<PAGE>

                                 United States
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                                   FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[X]      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000
                          ----------------------------------------------------
                                      OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from_______________________to_______________________

Commission file number                       0-5127
                      --------------------------------------------------------

                       Mercantile Bankshares Corporation
                       ---------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
                       Maryland                                           52-0898572
------------------------------------------------------           -----------------------------
         State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
         incorporation or organization                           Identification No.)

Two Hopkins Plaza, P. O. Box 1477, Baltimore, Maryland                       21203
------------------------------------------------------           -----------------------------
         (Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)
</TABLE>

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (410) 237-5900
                                                   --------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     Title of each class              Name of each exchange on which registered
           None                                          None
-------------------------             -----------------------------------------
_________________________             _________________________________________

          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                          Common Stock ($2 par value)
          -----------------------------------------------------------
                               (Title of class)
                             Stock Purchase Rights
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Title of class)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   X    No _____
                                              -----

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]


<PAGE>

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

         At February 28, 2001, the aggregate market value of shares of Common
Stock held by non-affiliates of Registrant (including fiduciary accounts
administered by affiliates) was $2,735,021,052 based on the last sale price on
the Nasdaq National Market on February 28, 2001.

         As of February 28, 2001, 71,121,636 shares of common stock were
outstanding.

         Documents Incorporated by Reference: Parts I, II and IV - Portions of
         -----------------------------------
Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for year ended December 31, 2000, as
indicated, Part III - Definitive Proxy Statement of Registrant filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A.


                                       1

<PAGE>

                                    PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
-------  --------

                                    General
                                    -------

     Mercantile Bankshares Corporation was incorporated under the laws of
Maryland on May 27, 1969. It is a bank holding company registered under the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956. Mercantile Bankshares Corporation is referred to in
this report as "Mercshares" or "Registrant."

     Mercshares directly owns all of the outstanding stock of 21 Affiliated
Banks and directly or indirectly owns all of the outstanding stock of certain
other Affiliates. For purposes of segment reporting, two operating components
have been identified. They are (1) the lead bank, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and
Trust Company (including its Banking and Trust Divisions), and (2) twenty
Community Banks. The entities making up each component are identified below,
with headquarters locations.

                           Lead Bank and Affiliates
                           ------------------------

Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company             Baltimore, Maryland
     Mercantile Mortgage Corporation
     Hopkins Plaza Agency, Inc.
     MBC Leasing Corp.
MBC Agency, Inc.
     Mercantile Life Insurance Company

                                Community Banks
                                ---------------

The Annapolis Banking and Trust Company               Annapolis, Maryland
Bank of Southern Maryland                             LaPlata, Maryland
Calvert Bank and Trust Company                        Prince Frederick, Maryland
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland                      Chestertown, Maryland
The Citizens National Bank                            Laurel, Maryland
County Banking & Trust Company                        Elkton, Maryland
The Fidelity Bank                                     Frostburg, Maryland
The First National Bank of St. Mary's                 Leonardtown, Maryland
The Forest Hill State Bank                            Bel Air, Maryland
Fredericktown Bank & Trust Company                    Frederick, Maryland
Peninsula Bank                                        Princess Anne, Maryland
The Peoples Bank of Maryland                          Denton, Maryland
Potomac Valley Bank                                   Gaithersburg, Maryland
St. Michaels Bank                                     St. Michaels, Maryland
The Sparks State Bank                                 Sparks, Maryland
Westminster Union Bank                                Westminster, Maryland
Baltimore Trust Company                               Selbyville, Delaware
Farmers & Merchants Bank - Eastern Shore              Onley, Virginia

                                       2
<PAGE>

The National Bank of Fredericksburg                   Fredericksburg, Virginia
Marshall National Bank and Trust Company              Marshall, Virginia

     For certain financial, personnel and office location information concerning
the companies listed above, see pages 53 to 59 of the Registrant's Annual Report
to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2000, which information is
incorporated by reference herein.

     Mercshares periodically reviews and considers possible acquisitions of
banks and other entities performing related activities and discusses such
possible acquisitions with managements of the subject companies, and such
acquisitions, which may be material, may be made from time to time. Acquisitions
are normally subject to regulatory approval.

     In 2000, Mercshares completed its acquisitions of Union National Bancorp,
Inc., and the Bank of Fruitland. Both acquisitions were accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting.

     On July 14, 2000, Union National Bancorp's bank subsidiary merged into our
affiliate, Westminster Union Bank. At the acquisition date, Union National had
$297 million in total assets, and 2,261,162 shares of Mercshares were issued in
the acquisition.

     The Bank of Fruitland was merged into our affiliate, Peninsula Bank, on
December 1, 2000, with 1,100,000 shares of Mercshares common stock issued in the
merger. The Bank of Fruitland had total assets of $133 million at the time of
the merger.

                                  Operations
                                  ----------

     Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company and the Community Banks are
engaged in a general commercial and retail banking business with normal banking
services, including acceptance of demand, savings and time deposits and the
making of various types of loans. Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company
offers a full range of personal trust services, investment management services
and (for corporate and institutional customers), investment advisory, financial

                                       3
<PAGE>

and other services. As of December 31, 2000, assets under the investment
supervision of the Trust Division had an estimated value of $14.3 billion,
assets held in its personal and corporate custody accounts had an estimated
value of $25 billion and assets held in escrow accounts had an estimated value
of $21.5 million.

     Mercantile Mortgage Corporation, through offices in Maryland and Delaware,
arranges for and services various types of mortgage loans as principal and as
agent primarily for non-affiliated institutional investors and also for the
Affiliated Banks.

     Hopkins Plaza Agency, Inc. acts as agent in the sale of fixed rate
annuities, and MBC Leasing Corp. provides tax oriented and finance leases of
equipment.

     MBC Agency, Inc., provides, under group policies, credit life insurance in
connection with extensions of credit by Affiliated Banks. Mercantile Life
Insurance Company reinsures the insurance provided by MBC Agency, Inc.

     MBC Realty, LLC owns and operates various properties used by Mercantile-
Safe Deposit and Trust Company.

     For segment reporting information, see the following portions of the
Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2000,
which information is incorporated by reference herein: Note 15 of Notes to
Financial Statements on page 44 of the Annual Report, and information under the
caption "Segment Reporting" on page 12 of the Annual Report.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                            Statistical Information
                            -----------------------

     The statistical information required in this Item 1 is incorporated by
reference to the information appearing in Registrant's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2000, as follows:

Disclosure Required by Guide 3          Reference to 2000 Annual Report
------------------------------          --------------------------------

(I)   Distribution of Assets,
      Liabilities and Stockholder
      Equity; Interest Rates and
      Interest Differentials............Analysis of Interest Rates and Interest
                                        Differentials (pages 8-9)
                            ............Rate/Volume Analysis (page 10)
                            ............Non-performing Assets (page 18)

(II)  Investment Portfolio  ............Bond Investment Portfolio (page 15)

(III) Loan Portfolio        ............Year-End Loan Data (page 49)
                            ............Loan Maturity Schedule (page 19)
                            ............Asset/Liability and Liquidity
                                        Management (pages 20-22)
                            ............Non-performing Assets (page 18)

(IV)  Summary of Loan Loss
      Experience            ............Allowance for Loan Losses
                                        (pages 16-17)
                                        and Credit Risk Analysis (pages 14
                                        and 16)

                            ............Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses
                                        (page 17)

(V)   Deposits              ............Analysis of Interest Rates and Interest
                                        Differentials (pages 8-9)
                            ............Notes to Financial Statements, Note
                                        5 - Deposits (page 35)

(VI)  Return on Equity
      and Assets            ............Return on Equity and Assets (page 51)


(VII) Short-Term Borrowings ............Notes to Financial Statements, Note
                                        6 (page 36)

                                       5
<PAGE>

                                   Employees
                                   ---------

     At December 31, 2000, Mercshares and its Affiliates had approximately 777
officers and 2,202 other employees. Of these, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust
Company employed 413 officers and 641 other employees and the Community Banks
had 364 officers and 1,537 other employees.

                                  Competition
                                  -----------

     The banking business, in all of its phases, is highly competitive. Within
their service areas, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company and the Community
Banks compete with commercial banks (including local banks and branches or
affiliates of other larger banks), savings and loan associations and credit
unions for loans and deposits, and with insurance companies and other financial
institutions for various types of loans. There is also competition for
commercial and retail banking business from banks and financial institutions
located outside our service areas. Interstate banking is now an established part
of the competitive environment.

     While Mercshares is the second largest bank holding company headquartered
in Maryland, it is the largest independent bank holding company in the state.
Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company is the seventh largest commercial bank
in Maryland. During 2000, Mercshares also competed with Maryland-based bank
subsidiaries of the first, second, sixth and ninth largest bank holding
companies in the United States as well as banking subsidiaries of other non-
Maryland bank holding companies. Measured in terms of assets under investment
supervision, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company believes it is one of the
largest trust institutions in the southeastern United States. Mercantile-Safe
Deposit and Trust Company competes for various classes of fiduciary and
investment advisory business with other banks and trust companies, insurance
companies, investment counseling firms, mutual funds and others.

                                       6
<PAGE>

     Mercantile Mortgage Corporation is one of many competitors in its area of
activity. MBC Agency, Inc. is limited to providing credit life, health and
accident insurance in connection with credit extended by the Affiliated Banks.
Hopkins Plaza Agency, Inc. and MBC Leasing Corp. commenced business in 1996 and
are small competitors in their areas of activity.

     The 20 Community Banks ranged in asset size from $44 million to $681
million, at December 31, 2000. They face competition in their own local service
areas as well as from the larger competitors mentioned above.

     The enactment of recent federal legislation governing the financial
services industry, discussed below, may have the effect of increasing
competition among banks and other financial institutions.

                          Supervision and Regulation
                          --------------------------

Mercshares
----------

     Mercshares, as a registered bank holding company, is subject to regulation
and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "Act") and is required to file with
the Board of Governors quarterly and annual reports and such additional
information as the Board of Governors may require pursuant to the Act. With
various exceptions, Mercshares is prohibited from acquiring direct or indirect
ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of the voting shares of any
company which is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging in any
business other than that of banking or of managing or controlling banks or of
furnishing services to, or performing services for, its Affiliated Banks. The
Act and Regulations promulgated under the Act require prior approval of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the acquisition by
Mercshares of more than 5% of any class of the voting shares of any additional
bank.

                                       7
<PAGE>

     Further, under Section 106 of the 1970 Amendments to the Act and the
Board's Regulations, bank subsidiaries of bank holding companies are limited in
engaging in certain tie-in arrangements with bank holding companies and their
non-bank subsidiaries in connection with any extension of credit or provision of
any property or services, subject to various exceptions.

     The Act, generally, has restricted activities of bank holding companies and
their subsidiaries to banking, and the business of managing and controlling
banks, and to other activities which have been determined by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System to be so closely related to banking or
managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Mercshares has
also been subject to certain restrictions with respect to engaging in the
securities business.

     It is Federal Reserve Policy that a bank holding company should serve as a
source of financial and managerial strength for and commit resources to support
each of its subsidiary banks even in circumstances in which it might not do so
(or may not legally be required or financially able to do so) absent such a
policy.

     Changes in control of Mercshares and its Affiliated Banks are regulated
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, the Change in Bank Control Act of
1978 and various state laws.

1999 Federal Legislation
------------------------

     The enactment in November, 1999 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "1999
Act"), parts of which have become effective, represents the culmination of years
of effort to repeal the provisions in the Banking Act of 1933 (generally known
as "Glass Steagall") and restrictions in the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956
that, respectively, limited affiliations among, and overlapping business
activities in, the banking, securities and insurance industries. Broadly
speaking, through the establishment of a regulatory structure that permits a
bank

                                       8
<PAGE>

holding company to elect "financial holding company" status, the 1999 Act will
permit, within a holding company system, a full range of banking, securities and
insurance activities, including securities and insurance underwriting, as well
as, with certain restrictions, merchant banking activities. The election is only
available to bank holding companies whose bank and thrift subsidiaries are well
capitalized, well managed, and have satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act
ratings. With exceptions for insurance underwriting, merchant banking and real
estate investment and development, the 1999 Act would also permit comparable
expansion of national bank activities by banks meeting similar criteria,
together with certain additional firewall and other requirements, through
"financial subsidiaries" of national banks. Similarly, as a matter of Federal
law, but still subject to State law, the 1999 Act greatly expands the potential
financial activities of subsidiaries of State banks.

     If Mercshares were to elect financial holding company status under the 1999
Act, it would be permitted to engage in the full range of securities and
insurance activities authorized by the 1999 Act, including securities and
insurance underwriting, as well as certain permitted merchant banking
activities.

     The 1999 Act is also intended to ensure that banking activities are
regulated by bank regulators, securities activities are regulated by securities
law regulators, and insurance activities are regulated by insurance regulators.
In other words, it is intended to incorporate a system of functional regulation,
although it retains the role of the Federal Reserve Board as the umbrella
supervisor for holding companies. Consequently, effective May 12, 2001, various
securities activities of banks will become subject to regulation by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

     With respect to the functional regulation goal of the 1999 Act, various
provisions are expected to have the effect of banks "pushing out' those
securities activities that have now become subject to Securities and Exchange

                                       9
<PAGE>

Commission regulation into separate brokerage subsidiaries or affiliates.
Defined traditional banking activities, which include most of Mercantile-Safe
Deposit and Trust Company's current Trust Division activities should not trigger
Securities and Exchange Commission regulation or the so-called "push-out"
process. However, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company is forming and
making the necessary applications to qualify two new subsidiaries to engage in
securities activities. One is registering with the SEC as an investment adviser
to serve the M.S.D.&T. family of mutual funds and certain other institutional
accounts. The other is registering with the SEC as a broker-dealer to facilitate
the purchase of shares of these mutual funds by bank customers and certain other
potential activities.

     Provisions of the 1999 Act require and anticipate extensive new
regulations, many of which have already been promulgated or proposed.

     It is not yet clear whether the 1999 Act and the implementation of
functional regulation will have a material effect on the operations of
Mercshares and its affiliates.

Affiliated Banks
----------------

     All Affiliated Banks, with the exception of The Citizens National Bank,
Baltimore Trust Company, Farmers & Merchants Bank - Eastern Shore, The First
National Bank of St. Mary's, The National Bank of Fredericksburg and Marshall
National Bank and Trust Company are Maryland banks, subject to the banking laws
of Maryland and to regulation by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of
Maryland, who is required by statute to make at least one examination in each
calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the Commissioner determines that an
examination is unnecessary in a particular calendar year). Their deposits are
insured by, and they are subject to certain provisions of Federal law and
regulations and examination by, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     In addition, The Annapolis Banking and Trust Company, The Forest Hill State

                                      10
<PAGE>

Bank and St. Michaels Bank are members of the Federal Reserve System, and are
thereby subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of that System.

     The Citizens National Bank, The First National Bank of St. Mary's, The
National Bank of Fredericksburg and Marshall National Bank and Trust Company are
national banks subject to regulation and regular examination by the Comptroller
of the Currency in addition to regulation and examination by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, which insures their deposits.

     Farmers & Merchants Bank - Eastern Shore is a Virginia bank, subject to the
banking laws of Virginia and to regulation by its State Corporation Commission,
which is required by statute to make at least one examination in every three
year period. Its deposits are insured by, and it is subject to certain
provisions of Federal law and regulation and examination by, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation.

     Baltimore Trust Company is a Delaware bank, subject to the banking laws of
Delaware and to regulation by the Delaware State Bank Commissioner, who is
required by statute to make periodic examinations. Its deposits are insured by,
and it is subject to certain provisions of Federal law and regulation and
examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     Mercshares and its Affiliates are subject to the provisions of Section 23A
of the Federal Reserve Act which limit the amount of loans or extensions of
credit to, and investments in, Mercshares and its nonbanking Affiliates by the
Affiliated Banks, and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act which requires that
transactions between the Affiliated Banks and Mercshares and its nonbanking
Affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same
as with non-affiliates. Under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and
Enforcement Act of 1989, there are circumstances under which Affiliated Banks
could be responsible to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for losses

                                      11
<PAGE>

incurred by it with respect to other Affiliated Banks.

Other Affiliates
----------------

     As affiliates of Mercshares, the nonbanking Affiliates are subject to
examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and, as
affiliates of the Affiliated Banks, they are subject to examination by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Commissioner of Financial
Regulation of Maryland. In addition, MBC Agency, Inc., Mercantile Life Insurance
Company and Hopkins Plaza Agency, Inc. are subject to licensing and regulation
by state insurance authorities.

                          Effects of Monetary Policy
                          --------------------------

     All commercial banking operations are affected by the Federal Reserve
System's conduct of monetary policy and its policies change from time to time
based on changing circumstances. A function of the Federal Reserve System is to
regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to achieve economic results
deemed appropriate by its Board of Governors, including efforts to combat
unemployment, recession or inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of
monetary policy used to implement these objectives are open market operations in
the purchase and sale of U.S. Government securities, changes in the discount
rate charged on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank
deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence the general
level of interest rates and the general availability of credit. More
specifically, actions by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve influence
the levels of interest rates paid on deposits and other bank funding sources and
charged on bank loans as well as the level of availability of bank funds with
which loans and investments can be made.

                                       12
<PAGE>

                             Cautionary Statement
                             --------------------

     This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of and pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. A forward-looking statement
encompasses any estimate, prediction, opinion or statement of belief contained
in this report, and the underlying management assumptions. Examples are
statements concerning possible acquisitions, competitive conditions, effects of
monetary policy, and the potential impact of legislation. A similar cautionary
statement, concerning the content of the Registrant's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2000, is contained in that Report.

     With respect to effects of monetary policy, the monetary policies of bank
regulatory and other authorities have affected the operating results of
commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the
future. In view of changing conditions in the national economy, in the money
markets, and in the relationships of international currencies, as well as the
effect of legislation and of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, no
prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit
levels, loan demand, or the business and earnings of the Affiliated Banks.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
-------  ----------

     The main offices of Mercshares and Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust
Company are located in a 21-story building at Hopkins Plaza in Baltimore owned
by MBC Realty, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mercshares. At December 31,
2000, these offices occupied approximately 145,000 square feet (together with
about 23,000 square feet leased in a nearby building). At December 31, 2000,
Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company also occupied approximately 132,000
square feet of leased space in a building located in Linthicum, Maryland, in
which its operations and certain other departments are located, and a 7,000
square foot call center facility in Federalsburg, Maryland. The Linthicum and
Federalsburg properties are owned by MBC Realty, LLC. Of the 18 banking and
bank-related offices occupied by Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company, four

                                       13
<PAGE>

are owned in fee, six are owned subject to ground leases and eight are leased
with aggregate annual rentals of approximately $1,398,000, not including rentals
for the main office and adjacent premises owned by MBC Realty, LLC.

     Of the 176 banking offices of the Community Banks, 99 are owned in fee, 18
are owned subject to ground leases and 59 are leased, with aggregate annual
rentals of approximately $3,247,000 as of December 31, 2000.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-------  -----------------

     There was no matter which is required to be disclosed in this Item 3
pursuant to the instructions contained in the form for this Report.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
-------  ---------------------------------------------------

     No matter was submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
covered by this Report to a vote of security holders which is required to be
disclosed pursuant to the instructions contained in the form for this Report.

SPECIAL ITEM:  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
-------------  ------------------------------------

     The Executive Officers of Registrant are:

Name                          Position                                Age
-------------------------     ---------------------------------       ---
Edward J. Kelly, III          President and Chief
                               Executive Officer                       47
J. Marshall Reid (1)          President and Chief                      55
                               Operating Officer (Mercantile-
                               Safe Deposit and Trust Company)
Jack E. Steil                 Executive Vice President.                54
                              Chairman - Credit Policy
                               (Mercantile-Safe Deposit
                                and Trust Company)
Alan D. Yarbro                General Counsel and Secretary            59
Terry L. Troupe               Chief Financial Officer and
                               Treasurer                               53
Robert W. Johnson             Senior Vice President                    58
O. James Talbott, II          Senior Vice President                    57

-------------------------

(1) Mr. Reid is an officer of Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company. He is
included above as an executive officer because he participates in policy-making
functions concerning Mercshares.

     No family relationships, as defined by the Rules and Regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, exist among any of the Executive Officers.

     All officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and hold office
at the pleasure of the Board.

                                       14
<PAGE>

     Effective March 1, 2001, Mr. Kelly succeeded H. Furlong Baldwin as
President and Chief Executive of Mercshares and Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company. Mr. Kelly served
as Managing Director, Head of Global Financial Institutions, and as Co-Head of
Investment Banking Client Management of J. P. Morgan, Chase & Co. during
January, 2001. Prior thereto, during the past five years, he was a Managing
Director of J. P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated and held the following additional
positions with that Company: Head, Global Financial Institutions from February,
2000 through December, 2000; Co-Head, Global Financial Institutions and Head,
Latin America Investment Banking from December, 1997 through February, 2000;
Member, Global Investment Banking Committee from December, 1997 through
December, 2000; and Co-Head, Financial Institutions (Americas) from February,
1996 through December, 1997.

     Mr. Reid was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of Mercantile-
Safe Deposit and Trust Company in September, 1997. He joined Mercantile-Safe
Deposit and Trust Company as a Senior Vice President in 1993 and served as an
Executive Vice President from 1994 until September, 1997.

     Mr. Steil was elected Chairman - Credit Policy of Mercantile-Safe Deposit
and Trust Company in September, 1997. He had previously served Mercantile-Safe
Deposit and Trust Company as an Executive Vice President since 1994, and as
Senior Vice President from 1988 to 1994. In March, 1999, Mr. Steil was elected
an Executive Vice President of Mercshares.

     Mr. Yarbro has been General Counsel of Mercshares and Mercantile-Safe
Deposit and Trust Company since April, 1996 and was elected Secretary of both
companies in June, 1996. His prior employment was as a partner of Venable,
Baetjer and Howard, LLP, where he practiced law for 29 years.

     Mr. Troupe has been Chief Financial Officer of Mercshares and Mercantile-
Safe Deposit and Trust Company, and Treasurer of Mercshares, since September,
1996. He was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IREX Corporation, a
specialty mechanical insulation contractor and distributor, from May, 1993 to
May, 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Troupe was Vice Chairman of Meridian Bancorp, Inc.

                                       15
<PAGE>

     Mr. Johnson has been Senior Vice President of Mercshares since 1989. He has
been a Vice President of Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company since 1982.

     Mr. Talbott has been a Senior Vice President of Mercshares since 1989. He
has been a Vice President of Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company since
1977.

                                    PART II
                                    -------

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
-------  -------------------------------------------------------------
         MATTERS
         -------

     Information required by this Item 5 is incorporated by reference to the
information appearing under the captions "Dividends" and "Recent Common Stock
Prices" on pages 23 and 24 of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for
the year ended December 31, 2000.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
-------  -----------------------

     The information required by this Item 6 is incorporated by reference to the
information appearing under the caption "Five Year Selected Financial Data" on
page 49 of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
December 31, 2000.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
-------  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
         OF OPERATION
         ------------

         The information required by this Item 7 is incorporated by reference to
the information appearing under the caption "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on pages 6 to 24 of
the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31,
2000.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
-------- ----------------------------------------------------------

         The information required by this Item 7A is incorporated by reference
to the information appearing under the captions "Asset/Liability and Liquidity
Management", "Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis" and "Earnings Simulation Model
Projections" on pages 20-22 of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders
for the year ended December 31, 2000.

                                       16
<PAGE>

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
-------  -------------------------------------------

         The information required by this Item 8 and the report of the
independent accountants thereon are incorporated by reference to pages 25 to 48
of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December
31, 2000.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
-------  ---------------------------------------------------------------
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
         --------------------

         There was no matter which is required to be disclosed in this Item 9
pursuant to the instructions contained in the form for this Report.

                                   PART III
                                   --------

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
-------- --------------------------------------------------

         The information required by this Item 10 with respect to the Executive
Officers of Registrant appears in Part I of this Report.

         The remaining information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by
reference to the definitive proxy statement of Registrant filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
-------- ----------------------

     The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to
the definitive proxy statement of Registrant filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
-------- --------------------------------------------------------------

     The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to
the definitive proxy statement of Registrant filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
-------- ----------------------------------------------

     The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to
the definitive proxy statement of Registrant filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A.

                                    PART IV
                                    -------

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
-------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

(a)  The following documents are filed as part of this report, except as
     indicated.

     (1) (2)  The financial statements and schedules filed herewith or
     incorporated by reference are listed in the accompanying Index to Financial

                                       17
<PAGE>

     Statements.

     (3) Exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein are set
     forth in the following table prepared in accordance with Item 601 of
     Regulation S-K.

                                 Exhibit Table
                                 -------------

     (3)  Charter and by-laws

          A.   (1)  Articles of Incorporation effective May 27, 1969
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-1, No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A(1)).

               (2)  Articles of Amendment effective June 6, 1969 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
                    S-1, No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A)(2)).

               (3)  Articles Supplementary effective August 28, 1970
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-1, No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A)(3)).

               (4)  Articles of Amendment effective December 14, 1970
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-1, No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A(4)).

               (5)  Articles Supplementary effective May 10, 1971 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
                    S-1, No. 2-39545, Exhibit 3-A(5)).

               (6)  Articles Supplementary effective July 30, 1971 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
                    S-1, No. 2-41379, Exhibit 3-A(6)).

               (7)  Articles of Amendment effective May 8, 1986 (Incorporated by
                    reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10- K for
                    the year ended December 31, 1993, Exhibit 3-A(7), Commission
                    File No. 0-5127).

               (8)  Articles of Amendment effective April 27, 1988 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                    the year ended December 31, 1993, Exhibit 3-A(8), Commission
                    File No. 0-5127).

               (9)  Articles Supplementary effective September 13, 1989
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Form 8-K filed
                    September 27, 1989, Exhibit B attached to Exhibit 4-A,
                    Commission File No. 0-5127).

               (10) Articles Supplementary effective January 3, 1990
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Form 8-K filed
                    January 9, 1990, Exhibit B attached to Exhibit 4-A,
                    Commission File No. 0-5127).

               (11) Articles of Amendment effective April 26, 1990 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
                    the year ended December 31, 1990, Exhibit 3-A(11),
                    Commission File No. 0-5127).

               (12) Articles of Amendment effective April 30, 1997

                                       18
<PAGE>

                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-4, No. 333-43651, Exhibit 3(i)(L)).

               (13) Articles Supplementary effective June 9, 1999 (Incorporated
                    by reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
                    S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.1.M).

               (14) Articles Supplementary effective September 30, 1999
                    (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration
                    Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.1.N).

          B.   By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended to date (Incorporated by
               reference to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
               File No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.2 and, for amendments adopted
               February 2, 2001, to Form 8-K of Registrant filed February 13,
               2001, Exhibit 3 B, Commission File No. 0-5127).

     (4)  Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including
          indentures, Charter and by-laws: See Item 14(a)(3) above.

          A.   Rights Agreement dated as of June 8, 1999 between Registrant and
               the Rights Agent, including Form of Rights Certificate and
               Articles Supplementary (Incorporated by reference to Form 8- K of
               Registrant filed June 11, 1999, Exhibit 4, Commission File No. 0-
               5127, and to Form 8-A of Registrant filed June 11, 1999, Exhibits
               1, 2 and 3, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          B.   Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-
               B, amending description of securities previously filed
               (Incorporated by reference to Form 8 of Registrant filed December
               20, 1991, Commission File No. 0-5127).

     (10) Material contracts

          A.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Affiliates Annual Incentive
               Compensation Plan, as amended through March 10, 1998
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on From
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Exhibit 10 A,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          B.   Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan of Mercantile
               Bankshares Corporation (Incorporated by reference to the Plan
               text included in Registrant's Registration Statement on Form

                                       19
<PAGE>

               S-3, No. 33-44376).

          C.   Executive Employment Agreement dated March 24, 1982, between
               Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and
               Trust Company and H. Furlong Baldwin, as amended by Agreements
               dated March 13, 1984 and December 13, 1988 (Incorporated by
               reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
               ended December 31, 1989, Exhibit 10 D, Commission File No. 0-
               5127), as amended by Agreement dated January 29, 1997
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Exhibit 10 C,
               Commission file No. 0-5127), as amended by Agreement dated
               January 28, 1999 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998,
               Exhibit 10 C, Commission File No. 0-5127), as amended by
               Agreement dated January 18, 2000 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1999, Exhibit 10 C, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          D.   Deferred Compensation Agreement, including supplemental pension
               and thrift plan arrangements, dated September 30, 1982, between
               Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company and H. Furlong Baldwin,
               as amended by Agreements dated as of October 24, 1983, March 13,
               1984, January 1, 1987, December 8, 1987 and January 1, 1989
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1989, Exhibit 10 E,
               Commission File No. 0-5127), as amended by Agreement dated
               February 1, 1997 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996,
               Exhibit 10 D, Commission File No. 0-5127), as amended by
               Agreement dated February 22, 2001 (filed herewith).

          E.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Participating Affiliates

                                      20
<PAGE>

               Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, as amended
               through January 1, 1984 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1989, Exhibit 10 G, Commission File No. 0-5127), as
               amended and restated by amendment effective December 31, 1995
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Exhibit 10 F,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          F.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Employee Stock Purchase
               Dividend Reinvestment Plan dated February 13, 1995 (Incorporated
               by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1994, Exhibit 10 I, Commission File No.
               0-5127).

          G.   Executive Severance Agreement dated as of December 31, 1989
               between Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Mercantile-Safe
               Deposit and Trust Company, and H. Furlong Baldwin (Incorporated
               by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
               year ended December 31, 1989, Exhibit 10 Q, Commission File No.
               0-5127), as amended by Agreement dated January 29, 1997
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
               10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Exhibit 10 J,
               Commission File No. 0-5127), as amended by Agreement dated
               January 18, 2000 (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
               Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999,
               Exhibit 10 G, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          H.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation (1989) Omnibus Stock Plan
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1997, Exhibit 10 K,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          I.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation 1999 Omnibus Stock Plan
               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Registration

                                       21
<PAGE>

               Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-90307, Exhibit 4.4).

          J.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Participating Affiliates
               Supplemental Cash Balance Executive Retirement Plan, dated April
               27, 1994, effective January 1, 1994 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December
               31, 1994, Exhibit 10 R, Commission File No. 0- 5127).

          K.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Participating Affiliates
               Supplemental 401(k) Executive Retirement Plan, dated December 13,
               1994, effective January 1, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1994, Exhibit 10 S, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          L.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with H.
               Furlong Baldwin (dated August 22, 1995), with respect to 120,000
               shares after a stock dividend paid in 1997, and as to which the
               Net Operating Income is that of Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust
               Company (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Annual Report
               on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, Exhibit 10 Q,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          M.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Retainer Stock Plan For Non-
               Employee Directors dated March 12, 1996 (Incorporated by
               reference to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
               ended December 31, 1995, Exhibit 10 R, Commission File No. 0-
               5127).

          N.   Supplemental Cash Balance Plan and Thrift Agreement, dated April
               12, 1996, between Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Alan D.
               Yarbro (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly
               Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996, Exhibit
               10 S, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          O.   Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1996,
               between Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Alan D. Yarbro

                                       22
<PAGE>

               (Incorporated by reference to Registrant's Quarterly Report on
               Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 1996, Exhibit 10 T,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          P.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with Alan D.
               Yarbro, dated April 26, 1996 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Quarterly Report for the period ended June 30, 1996,
               Exhibit 10 U, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          Q.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with J.
               Marshall Reid, dated August 21, 1995 (Incorporated by reference
               to Registrant's Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1998, Exhibit 10 R, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          R.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with Jack E.
               Steil, dated August 21, 1995 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1998, Exhibit 10 S, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          S.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with Terry L.
               Troupe, dated September 10, 1996 (Incorporated by reference to
               Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
               December 31, 1999, Exhibit 10 S, Commission File No. 0-5127).

          T.   Agreement dated February 2, 2001, among Mercantile Bankshares
               Corporation, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company and H.
               Furlong Baldwin (Incorporated by reference to Form 8-K of
               Registrant filed February 13, 2001, Exhibit 10 T, Commission File
               No. 0-5127).

          U.   Executive Employment Agreement dated February 2, 2001, among
               Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and
               Trust Company and Edward J. Kelly, III (Incorporated by reference
               to Form 8-K of Registrant filed February 13, 2001, Exhibit 10 U,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          V.   Executive Severance Agreement dated February 2, 2001, among
               Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and

                                       23
<PAGE>

               Trust Company and Edward J. Kelly, III (Incorporated by reference
               to Form 8-K of Registrant filed February 13, 2001, Exhibit 10 V,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          W.   Supplemental Retirement Agreement dated February 2, 2001, among
               Mercantile Bankshares Corporation, Mercantile-Safe Deposit and
               Trust Company and Edward J. Kelly, III (Incorporated by reference
               to Form 8-K of Registrant filed February 13, 2001, Exhibit 10 W,
               Commission File No. 0-5127).

          X.   Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option Agreement with Edward J.
               Kelly, III, dated March 2, 2001 (filed herewith).

          Y.   Schedule and Form of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation Option
               Agreements entered into in 2000 with J. Marshall Reid (40,000
               shares), Jack E. Steil (40,000 shares), Alan D. Yarbro (25,000
               shares) and Terry L. Troupe (20,000 shares) (filed herewith).

     (13) Annual Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 2000
          (filed herewith).

     (21) Subsidiaries of the Registrant

          Information as to subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith).

     (23) Consent

          Consent of Independent Accountants (filed herewith)

     (24) Power of Attorney

          Power of Attorney dated March 13, 2001 (filed herewith)

(b)  No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period
     covered by this Report.

                                       24
<PAGE>

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Report of Independent Accountants as pertaining to the Consolidated
    Financial Statements of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation and Affiliates and
    related notes is incorporated by reference to page 25 of the Registrant's
    Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2000.

Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes are incorporated by
    reference to the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year
    ended December 31, 2000, and may be found on the pages of said Report as
    indicated in parentheses:

      Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2000 and 1999 (page 26)
      Statement of Consolidated Income for the years ended December 31, 2000,
       1999 and 1998 (page 27)
      Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
       2000, 1999 and 1998 (pages 28 and 29)
      Statement of Changes in Consolidated Stockholders' Equity for the years
        ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 (page 30)
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (pages 31 to 48)

Supplementary Data:

      Quarterly Results of Operations are incorporated by reference to the
        information appearing under the caption "Quarterly Results of
        Operations" on page 45 of the Registrant's Annual Report to Stockholders
        for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000.

      Financial Statement Schedules are omitted because of the absence of the
        conditions under which they are required or because the information
        called for is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes
        thereto.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                  Signatures
                                  ----------

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
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

By:  /S/ Edward J. Kelly, III                          March 26, 2001
     ---------------------------------------
     Edward J. Kelly, III, President and Chief
      Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in
the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Principal Executive Officer

/S/ Edward J. Kelly, III                               March 26, 2001
------------------------------------
Edward J. Kelly, III, President and Chief
 Executive Officer

Principal Financial Officer

/S/  Terry L. Troupe                                   March 26, 2001
------------------------------------
Terry L. Troupe
Chief Financial Officer

Principal Accounting Officer

/S/  Diana Nelson                                      March 26, 2001
------------------------------------
Diana Nelson
Controller

A majority of the Board of Directors:

William J. McCarthy, George L. Bunting, Jr., Morton B. Plant, Richard O. Berndt,
Robert A. Kinsley, Darrell D. Friedman, Donald J. Shepard, Christian H.
Poindexter, William R. Brody, Mary Junck, Cynthia A. Archer.


By:  /S/ Edward J. Kelly, III                          March 26, 2001
     --------------------------------
     Edward J. Kelly, III
      For Himself and as Attorney-in-Fact

                                       26