FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PAM SHRIVER ANNOUNCES MERCANTILE AS NEW TITLE SPONSOR OF 2003 CHARITY TENNIS CHALLENGE

Baltimore, August 12 – Continuing a rich tradition of reinvesting in the community it serves, Mercantile Bankshares Corporation has signed on as the new title sponsor of Pam Shriver’s annual charity tennis tournament. Mercantile, Maryland’s largest independent banking company, has agreed to a multi-year deal to sponsor the "Mercantile Tennis Challenge presented by the Baltimore Sun," it was announced by tournament organizers.

"I am honored to welcome Mercantile to a very loyal and committed Tennis Challenge family of supporters," Tournament Chairman and Founder, Pam Shriver, said. "It’s exciting to partner with an organization that shares our vision for a brighter future for our community."

Celebrating its 18th year, the Tennis Challenge has raised over $3.1 million for needy children’s charities under the guidance of the Baltimore Community Foundation, a publicly endowed nonprofit organization. Both Shriver and Edward (Ned) Kelly III, Chairman, President and CEO of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, serve on the Board of the Foundation and share many of the same philanthropic passions.

"As a tennis fan, I have long admired Pam’s achievements both on and off of the court," commented Kelly. "I am delighted to expand on the close relationship Mercantile has maintained with the Baltimore Community Foundation, an organization that does so much good, for so many people."

The Mercantile Tennis Challenge presented by the Baltimore Sun has become one of the region’s premier charitable sporting events. The Tennis Challenge is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2003, at Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena. Stars featured in past events include Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Venus and Serena Williams. Other renowned celebrities include Cal Ripken, Jr., Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Kenny Rogers and Sugar Ray Leonard. Sponsorship or ticket information can be obtained by calling the Tournament Office at (410) 296-2929 or via the Web at www.tennischallenge.org.

Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, with assets of $11.5 billion, is a multibank holding company headquartered in Baltimore. It has 16 banking affiliates in Maryland, one banking affiliate in Delaware and three in Virginia. Investment and Wealth Management services are provided through its largest affiliate, Mercantile Bank & Trust, which has $42 billion in assets under administration, of which $20 billion are discretionary assets under management.

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