and Sterling has more than 2,000 shareholders, Sterling shareholders do not have the right to exercise dissenters rights. If the plan of merger is adopted and the merger is completed, shareholders who voted against the adoption of the plan of merger will be treated the same as shareholders who voted for the adoption of the plan of merger and their shares will automatically be converted into the right to receive the merger consideration.

 

We have agreed to use our reasonable best efforts to obtain all regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the plan of merger. These approvals include approval from the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, the Delaware State Bank Commissioner and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, as well as various other federal and regulatory authorities. PNC and Sterling have completed, or will complete, the filing of applications and notifications to obtain the required regulatory approvals.

 

Federal Reserve Board.  The merger is subject to approval by the Federal Reserve Board pursuant to Section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. On August 8, 2007, PNC filed the required application with the Federal Reserve Board for approval of the merger.

 

The Federal Reserve Board is prohibited from approving any transaction under the applicable statutes that (1) would result in a monopoly, (2) would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or to attempt to monopolize the business of banking in any part of the United States, or (3) may have the effect in any section of the United States of substantially lessening competition, tending to create a monopoly or resulting in a restraint of trade, unless the Federal Reserve Board finds that the anti-competitive effects of the transaction are clearly outweighed in the public interest by the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the communities to be served. The Federal Reserve Board may not approve an interstate acquisition without regard to state law if the applicant controls, or after completion of the acquisition the combined entity would control, more than 10 percent of the total deposits of insured depository institutions in the United States.

 

In addition, in reviewing a transaction under the applicable statutes, the Federal Reserve Board will consider the financial and managerial resources of the companies and their subsidiary banks and the convenience and needs of the community to be served as well as the companies’ effectiveness in combating money-laundering activities. In connection with its review, the Federal Reserve Board will provide an opportunity for public comment on the application for the merger, and is authorized to hold a public meeting or other proceeding if it determines that would be appropriate.

 

Under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, which we refer to as the CRA, the Federal Reserve Board must take into account the record of performance of each of PNC and Sterling in meeting the credit needs

of the entire communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, served by the company and its subsidiaries. Each of PNC’s and Sterling’s depository institutions has a “satisfactory” or better CRA rating.

 

The Federal Reserve Board approved the transaction on January 25, 2008.

 

OCC.  PNC has filed an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to approve the merger of BLC Bank, National Association with and into PNC Bank, National Association, which is intended to become effective after the merger of Sterling with and into PNC, under the Bank Merger Act and the National Bank Act. In evaluating an application filed under the Bank Merger Act, the OCC uses substantially the same criteria as the Federal Reserve Board, as described above.

 

Other Requisite Approvals, Notices and Consents.  The merger is also subject to the prior approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, the Delaware State Bank Commissioner and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Applications or notifications may also be required to be filed with various other regulatory authorities in connection with the merger. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking approved the transaction on September 17, 2007 and the Delaware State Bank Commissioner approved the transaction on December 31, 2007.

 

Antitrust Considerations.  At any time before or after the acquisition is completed, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice or the United States Federal Trade Commission, which we refer to as the Antitrust Division and the FTC, respectively, could take action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or desirable in the public interest, including seeking to enjoin the acquisition or seeking divestiture of substantial assets of PNC or Sterling on their subsidiaries. Private parties also may seek to take legal action under the antitrust laws under some circumstances. PNC and Sterling can give no assurance that a challenge to the merger on antitrust grounds will not be made, or, if such a challenge is made, that PNC and Sterling will prevail.

 

In addition, the merger may be reviewed by the state attorneys general in the various states in which PNC and Sterling operate. Although PNC and Sterling believe there are substantial arguments to the contrary, these agencies may claim the authority, under the applicable state and federal antitrust laws and regulations, to investigate and/or disapprove the merger. There can be no assurance that one or more state attorneys general will not attempt to file an antitrust action to challenge the merger.

 

Timing.  We cannot assure you that all of the regulatory approvals described above will be obtained, and, if obtained, we cannot assure you as to the date of any approvals or the absence of any litigation challenging such approvals. Likewise, we cannot assure you that the Antitrust Division, the FTC or any state attorney general will not attempt to challenge the merger on antitrust grounds, and, if such a challenge is made, we cannot assure you as to its result.

 

Pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act, a transaction approved by the Federal Reserve Board may not be completed until 30 days after approval is received, during which time the Antitrust Division may challenge the merger on antitrust grounds. The commencement of an antitrust action would “stay” — that is, suspend — the effectiveness of an approval unless a court specifically were to order otherwise. With the approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the concurrence of the Antitrust Division, the waiting period may be reduced to no less than 15 days.

 

PNC and Sterling believe that the merger does not raise substantial antitrust or other significant regulatory concerns and that they will be able to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals on a timely basis without the imposition of any condition that would have a material adverse effect on PNC or Sterling. In connection with obtaining any required regulatory approvals, PNC is not required to agree to conditions or restrictions that would have a material adverse effect on either PNC or Sterling, measured on a scale relative to Sterling.

 

We are not aware of any material governmental approvals or actions that are required for completion of the merger other than those described above. It is presently contemplated that if any such additional governmental approvals or actions are required, those approvals or actions will be sought. There can be no assurance, however, that any additional approvals or actions will be obtained.

 

Stock Incentive Programs

 

Under the plan of merger, each Sterling stock option and restricted share that was unvested, including those held by our directors and executive officers, became vested pursuant to the terms of the Sterling Financial Corporation 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and the Sterling Financial Corporation 2006 Equity Compensation Plan on the date that the plan of merger was executed. Each stock option that is not exercised before the completion of the merger will be converted, under the terms of the plan of merger, into an option to purchase a number of shares of PNC common stock as described under “The Plan of Merger — Treatment of Sterling Stock Options.” As of [     ], Sterling executive officers as a group held Sterling stock options on [     ] shares with an average exercise price of $[     ] and no restricted stock.

 

Employment Agreements

 

In conjunction with the merger, PNC entered into employment agreements with Sterling executive officers J. Roger Moyer, Jr., Tito L. Lima, J. Bradley Scovill, Thomas J. Sposito, II, Chad M. Clabaugh, Gregory S. Lefever, D. Kathleen Phillips, E. Dennis Ginder and Kathleen A. Prime, that will become effective as of the completion of the merger and supersede their existing employment agreements with Sterling.

 

Unless earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements with Sterling, the term of the new employment agreements will extend from completion of the merger until the following dates: for Messrs. Moyer, Sposito, Lefever and Ginder, the third anniversary of the completion of the merger; for Mr. Clabaugh, the second anniversary of the completion of the merger; for Mr. Scovill, 18 months after the completion of the merger; and for Mr. Lima, Ms. Phillips and Ms. Prime, the first anniversary of the completion of the merger. Under the terms of the employment agreements with PNC, these executive officers are entitled to the following: (i) an annual base salary at a rate of not less than the amount set forth below, (ii) an annual bonus with a target amount as set forth below (subject to achievement of PNC’s and the executive’s performance targets, except with respect to Mr. Lima, Ms. Phillips and Ms. Prime) and in an amount equal to at least the guaranteed minimum bonus amount set forth below, (iii) benefits generally available to similarly situated employees of PNC, (iv) with respect to Messrs. Moyer, Sposito, Lefever and Ginder, a grant of restricted stock on the date of the completion of the merger equal to the amount set forth below divided by the average of the reported high and low trading prices on the NYSE for a share of PNC common stock on the date of grant, (v) a restrictive covenant payment equal to the amount set forth below which will be payable on the 1st payroll date following the later of the date of the completion of the merger, or January 2, 2008, and (vi) a stay bonus equal to the amounts, and payable at the times, set forth below.

 

The following chart summarizes the material terms of the compensation payable under the employment agreements with PNC to each of the executive officers named above:

 

 

Upon termination of one of the above-named executives by PNC without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (as each term is defined in the employment agreements), the executive will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to the following, in a lump sum: (a) the remaining annual base salary for the term of employment, or, in the case of Ms. Phillips and Ms. Prime, an amount equal to $180,000, and (b) to the extent not paid, the aggregate of the restrictive covenant payment, the stay bonus payment, and the annual bonus (at the guaranteed minimum level) on the dates that those payments would otherwise have been paid. In addition, in the event of any such termination, any restricted shares that remain unvested will immediately vest. Severance amounts will be reduced to the extent that the amounts would be subject to the so-called “golden parachute” excise tax under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

The employment agreements include non-solicitation, no-hire, non-competition and confidentiality provisions. The officers agreed (a) to keep non-public trade secrets and other similar information confidential, and (b) during their employment and for 12 months following termination of employment with PNC, not to solicit customers and prospective customers of PNC, not to hire employees of PNC and not to compete with the business of PNC and its affiliates within 35 miles of any branch or office of PNC or its affiliates. In addition, under the terms of the plan of merger, PNC has agreed to (1) provide the executive officers (and all other employees) with credit for all of their years of service with Sterling and its predecessors for the purpose of eligibility, vesting and benefit accruals (other than benefit accruals under a defined benefit pension plan and as would result in duplication of benefits), (2) cause all pre-existing condition limitations and eligibility waiting periods under group health plans of PNC for the executives and their eligible dependents to be waived, and (3) credit any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the executives and their beneficiaries and dependents during the portion of the calendar year prior to their participation in PNC’s health plans.

 

Advisory Boards

 

PNC currently plans to invite certain members of the board of directors of Sterling to serve on a regional advisory board of PNC Bank, National Association, after the completion of the merger. Those directors will receive compensation in amounts consistent with market practice for this type of arrangement.

Indemnification and Insurance

 

The plan of merger requires PNC to indemnify and advance expenses to present and former directors and officers of Sterling and its subsidiaries against all costs or expense, judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages, penalties, amounts paid in settlement or other liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of actions or omissions prior to the completion of the merger, to the extent provided under Sterling’s amended and restated articles of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or indemnification agreements in effect on the date of the plan of merger and, in addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

The plan of merger provides that, for a period of six years after completion of the merger, PNC will use its reasonable best efforts to provide directors’ and officers’ liability insurance to reimburse current and former directors and officers with respect to claims arising at or prior to the completion of the merger. The insurance will contain at least the same coverage and amounts and contain terms and conditions that are not less advantageous than the current coverage provided by Sterling, except that PNC is not required to incur annual premium expense greater than 250% of Sterling’s current annual directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premium.

 

The following describes certain aspects of the merger, including material provisions of the plan of merger. The following description of the plan of merger is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the plan of merger, which is attached to this document as Annex B and is incorporated by reference in this document. We urge you to read the plan of merger carefully and in its entirety, as it is the legal document governing this merger.

 

Each of the Sterling board of directors and the PNC board of directors has approved the plan of merger which provides for the merger of Sterling with and into PNC. PNC will be the surviving corporation in the merger. Each share of PNC common or preferred stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to completion of the merger will remain issued and outstanding as one share of common or preferred stock of PNC, as applicable, and each share of Sterling common stock issued and outstanding at the effective time of the merger will be converted into either cash or PNC common stock, as described below. See “— Consideration To Be Received in the Merger.”

 

The PNC amended and restated articles of incorporation will be the articles of incorporation, and the PNC amended and restated bylaws will be the bylaws, of the combined company after completion of the merger.

 

The merger will be completed only if all of the following occur:

 

 

The merger will become effective when articles of merger are filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. However, we may agree to a later time for completion of the merger and specify that time in accordance with Pennsylvania law. In the plan of merger, we have agreed to cause the

completion of the merger to occur no later than the fifth business day following the satisfaction or waiver of the last of the conditions specified in the plan of merger, or on another mutually agreed date. If these conditions are first satisfied or waived during the two weeks immediately prior to the end of a fiscal quarter of PNC, then PNC may postpone the completion of the merger until the first full week after the end of that quarter. It currently is anticipated that the completion of the merger will occur in the first half of 2008, but we cannot guarantee when or if the merger will be completed.

 

As a result of the merger, each Sterling shareholder will have the right, with respect to each share of Sterling common stock held, to elect to receive merger consideration consisting of either cash or shares of PNC common stock, subject to adjustment as described below. The implied value of the merger consideration will fluctuate with the market price of PNC common stock and will be determined based on the average of the closing prices of PNC common stock for the five trading days ending on the day before the date of completion of the merger.

 

Whether a Sterling shareholder makes a cash election or a stock election, the value of the consideration that such shareholder will receive as of the completion date will be substantially the same and will be based on the average PNC closing price used to calculate the merger consideration.

 

Set forth below is a table showing the consideration that you would receive in a cash election, on the one hand, or in a stock election, on the other hand, under the merger consideration formula if the actual average of the closing prices of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days ending the day before the completion of the merger were equal to the hypothetical range contained in the table. The table does not reflect the fact that cash will be paid instead of fractional shares. As described below, regardless of whether you make a cash election or a stock election, you may nevertheless receive a mix of cash and stock due to proration and adjustment.

 

 

 

 

The examples above are illustrative only. The value of the merger consideration that you actually receive will be based on the actual average closing price of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days ending the day before the completion of the merger, as described below. The actual average closing price may be outside the range of the amounts set forth above, and as a result, the actual value of the merger consideration per share of PNC common stock may not be shown in the above table.

 

Sterling shareholders must return their properly completed and signed form of election to the exchange agent prior to the election deadline. If you are a Sterling shareholder and you do not return your form of election by the election deadline or improperly complete or do not sign your form of election, you will receive cash, shares of PNC common stock or a mixture of cash and shares of PNC common stock, based on what is available after giving effect to the valid elections made by other shareholders, as well as the adjustment described below.

 

If you are a Sterling shareholder, you may specify different elections with respect to different shares held by you (for example, if you have 100 shares, you could make a cash election with respect to 50 shares and a stock election with respect to the other 50 shares).

Cash Election

 

The plan of merger provides that each Sterling shareholder who makes a valid cash election will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of Sterling common stock held by such holder, an amount in cash equal to the Per Share Consideration (determined as described below), without interest, subject to proration and adjustment as described below. We sometimes refer to this cash amount as the “cash consideration.” For example, based on the average of the closing prices of PNC common stock for the five trading days ending [     ], 2008, if the merger had been completed on [     ], 2008, the cash consideration would have been approximately $[     ].

 

The “Per Share Consideration” is the amount, rounded to the nearest whole cent, obtained by adding (A) $7.60 and (B) the product, rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth, of 0.1543 and the PNC Closing Price.

 

The “PNC Closing Price” is the average of the closing sale prices of PNC common stock on the NYSE for the five trading days immediately preceding the completion date of the merger.

 

Stock Election

 

The plan of merger provides that each Sterling shareholder who makes a valid stock election will have the right to receive, in exchange for each share of Sterling common stock held, a fraction of a share of PNC common stock equal to the Per Share Stock Consideration (determined as described below), subject to proration and adjustment as described below. We sometimes refer to such fraction of a share of PNC common stock as the “stock consideration.” Based on the average of the closing prices of PNC common stock for the five trading days ended [     ], 2008, if the merger had been completed on [     ], 2008, the stock consideration would have been 0.[ ] of a share of PNC common stock.

 

The “Per Share Stock Consideration” is defined in the plan of merger as the quotient obtained by dividing the Per Share Consideration (determined as described above) by the PNC Closing Price (determined as described above).

 

No fractional shares of PNC common stock will be issued to any holder of Sterling common stock upon completion of the merger. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, PNC will pay cash in an amount equal to the fraction multiplied by the PNC Closing Price. No interest will be paid or accrued on cash payable to holders in lieu of fractional shares.

 

Non-Election Shares

 

If you are a Sterling shareholder and you do not make an election to receive cash or PNC common stock in the merger, your elections are not received by the exchange agent by the election deadline, your forms of election are improperly completed and/or are not signed, or you do not send together with your forms of elections your certificates representing shares of Sterling common stock (or a properly completed notice of guaranteed delivery followed by delivery of the certificates within three trading days), you will be deemed not to have made an “election.” Shareholders not making an election may be paid in cash, PNC common stock or a mix of cash and shares of PNC common stock depending on, and after giving effect to, the number of valid cash elections and stock elections that have been made by other Sterling shareholders using the proration adjustment described below.

 

Proration

 

The total number of shares of PNC common stock that will be issued in the merger would be approximately [     ] and the cash that would be paid would be approximately $[     ], based on the number of Sterling shares outstanding on [     ], 2008. If the number of shares of Sterling common stock outstanding increases prior to the date of completion of the merger due to the exercise of outstanding options to purchase or receive shares of Sterling common stock, the aggregate number of shares of PNC common stock to be issued in the merger and the aggregate amount of cash to be paid will be increased accordingly.

The cash and stock elections are subject to proration and adjustment to preserve the proportion of the aggregate number of shares of PNC common stock to be issued to the aggregate cash consideration to be paid in the merger. As a result, even if you make an all cash election or an all stock election, you may nevertheless receive a mix of cash and stock consideration.

 

Adjustment if Stock Election is Oversubscribed

 

Cash may be paid to Sterling shareholders who make stock elections if the stock election is oversubscribed. The shares of Sterling common stock for which valid stock elections are made are known as the “stock election shares.” The number of shares of Sterling common stock that will be converted into shares of PNC common stock in the merger is equal to the “stock conversion number,” which is equal to the aggregate number of shares to be exchanged in the merger minus the number obtained by dividing (x) the aggregate number of shares to be exchanged in the merger multiplied by $7.60 by (y) the Per Share Consideration. If the stock election shares are greater than the stock conversion number, the stock election is oversubscribed, in which case:

 

 

Example A. Oversubscription of Stock Election

 

Assuming that:

 

 

then the stock conversion number is approximately 16,003,052 and a Sterling shareholder making a stock election with respect to 1,000 shares would receive the stock consideration with respect to 800 shares (1,000 x 16,003,052 ¸ 20,000,000) and the cash consideration with respect to the remaining 200 shares. Therefore, the Per Share Consideration would be $16.88 ($7.60 + (0.1543 x $60.11)) and that Sterling shareholder would receive approximately 224 shares of PNC common stock (800 x $16.88 ¸ $60.11) and approximately $3,376.00 in cash (200 x $16.88), which does not include cash that would be received for fractional shares.

 

Adjustment if Cash Election is Oversubscribed

 

PNC common stock may be issued to Sterling shareholders who make cash elections if the cash election is oversubscribed, in which case:

 

 

 

Example B. Oversubscription of Cash Election

 

Assuming that:

 

 

then the stock conversion number is approximately 16,003,052. The Sterling shareholders that made no valid election would receive only stock consideration, which would leave approximately 6,894,052 shares that need to receive the stock consideration (16,003,052 — 9,109,000). A Sterling shareholder making a cash election with respect to 1,000 shares would receive the stock consideration with respect to approximately 345 shares (1,000 x 6,894,052 ¸ 20,000,000) and the cash consideration with respect to the remaining 655 shares. Therefore, the Per Share Consideration would be $16.88 ($7.60 + (0.1543 x $60.11)) and that Sterling shareholder would receive approximately 96 shares of PNC common stock (345 x $16.88 ¸ $60.11) and approximately $11,056.40 in cash (655 x $16.88), which does not include cash that would be received for fractional shares.

 

Adjustment if the Stock Election Equals the Stock Conversion Number

 

If the number of stock election shares is equal to the stock conversion number, the stock election is sufficient. If the stock election is sufficient, then:

 

 

401(k) Plan Participants

 

Fiduciary Counselors will instruct the trustee of the 401(k) Plan to elect cash or PNC common stock as merger consideration as you direct. If you do not return a properly completed form of election by the deadline, you will be treated as if you had elected to receive PNC common stock. The merger consideration will be allocated to your account in the 401(k) Plan and will be subject to the same rules that apply to other portions of your 401(k) Plan account. Any merger consideration you receive in cash will be allocated initially to the Vanguard LifeStrategy Income Fund. Any merger consideration you receive in PNC common stock will be allocated initially to the PNC common stock fund, which will replace the Sterling common stock fund in the 401(k) Plan. You may transfer all or part of the merger consideration to any other available investment funds in the 401(k) Plan by following the normal investment transfer procedures. However, no participant in the 401(k) Plan will be permitted to direct contributions or investment transfers into the PNC common stock fund after the merger. Regardless of whether you elect cash or PNC common stock, the merger consideration will not be subject to tax until it is distributed from your 401(k) Plan account.

 

Each outstanding option to acquire Sterling common stock granted under Sterling’s stock option and incentive plans will be converted automatically at the effective time of the merger into an option to purchase PNC common stock and will continue to be governed by the terms of the Sterling stock plan and related grant agreements under which it was granted, except that:

 

 

The conversion of Sterling common stock into the right to receive the merger consideration will occur automatically at the effective time of the merger. As promptly as reasonably practicable after completion of the merger, the exchange agent will exchange certificates and book-entry shares representing shares of Sterling common stock for merger consideration, without interest, to be received in the merger pursuant to the terms of the plan of merger. Computershare will be the exchange agent in the merger and will receive your form of election, exchange certificates for the merger consideration and perform other duties as explained in the plan of merger.

 

If any PNC shares are to be issued, or cash payment made, in a name other than that in which the Sterling stock certificates or book-entry shares surrendered in exchange for the merger consideration are registered, the person requesting the exchange must pay any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of the new PNC shares or the payment of the cash consideration in a name other than that of the registered holder of the Sterling stock certificate surrendered, or must establish to the satisfaction of PNC or Computershare that any such taxes have been paid or are not applicable.

 

Form of Election

 

The form of election and related transmittal materials are being mailed to Sterling shareholders separately following the mailing of this document. The form of election and related documents will allow you to make cash or stock elections or a combination of both.

Unless otherwise agreed to by PNC and Sterling, the election deadline will be 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the later of [     ], 2008, which is the day prior to the Sterling shareholders’ meeting, and the date that the parties believe to be as near as practicable to five business days prior to the anticipated closing.

 

If you wish to elect the type of merger consideration you will receive in the merger, you should carefully review and follow the instructions that will accompany the form of election. Shareholders who hold their shares of Sterling common stock in “street name” or through a bank, broker or other nominee should follow the instructions of the bank, broker or other nominee for making an election with respect to such shares of Sterling common stock. Shares of Sterling common stock as to which the holder has not made a valid election prior to the election deadline will be treated as though they had not made an election.

 

To make a valid election, each Sterling shareholder must submit a properly completed form of election, together with stock certificates, so that it is actually received by the exchange agent at or prior to the election deadline in accordance with the instructions on the form of election. Neither PNC nor the exchange agent is under any obligation to notify you of any defect in a form of election. A form of election will be properly completed only if accompanied by certificates (or book-entry transfer of uncertificated shares) representing all shares of Sterling common stock covered by the form of election (or appropriate evidence as to the loss, theft or destruction, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of that certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification, as will be described in the form of election). If you are a Sterling shareholder and you cannot deliver your stock certificates to the exchange agent by the election deadline, you may deliver a notice of guaranteed delivery promising to deliver your stock certificates, as will be described in the form of election, so long as (1) the guarantee of delivery is from a firm which is a member of any registered national securities exchange or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States and (2) the actual stock certificates are in fact delivered to the exchange agent within three trading days of execution of the guarantee of delivery.

 

Generally, an election may be revoked or changed, but only by written notice received by the exchange agent prior to the election deadline accompanied by a properly completed and signed revised form of election. If an election is revoked, or the plan of merger is terminated, and any certificates have been transmitted to the exchange agent, the exchange agent will promptly return those certificates to the shareholder who submitted those certificates via first-class mail or, in the case of shares of Sterling common stock tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at the Depository Trust Company, or “DTC,” by crediting to an account maintained by such shareholder with DTC promptly following the termination of the merger or revocation of the election. Sterling shareholders will not be entitled to revoke or change their elections following the election deadline. As a result, if you have made elections, you will be unable to revoke your elections or sell your shares of Sterling common stock during the interval between the election deadline and the date of completion of the merger.

 

Shares of Sterling common stock as to which the holder has not made a valid election prior to the election deadline, including as a result of revocation, will be deemed non-election shares. If it is determined that any purported cash election or stock election was not properly made, the purported election will be deemed to be of no force or effect and the holder making the purported election will be deemed not to have made an election for these purposes, unless a proper election is subsequently made on a timely basis.

 

Letter of Transmittal

 

Soon after the completion of the merger, the exchange agent will mail a letter of transmittal to only those persons who were Sterling shareholders at the effective time of the merger and who have not previously submitted a form of election and properly surrendered shares of Sterling common stock to the exchange agent. This mailing will contain instructions on how to surrender shares of Sterling common stock (if these shares have not already been surrendered) in exchange for the merger consideration the holder is entitled to receive under the plan of merger.

 

If a certificate for Sterling common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue the consideration properly payable under the plan of merger upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to that

loss, theft or destruction, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of that certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification.

 

Withholding

 

The exchange agent will be entitled to deduct and withhold from the cash consideration or cash instead of fractional shares payable to any Sterling shareholder the amounts it is required to deduct and withhold under any federal, state, local or foreign tax law. If the exchange agent withholds any amounts, these amounts will be treated for all purposes of the merger as having been paid to the shareholders from whom they were withheld.