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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17,
2000&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Washington, D.C. 20549</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER">FORM S-8</TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER">REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</P>
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<B><FONT SIZE=4><P ALIGN="CENTER">FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.<BR>
</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="RIGHT">Delaware&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
(State of Incorporation)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-3161078<BR>
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">300 Park Boulevard, Suite 405, Itasca, Illinois 60143-0459 (630) 875-7450<BR>
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
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<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.<BR>
RESTATED NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR>
</B><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan)<BR>
</FONT></TD>
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<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">Mr. Donald J. Swistowicz<BR>
Executive Vice President<BR>
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.<BR>
300 Park Boulevard<BR>
Suite 405<BR>
Itasca, Illinois 60143-0459<BR>
(630) 875-7450<BR>
</B><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)</FONT></TD>
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<U><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></FONT></TD>
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<B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Title of securities<BR>
<U>to be registered (1)</P>
</U><P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Amount to be<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;registered (2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
</U><P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="21%" VALIGN="BOTTOM" COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT=21>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Proposed maximum<BR>
offering price per<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;share (3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
</U><P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="BOTTOM" HEIGHT=21>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Proposed maximum<BR>
aggregate offering<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;price (3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
</U><P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM" HEIGHT=21>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Amount of<BR>
registration<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;fee (4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
</U><P ALIGN="CENTER"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">Common Stock,<BR>
$.01 par value&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">187,500</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">$23.42</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">$4,391,250</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" VALIGN="BOTTOM" HEIGHT=21>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">$1,159.29</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P>(1)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The Registrant is also registering preferred share purchase rights which are evidenced by the certificates for the Common Stock being registered in a ratio of one Preferred Share Purchase Right for each share of Common Stock
 .</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P>(2)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Pursuant to Rule 416(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of shares issuable pursuant to the Restated Non-Employee Directors'
1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P>(3)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) of the Securities Act based upon the aggregate of (a) the weighted average option price per share for each of the 14,805 shares
covered by options outstanding under the Plan on November 15, 2000 and (b) the average of the high and low prices for the Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on November 15, 2000 for each of the remaining 172,695 shares.</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P>(4)</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">An aggregate of 2,894 shares (as adjusted to reflect all stock splits and stock dividends to date) are being carried forward from those shares previously registered by a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-63095).  A registration fee of $23.78 was paid with respect to the shares being carried forward from that filing.  The previously registered shares being carried forward together with the shares being registered hereby represent the total number of
shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan.</FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
<B>************</P>
</B><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act the document containing the information required by Part 1 of this Registration Statement on Form S-8 also relates to the Registrant's shares of Common Stock previously registered on a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-63095).</P>
</FONT><B><P ALIGN="CENTER">FIRST MIDWEST BANCOR, INC.<BR>
<BR>
FORM S-8<BR>
<BR>
PART I<BR>
<BR>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS<BR>
<BR>
</P>
</B><FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">This Registration Statement relates to the registration of 187,500 additional shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the "Registrant") reserved for issuance and delivery under
the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Restated Non-Employee Directors' 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").  Such additional shares are being reserved pursuant to an amendment to increase the number of shares authorized to be issued under the Plan which was
approved by the Registrant's shareholders on April 19, 2000.  Pursuant to a Form S-8 Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on September 9, 1998, the Registrant has previously registered an aggregate of 37,500 shares of Common Stock (as adjusted
to reflect all stock splits and stock dividends to date) of which 2,894 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.  The contents of that Form S-8 Registration Statement (File No. 333-63095) are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to
General Instruction E to Form S-8, except as the same may be modified by the information set forth herein.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The document containing the information required by this section, which also relates to the shares remaining available which were previously registered under the above-referenced Registration Statement, will be given to those persons
who participate in the Plan.  Such documents are not required to be filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement or as an Exhibit.</P>
</FONT><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
<B>PART II</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
</B><BR>
</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">ITEM 3.&#9;INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;<FONT SIZE=2>The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by the Registrant (File No. 0-10967) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are incorporated in this
Registration Statement by reference:</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P></FONT>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and September 30, 2000;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="8%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2000; and</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The description of the Common Stock, $.01 par value, and Preferred Stock purchase rights associated with the Common Stock of the Registrant, no par value, as contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
8-A, dated February 17, 1989, as amended by subsequently filed reports on Form 8-A.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;All documents filed by the Registrant with the commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and are a part thereof from the date of filing of such documents.  Any statements contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration Statement, except as so modified or superseded.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 4.&#9;DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;Not applicable.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 5.&#9;INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;Not applicable.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 6.&#9;INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of his service as a director or officer of the
corporation, or his service, at the corporation's request, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by him ("Expenses"),
and judgements, fines and amounts paid in settlement that are actually and reasonably incurred by him, in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, provided that he acted in good faith and in a matter he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.  Although Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above
against Expenses in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, if
such person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the Court of Chancery (or the court in which the action was brought) determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, such person is
entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper.  The determination as to whether a person seeking indemnification has met the required standard of conduct is to be made (1) by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested members of the
board of directors, or (2) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, if such a quorum does not exist or if the disinterested directors so direct, or (3) by the stockholders.  The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware also provides for
mandatory indemnification of any director, officer, employee or agent against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful in any proceeding covered by the statute.  In addition, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides the
general authorization of advancement of a director's or officer's litigation expenses in lieu of requiring the authorization of such advancement by the board of directors in specific cases, and that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by
the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement or otherwise.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;The Registrant's Amended and Restated By-laws and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provide for indemnification of the Registrant's directors, officers, and employees and other agents to the fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware law.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;The Registrant has entered into agreements to indemnify its directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in the Registrant's Amended and Restated By-laws and Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
These agreements, among other things, will indemnify the Registrant's directors and executive officers for all direct and indirect expenses and costs (including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and related disbursements, other out of
pocket costs and reasonable compensation for time spent by such persons for which they are not otherwise compensated by the Registrant or any third party) and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgements, fines and
settlement fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with either the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any threatened, pending or completed action suit or other proceeding, including any action by or in the right of
the Registrant, arising out of such person's services as a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Registrant, any subsidiary of the Registrant or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request of the
Registrant.  The Registrant believes that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;The Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is consistent with Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally permits a corporation to include a provision limiting the personal liability of a
director in the corporation's certificate of incorporation.  With limitations, this provision eliminates the personal liability of the Registrant's directors to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director.  However, this provision does not eliminate director liability: (1) for breaches of duty of loyalty to the Registrant and its stockholders; (2) for acts of omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; (3) for transactions from which a director derives improper personal benefit; or (4) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 174").  Section 174 makes directors personally liable for unlawful dividends and
stock repurchases or redemptions and expressly sets forth a negligence standard with respect to such liability.  While this provision protects the directors from awards for monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, it does not eliminate their
duty of care.  The limitations in this provision have no effect on claims arising under the securities laws.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;The Registrant maintains liability insurance for the benefit of its directors and officers.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 7.&#9;EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;Not applicable</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 8.&#9;EXHIBITS</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
&#9;<FONT SIZE=2>The Exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein are set forth in the Exhibit Index as part of this Registration Statement.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</FONT>ITEM 9.&#9;UNDERTAKINGS</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
</P>
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<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(a)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes;</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the intimal <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">To removed from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(b)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial <I>bona fide</I> offering thereof. </P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="6%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">(h)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="7%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth or described in
Item 6 of this Registration Statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore,
unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer of controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by itself is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</FONT><B>SIGNATURES<BR>
<BR>
</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&#9;</B>Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Itasca, State of Illinois, on November 14, 2000.</P></FONT>
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<P><BR>
<BR>
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="11%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P>/s/ ROBERT P. O'MEARA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
</U><FONT SIZE=2>Robert P. O'Meara<BR>
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
POWER OF ATTORNEY<BR>
<BR>
</P>
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&#9;The undersigned officer and directors of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., do hereby constitute and appoint Robert P. O'Meara and Donald J. Swistowicz, and either one of them, as their attorneys-in-fact with power and
authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact, and either one of them, determine may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and any rules or regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Registration Statement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the
power and authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated below to the Registration Statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this Registration
Statement, and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or amendments or supplements thereto, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact or
any of them shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&#9;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed on November 14, 2000 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.</P></FONT>
<TABLE CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=630>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=5>
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Signatures&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP" HEIGHT=5>
<U><P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capacity&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ROBERT P. O'MEARA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Robert P. O'Meara</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer </FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/JOHN M. O'MEARA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>John M. O'Meara</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>President, Chief Operating Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/DONALD J. SWISTOWICZ&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Donald J. Swistowicz</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/VERNON A. BRUNNER&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Vernon A. Brunner</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/BRUCE S. CHELBERG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Bruce S. Chelberg</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/WILLIAM J. COWLIN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>William J. Cowlin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/O. RALPH EDWARDS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>O. Ralph Edwards</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/JOSEPH W. ENGLAND&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Joseph W. England</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">/s/BROTHER JAMES GAFFNEY, FSC</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Brother James Gaffney, FSC</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/THOMAS M. GARVIN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Thomas M. Garvin</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/JACK PAYAN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Jack Payan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/JOHN L. STERLING&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>John L. Sterling</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/J. STEPHEN VANDERWOUDE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>J. Stephen Vanderwoude</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/s/RICHARD T. WOJCIK&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2>Richard T. Wojcik</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="55%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P>Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><BR>
</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">EXHIBIT INDEX<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=7 WIDTH=649>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">Exhibit<BR>
<U>Number</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<U><P ALIGN="CENTER">Description of Documents</U></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="CENTER">Sequential<BR>
Page<BR>
<U>&nbsp;Number&nbsp;</U></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">4</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Restated Certificate of Incorporation, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">-</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, Form of Rights Certificate and Description of Series A Preferred Stock of the Registrant, dated November 15, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits (1) through (3) of
the Registrant's Registration Statement of Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 1995.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">-</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">First Amendment to Rights Agreement dated June 18, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 30, 1997.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">-</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">5</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman &amp; Kammholz.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">9</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman and Kammholz (contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5).</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">-</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Consent of Ernst &amp; Young LLP.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">10</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">24</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page hereof).</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">6</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">99</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="67%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Restated Non-Employee Directors' 1997 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<FONT SIZE=2><P ALIGN="CENTER">-</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P></BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "dir_adtlissue.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 37642}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP INC", "cik": "0000702325", "assigned-sic": "6021", "irs-number": "363161078", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-50140", "film-number": "772040"}, "business-address": {"street1": "300 PARK BLVD SUITE 405", "street2": "P O BOX 459", "city": "ITASCA", "state": "IL", "zip": "60143-0459", "phone": "7088757450"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "300 PARK BLVD SUITE 405", "street2": "P O BOOX 459", "city": "ITASCA", "state": "IL", "zip": "60143-0459"}}
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17,
2000
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State of Incorporation)
36-3161078
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
300 Park Boulevard, Suite 405, Itasca, Illinois 60143-0459 (630) 875-7450
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
RESTATED NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' 1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Mr. Donald J. Swistowicz
Executive Vice President
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
300 Park Boulevard
Suite 405
Itasca, Illinois 60143-0459
(630) 875-7450
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities
to be registered (1)
Amount to be
registered (2)
Proposed maximum
offering price per
share (3)
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price (3)
Amount of
registration
fee (4)
Common Stock,
$.01 par value
187,500
$23.42
$4,391,250
$1,159.29
(1)
The Registrant is also registering preferred share purchase rights which are evidenced by the certificates for the Common Stock being registered in a ratio of one Preferred Share Purchase Right for each share of Common Stock
 .
(2)
Pursuant to Rule 416(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of shares issuable pursuant to the Restated Non-Employee Directors'
1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(3)
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(h)(1) of the Securities Act based upon the aggregate of (a) the weighted average option price per share for each of the 14,805 shares
covered by options outstanding under the Plan on November 15, 2000 and (b) the average of the high and low prices for the Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on November 15, 2000 for each of the remaining 172,695 shares.
(4)
An aggregate of 2,894 shares (as adjusted to reflect all stock splits and stock dividends to date) are being carried forward from those shares previously registered by a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-63095).  A registration fee of $23.78 was paid with respect to the shares being carried forward from that filing.  The previously registered shares being carried forward together with the shares being registered hereby represent the total number of
shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan.
************
Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act the document containing the information required by Part 1 of this Registration Statement on Form S-8 also relates to the Registrant's shares of Common Stock previously registered on a Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-63095).
FIRST MIDWEST BANCOR, INC.
FORM S-8
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
This Registration Statement relates to the registration of 187,500 additional shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the "Registrant") reserved for issuance and delivery under
the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Restated Non-Employee Directors' 1997 Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").  Such additional shares are being reserved pursuant to an amendment to increase the number of shares authorized to be issued under the Plan which was
approved by the Registrant's shareholders on April 19, 2000.  Pursuant to a Form S-8 Registration Statement filed by the Registrant on September 9, 1998, the Registrant has previously registered an aggregate of 37,500 shares of Common Stock (as adjusted
to reflect all stock splits and stock dividends to date) of which 2,894 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan.  The contents of that Form S-8 Registration Statement (File No. 333-63095) are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to
General Instruction E to Form S-8, except as the same may be modified by the information set forth herein.
The document containing the information required by this section, which also relates to the shares remaining available which were previously registered under the above-referenced Registration Statement, will be given to those persons
who participate in the Plan.  Such documents are not required to be filed with the Commission as a part of the Registration Statement or as an Exhibit.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3.	INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by the Registrant (File No. 0-10967) pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), are incorporated in this
Registration Statement by reference:
(1)
The Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999;
(2)
The Registrant's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2000, June 30, 2000 and September 30, 2000;
(3)
The Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 25, 2000; and
(4)
The description of the Common Stock, $.01 par value, and Preferred Stock purchase rights associated with the Common Stock of the Registrant, no par value, as contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
8-A, dated February 17, 1989, as amended by subsequently filed reports on Form 8-A.
All documents filed by the Registrant with the commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which
deregisters all securities then remaining unsold are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and are a part thereof from the date of filing of such documents.  Any statements contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this Registration Statement, except as so modified or superseded.
ITEM 4.	DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.	INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 6.	INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to an action (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of his service as a director or officer of the
corporation, or his service, at the corporation's request, as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorney's fees) that are actually and reasonably incurred by him ("Expenses"),
and judgements, fines and amounts paid in settlement that are actually and reasonably incurred by him, in connection with the defense or settlement of such action, provided that he acted in good faith and in a matter he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.  Although Delaware law permits a corporation to indemnify any person referred to above
against Expenses in connection with the defense or settlement of an action by or in the right of the corporation, provided that he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, if
such person has been judged liable to the corporation, indemnification is only permitted to the extent that the Court of Chancery (or the court in which the action was brought) determines that, despite the adjudication of liability, such person is
entitled to indemnity for such Expenses as the court deems proper.  The determination as to whether a person seeking indemnification has met the required standard of conduct is to be made (1) by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested members of the
board of directors, or (2) by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, if such a quorum does not exist or if the disinterested directors so direct, or (3) by the stockholders.  The General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware also provides for
mandatory indemnification of any director, officer, employee or agent against Expenses to the extent such person has been successful in any proceeding covered by the statute.  In addition, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware provides the
general authorization of advancement of a director's or officer's litigation expenses in lieu of requiring the authorization of such advancement by the board of directors in specific cases, and that indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by
the statute shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement or otherwise.
The Registrant's Amended and Restated By-laws and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provide for indemnification of the Registrant's directors, officers, and employees and other agents to the fullest extent not prohibited by Delaware law.
The Registrant has entered into agreements to indemnify its directors and executive officers, in addition to the indemnification provided for in the Registrant's Amended and Restated By-laws and Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
These agreements, among other things, will indemnify the Registrant's directors and executive officers for all direct and indirect expenses and costs (including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and related disbursements, other out of
pocket costs and reasonable compensation for time spent by such persons for which they are not otherwise compensated by the Registrant or any third party) and liabilities of any type whatsoever (including, but not limited to, judgements, fines and
settlement fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with either the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any threatened, pending or completed action suit or other proceeding, including any action by or in the right of
the Registrant, arising out of such person's services as a director, officer, employee or other agent of the Registrant, any subsidiary of the Registrant or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at the request of the
Registrant.  The Registrant believes that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced directors and officers.
The Registrant's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation is consistent with Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally permits a corporation to include a provision limiting the personal liability of a
director in the corporation's certificate of incorporation.  With limitations, this provision eliminates the personal liability of the Registrant's directors to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director.  However, this provision does not eliminate director liability: (1) for breaches of duty of loyalty to the Registrant and its stockholders; (2) for acts of omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; (3) for transactions from which a director derives improper personal benefit; or (4) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 174").  Section 174 makes directors personally liable for unlawful dividends and
stock repurchases or redemptions and expressly sets forth a negligence standard with respect to such liability.  While this provision protects the directors from awards for monetary damages for breaches of their duty of care, it does not eliminate their
duty of care.  The limitations in this provision have no effect on claims arising under the securities laws.
The Registrant maintains liability insurance for the benefit of its directors and officers.
ITEM 7.	EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED
Not applicable
ITEM 8.	EXHIBITS
The Exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference herein are set forth in the Exhibit Index as part of this Registration Statement.
ITEM 9.	UNDERTAKINGS
(a)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes;
(1)
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously
disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2)
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the intimal
bona fide
offering thereof.
(3)
To removed from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
(h)
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth or described in
Item 6 of this Registration Statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore,
unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer of controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by itself is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Village of Itasca, State of Illinois, on November 14, 2000.
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
By:
/s/ ROBERT P. O'MEARA
Robert P. O'Meara
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and directors of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., do hereby constitute and appoint Robert P. O'Meara and Donald J. Swistowicz, and either one of them, as their attorneys-in-fact with power and
authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys-in-fact, and either one of them, determine may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and any rules or regulations or requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this Registration Statement.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the
power and authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated below to the Registration Statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective and post-effective, and supplements to this Registration
Statement, and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or amendments or supplements thereto, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys-in-fact or
any of them shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  This Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed on November 14, 2000 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
Signatures
Capacity
/s/ROBERT P. O'MEARA
Robert P. O'Meara
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
/s/JOHN M. O'MEARA
John M. O'Meara
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
/s/DONALD J. SWISTOWICZ
Donald J. Swistowicz
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
/s/VERNON A. BRUNNER
Vernon A. Brunner
Director
/s/BRUCE S. CHELBERG
Bruce S. Chelberg
Director
/s/WILLIAM J. COWLIN
William J. Cowlin
Director
/s/O. RALPH EDWARDS
O. Ralph Edwards
Director
/s/JOSEPH W. ENGLAND
Joseph W. England
Director
/s/BROTHER JAMES GAFFNEY, FSC
Brother James Gaffney, FSC
Director
/s/THOMAS M. GARVIN
Thomas M. Garvin
Director
/s/JACK PAYAN
Jack Payan
Director
/s/JOHN L. STERLING
John L. Sterling
Director
/s/J. STEPHEN VANDERWOUDE
J. Stephen Vanderwoude
Director
/s/RICHARD T. WOJCIK
Richard T. Wojcik
Director
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description of Documents
Sequential
Page
Number
4
Restated Certificate of Incorporation, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.
-
4.1
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, Form of Rights Certificate and Description of Series A Preferred Stock of the Registrant, dated November 15, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits (1) through (3) of
the Registrant's Registration Statement of Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 1995.
-
4.2
First Amendment to Rights Agreement dated June 18, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 of the Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 30, 1997.
-
5
Opinion of Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz.
9
23.1
Consent of Vedder, Price, Kaufman and Kammholz (contained in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5).
-
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
10
24
Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page hereof).
6
99
Restated Non-Employee Directors' 1997 Stock Option Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2000.
-