UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 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) January 20, 2004 ------------------------------- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Ohio 000-14492 34-1469491 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer of Incorporation) Number) Identification No.) 307-11 N. Defiance, Archbold, Ohio 43502 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (419) 446-2501 ----------------------------- N/A - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit - -------------- ---------------------- 99 Letter to Shareholders announcing dividends. ITEM 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE On January 20, 2004, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. sent a letter to shareholders enclosing a check for dividends. The payment included a "regular quarterly dividend" of $0.40 per share and an "additional dividend" of $0.15 per share, $0.55 per share in the aggregate. A copy of that letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.

SIGNATURE 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 hereunto authorized. Dated: January 20, 2004 /s/ Joe E. Crossgrove --------------------- Joe E. Crossgrove President & Chief Executive Officer /s/ Barbara S. Britenriker ----------------------------------- Barbara J. Britenriker Senior Vice President, Comptroller, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit - ------ ---------------------- 99 Letter to Shareholders announcing quarterly dividend.

EXHIBIT 99 [Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.] January 20, 2004 Dear Shareholder, Enclosed please find your regular quarterly dividend of forty cents ($.40) per share, PLUS AN ADDITIONAL DIVIDEND of fifteen cents ($.15) per share. This results in a total fourth quarter dividend of fifty-five cents ($.55) per share payable to shareholders of record as of December 20, 2003. This was made possible by our performance for the year and our continued confidence that we will maintain our revenue generation, credit quality, and cost control momentum. Since you will be receiving the 2003 Annual Report for examination in early March, the quarterly statement has not been included with the dividend. The highlights of the report will be reviewed at our Annual Shareholders Meeting to be held on April 3, 2004. The media reminds us almost daily of the strength and safety of various financial institutions in our area. Your confidence in our institution and your continued support has enabled us to retain a strong capital position, which is the true barometer of financial strength. Once again, we would like to offer Direct Deposit of your dividends. This service means you will no longer have to wait for your dividend to arrive in the mail. Instead, funds are deposited directly into your bank account. THIS IS A FREE SERVICE TO YOU AND A COST SAVING MEASURE FOR THE BANK. To enroll, simply complete the enclosed authorization card and return it to The Farmers & Merchants State Bank or call your nearest banking center. With the beginning of the new year, I would personally like to thank all of the Directors, Advisory Boards, Shareholders, fellow employees and friends that have made all this possible. 2004 will again present many challenges; however, with your support and continued promotion of your Bank, we will meet our goals. Sincerely, /s/ Joe E. Crossgrove Joe E. Crossgrove President/CEO