As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2006 Registration No.[ ]

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under the Securities Act of 1933

FIRST BUSEY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

6712
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number)

Nevada		37-1338484
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

201 West Main Street, Urbana, Illinois 61801, (217) 365-4513
(Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Douglas C. Mills, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
First Busey Corporation
201 West Main Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 365-4513
(name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

With copies to:

William C. Hermann, Esq.		John E. Freechack, Esq.
Walter L. Draney, Esq.		Robert M. Fleetwood, Esq.
Chapman and Cutler LLP		Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum Perlman & Nagelberg LLP
111 West Monroe Street		333 West Wacker Drive, Suite 2700
Chicago, Illinois 60603		Chicago, Illinois 60606
Phone: (312) 845-3000		Phone: (312) 984-3100
Fax: (312) 701-2361		Fax: (312) 984-3150

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the proposed merger described herein have been satisfied or waived.

If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. o

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

Proposed Maximum

Title of Each Class of

Amount to be

Offering Price

Aggregate Offering

Amount of

Securities to be Registered

Registered(1)

Per Share(2)

Price(2)

Registration Fee

Common stock, $0.001 par value

15,533,122 shares

23.53

365,494,361

39,108

(1) Represents the estimated maximum number of shares to be issued pursuant to the agreement and plan of merger dated September 20, 2006, between First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation, and Main Street Trust, Inc., an Illinois corporation.

(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(f) of Regulation C under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

DELAYING AMENDMENT: The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

The information contained in this joint proxy statement-prospectus is subject to completion or amendment. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This joint proxy statement-prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted or would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

Subject to Completion, Dated December 7, 2006



Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of First Busey Corporation		Proxy Statement for the Special Meeting of Stockholders of Main Street Trust, Inc.

Prospectus of First Busey Corporation, In Connection With an Offering of Up to
[ ] Shares of its Common Stock

Merger Proposed – Your Vote is Very Important

The Boards of Directors of First Busey Corporation and Main Street Trust, Inc. have approved a merger agreement that would result in a tax-free merger of Main Street with First Busey, with the combined entity operating under the name “First Busey Corporation.”

In the transaction Main Street stockholders will be entitled to receive 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock for each share of Main Street common stock they own. First Busey stockholders will keep their shares of common stock. As a result of the fixed exchange ratio, the value of the stock consideration that Main Street stockholders will receive in the merger will fluctuate as the price of First Busey common stock changes. We encourage you to read this document carefully and, if you are a Main Street stockholder, to obtain current market price quotations for First Busey common stock.

First Busey common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.” The closing price of First Busey common stock on [ ], 2006, was $[ ].

To complete this merger we must obtain the necessary government approvals and the approvals of a majority of the stockholders of each of our companies. Each of us will hold a special meeting of our stockholders to vote on this merger proposal. Your vote is very important. Even if you plan to attend your stockholder meeting, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card to us as soon as possible. If you date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you want to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote “FOR” the merger. If you do not return your card, or if you do not instruct your broker how to vote any shares held for you in your broker’s name, the effect will be a vote against this merger.

The dates, times and places of the meetings are as follows:

For First Busey stockholders:
[                                                      ]
[                                                      ]
[                                                      ]
[                    ] [    ], 200[    ], [      :         .m.],
local time

For Main Street stockholders:
[                                                      ]
[                                                      ]
[                                                      ]
[                    ] [    ], 200[    ], [      :         .m.],
local time

This joint proxy statement-prospectus gives you detailed information about the merger we are proposing, and it includes our merger agreement as an appendix. You can also obtain information about our companies from publicly available documents we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We encourage you to read this entire document carefully.

For a description of the significant considerations in connection with the merger and related matters described in this document, see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 29.

We enthusiastically support this combination and join with the other members of our Boards of Directors in recommending that you vote in favor of the merger.


Douglas C. Mills Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President First Busey Corporation				Van A. Dukeman President and Chief Executive Officer Main Street Trust, Inc.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement-prospectus or determined if this joint proxy statement-prospectus is accurate or adequate. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The securities we are offering through this document are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of any bank or non-bank subsidiary of either of our companies, and they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Deposit Insurance Fund or any other governmental agency.

Joint proxy statement-prospectus dated [ ], 2006,
and first mailed to stockholders on [ ], 2006

First Busey Corporation
201 West Main Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801
Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held On [ ], 200[ ]

A special meeting of the stockholders of First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation, will be held at [ ], on [ ], 200[ ], [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, for the following purposes:

1. To consider and vote upon a proposal to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 20, 2006, between First Busey Corporation, a Nevada corporation, and Main Street Trust, Inc., an Illinois corporation, and approve the transactions it contemplates, including the issuance of shares of First Busey common stock as consideration in the proposed merger of Main Street with First Busey and the adoption of an amendment to First Busey’s articles of incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 40 million to 60 million.

2. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the special meeting, or any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting, including a motion to adjourn the special meeting to another time or place, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.

The close of business on [ ], 200[ ], has been fixed as the record date for determining those stockholders entitled to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. Accordingly, only stockholders of record on that date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.

		By Order of the Board of Directors,


		Douglas C. Mills
[ ], 200[ ]		Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
		President

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting in person, please take the time to vote by completing and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you attend the special meeting, you may still vote in person if you wish, even if you have previously returned your proxy card. Because the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting is required to adopt the proposal, the failure to vote by proxy or in person will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same affect as a vote against the merger.

Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the transactions it contemplates, including the issuance of shares of First Busey common stock as consideration in the proposed merger and the adoption of an amendment to First Busey’s articles of incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 40 million to 60 million.

Main Street Trust, Inc.
100 West University Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Notice of Special Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held On [ ], 200[ ]

A special meeting of the stockholders of Main Street Trust, Inc., an Illinois corporation, will be held at [ ], on [ ], 200[ ], [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, for the following purposes:

		By Order of the Board of Directors,


		Van A. Dukeman
[ ], 200[ ]		President and Chief Executive Officer

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

Your Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR adoption of the merger agreement and approval of the transactions it contemplates.

HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This joint proxy statement-prospectus incorporates business and financial information about First Busey and Main Street that is not included in or delivered with this document. This information is described on page 98 under “Where You Can Find More Information.” You can obtain free copies of documents that are related to First Busey and Main Street that are incorporated by reference in this document through the Securities and Exchange Commission website at http://www.sec.gov or by writing or calling:

First Busey Corporation		Main Street Trust, Inc
201 West Main Street Urbana, Illinois 61801 Attention: Mary E. Lakey Telephone: (217) 365-4556		100 West University Avenue Champaign, Illinois 61820 Attention: Teresa M. Marsh, Secretary Telephone: (217) 351-6500

To obtain timely delivery of the documents, you must request the information by [ ], 200[ ] to receive them before the special meeting.

You also may obtain additional proxy cards and other information related to the proxy solicitation by contacting the appropriate contact listed above. You will not be charged for any of these documents that you request.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
SUMMARY
General
The Companies
Special Meetings
What You Will Receive in the Merger
Recommendation to Stockholders
Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
The Merger
Exchange of Stock Certificates
Effect of the Merger on Options
Ownership After the Merger
Effective Time of the Merger
Federal Income Tax Consequences
Reasons for the Merger
Opinion of Financial Advisors
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
Termination and Termination Fees
Waiver and Amendment
Regulatory Approvals
Management and Operations After the Merger
Accounting Treatment
Expenses
Dividend Policy After the Merger; Coordination of Dividends
Material Differences in the Rights of Stockholders
Record Date; Vote Required
Authority to Adjourn Special Meeting to Solicit Additional Proxies
Dissenters’ Rights
Comparative Market Prices of Common Stock
Comparative Per Share Data
Market Price Information
Historical Market Prices and Dividend Information
Selected Historical Financial Data
UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
RISK FACTORS
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
FIRST BUSEY SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Place, Time and Purpose
Record Date, Voting Rights, Required Vote and Revocability of Proxies
Solicitation of Proxies
Authority to Adjourn Special Meeting to Solicit Additional Proxies
Dissenters’ Rights
Recommendation of First Busey’s Board
MAIN STREET SPECIAL MEETING
Date, Place, Time and Purpose
Record Date, Voting Rights, Required Vote and Revocability of Proxies
Solicitation of Proxies
Authority to Adjourn Special Meeting to Solicit Additional Proxies
Dissenters’ Rights
Recommendation of Main Street’s Board
DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION
General
Treatment of Stock Options
Surrender of Stock Certificates
Effective Time of the Merger
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger
Background of the Merger
First Busey’s Reasons for the Merger and Board Recommendation
Main Street’s Reasons for the Merger and Board Recommendation
Fairness Opinion of First Busey’s Financial Advisor
Fairness Opinion of Main Street’s Financial Advisor
Representations and Warranties of the Parties
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger and Other Covenants
Conditions to Completion of the Merger
Termination and Termination Fees
Waiver and Amendment
Regulatory Approvals
Management and Operations After the Merger
Employee Benefit Plans and Employment Arrangements
Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
Accounting Treatment
Expenses
Resales of First Busey Common Stock
COMPARISON OF THE RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS
General
Authorized Capital Stock
Voting Rights
Classification of Board of Directors
Size of the Board of Directors; Qualifications; Vacancies; Removal
Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
Special Meetings of Stockholders
Action by Written Consent
Dividends
Special Voting Requirements; State Takeover Laws
Amendment of Charter Documents
Limitations on Director Liability
Indemnification
Dissenters’ Rights
Summary of Amendments to First Busey’s Articles of Incorporation
BUSINESS OF FIRST BUSEY
BUSINESS OF MAIN STREET
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION OF FIRST BUSEY AND MAIN STREET
General
Dividends
Capital Requirements
Prompt Corrective Action
OTHER MATTERS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
EXPERTS
CERTAIN OPINIONS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Appendix A – Agreement and Plan of Merger

Appendix B – Fairness Opinion of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

Appendix C – Fairness Opinion of Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

Appendix D – Sections 11.65 and 11.70 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act (Dissenters’ Rights)

Appendix E – Amendment to First Busey Articles of Incorporation

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

Q: What am I being asked to vote on?

A: First Busey stockholders and Main Street stockholders are being asked to adopt a merger agreement that will result in a merger of Main Street with First Busey and to approve that merger. By approving the merger, First Busey stockholders will also be approving the issuance of First Busey common stock as consideration in the proposed merger and the adoption of an amendment to First Busey’s articles of incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 40 million to 60 million.

Q: Why do First Busey and Main Street want to engage in a merger?

A: First Busey and Main Street believe that the proposed merger will provide each of its stockholders with substantial benefits and will further each of the companies’ strategic growth plans. As a larger company, the combined entity can provide the capital and resources that the companies’ combined subsidiary banks need to compete effectively and to offer a broader array of products and services to better serve their banking customers.

Q: What will happen to Main Street as a result of the merger?

A. If the merger is completed, Main Street will merge with First Busey, with First Busey being the surviving entity in the merger. The combined entity will operate under the name “First Busey Corporation” and its shares will be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.”

Q: What will I receive for my shares of Main Street?

A: Stockholders of Main Street will be entitled to receive 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock for each share of Main Street common stock that they own at the effective time of the merger. Fractional shares will not be issued in the merger. Instead of fractional shares, Main Street stockholders will receive cash in an amount determined as described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus.

Q: What will happen to First Busey as a result of the merger?

A: Following the merger, First Busey will continue to be incorporated in Nevada with its corporate headquarters in Urbana, Illinois.

Q: What will happen to my shares of First Busey?

A: All shares of First Busey will remain outstanding. First Busey stockholders do not need to surrender their shares or stock certificates.

Q: Will the value of the merger consideration fluctuate?

A: Yes. Because the exchange ratio is fixed at 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock per share of Main Street common stock, the value of the stock consideration payable to Main Street stockholders will fluctuate as the price of First Busey common stock changes. You should obtain current market price quotations for First Busey common stock to determine the current value of the stock consideration.

Q: Who must approve the proposals at the special meeting?

A: Holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of each of Main Street and First Busey as of the record dates of their respective special meetings must adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates.

Q: When and where will the special meetings take place?

A: The First Busey special meeting will be held on [ ], 200[ ], at [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, at [ ].

The Main Street special meeting will be held on [ ], 200[ ], at [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, at [ ].

Q. Who can vote at the special meetings?

A. You can vote at the First Busey special meeting if you owned shares of First Busey common stock at the close of business on [ ] [ ], 200[ ], the record date for the First Busey special meeting.

You can vote at the Main Street special meeting if you owned shares of Main Street common stock at the close of business on [ ] [ ], 200[ ], the record date for the Main Street special meeting.

Q: What do the First Busey Board of Directors and the Main Street Board of Directors recommend?

A: Each of the Boards of Directors of First Busey and Main Street recommend and encourage their respective stockholders to vote “FOR” approval of the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates.

Q: What do I need to do now?

A: After reviewing this document, submit your proxy by sending a completed proxy card. By submitting your proxy, you authorize the individuals named in it to represent you and vote your shares at the special meeting in accordance with your instructions. Your proxy vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, please submit your proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope.

Q: How will my shares be voted if I return a blank proxy card?

A: If you sign and date your proxy card but do not indicate how you want to vote, your proxies will be counted as a vote “FOR” the approval of the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates and in the discretion of the persons named as proxies in any other matters properly presented at the special meeting.

Q: What will be the effect if I do not vote?

A: Your failure to vote will have the same effect as if you voted against approval of the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates.

Q: If my shares are held in “street name” by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for me?

A: Your broker will vote your shares only if you instruct your broker on how to vote. Your broker will send you directions on how to do this. If you fail to provide your broker with instructions on how to vote your shares it will not be able to vote them at the special meeting.

Q: Can I vote my shares in person?

A: Yes, if your shares are registered in your own name, you may attend the special meeting and vote your shares in person. If your shares are held in “street name,” you will need to obtain a “legal proxy” from your broker to vote your shares in person at the special meeting. We recommend that you sign, date and promptly mail the enclosed proxy card.

Q: Can I change my mind and revoke my proxy?

A: Yes, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at your special meeting by following the instructions in this document.

Q: What if I oppose the merger? Do I have dissenters’ rights?

A: If you are a Main Street stockholder, you have dissenters’ rights under the Illinois Business Corporation Act. A description of your dissenters’ rights are described in this joint proxy statement-prospectus. A copy of the applicable provisions of Illinois law is attached as Appendix D to this document.

If you are a First Busey stockholder, dissenters’ rights are not available for this transaction under the Nevada General Corporation Law.

Q: Who can answer my questions?

A: You should contact:

For First Busey stockholders:

First Busey Corporation

201 West Main Street

Urbana, Illinois 61801

Attention: Mary E. Lakey

Telephone: (217) 365-4556

For Main Street stockholders:

Main Street Trust, Inc.

100 West University Avenue

Champaign, Illinois 61820

Attention: Teresa M. Marsh

Telephone: (217) 351-6500

Q: Is the merger expected to be taxable to me?

A: In general, the exchange of your Main Street common stock solely for First Busey common stock will not cause you to recognize any taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. However, Main Street stockholders will have to recognize taxable income or gain in connection with cash received in lieu of any fractional shares of common stock of the combined company or the exercise of dissenters’ rights.

Each of First Busey’s and Main Street’s respective obligations to complete the merger is conditioned upon receipt of an opinion about the federal income tax treatment of the merger. The opinion will not bind the Internal Revenue Service, which could take a different view. To review in greater detail the tax consequences to First Busey and Main Street stockholders, see “Description of Transaction—United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger,” beginning on page 41. You should consult your own tax advisor for a full understanding of the tax consequences to you of the merger.

Q: When do you expect the merger to be completed?

A: We are working to complete the merger as quickly as possible. If approved by the First Busey and Main Street stockholders, we anticipate closing the merger in the second quarter of 2007. However, it is possible that factors outside our control could require us to complete the merger at a later time or not complete it at all.

Q: How do I exchange my Main Street stock certificates?

A: If the merger is approved and consummated, after the merger is effective, the exchange agent will send to you a letter of transmittal, which will include instructions on where to surrender your stock certificates for exchange.

SUMMARY

This brief summary highlights selected information from this joint proxy statement-prospectus and does not contain all of the information that is important to you. We urge you to carefully read this entire document and the other documents we refer to in this document. These will give you a more complete description of the transaction we are proposing. For more information about our two companies, see “Where You Can Find More Information.” We have included page references in this summary to direct you to other places in this joint proxy statement-prospectus where you can find a more complete description of the topics we have summarized.

General

This joint proxy statement-prospectus relates to the proposed merger between Main Street and First Busey. First Busey and Main Street believe that the merger will enhance stockholder value by allowing Main Street and First Busey stockholders to own stock in a combined company with significantly greater capital and resources than either company standing alone. The merger also creates a combined company that will possess a greater geographic presence than either Main Street or First Busey on a stand-alone basis and will allow the development of enhanced and more competitive products and services.

The Companies

(pages 93 and 94)

First Busey Corporation
201 West Main Street
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 365-4556

First Busey, a Nevada corporation, is a financial holding company headquartered in Urbana, Illinois. The indirect and direct subsidiaries of First Busey include two wholly-owned banking subsidiaries with locations in three states, a trust company and a securities broker-dealer subsidiary. Its local bank, Busey Bank, is headquartered in Urbana, Illinois. At September 30, 2006, First Busey reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of approximately $2.4 billion, deposits of approximately $1.9 billion and stockholders’ equity of approximately $180 million.

Main Street Trust, Inc.
100 West University Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Telephone: (217) 351-6500

Main Street, an Illinois corporation, is a financial holding company with a subsidiary bank, Main Street Bank & Trust, headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. At September 30, 2006, Main Street reported, on a consolidated basis, total assets of approximately $1.6 billion, deposits of approximately $1.3 billion, stockholders’ equity of approximately $148 million and trust assets under administration of approximately $2.3 billion.

Special Meetings
(pages 32 and 35)

First Busey stockholders. A special meeting of First Busey stockholders will be held on [ ], 200[ ], at [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, at [ ]. At the special meeting, stockholders will be asked:

· to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates, including the issuance of First Busey common stock as consideration in the proposed merger and the adoption of an amendment to First Busey’s articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 40 million to 60 million; and

· to act on other matters that may properly be submitted to a vote at the meeting, including a motion to adjourn the meeting to another time or place, if necessary, for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies.

Main Street stockholders. A special meeting of Main Street stockholders will be held on [ ], 200[ ], at [ ]:00 [ ].m., local time, at [ ]. At the special meeting, stockholders will be asked:

· to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates; and

What You Will Receive in the Merger
(page 39)

First Busey stockholders. Each of your shares of First Busey common stock will remain outstanding, and will represent shares of common stock of the combined company. You will not need to surrender your stock certificates.

Main Street stockholders. Each of your shares of Main Street common stock will automatically become the right to receive 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock. The total number of shares you will have the right to receive will be equal to the number of shares of Main Street common stock you own multiplied by 1.55. For example, if you hold 100 shares of Main Street common stock, you will be entitled to receive 155 shares (100 x 1.55) of First Busey common stock. Based on the $[ ] closing price of First Busey common stock on [ ], 2007, the value of 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock was $[ ], and the total value of the merger consideration was approximately $[ ] million. However, because the exchange ratio is fixed, the market value of the shares of First Busey common stock you will receive in the merger will fluctuate from time to time, causing the total value of the merger consideration to fluctuate.

First Busey will not issue any fractional shares. Instead, Main Street stockholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares of common stock of the combined company owed to them in exchange for their shares of Main Street common stock. The amount of cash for any fractional shares will be based on the average closing prices of First Busey common stock for the ten trading days immediately preceding the completion of the merger.

Recommendation to Stockholders
(pages 34 and 38)

First Busey stockholders. First Busey’s Board of Directors believes that the merger agreement and the merger are fair to its stockholders and in their best interests, and unanimously recommends that they vote “FOR” the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates, including the issuance of shares of First Busey common stock as consideration for the merger and the amendment to its articles of incorporation.

Main Street stockholders. Main Street’s Board of Directors believes that the merger agreement and the merger are fair to its stockholders and in their best interests, and unanimously recommends that they vote “FOR” the proposal to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates.

Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
(pages 34 and 36)

First Busey stockholders. On the record date, First Busey’s directors and executive officers beneficially owned [ ] shares, or approximately [ ]% of the outstanding shares of First Busey common stock. We anticipate that First Busey’s directors and executive officers will vote their shares to approve the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates. However, because they own only approximately [ ]% of the outstanding shares of First Busey common stock, there is no assurance that the proposal will be approved.

Main Street stockholders. On the record date, Main Street’s directors and executive officers beneficially owned [ ] shares, or approximately [ ]% of the outstanding shares of Main Street common stock. We anticipate that Main Street’s directors and executive officers will vote their shares to approve the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates. However, because they own only approximately [ ]% of the outstanding shares of Main Street common stock, there is no assurance that the proposal will be approved.

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger
(page 30 and 80)

Some of our directors and officers have interests in the merger that differ from, or are in addition to, their interests as stockholders in our companies.

In the case of Main Street, certain of its executive officers, directors and employees have, or will have, rights under stock-based benefit programs and awards, including the acceleration of all unvested options as a result of the merger. Additionally, they may have additional interests because of employment agreements they have previously entered into with Main Street. These employment agreements and plans will provide the officers with severance benefits if their current employment status changes as a result of the merger. Main Street has agreed to amend or request employees to replace most of these employment agreements prior to the completion of our merger to provide that the merger will not require the payment of change in control benefits if the merger is completed.

In connection with the execution of the merger agreement, First Busey has executed employment agreements with certain officers of First Busey, effective upon the closing of the merger. Additionally, First Busey intends to accelerate the vesting and excersability of each outstanding stock option held by its directors, officers and employees under its stock-based benefit programs and awards upon the completion of the merger.

The members of our Boards of Directors knew about these additional interests and considered them when they approved the merger agreement and the transactions it contemplates.

The Merger
(page 39)

We have attached a copy of the merger agreement to this document as Appendix A. Please read the merger agreement. It is the legal document that governs the merger.

We propose a transaction in which Main Street will merge with First Busey in exchange for shares of First Busey common stock. The combined entity will continue under the name “First Busey Corporation” and its shares will be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.” The combined company’s main office will be located in Urbana, Illinois. We expect to complete the merger in the second quarter of 2007, although delays could occur.

Following the merger we also intend to merge Main Street Bank with Busey Bank, although this may not occur until the fall of 2007. The resulting institution will be an Illinois chartered commercial bank with its home office in Urbana, Illinois which will operate under the name “Busey Bank.”

Exchange of Stock Certificates
(page 40)

On or shortly after the effective date of the merger, Main Street stockholders will receive a letter and instructions on how to surrender their stock certificates representing Main Street common stock in exchange for stock certificates of the combined company. Main Street stockholders must carefully review and complete these materials and return them as instructed along with your Main Street common stock certificates. Main Street Stockholders should not send any stock certificates to First Busey or Main Street until they receive these instructions.

Effect of the Merger on Options
(page 40)

In the merger, each stock option to buy Main Street common stock that is outstanding immediately before completing the merger will become an option to buy First Busey common stock and will continue to be governed by the terms of the original plans under which they were issued, except that the options will accelerate upon completion of the merger both as to vesting and exercisability. The number of shares of First Busey common stock subject to each of these converted stock options, as well as the exercise price of these stock options, will reflect the exchange ratio applicable in the merger.

The merger agreement provides that First Busey may, at the effective time of the merger, accelerate the vesting and exercisability of each option to buy First Busey common stock that is then outstanding and unvested or unexercisable. First Busey anticipates that it will accelerate the vesting and exercisability of each such option.

Ownership After the Merger
(page 39)

Based on the exchange ratio contained in the merger agreement, upon completion of the merger, First Busey will issue approximately 15,500,000 shares of its common stock to Main Street stockholders. Based on that issuance, after the merger, on a fully-diluted basis, existing First Busey stockholders would own approximately 58%, and former Main Street stockholders would own approximately 42%, of the outstanding shares of common stock of the combined company.

Effective Time of the Merger
(page 41)

The merger will become effective when articles of merger are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada and the Secretary of State of the State of Illinois, or at such later date or time as we agree and specify in the articles of merger. If our stockholders approve the merger at their special meetings, and if First Busey obtains all required regulatory approvals, we anticipate that the merger will be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2007, although delays could occur.

We cannot assure you that we can obtain the necessary stockholder and regulatory approvals or that the other conditions to completion of the merger can or will be satisfied.

Federal Income Tax Consequences
(page 41)

For federal income tax purposes, the exchange of shares of Main Street common stock for shares of First Busey common stock will not cause the holders of Main Street common stock to recognize any gain or loss. Holders of Main Street common stock, however, will recognize income, gain or loss in connection with any cash received to redeem any fractional share interest or to perfect any dissenters’ rights.

Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on your particular tax situation. We urge you to consult your tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of the merger to you.

Reasons for the Merger
(pages 48 and 51)

Each of our Boards of Directors believes the merger will enhance stockholder value by permitting the combined company to expand its market presence in central Illinois.

We expect the merger to strengthen our position as a competitor in the financial services business as a result of our increased resources and the availability of enhanced and more competitive products and services.

You can find a more detailed discussion of the background of the merger and First Busey’s and Main Street’s reasons for the merger in this document under “Description of Transaction—Background of the Merger” beginning on page 44, “—First Busey’s Reasons for the Merger and Board Recommendation” beginning on page 48 and “—Main Street’s Reasons for the Merger and Board Recommendation” beginning on page 51.

The discussion of our reasons for the merger includes forward-looking statements about possible or assumed future results of our operations and the performance of the combined company after the merger. For a discussion of factors that could affect these future results, see “A Warning About Forward-Looking Statements” on page 31.

Opinion of Financial Advisors
(pages 53 and 62)

First Busey stockholders. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. has delivered a written opinion, dated September 20, 2006, to the First Busey Board of Directors that the exchange ratio is fair to the holders of First Busey common stock from a financial point of view, which such opinion was confirmed prior to mailing this joint proxy statement-prospectus. We have attached this opinion to this document as Appendix B. You should read this opinion carefully to understand the procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the reviews undertaken by Keefe Bruyette in providing its opinion.

Main Street stockholders. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. has delivered a written opinion, dated November 21, 2006, to the Main Street Board of Directors that the exchange ratio is fair to the holders of Main Street common stock from a financial point of view. We have attached this opinion to this document as Appendix C. You should read this opinion carefully to understand the procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the reviews undertaken by Sandler O’Neill in providing its opinion.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger
(page 73)

The completion of the merger depends on a number of conditions being met. Subject to exceptions described in the merger agreement, these include:

· accuracy of the respective representations and warranties of First Busey and Main Street in the merger agreement;

· compliance in all material respects by each of First Busey and Main Street with their respective covenants and agreements in the merger agreement;

· neither party having become aware of any fact or circumstance that had or would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the other party;

· approval of regulatory authorities;

· approval of the merger agreement by each company’s stockholders;

· the effectiveness of amendments to the employment agreements with certain officers of Main Street and of employment agreements with certain First Busey officers;

· receipt by each of us from our respective legal counsel of an opinion that, for federal

income tax purposes, Main Street stockholders who exchange their shares for shares of common stock of the combined company will not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the merger, except in connection with the payment of cash instead of fractional shares (these opinions will be subject to various limitations and we recommend that you read the more detailed description of tax consequences provided in this document beginning on page 41); and

· the absence of any injunction, legal proceeding or other restraint preventing the consummation of the merger or the merger of Busey Bank with Main Street Bank.

A party to the merger agreement could choose to complete the merger even though a condition to its obligation has not been satisfied, as long as the law allows it to do so. We cannot be certain when or if the conditions to the merger will be satisfied or waived, or that the merger will be completed.

Termination and Termination Fees
(page 74)

The parties can mutually agree at any time to terminate the merger agreement without completing the merger. Also, either party can decide, without the consent of the other, to terminate the merger agreement if the merger has not been completed by September 20, 2007, unless the failure to complete the merger by that time is due to a violation of the merger agreement by the party seeking to terminate the merger agreement.

In addition, either First Busey or Main Street can terminate the merger agreement if the conditions to its respective obligation to complete the merger have not been satisfied or, under certain circumstances, if the other party takes any adverse action with respect to a competing takeover proposal from a third party.

Either First Busey or Main Street may be required to pay the other party a termination fee if the merger agreement is terminated due to certain circumstances outlined in the merger agreement. For a discussion of these conditions and fees, see “Description of Transaction—Termination and Termination Fees.”

Waiver and Amendment
(page 77)

First Busey and Main Street may jointly amend the merger agreement and either party may waive its right to require the other party to adhere to any term or condition of the merger agreement, but only to the extent such amendment does not violate Illinois or Nevada law, or, if the merger agreement has already been submitted to the stockholders of Main Street or First Busey, only if such amendment would not require the merger agreement to be re-submitted to the stockholders of Main Street or First Busey for their approval.

Regulatory Approvals
(page 77)

Because the merger of Busey Bank and Main Street Bank is anticipated to occur after the merger of First Busey and Main Street, we cannot complete the merger unless we obtain the prior approval of both the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which we refer to as the DFPR. Once the Federal Reserve approves the merger, we have to wait anywhere from 15 to 30 days before we can complete the merger, during which time the U.S. Department of Justice can challenge the merger on antitrust grounds. We have filed all of the required applications with the Federal Reserve and the DFPR. The merger cannot proceed without these regulatory approvals.

We will also file applications with the DFPR and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, referred to as the FDIC, for approval of the bank merger.

Management and Operations After the Merger
(page 78)

The present management groups of both companies will share the responsibility of managing the combined company after the completion of the merger. The Board of Directors of the combined company will initially be comprised of ten members, five appointed by First Busey and five appointed by Main Street.

Following the merger, Douglas C. Mills will be Chairman of the Board of Directors of the combined company and is expected to hold that position until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders, after which Gregory B. Lykins is expected to be appointed as Chairman. Van A. Dukeman will be President and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. David B. White will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the combined company and Barbara J. Harrington will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the combined company. Mr. Dukeman will also serve as Chairman of Busey

Bank, the bank resulting from the merger of Busey Bank and Main Street Bank. Lee O’Neill will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Busey Bank.

Accounting Treatment
(page 84)

The merger will be accounted for as a “purchase transaction” in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Expenses
(page 84)

Each of First Busey and Main Street will pay its own expenses in connection with the merger, except that the parties will share equally the costs relating to filing, registration, application and printing fees.

Dividend Policy After the Merger; Coordination of Dividends
(page 88)

First Busey expects to continue its common stock dividend policy after the merger, but this policy is subject to the determination of First Busey’s Board of Directors and may change at any time. The merger agreement permits First Busey and Main Street to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends to its stockholders prior to merger completion. In addition, First Busey is permitted under the merger agreement to pay a one-time dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.05 per share. Main Street has agreed in the merger agreement to coordinate with First Busey regarding dividend declarations and the related record dates and payment dates so that Main Street stockholders will not receive more than one regular quarterly dividend, or fail to receive one regular quarterly dividend, for any single quarter. Accordingly, prior to the merger, Main Street may coordinate and alter its dividend record dates in order to effect this policy.

The payment of dividends by First Busey or Main Street on their common stock in the future, either before or after the merger is completed, is subject to the determination of our respective Boards of Directors and depends on cash requirements, our financial condition and earnings, legal and regulatory considerations and other factors.

Material Differences in the Rights of Stockholders
(page 85)

Main Street is incorporated in and governed by Illinois law. First Busey is incorporated in and governed by Nevada law. Upon our completion of the merger, Main Street stockholders will become stockholders of First Busey and their rights will be governed by Nevada law and by the combined company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, which are, except as noted in this document, the currently effective articles of incorporation and bylaws of First Busey. There are material differences between the rights of the stockholders of First Busey and Main Street, which we describe in this document. For a discussion of these differences, see “Comparison of the Rights of Stockholders’.”

Record Date; Vote Required
(pages 33 and 35)

First Busey stockholders. You may vote at the meeting of First Busey’s stockholders if you owned First Busey common stock at the close of business on [ ], 200[ ]. You can cast one vote for each share of First Busey common stock that you owned at that time. To adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates, including the issuance of shares of First Busey common stock as consideration in the merger and the amendment to its articles of incorporation, the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of First Busey as of the record date must vote in favor of doing so.

You may vote your shares in person by attending the meeting or by mailing us your proxy if you are unable to or do not wish to attend. You can revoke your proxy at any time before First Busey takes a vote at the meeting by submitting a written notice revoking the proxy or a later-dated proxy to the secretary of First Busey, or by attending the meeting and voting in person.

Main Street stockholders. You may vote at the meeting of Main Street’s stockholders if you owned Main Street common stock at the close of business on [ ], 200[ ]. You can cast one vote for each share of Main Street common stock that you owned at that time. To adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates, the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of Main Street as of the record date must vote in favor of doing so.

You may vote your shares in person by attending the meeting or by mailing us your proxy if you are unable to or do not wish to attend. You can revoke your proxy at any time before Main Street takes a vote at the meeting by submitting a written notice revoking the proxy or a later-dated proxy to the secretary of Main Street, or by attending the meeting and voting in person.

Authority to Adjourn Special Meeting to Solicit Additional Proxies
(pages 34 and 36)

Each of First Busey and Main Street is asking its stockholders to grant full authority for their respective special meetings to be adjourned, if necessary, to permit solicitation of additional proxies to approve the transactions proposed by this joint proxy statement-prospectus.

Dissenters’ Rights
(page 91)

Main Street Stockholders. As more fully described beginning on page 92, under Illinois law, Main Street stockholders have the right to dissent from the merger and receive in cash the fair value of their shares of Main Street common stock.

To dissent and receive the fair value of their shares, Main Street stockholders must follow the procedures outlined in Appendix D.

As a Main Street stockholder, if you exercise your dissenters’ rights and the conditions outlined in Appendix D are met, your shares of Main Street common stock will not be converted into the right to receive shares of common stock of First Busey. Instead, your only right will be to receive in cash the fair value of your Main Street shares as determined by mutual agreement between you and First Busey or by a court if you are unable to agree. You should be aware that submitting a signed proxy card without indicating a vote with respect to the merger will be deemed a vote “FOR” the merger and a waiver of your dissenters’ rights. A vote against the merger does not dispense with the other requirements for exercising dissenters’ rights under Illinois law.

The fair value may be more or less than the value of the consideration you would have received under the terms of the merger agreement. If you exercise your dissenters’ rights and complete the process of having a court determine the fair value of your shares in accordance with Illinois law, the amount you are awarded could be less than the value of the shares of First Busey common stock that you would have received in the merger.

First Busey Stockholders. Nevada law does not provide First Busey stockholders with dissenters’ rights in connection with the merger.

Comparative Market Prices of Common Stock
(page 15)

Shares of First Busey common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.” On September 20, 2006, the last trading day before we announced the merger, the last reported trading price of First Busey common stock was $22.27 per share. On [ ], 200[ ], the last reported trading price of First Busey common stock was $[ ] per share. We can make no prediction or guarantee at what price First Busey common stock will trade after the completion of the merger.

Shares of Main Street common stock are traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board under the symbol “MSTI.OB.” On September 20, 2006, the last trading day before we announced the merger, the last reported trading price of Main Street common stock was $30.00 per share. On [ ], 200[ ], the last reported trading price of Main Street common stock was $[ ] per share.

Comparative Per Share Data

The following table presents certain comparative historical, pro forma and pro-forma equivalent per share financial information of First Busey and Main Street that reflects the combination of First Busey using the purchase method of accounting.

The pro forma and pro forma-equivalent per share information gives effect to the merger as if the merger had been effective on December 31, 2005. The information in the following table is based on, and should be read together with, the historical financial information that we have presented in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the pro forma financial information that appears elsewhere in this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 99 and “Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information” on page 20.

The information listed as “Pro Forma Per Equivalent Main Street Share” was obtained by multiplying the pro forma amount listed by First Busey by the 1.55 exchange ratio. We present this information to reflect the fact that Main Street stockholders will receive 1.55 shares of First Busey common stock for each share of Main Street common stock exchanged in the merger.

We expect that we will incur merger and integration charges as a result of combining our companies. We also anticipate that the merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include reduced operating expenses and the opportunity to earn more revenue. The pro forma information, while helpful in illustrating the financial characteristics of the combined company under one set of assumptions, does not reflect these expenses or benefits and, accordingly, does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of the combined company would have actually been had our companies been combined as of the dates or for the periods presented.

	First Busey Historical		Main Street Historical		Pro Forma Combined		Pro Forma Per Equivalent Main Street Share (1.55 Shares)
Net Income:
For the year ended December 31, 2005:
Basic	$	1.29	$	1.82	$	1.19	$	1.84
Diluted	$	1.29	$	1.80	$	1.18	$	1.83
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006:
Basic	$	1.01	$	1.40	$	0.92	$	1.43
Diluted	$	1.00	$	1.39	$	0.92	$	1.43
Cash Dividends Declared:
For the year ended December 31, 2005	$	0.56	$	0.89	$	0.56	$	0.87
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006	$	0.48	$	0.69	$	0.48	$	0.74
Book Value:
As of December 31, 2005	$	7.89	$	14.17
As of September 30, 2006	$	8.38	$	14.75	$	14.60	$	22.63

Market Price Information

First Busey common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.” Main Street common stock is traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board under the symbol “MSTI.OB.” On September 20, 2006, the last trading day before public announcement of the execution of the merger agreement, and [ ], 200[ ], the most recent practicable date prior to the mailing of this document, the market prices of First Busey common stock and the equivalent price per share of First Busey common stock giving effect to the merger, were as follows:

	Closing Sales Price
	First Busey			Main Street			Equivalent Price Per Share of First Busey Common Stock
Price per share
September 20, 2006	$	22.27		$	30.00		$	34.52
*[ ],* 200[ ]	$	[	]	$	[	]	$	[	]

The “Equivalent Price Per Share of First Busey” at each specified date in the above table represents the product achieved when the closing sales price of a share of First Busey common stock on that date is multiplied by the exchange ratio of 1.55.

The market price of First Busey common stock will likely fluctuate between the date of this document and the date on which the merger is completed and after the merger. Because the exchange ratio of 1.55 is fixed, the value of the merger consideration will fluctuate as the price of First Busey common stock changes. Stockholders should obtain current market price quotations for shares of First Busey common stock prior to making any decisions with respect to the merger. In addition, the value of the shares of the combined company’s common stock that Main Street stockholders will receive in the merger may increase or decrease after the merger.

By voting to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates, Main Street stockholders will be choosing to invest in the combined First Busey/Main Street, because they will receive First Busey common stock in exchange for their shares of Main Street common stock. An investment in the combined company’s common stock involves significant risk. In addition to the other information included in this joint proxy statement-prospectus, including the matters addressed in “A Warning About Forwarding-Looking Statements” beginning on page 31, First Busey and Main Street stockholders should carefully consider the matters described below in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 29 when determining whether to adopt the merger agreement and approve the transactions it contemplates.

Historical Market Prices and Dividend Information

First Busey. First Busey’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BUSE.” The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarter indicated, the high and low closing market prices per share of First Busey common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the dividends per share of First Busey common stock:

Quarter Ended	High			Low			Dividends Declared

Year-to-date 2006:
Fourth quarter (through *[ ]*, 2006)	$	[	]	$	[	]	$	[	]
Third quarter	22.88			19.67			0.1600
Second quarter	21.10			19.75			0.1600
First quarter	21.11			19.85			0.1600
2005:
Fourth quarter	21.25			18.03			0.1400
Third quarter	20.50			18.50			0.1400
Second quarter	20.02			18.24			0.1400
First quarter	21.17			18.87			0.1400
2004:
Fourth quarter	21.53			18.28			0.1300
Third quarter	20.00			18.50			0.1267
Second quarter	19.60			17.97			0.1267
First quarter	18.67			17.83			0.1267

The timing and amount of future dividends on shares of First Busey common stock will depend upon earnings, cash requirements, the financial condition of First Busey and its subsidiaries, applicable government regulations and other factors deemed relevant by First Busey’s Board of Directors.

Main Street. Main Street’s common stock is traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board under the symbol “MSTI.OB.” The following table sets forth, for the calendar quarter indicated, the high and low closing market prices per share of Main Street common stock as reported on the over-the-counter bulletin board and the dividends per share of Main Street common stock:

Quarter Ended	High			Low			Dividends Declared

Year-to-date 2006:
Fourth quarter (through *[ ]*, 2006)	$	[	]	$	[	]	$	[	]
Third quarter	34.45			30.00			0.23
Second quarter	31.00			30.00			0.23
First quarter	31.50			29.25			0.23
2005:
Fourth quarter	30.00			29.30			0.22
Third quarter	29.40			28.55			0.22
Second quarter	30.00			28.65			0.22
First quarter	30.00			28.90			0.22
2004:
Fourth quarter	32.50			28.50			0.21
Third quarter	32.00			30.30			0.21
Second quarter	32.00			30.25			0.21
First quarter	31.25			30.60			0.21

The timing and amount of future dividends on shares of Main Street common stock will depend upon earnings, cash requirements, the financial condition of Main Street and its subsidiaries, applicable government regulations and other factors deemed relevant by Main Street’s Board of Directors.

Selected Historical Financial Data

The following tables present selected consolidated historical financial data as of September 30, 2006, and 2005, and for the nine-month periods then ended, and as of December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and for each of the years then ended, for each of First Busey and Main Street.

You should read the following tables in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements described above.

Historical results do not necessarily indicate the results that you can expect for any future period. We believe that we have included all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to arrive at a fair presentation of our interim results of operations. Results for the interim period ended September 30, 2006, do not necessarily indicate the results that you can expect for the year as a whole.

FIRST BUSEY SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Years Ended December 31,
	2006			2005			2005(1)			2004(1)			2003			2002			2001
	(unaudited)
Balance Sheet Items
Total assets	$	2,419,221		$	2,277,572		$	2,263,422		$	1,964,441		$	1,522,084		$	1,435,578		$	1,300,689
Securities available for sale	324,887			333,444			331,237			352,256			224,733			233,830			210,869
Loans, net	1,881,676			1,686,562			1,714,235			1,447,109			1,176,168			1,085,583			964,418
Deposits	1,948,819			1,823,494			1,809,399			1,558,822			1,256,595			1,213,605			1,105,999
Borrowings	219,855			224,526			219,996			218,182			108,853			74,226			58,788
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	55,000			50,000			50,000			40,000			25,000			25,000			25,000
Total stockholders’ equity	179,677			165,190			169,714			138,872			125,177			115,163			105,790
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets	7.43		%	7.25		%	7.50		%	7.07		%	8.22		%	8.02		%	8.13		%
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets	7.50		%	7.07		%	7.13		%	7.42		%	8.28		%	8.18		%	7.55		%
Results of Operations(1)
Interest income	$	106,668		$	83,493		$	116,304		$	85,919		$	73,849		$	76,085		$	89,985
Interest expense	49,518			31,609			45,342			30,041			25,618			30,494			46,435
Net interest income	57,150			51,884			70,962			55,878			48,231			45,591			43,550
Provision for loan losses	1,000			2,765			3,490			2,905			3,058			3,125			2,020
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	56,150			49,119			67,472			52,973			45,173			42,466			41,530
Non-interest income	20,278			17,637			23,537			23,790			24,685			22,537			21,460
Non-interest expense	43,461			36,564			51,115			43,085			39,969			38,926			38,974
Income tax expense	11,423			9,821			12,960			11,224			10,025			8,173			8,363
Net income(3)	$	21,544		$	20,371		$	26,934		$	22,454		$	19,864		$	17,904		$	15,653
Per Share Data(2)
Basic earnings per share	$	1.01		$	0.99		$	1.29		$	1.10		$	0.98		$	0.88		$	0.77
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.00		$	0.98		$	1.29		$	1.09		$	0.97		$	0.87		$	0.77
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.48		$	0.42		$	0.56		$	0.51		$	0.45		$	0.40		$	0.35
Other Information
Return on average total assets	1.25		%	1.33		%	1.28		%	1.28		%	1.35		%	1.33		%	1.19		%
Return on average stockholders’ equity	16.68		%	18.80		%	17.97		%	17.23		%	16.34		%	16.31		%	15.80		%
Dividend payout ratio	47.57		%	42.12		%	42.93		%	46.24		%	45.39		%	45.39		%	44.76		%

(1) First Busey acquired First Capital Bank on June 1, 2004, and Tarpon Coast National Bank on July 29, 2005. Results of operations for these institutions from acquisition date are included in the consolidated results of operations.

(2) Per share data have been retroactively adjusted to effect a three-for-two common stock split effective August 3, 2004, as if it had occurred on on January 1, 2001.

(3) Effective January 1, 2002, First Busey adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 changed the accounting for goodwill from a model that required amortization of goodwill, supplemented by impairment Tests, to an accounting model that is based solely upon impairment tests.

MAIN STREET SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Years Ended December 31,
	2006			2005(1)			2005(1)			2004			2003			2002			2001
	(unaudited)
Balance Sheet Items
Total assets	$	1,558,150		$	1,533,419		$	1,625,137		$	1,228,118		$	1,154,174		$	1,122,728		$	1,151,511
Investment in debt and equity securities	431,222			334,576			444,623			358,726			370,726			316,210			335,422
Loans held for investment, net	980,499			1,000,825			1,002,927			761,227			666,259			664,142			673,061
Deposits	1,251,147			1,181,826			1,275,972			974,577			898,472			868,586			884,109
Borrowings	140,530			188,612			185,838			126,782			132,978			108,457			120,102
Total stockholders’ equity	148,203			144,229			143,769			113,975			111,450			134,470			135,993
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets	9.51		%	9.41		%	8.85		%	9.28		%	9.66		%	11.98		%	11.81		%
Average stockholders’ equity to average assets	9.25		%	9.34		%	9.26		%	9.34		%	11.63		%	12.35		%	11.91		%
Results of Operations
Interest income	$	67,399		$	55,638		$	76,992		$	54,805		$	55,686		$	63,363		$	73,195
Interest expense	30,199			18,984			27,479			16,852			16,723			21,717			33,598
Net interest income	37,200			36,654			49,513			37,953			38,963			41,646			39,597
Provision for loan losses	1,350			1,080			1,530			1,100			1,470			1,450			2,670
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	35,850			35,574			47,983			36,853			37,493			40,196			36,927
Non-interest income	16,512			15,371			20,477			19,847			20,294			18,866			17,266
Non-interest expense	30,769			29,314			39,779			33,879			32,341			33,161			30,286
Income tax expense	7,425			7,820			10,373			8,043			8,841			8,520			7,736
Net income	$	14,168		$	13,811		$	18,308		$	14,778		$	16,605		$	17,381		$	16,171
Per Share Data
Basic earnings per share	$	1.40		$	1.38		$	1.82		$	1.56		$	1.62		$	1.61		$	1.48
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.39		$	1.37		$	1.80		$	1.54		$	1.60		$	1.60		$	1.45
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.69		$	0.66		$	0.89		$	0.85		$	0.76		$	0.54		$	0.45
Other Information
Return on average total assets(2)	1.20		%	1.29		%	1.24		%	1.22		%	1.47		%	1.58		%	1.47		%
Return on average stockholders’ equity(2)	12.98		%	13.77		%	13.40		%	13.08		%	12.67		%	12.79		%	12.32		%
Dividend payout ratio	50.27		%	50.00		%	48.90		%	54.49		%	46.91		%	33.54		%	30.41		%

(1) Main Street acquired Citizens First Financial Corp. on April 1, 2005. Results of operations for Citizens are included in the consolidated results of operations.

(2) Annualized as Main Street acquired Citizens First Financial Corp. on April 1, 2005.

UNAUDITED PRO-FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data assumes the merger took place as of September 30, 2006. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet data combines the unaudited consolidated balance sheet data of First Busey as of September 30, 2006, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet data of Main Street as of September 30, 2006.

The accompanying unaudited pro forma combined statement of income data presents the unaudited consolidated statement of income data of First Busey for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and the audited consolidated statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2005, combined, respectively, with Main Street’s unaudited consolidated statement of income data for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, and audited consolidated statement of income data for the year ended December 31, 2005. The unaudited pro forma combined statement of income gives effect to the merger as if it had occurred as of the beginning of each period.

The pro forma financial information includes purchase accounting adjustments to record the assets and liabilities of Main Street at their estimated fair values and to record certain exit costs related to Main Street. The pro forma adjustments included herein are subject to updates as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. Any change in the fair value of the net assets of Main Street will change the amount of the purchase price allocable to goodwill. Additionally, changes to Main Street’s stockholders’ equity, including net income from October 1, 2006, through the date the merger is completed, will also change the amount of goodwill recorded. Final adjustments may be materially different from the unaudited pro forma adjustments presented herein.

First Busey and Main Street anticipate that the merger will provide the combined company with financial benefits that include increased revenue opportunities and reduced operating expenses, but these financial benefits are not reflected in the pro forma information. Accordingly, the pro forma information does not attempt to predict or suggest future results. It also does not necessarily reflect what the historical results of the combined company would have been had our companies been combined during the periods presented.

Historical results do not necessarily indicate the results that you can expect for any future period. First Busey and Main Street believe that all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) have been included that are necessary to arrive at a fair presentation of our interim results of operations. Results for the interim period ended September 30, 2006, do not necessarily indicate the results that you can expect for the year as a whole.

The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below should be read together with the historical financial statements of First Busey and Main Street, including the related notes, and the other financial information, including the related notes, incorporated by reference in this document.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Pro Forma Statement of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2006
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Historical						Pro Forma			Purchase				Pro Forma
	First			Main Street			Before			Accounting Adjustments				After
	Busey			Trust			Entries			Debit		Credit		Entries

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,670		$	59,309		$	125,979				5,506	(k)	$	120,473
Investment securities	324,887			431,222			756,109					3,265	(a)(l)	752,844
Loans	1,905,228			996,644			2,901,872					1,000	(b)	2,900,872
Allowance for loan losses	(23,552		)	(14,233		)	(37,785		)					(37,785		)
Net loans	1,881,676			982,411			2,864,087							2,863,087
Premises and equipment	41,304			22,402			63,706			1,000	(c)	1,325	(k)	63,381
Goodwill	54,386			20,736			75,122			226,770	(o)	20,736	(d)	281,156
Core deposit intangible	4,065			3,916			7,981			22,760	(j)	3,916	(d)	26,825
Other assets (includes deferred taxes)	46,233			38,154			84,387			7,007	(e)(m)(n)	11,567	(i)(k)(l)	79,827
Total assets	$	2,419,221		$	1,558,150		$	3,977,371						$	4,187,593

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	235,416		$	214,217		449,633							$	449,633
Interest-bearing	1,713,403			1,036,930			2,750,333			750	(f)			2,749,583
Total deposits	1,948,819			1,251,147			3,199,966							3,199,216

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase	57,147			106,428			163,575							163,575
Short-term borrowings	1,000			4,528			5,528							5,528
Long-term debt	161,708			29,574			191,282			100	(g)			191,182
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	55,000			—			55,000							55,000
Other liabilities	15,870			18,270			34,140							34,140
Total liabilities	2,239,544			1,409,947			3,649,491							3,648,641

Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock	—			—			—							—
Common stock	22			112			134			112	(h)	15	(l)	37
Surplus	45,556			55,909			101,465			56,289	(h)	360,932	(k)(l)	406,108
Retained earnings	141,024			126,979			268,003			128,991	(h)(k)	1,811	(l)	140,823
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	6,863			(1,389		)	5,474			1,091	(l)	1,389	(h)	5,772
Total stockholders’ equity before treasury stock, unearned ESOP shares and deferred compensation for stock grants	193,465			181,611			375,076							552,740
Treasury stock	(11,729		)	(33,408		)	(45,137		)			33,408	(h)	(11,729		)
Unearned ESOP shares and deferred compensation for stock grants	(2,059		)	—			(2,059		)					(2,059		)
Total stockholders’ equity	179,677			148,203			327,880							538,952
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,419,221		$	1,558,150		$	3,977,371						$	4,187,593

Number of common shares outstanding	21,443,766			10,046,079			31,489,845			10,046,079		15,470,502		36,914,268
Total book value per common share	$	8.38		$	14.75		$	10.41						$	14.60
Tangible book value per common share	$	5.65		$	12.30		$	7.77						$	6.26

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

Following are estimates and assumptions for purchase accounting adjustments. Actual adjustments will be determined at transaction date and may differ significantly from this pro forma disclosure.

(a) Reduce carrying value of Main Street’s held-to-maturity investment securities by $973 to fair market value; fair market value adjustment to be accreted over remaining life for each security on a level-yield basis.

(b) Reduce carrying value of Main Street’s loans to fair market value; fair market value adjustment to be accreted over average life of portfolio on a level-yield basis.

(c) Increase carrying value of Main Street’s premises and equipment to fair market value; estimated fair market value adjustment to be amortized on straight-line basis over 39 years.

(d) Eliminate existing Main Street goodwill and core deposit intangible assets.

(e) Increase carrying value of Main Street mortgage servicing assets by $730 to fair market value; estimated fair market value adjustment to be amortized over estimated remaining life of related loans.

(f) Adjust Main Street time deposits to fair market value; estimated fair market value adjustment to be accreted over the average life of time deposit porfolio on a level-yield basis.

(g) Adjust FHLB advances to fair market value; estimated fair market value adjustment to be accreted on individual advances over remaining term on a level-yield basis.

(h) Eliminate Main Street Trust stockholders’ equity, including $380 addition to surplus recorded in conjunction with acceleration of Main Street Trust stock option vesting.

(i) Net impact of deferred tax entries on purchase accounting adjustments.

(j) Record core deposit intangible, estimated at 3% of Main Street deposits, excluding certificates of deposit, anticipated to be amortized on straight-line basis over 10-year period.

	Amortization
Year 1	$	2,276
Year 2	2,276
Year 3	2,276
Year 4	2,276
Year 5	2,276
Year 6	2,276
Year 7	2,276
Year 8	2,276
Year 9	2,276
Year 10	2,276
	$	22,760

(k) Pro forma merger costs expected by First Busey:

Professional fees (legal and accounting)	$	500
Investment banking fees	1,400
Proxy printing	250
First Busey direct costs to be capitalized (all cash disbursement)	$	2,150	*

Employee severance and stay bonuses	$	1,500	*
Acceleration of stock option vesting	640
Supplies	100		*
Acceleration of system depreciation and prepaid software license amortization	1,000
Marketing and other merger costs	100		*
Less estimated tax benefits	(1,328		)*
First Busey indirect merger costs to be expensed	$	2,012

*Total cash disbursements associated with First Busey indirect merger costs	$	372

Pro forma merger costs expected by Main Street

Professional fees (legal, accounting)	$	550	*
Investment banking fees	405		*
Employment contract termination, severance and stay bonuses	3,050		*
Acceleration of stock option vesting and restricted stock vesting	630
System contract buy-out	1,500		*
System accelerated depreciation	325
Marketing and other merger-related expenses	100		*
Less estimated tax benefits	(2,621		)*
Main Street costs to be expenses	$	3,939

*Total cash disbursement associated with Main Street merger costs	$	2,984

(l)	Main Street shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006	10,046,079
	less shares held by First Busey	$	(65,110	)
	pro forma Main Street shares outstanding as of September 30, 2006	9,980,969
	Fixed exchange ratio per merger agreement	1.55
	Total First Busey common shares to be issued	15,470,502
	Fair value of First Busey stock	$	22.71
	Fair value of stock consideration (dollars in thousands)	$	351,335

	Fair market value Main Street shares owned by First Busey	$	2,292

	Main Street stock options outstanding	850,522
	Fixed exchange ratio per merger agreement	1.55
	First Busey options to be granted	1,318,309
	Per share fair value of First Busey stock options to be granted	$	6.71
	Fair value of stock option consideration (dollars in thousands)	$	8,846

	Total Stock and Stock Option Consideration (dollars in thousands)	$	362,473

	Par value of common stock to be issued	$	15
	Addition to surplus on common stock to be issued	351,320
	Addition to surplus on fair value of stock options to be issued	8,846
	Fair value of Main Street shares owned by First Busey (including previously unrealized Gain of $1,811	2,292
		$	362,473

(m)	Customer list intangible for Main Street trust department customer base, estimated at $5,277, anticipated to be amortized on straight-line basis over 7-year period.

(n)	Customer list intangible for FirsTech customer base, estimated at $1,000, anticipated to be amortized on straight-line basis over estimated life of 3 years.

(0)	Estimated goodwill related to total transaction cost in excess of net assets acquired (See Note 3. Purchase Price and Acquisition Costs).

Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information

Pro Forma Statement of Income for Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

	Historical				Pro Forma		Mark-to-market				Pro Forma
	First		Main Street		Before		Transaction Adjustments				After
	Busey		Trust		Entries		Debit		Credit		Entries

Interest income
Loans	$	97,001	$	52,207	$	149,208			250	(b)	$	149,458
Securities	9,479		14,227		23,706				365	(a)	24,071
Federal funds sold and other	188		965		1,153						1,153
Total interest income	106,668		67,399		174,067						174,682

Interest expense
Deposits	38,597		24,389		62,986		563	(e)			63,549
Federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements and short-term borrowings	2,165		4,064		6,229						6,229
Long-term debt	5,707		1,746		7,453		75	(f)			7,528
Junior subordinated debt owed to unconsolidated trusts	3,049		—		3,049						3,049
Total interest expense	49,518		30,199		79,717						80,355

Net interest income before provision for loan losses	57,150		37,200		94,350						94,327

Provision for loan losses	1,000		1,350		2,350						2,350

Net interest income after provision for loan losses	56,150		35,850		92,000						91,977

Noninterest income
Service charges	8,198		2,061		10,259						10,259
Trust and brokerage fees	6,457		5,944		12,401						12,401
Remittance processing	—		5,366		5,366						5,366
Security gains, net	1,880		279		2,159						2,159
Gain on sales of loans	1,858		442		2,300						2,300
Other operating income	1,885		2,420		4,305		137	(d)			4,168
Total noninterest income	20,278		16,512		36,790						36,653

Noninterest expense
Salaries and benefits	24,335		17,693		42,028						42,028
Net occupancy expense of premises	3,814		2,322		6,136		19	(c)			6,155
Furniture and equipment expenses	2,677		1,862		4,539						4,539
Data processing	1,344		2,278		3,622						3,622
Stationery, supplies and printing	1,023		892		1,915						1,915
Amortization of intangible assets	1,057		653		1,710		2,522	(g)(h)(i)			4,232
Other operating expenses	9,211		5,069		14,280

HOW TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

SUMMARY

General

The Companies

(pages 93 and 94)

Special Meetings (pages 32 and 35)

What You Will Receive in the Merger (page 39)

Recommendation to Stockholders (pages 34 and 38)

Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers (pages 34 and 36)

Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger (page 30 and 80)

The Merger (page 39)

Exchange of Stock Certificates (page 40)

Ownership After the Merger (page 39)

Effective Time of the Merger (page 41)

Federal Income Tax Consequences (page 41)

Reasons for the Merger (pages 48 and 51)

Opinion of Financial Advisors (pages 53 and 62)

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (page 73)

Termination and Termination Fees (page 74)

Waiver and Amendment (page 77)

Regulatory Approvals (page 77)

Management and Operations After the Merger (page 78)

Accounting Treatment (page 84)

Expenses (page 84)

Dividend Policy After the Merger; Coordination of Dividends (page 88)

Material Differences in the Rights of Stockholders (page 85)

Record Date; Vote Required (pages 33 and 35)

Authority to Adjourn Special Meeting to Solicit Additional Proxies (pages 34 and 36)

Dissenters’ Rights (page 91)

Comparative Market Prices of Common Stock (page 15)