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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

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FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

 

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

February 5, 2003

 

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MERCANTILE BANKSHARES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland		0-5127		52-0898572
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

Two Hopkins Plaza, P.O. Box 1477, Baltimore, MD		21203
(Address of principal executive office)		(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code, (410) 237-5900

 

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Item 5.  Other Events and Regulation FD Disclosure.

 

This is an optional filing made to disclose the event reported below. It is not a filing required by Regulation FD.

 

On February 5, 2003, the registrant issued a press release announcing that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Peremel & Company Inc. A copy of the release is attached as Exhibit 20 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

Exhibits

 

20		Press release dated February 5, 2003.

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Signatures

 

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

 

						Mercantile Bankshares Corporation                         (Registrant)
Date:    February 5, 2003						By:		/s/    Terry L. Troupe
								Terry L. Troupe Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer