BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb 18, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- M&T Bank Corporation ("M&T") (NYSE: MTB) announced that its Board of Directors yesterday declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.40 per share on M&T's common stock. This represents an increase of 33% over the most recent quarterly dividend rate of $.30 per share. The dividend will be payable March 31, 2004 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 27, 2004.

M&T also announced that it has been authorized by its Board of Directors to purchase and hold as treasury stock up to 5 million additional shares of its common stock. This represents approximately 4% of common shares currently outstanding. Under this authorization, shares of common stock may be purchased from time-to-time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.

M&T further announced that it has completed the repurchase of 5 million shares previously authorized by its Board of Directors on October 16, 2001. The previous repurchase program was completed at an average price of $82.11 per share.

M&T is a bank holding company whose banking subsidiaries, Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and M&T Bank, National Association, operate branch offices in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia.

     CONTACT:  Michael S. Piemonte
               (716) 842-5138

SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation

Michael S. Piemonte of M&T Bank Corporation, +1-716-842-5138

http://www.mandtbank.com

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