Edgar Filing: BOSTON PRIVATE FINANCIAL HOLDINGS INC

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer

Non-Accelerated Filer

Smaller Reporting Company

S-3

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 2013

Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

BOSTON PRIVATE FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Massachusetts

04-2976299

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

Ten Post Office Square

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(617) 912-1900

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

Clayton G. Deutsch,

President and Chief Executive Officer

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

Ten Post Office Square

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

(617) 912-1900

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)

Copies to:

William P. Mayer, Esq.

Paul W. Lee, Esq.

Goodwin Procter LLP

Exchange Place

Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2881

(617) 570-1000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: x

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

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

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



Title of Each Class of Securities Being Registered	Amount to be Registered(1)	Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(1)	Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(2)	Amount of Registration Fee(3)
Common stock(4)(5)
Preferred stock(4)
Senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities(4)
Warrants(6)
Depositary shares(4)(7)
Stock purchase contracts
Units(8)
Total	$225,000,000	100%	$225,000,000	$30,690

(1)

Pursuant to General Instruction II (D) of Form S-3, such indeterminate number or principal amount of preferred stock, common stock, debt securities (including senior debt securities and subordinated debt securities), warrants, depositary shares, stock purchase contracts, and units of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. not to exceed $225,000,000 maximum aggregate offering price exclusive of accrued interest and dividends, if any. The proposed maximum offering price per unit will be determined from time to time in connection with the issuance of the securities registered hereunder. Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with the other securities registered hereunder.

(2)	Estimated solely for purposes of computing the registration fee and exclusive of accrued interest and dividends, if any.

(3)	The registration fee has been calculated in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act.

(4)	Shares of preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock may be issuable upon conversion of debt securities registered hereunder. No separate consideration will be received for such preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock.

(5)	Shares of common stock may be issuable upon conversion of shares of preferred stock registered hereunder. No separate consideration will be received for such shares of common stock.

(6)	Warrants will represent rights to purchase debt securities, common stock or preferred stock registered hereby. Because the warrants will provide a right only to purchase such securities offered hereunder, no additional registration fee is required.

(7)

In the event that Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. elects to offer to the public fractional interests in shares of preferred stock registered hereunder, depositary shares, evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to a deposit agreement, will be distributed to those persons purchasing such fractional interests, and the shares of preferred stock will be issued to the depositary under any such agreement.

(8)	Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement and will represent an interest in two or more securities, which may be or may not be separable from one another.

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.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission or regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed or supplemented. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated January 4, 2013

PROSPECTUS

$225,000,000

Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

LOGO

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Senior Debt Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Stock Purchase Contracts

Units

We may offer and sell from time to time, separately or together, in multiple series or in one or more offerings, any combination of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, depositary shares, stock purchase contracts and units, up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $225,000,000.

We may offer to sell these securities on a continuous or delayed basis, through agents, dealers or underwriters, or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. If our agents or any dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of the securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the names of the agents, dealers or underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts. Our net proceeds from the sale of securities will also be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. For general information about the distribution of securities offered, please see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer and sell from time to time. Each time we sell securities we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the securities and sale and may add to or update the information in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our securities.

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “BPFH.” The last reported sale price of the common stock on January 3, 2013 was $9.39 per share. We have not yet determined whether any of the other securities that may be offered by this prospectus will be listed on any exchange, or included in any inter-dealer quotation or over-the-counter market. If we decide to seek the listing or inclusion of any such securities upon issuance, the prospectus supplement relating to those securities will disclose the exchange, quotation system or market on or in which the securities will be listed or included.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 4.

The offered securities are not deposits or obligations of a bank or savings association and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other governmental agency.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is , 20__.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		1

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		2

RISK FACTORS		4

USE OF PROCEEDS		4

CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS		5

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER		5

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES		6

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK		19

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK		20

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES		22

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS		25

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS		28

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS		29

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		30

LEGAL MATTERS		33

EXPERTS		33

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE		34

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION		35

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this prospectus, in any related prospectus and in information incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any related prospectus that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “target” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our strategy, effectiveness of investment programs, evaluations of future interest rate trends and liquidity, expectations as to growth in assets, deposits and results of operations, receipt of regulatory approval for pending acquisitions, success of acquisitions, future operations, market position, financial position, and prospects, plans and objectives of management. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control.

Forward-looking statements are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of management and are only expectations of future results. Our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of, among others, factors referenced herein under the section captioned “Risk Factors”; adverse conditions in the capital and debt markets and the impact of such conditions on our private banking, investment management and wealth advisory activities; changes in interest rates; competitive pressures from other financial institutions; the effects of continuing weakness in general economic conditions on a national basis or in the local markets in which we operate, including changes which adversely affect borrowers’ ability to service and repay our loans; changes the value of the securities in our investment portfolio; changes in loan default and charge-off rates; the adequacy of loan loss reserves; reductions in deposit levels necessitating increased borrowing to fund loans and investments; changes in government regulation; the risk that goodwill and intangibles recorded in our financial statements will become impaired; and changes in assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements; as well as the other risks and uncertainties detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings submitted to the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

About This Prospectus

This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we have filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Under this shelf registration statement, we may sell, from time to time, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that specific offering and include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations that apply to those securities. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

As used in this prospectus, the terms “Boston Private,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise; the “Bank” refers to Boston Private Bank & Trust Company; the “Investment Managers” refers to Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC and Anchor Capital Holdings, LLC; and the “Wealth Advisors” refers to KLS Professional Advisors Group, LLC and Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough, LLC. This prospectus includes our trademarks and other trade names identified herein. All other trademarks and trade names appearing in this prospectus are the property of their respective holders.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference in these documents. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement. If anyone provides you with different, inconsistent or unauthorized information or representations, you must not rely on them. This prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement are an offer to sell only the securities offered by these documents, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is current only as of the date on the front of those documents.

About Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.

We were incorporated on September 2, 1987, under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On July 1, 1988, we registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the “Federal Reserve Board,” as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, or the “BHC Act.” We are a wealth management company that offers a full range of wealth management services to high net worth individuals, families, businesses, and select institutions through our three functional segments: Private Banking, Investment Management and Wealth Advisory. We seek to capitalize on growth in the wealth management sector by targeting affluent regions and offering localized service. We believe the high net worth market continues to be characterized by attractive demographics because of the strong rate of growth expected over the next decade in the number of high net worth individuals, growth in assets controlled by high net worth individuals, and the significant transition of wealth between generations. Our clients have complex financial situations and we seek to be their trusted advisor by offering wealth management solutions through a high-touch, relationship-driven approach.

Our approach to the wealth management market is to create a financial umbrella that helps to preserve, grow, and transfer assets over the financial lifetime of a client through three financial disciplines that correspond to our functional segments: private banking, investment management and wealth advisory. We conduct substantially all of our business through our three functional segments. Each functional segment reflects the services provided by us to a distinct segment of the wealth management markets as described below.

Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, which we also refer to as our “consolidated affiliate partners.” Our bank affiliate is a wholly-owned subsidiary and, with the exception of KLS Professional Advisors Group, LLC, which became wholly-owned as of January 2010, our other investment management and wealth advisory affiliates are majority-owned. These majority-owned subsidiaries are consolidated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or “GAAP.” The non-controlling interests are generally held by individuals who owned and ran the businesses prior to acquisition by us and who continue to be actively involved in those businesses.

Private Banking. The Private Banking segment consists of Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, chartered by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On May 27, 2011, we merged three wholly-owned banking affiliates—Borel Private Bank & Trust Company and First Private Bank & Trust, both California state chartered banks; and Charter Private Bank, a Washington state chartered bank—into the Bank. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank pursues private banking and community-oriented business strategies in its operating regions. The Bank is principally engaged in providing banking and a variety of other fiduciary services including investment management, advisory, and administrative services to high net worth individuals, their families, small and medium-sized businesses and professionals. In addition, the Bank offers their clients a broad range of deposit and lending products. The specific mix of products, services and clientele can vary from affiliate to affiliate.

Investment Management. The Investment Management segment has two consolidated affiliate partners—Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC, a registered investment adviser, and Anchor Capital Holdings, LLC, which is the parent company of Anchor Capital Advisors LLC a registered investment adviser and, as of January 1, 2013, the surviving entity of a merger with affiliate Anchor/Russell Capital Advisors LLC. The Investment Managers serve the needs of pension funds, endowments, trusts, foundations and select institutions, mutual funds and high net worth individuals and their families throughout the United States and abroad. The Investment Managers specialize in value-driven equity portfolios with products across the capitalization spectrum. The specific mix of products, services and clientele varies among affiliates. The Investment Managers are located in New England and New York, with one affiliate administrative office in South Florida.

Wealth Advisory. The Wealth Advisory segment has two consolidated affiliate partners—KLS Professional Advisors Group, LLC and Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough, LLC, both of which are wealth management firms and registered investment advisers. The Wealth Advisors provide comprehensive, planning-based financial strategies to high net worth individuals and their families, and non-profit institutions. The firms offer fee-only financial planning, tax planning and preparation, estate and insurance planning, retirement planning, charitable planning and intergenerational giving planning. The Wealth Advisors manage investments covering a wide range of asset classes for both taxable and tax-exempt portfolios. The Wealth Advisors are located in New York and California.

Our core strategy is to offer financial services to the high net worth market, with a particular emphasis on the newly affluent, at each stage of the typical financial life cycle. In the early stages, these services typically involve forms of debt products, including residential “jumbo” mortgages or commercial loans to privately owned businesses. In the latter stages, we offer asset management services and, in between, we offer financial planning services such as tax planning, estate planning, and asset allocation consulting. We believe that our affluent clients respond to localized relationship management and take comfort in having their trusted financial advisor within close proximity. By keeping local management in place and giving them the autonomy to run their businesses with centralized support and oversight from our management team, we maintain the benefit of an affiliate’s local reputation while leveraging our expertise. Through this strategy, we believe our affiliates are better able to build high-touch, service-oriented relationships with our clients.

Our address is Ten Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 and our telephone number at that location is (617) 912-1900. You can find additional information regarding Boston Private in its filings with the SEC referenced in the section of this document titled “Where You Can Find More Information”.

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. These risks are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by the materialization of any of these risks. The trading price of our securities could decline due to the materialization of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. This prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in the documents incorporated herein by reference, including (i) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, (ii) our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and (iii) documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and which are deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we otherwise specify in a supplement to this prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from our sale of the securities covered by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include refinancing, reducing or repaying debt; investments in the Bank and our other subsidiaries as regulatory capital; financing possible investments or acquisition; expansion of the business; and investments at the holding company level.

The prospectus supplement with respect to an offering of offered securities may identify different or additional uses for the proceeds of that offering.

Except as otherwise stated in an applicable prospectus supplement, pending the application of the net proceeds, we expect to invest the proceeds in short-term obligations.

CONSOLIDATED RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges and ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends for the periods shown.


	Nine months ended September 30, 2012		2011		2010		2009		2008			2007
Ratios of earnings to fixed charges
Including interest on deposits		2.42		1.87		0.62		1.15		(0.53	)		1.02
Excluding interest on deposits		3.28		2.53		0.32		1.28		(1.89	)		1.07

Ratios of earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends
Including interest on deposits		2.40		1.86		0.57		1.08		(0.52	)		1.02
Excluding interest on deposits		3.24		2.50		0.28		1.14		(1.87	)		1.07

For the purpose of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent income before income taxes and change in accounting principle, plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include all interest expense and the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rent expense. These ratios are presented both including and excluding interest on deposits. The aggregate deficiency during the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, including and excluding interest on deposits, was $264.0 million for earnings to fixed charges and $265.1 million for earnings to fixed charges and preferred dividends.

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

This prospectus contains a summary of the common stock, the preferred stock, the senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities, the depositary shares, the warrants, the stock purchase contracts, and the units that we may offer. The particular material terms of the securities offered by a prospectus supplement will be described in that prospectus supplement. If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the offered securities may differ from the terms summarized below. The prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the offered securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the offered securities will be listed. The descriptions herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the actual documents whose terms are summarized herein and in the applicable prospectus supplement, because those documents, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the relevant securities. For more information, please review the forms of these documents, which are or will be filed with the SEC and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” above.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This prospectus describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.

We may offer senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The senior debt securities will be issued under an indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and a trustee. We will refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the “senior indenture.” Any subordinated debt securities will be issued under a separate indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, dated as of a date prior to such issuance, between us and the trustee. We will refer to any such indenture throughout this prospectus as the “subordinated indenture” and to a trustee under any senior or subordinated indenture as the “trustee.” The senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are sometimes collectively referred to in this prospectus as the “indentures.” The indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. We included copies of forms of the indentures as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part. The following summarizes the material provisions of the indentures, but may not contain all of the information that is important to you. If you would like additional information, or if you do not fully understand a term or the way we use it in this prospectus, you should read the forms of indentures and the forms of debt securities. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms of the forms of indentures are identical. As used under this caption, the term “debt securities” includes the debt securities being offered by this prospectus and all other debt securities we issue under the indentures.

Because we are a holding company, our rights and the rights of our creditors, including the holders of the debt securities offered in this prospectus, to participate in the assets of any subsidiary during its liquidation or reorganization, will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors, unless we are ourselves a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary. Any capital loans that we make to any of our bank subsidiaries would be subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to other indebtedness of the subsidiary. Claims from creditors (other than us), on the subsidiaries, may include long-term and medium-term debt and substantial obligations related to deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under repurchase agreements, and other short-term borrowings.

General

The indentures:

•

do not limit the amount of debt securities that we may issue;

•

allow us to issue debt securities in one or more series;

•

do not require us to issue all of the debt securities of a series at the same time;

•

allow us to reopen a series to issue additional debt securities without the consent of the debt securityholders of such series; and

•

provide that the debt securities will be unsecured.

Unless we give you different information in the prospectus supplement, the senior debt securities will be unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Payments on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as described under “Description of the Debt Securities—Subordination” and in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Each indenture provides that we may, but need not, designate more than one trustee under an indenture. Any trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect

to the series of debt securities administered by the resigning or removed trustee. If two or more persons are acting as trustees with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action described in this prospectus to be taken by each trustee may be taken by each trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

The prospectus supplement for each offering will provide the following terms, where applicable:

•

the title of the debt securities and whether they are senior or subordinated;

•

the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities outstanding as of the most recent practicable date and any limit on their aggregate principal amount, including the aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized;

•

the price at which the debt securities will be issued, expressed as a percentage of the principal;

•

the portion of the principal payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity, if other than the principal amount;

•

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, on which the principal of the debt securities will be payable;

•

the fixed or variable interest rate or rates at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, or the method by which the interest rate or rates is determined;

•

the date or dates, or the method for determining the date or dates, from which interest will accrue;

•

the dates on which interest will be payable;

•

the record dates for interest payment dates, or the method by which we will determine those dates;

•

the persons to whom interest will be payable;

•

the basis upon which interest will be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months;

•

any make-whole amount, which is the amount in addition to principal and interest that is required to be paid to the holder of a debt security as a result of any optional redemption or accelerated payment of such debt security, or the method for determining the make-whole amount;

•

the place or places where the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, the debt securities will be payable;

•

where the debt securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange;

•

where notices or demands to or upon us in respect of the debt securities and the applicable indenture may be served;

•

the times, prices and other terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;

•

any obligation we have to redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of holders of the debt securities, and the times and prices at which we must redeem, repay or purchase the debt securities as a result of such an obligation;

•

the currency or currencies in which the debt securities are denominated and payable if other than United States dollars, which may be a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies or a composite currency or currencies and the terms and conditions relating thereto, and the manner of determining the equivalent of such foreign currency in United States dollars;

•

if other than denominations of $1,000 or an even multiple of $1,000, the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued;

•

whether the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, the debt securities of the series are to be payable, at our election or at the election of a holder, in a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or stated to be payable, and other related terms and conditions;

•

whether the amount of payments of principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, the debt securities may be determined according to an index, formula or other method and how such amounts will be determined;

•

if less than the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon a declaration of the acceleration of the maturity of such debt securities;

•

whether the debt securities will be in registered form, bearer form or both and (1) if in registered form, the person to whom any interest shall be payable, if other than the person in whose name the security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest, or (2) if in bearer form, the manner in which, or the person to whom, any interest on the security shall be payable if otherwise than upon presentation and surrender upon maturity;

•

any restrictions applicable to the offer, sale or delivery of securities in bearer form and the terms upon which securities in bearer form of the series may be exchanged for securities in registered form of the series and vice versa if permitted by applicable laws and regulations;

•

whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether any debt securities of the series are to be issuable in permanent global form with or without coupons and, if so, whether beneficial owners of interests in any such permanent global security may or shall be required to exchange their interests for other debt securities of the series, and the manner in which interest shall be paid;

•

the identity of the depositary for securities in registered form, if such series are to be issuable as a global security;

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the date as of which any debt securities in bearer form or in temporary global form shall be dated if other than the original issuance date of the first security of the series to be issued;

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the applicability, if any, of the defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions described in this prospectus or in the applicable indenture;

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whether and under what circumstances we will pay any additional amounts on the debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities in lieu of making such a payment;

•

the circumstances, if any, in the applicable prospectus supplement, under which beneficial owners of interests in the global security may obtain definitive debt securities and the manner in which payments on a permanent global debt security will be made if any debt securities are issuable in temporary or permanent global form;

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any provisions granting special rights to holders of securities upon the occurrence of such events as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement;

•

the name of the applicable trustee and the nature of any material relationship with us or any of our affiliates, and the percentage of debt securities of the class necessary to require the trustee to take action;

•

any deletions from, modifications of, or additions to our events of default or covenants and any change in the right of any trustee or any of the holders to declare the principal amount of any of such debt securities due and payable; and

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any other terms of such debt securities not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture.

We may issue debt securities at a discount below their principal amount and provide for less than the entire principal amount thereof to be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities. We will refer to any such debt securities throughout this prospectus as “original issue discount securities.” The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the federal income tax consequences and other relevant considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.

Except as described under “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets” or as may be set forth in any prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that (1) would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or (2) would afford holders of debt securities protection in the event of (a) a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or any of our affiliates or (b) a change of control or reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving us that may adversely affect the holders of the debt securities. In the future, we may enter into transactions, such as the sale of all or substantially all of our assets or a merger or consolidation, that may have an adverse effect on our ability to service our indebtedness, including the debt securities, by, among other things, substantially reducing or eliminating our assets.

Neither the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act nor our governing instruments define the term “substantially all” as it relates to the sale of assets. Additionally, Massachusetts cases interpreting the term “substantially all” rely upon the facts and circumstances of each particular case. Consequently, to determine whether a sale of “substantially all” of our assets has occurred, a holder of debt securities must review the financial and other information that we have disclosed to the public.

We will provide you with more information in the applicable prospectus supplement regarding any deletions, modifications, or additions to the events of default or covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

Payment

Unless we give you different information in the applicable prospectus supplement, the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, any series of the debt securities will be payable at the corporate trust office of the trustee. We will provide you with the address of the trustee in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may also pay interest by mailing a check to the address of the person entitled to it as it appears in the applicable register for the debt securities or by wire transfer of funds to that person at an account maintained within the United States.

All monies that we pay to a paying agent or a trustee for the payment of the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, any debt security will be repaid to us if unclaimed at the end of two years after the obligation underlying payment becomes due and payable. After funds have been returned to us, the holder of the debt security may look only to us for payment, without payment of interest for the period we hold the funds.

Registration and Transfer

Subject to the limitations imposed upon debt securities that are evidenced by a computerized entry in the records of a depository company rather than by physical delivery of a note, a holder of debt securities of any series may:

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exchange them for any authorized denomination of other debt securities of the same series and of a like aggregate principal amount and kind upon surrender of such debt securities at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose; and

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surrender them for registration of transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee or at the office of any transfer agent that we designate for such purpose.

Every debt security surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange must be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, and the person requesting such action must provide evidence of title and identity satisfactory to the applicable trustee or transfer agent. Payment of a service charge will not be required for any registration of transfer or exchange of any debt securities, but either the trustee or we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. If in addition to the applicable trustee, the applicable prospectus supplement refers to any transfer agent initially designated by us for any series of debt securities, we may at any time rescind the designation of any such transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for such series. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents for any series of debt securities.

Neither we nor any trustee shall be required to:

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issue, register the transfer of, or exchange debt securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day that the notice of redemption of any debt securities selected for redemption is mailed and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing;

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register the transfer of or exchange any debt security, or portion thereof, so selected for redemption, in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any debt security being redeemed in part; or

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issue, register the transfer of or exchange any debt security that has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the holder, except the portion, if any, of such debt security not to be so repaid.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The indentures provide that we may, without the consent of the holders of any outstanding debt securities, (1) consolidate with, (2) sell, lease or convey all or substantially all of our assets to, or (3) merge with or into, any other entity provided that:

•

either we are the continuing entity, or the successor entity, if other than us, assumes the obligations (A) to pay the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, all of the debt securities and (B) to duly perform and observe all of the covenants and conditions contained in each indenture;

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after giving effect to the transaction, there is no event of default under the indentures and no event which, after notice or the lapse of time, or both, would become such an event of default, occurs and continues; and

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an officers’ certificate and legal opinion covering such conditions are delivered to each applicable trustee.

Covenants

Below is a summary of certain covenants we are required to observe under the indentures.

Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. The indentures require us, with respect to each series of debt securities, to duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium or make-whole amounts, if any) and interest on the debt securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the applicable indenture.

Existence. Except as permitted under “—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets,” the indentures require us to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our existence, rights and franchises. However, the indentures do not require us to preserve any right or franchise if we determine that any right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of our business.

Payment of Taxes and Other Claims. The indentures require us to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before they become delinquent (1) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges levied or imposed on us, our subsidiaries or our subsidiaries’ income, profits or property, and (2) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien upon our property or the property of our subsidiaries. However, we will not be required to pay, discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount, applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.

Provision of Financial Information. The indentures require us to file with the trustee, within 15 days of each of the respective dates by which we file with the SEC, copies of the annual reports, quarterly reports, documents and other reports which we may be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Additional Covenants. The indentures include certain other covenants, including covenants requiring us to maintain our property in good condition and hold money for payment on the debt securities in trust for holders under certain circumstances. Additionally, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any other covenants applicable to us under any series of debt securities.

Events of Default, Notice and Waiver

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, when we refer to “events of default” as defined in the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities, we mean:

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default in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of such series continuing for 30 days;

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default in the payment of principal of (or any premium or make-whole amount, if any, on) any debt security of such series at its maturity;

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default in deposit of any sinking fund payment as required for any debt security of such series;

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default in the performance or breach of any of our covenants or warranties contained in the applicable indenture continuing for 60 days after written notice to us as provided in the applicable indenture;

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a default under any indenture or instrument under which there may be issued, secured or evidenced any existing or later created indebtedness for money we or any of our subsidiaries borrowed in an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least $30,000,000, if the default results in the indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date it otherwise would have, without such indebtedness having been discharged, or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled, within 30 days after notice to us specifying such default;

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bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, or court appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of us or our significant subsidiary; and

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any other event of default provided with respect to a particular series of debt securities.

When we use the term “significant subsidiary,” we refer to the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to debt securities of any series outstanding, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, then the applicable trustee or the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series will have the right to declare the portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof to be due and payable. However, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been

made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the applicable trustee, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if:

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we have paid or deposited with the applicable trustee all required payments of the principal, any premium (or make-whole amount), and interest, plus applicable fees, expenses, disbursements and advances of the applicable trustee; and

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all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, or a specified portion thereof, and any premium (or make-whole amount), have been cured or waived.

The indentures also provide that the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under the applicable indenture may on behalf of all holders waive any past default with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default:

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in the payment of the principal, any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest; or

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in respect of a covenant or provision contained in the applicable indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of the outstanding debt security that is affected by the default; or

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in respect of a covenant or provision for the benefit or protection of the trustee, without its express written consent.

The indentures require each trustee to give notice to the holders of debt securities within 90 days of a default unless such default has been cured or waived. However, the trustee may withhold notice if specified responsible officers of such trustee consider such withholding to be in the interest of the holders of debt securities. The trustee may not withhold notice of a default in the payment of principal, any premium or interest on any debt security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment in respect of any debt security of such series.

The indentures provide that holders of debt securities of any series may not institute any proceedings, judicial or otherwise, with respect to such indenture or for any remedy under the indenture, unless the trustee fails to act for a period of 60 days after the trustee has received a written request to institute proceedings in respect of an event of default from the holders of 25% or more in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, as well as an offer of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. However, this provision will not prevent any holder of debt securities from instituting suit for the enforcement of payment of the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt securities at the respective due dates thereof.

The indentures provide that, subject to provisions in each indenture relating to its duties in the case of a default, a trustee has no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any holders of any series of debt securities then outstanding under the indenture, unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series or of all debt securities then outstanding under an indenture shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee. However, a trustee may refuse to follow any direction which:

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is in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;

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may involve the trustee in personal liability; or

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may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of debt securities of the series not joining the proceeding.

Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, we will be required to deliver to each trustee a certificate, signed by one of our several specified officers stating whether or not that officer has knowledge of any default under the applicable indenture. If the officer has knowledge of any default, the notice must specify the nature and status of the default.

Modification of the Indentures

We may modify and amend the indentures only with the consent of the affected holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities issued under the applicable indenture. However, no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities affected by the modification or amendment:

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change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any premium (or make-whole amount) on, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any such debt security;

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reduce the principal amount of, the rate or amount of interest on or any premium (or make-whole amount) payable on redemption of any such debt security;

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reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof or would be provable in bankruptcy, or adversely affect any right of repayment of the holder of any such debt security;

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change the place of payment or the coin or currency for payment of principal of, or any premium (or make-whole amount) or interest on, any such debt security;

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impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any such debt security;

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reduce the percentage in principal amount of any outstanding debt securities necessary to modify or amend the applicable indenture with respect to such debt securities, to waive compliance with particular provisions thereof or defaults and consequences thereunder or to reduce the quorum or voting requirements set forth in the applicable indenture; or

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modify any of the foregoing provisions or any of the provisions relating to the waiver of particular past defaults or covenants, except to increase the required percentage to effect such action or to provide that some of the other provisions may not be modified or waived without the consent of the holder of such debt security.

The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of debt securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, our compliance with material restrictive covenants of the applicable indenture.

We and the trustee may make modifications and amendments of an indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities for any of the following purposes:

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to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under such indenture;

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to add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in such indenture;

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to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

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to change or eliminate any provisions of an indenture, provided that any such change or elimination shall become effective only when there are no debt securities outstanding of any series created prior thereto which are entitled to the benefit of such provision;

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to secure the debt securities;

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to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series;

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to provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under an indenture by more than one trustee;

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to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in an indenture, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of holders of debt securities of any series issued under such indenture;

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to supplement any of the provisions of an indenture to the extent necessary to permit or facilitate defeasance and discharge of any series of such debt securities, provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the outstanding debt securities of any series; and

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to make provisions with respect to holders’ rights of conversion with respect to any series of debt securities.

Voting

The indentures provide that in determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt securities of a series have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the indentures or whether a quorum is present at a meeting of holders of debt securities:

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the principal amount of an original issue discount security that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof;

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the principal amount of any debt security denominated in a foreign currency that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the United States dollar equivalent, determined on the issue date for such debt security, of the principal amount or, in the case of an original issue discount security, the United States dollar equivalent on the issue date of such debt security of the amount determined as provided in the preceding bullet point;

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the principal amount of an indexed security that shall be deemed outstanding shall be the principal face amount of such indexed security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided for such indexed security under such indenture; and

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debt securities owned by us or any other obligor upon the debt securities or by any affiliate of ours or of such other obligor shall be disregarded.

The indentures contain provisions for convening meetings of the holders of debt securities of a series. A meeting will be permitted to be called at any time by the applicable trustee, and also, upon request, by us or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series, in any such case upon notice given as provided in such indenture. Except for any consent that must be given by the holder of each debt security affected by the modifications and amendments of an indenture described above, any resolution presented at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series represented at such meeting.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, except as referred to above, any resolution relating to a request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action that may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of such specified percentage.

Any resolution passed or decision taken at any properly held meeting of holders of debt securities of any series will be binding on all holders of such series. The quorum at any meeting called to adopt a resolution, and at any reconvened meeting, will be persons holding or representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series. However, if any action is to be taken relating to a consent or waiver which may be given by the holders of at least a specified percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, the persons holding such percentage will constitute a quorum.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the indentures provide that if any action is to be taken at a meeting with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver and other action that such indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the holders of a specified percentage in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities affected by such action, or of the holders of such series and one or more additional series:

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there shall be no minimum quorum requirement for such meeting; and

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the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series that vote in favor of such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be taken into account in determining whether such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action has been made, given or taken under such indenture.

Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures allow us to discharge our obligations to holders of any series of debt securities issued under any indenture when:

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either (1) all securities of such series have already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation; or (2) all securities of such series have not already been delivered to the applicable trustee for cancellation but (a) have become due and payable, (b) will become due and payable within one year, or (c) if redeemable at our option, are to be redeemed within one year, and we have irrevocably deposited with the applicable trustee, in trust, funds in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable, an amount sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness on such debt securities in respect of principal and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest to the date of such deposit if such debt securities have become due and payable or, if they have not, to the stated maturity or redemption date;

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we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable; and

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we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that the conditions to discharging the debt securities have been satisfied.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures provide that, upon our irrevocable deposit with the applicable trustee, in trust, of an amount, in such currency or currencies, currency unit or units or composite currency or currencies in which such debt securities are payable at stated maturity, or government obligations, or both, applicable to such debt securities, which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay the principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt securities, and any mandatory sinking fund or analogous payments thereon, on the scheduled due dates therefor, we may elect either:

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to defease and be discharged from any and all obligations with respect to such debt securities; or

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to be released from our obligations with respect to such debt securities under the applicable indenture or, if provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, our obligations with respect to any other covenant, and any omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute an event of default with respect to such debt securities.

Notwithstanding the above, we may not elect to defease and be discharged from the obligation to pay any additional amounts upon the occurrence of particular events of tax, assessment or governmental charge with respect to payments on such debt securities and the obligations to register the transfer or exchange of such debt securities, to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities, to maintain an office or agency in respect of such debt securities, or to hold monies for payment in trust.

The indentures only permit us to establish the trust described in the paragraph above if, among other things, we have delivered to the applicable trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of such debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such defeasance

or covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such defeasance or covenant defeasance had not occurred. Such opinion of counsel, in the case of defeasance, will be required to refer to and be based upon a ruling received from or published by the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable federal income tax law occurring after the date of the indenture. In the event of such defeasance, the holders of such debt securities would be able to look only to such trust fund for payment of principal, any premium (or make-whole amount), and interest.

When we use the term “government obligations,” we mean securities that are:

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direct obligations of the United States or the government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of a particular series are payable, for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

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obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States or other government that issued the foreign currency in which the debt securities of such series are payable, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States or such other government, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such government obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such government obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depositary receipt. However, except as required by law, such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the government obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the government obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, if after we have deposited funds and/or government obligations to effect defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to debt securities of any series, (a) the holder of a debt security of such series is entitled to, and does, elect under the terms of the applicable indenture or the terms of such debt security to receive payment in a currency, currency unit or composite currency other than that in which such deposit has been made in respect of such debt security, or (b) a conversion event occurs in respect of the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such deposit has been made, the indebtedness represented by such debt security will be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of, and premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, such debt security as they become due out of the proceeds yielded by converting the amount so deposited in respect of such debt security into the currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt security becomes payable as a result of such election or such cessation of usage based on the applicable market exchange rate.

When we use the term “conversion event,” we mean no longer using:

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a currency, currency unit or composite currency both by the government of the country that issued such currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community;

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the European Currency Unit both within the European Monetary System and for the settlement of transactions by public institutions of or within the European Communities; or

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any currency unit or composite currency other than the European Currency Unit for the purposes for which it was established.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, all payments of principal of, and any premium (or make-whole amount) and interest on, any debt security that is payable in a foreign currency that ceases to be used by its government of issuance shall be made in United States dollars.

In the event that (a) we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities and (b) such debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount in such currency, currency unit or composite currency in which such debt securities are payable, and government obligations on deposit with the applicable trustee, will be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on such debt securities at the time of the acceleration resulting from such event of default. However, we would remain liable to make payments of such amounts due at the time of acceleration.

The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting such defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above, with respect to the debt securities of or within a particular series.

Conversion Rights

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities are convertible into common stock or preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include our obligation, if any, to permit the conversion of the debt securities of such series into our common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, and the terms and conditions upon which such conversion shall be effected (including, the initial conversion price or rate, the conversion period, any adjustment of the applicable conversion price, any applicable limitations on the ownership or transferability of common stock or preferred stock receivable on conversion, and any requirements relative to the reservation of such shares for purposes of conversion.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of debt securities convertible into our common stock will have the right, exercisable at any time during the time period specified in the prospectus supplement, unless previously redeemed, to convert convertible debt securities into shares of common stock as specified in the prospectus supplement, at the conversion rate per principal amount set forth in the prospectus supplement. In the case of convertible debt securities called for redemption, conversion rights will expire at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the redemption date, unless we default in making the payment due upon redemption, in which case such conversion right shall terminate on the date we cure such default.

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, for each series of convertible debt securities, the conversion price will be subject to adjustments as a result of:

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the payment or making of a dividend or distribution on our common stock exclusively in common stock or on any other class of capital stock, which dividend or distribution includes common stock of our company;

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the issuance to all holders of common stock of rights or warrants entitling holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at a price per share less than the current market price per share;

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subdivisions and combinations of common stock; and

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the distribution to all holders of common stock of:

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evidences of our indebtedness;

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shares of our capital stock other than common stock or assets other than cash dividends paid from current or retained earnings; or

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certain other subscription rights or warrants other than those referred to above.

In any event, no adjustment of the conversion price will be required unless an adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price. We will not issue any fractional shares of common stock upon conversion, but instead, we will pay a cash adjustment.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, subordinated securities will be subject to the following subordination provisions.

Upon any distribution to our creditors in a liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on any subordinated securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the applicable indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all senior debt. However, our obligation to make payments of the principal of and interest on such subordinated securities otherwise will not be affected. No payment of principal or interest will be permitted to be made on subordinated securities at any time if a default on senior debt exists that permits the holders of such senior debt to accelerate its maturity and the default is the subject of judicial proceedings or we receive notice of the default. After all senior debt is paid in full and until the subordinated securities are paid in full, holders of subordinated securities will be subrogated to the rights of holders of senior debt to the extent that distributions otherwise payable to holders of subordinated securities have been applied to the payment of senior debt. The subordinated indenture will not restrict the amount of senior debt or other indebtedness of us and our subsidiaries. As a result of these subordination provisions, in the event of a distribution of assets upon insolvency, holders of subordinated securities may recover less, ratably, than our general creditors.

The term “senior debt” will be defined in the applicable indenture as the principal of and interest on, or substantially similar payments to be made by us in respect of, other outstanding indebtedness, whether outstanding at the date of execution of the applicable indenture or subsequently incurred, created or assumed. The prospectus supplement may include a description of additional terms implementing the subordination feature.

No restrictions will be included in any indenture relating to subordinated securities upon the creation of additional senior debt.

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of subordinated securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated in this prospectus by reference will set forth the approximate amount of senior debt outstanding as of the end of our most recent fiscal quarter.

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our common stock. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should read our charter and bylaws before you purchase any shares of our common stock.

General

Under our charter, we have authority, without further shareholder action, to provide for the issuance of up to 170,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share. We may amend our charter from time to time to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock. Any such amendment would require the approval of the holders of a majority of our stock entitled to vote.

As of January 3, 2013, we had 78,743,518 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “BPFH.”

Dividends

Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock, holders of shares of our common stock will be entitled to receive dividends, if and when they are authorized and declared by our board of directors, out of assets that we may legally use to pay dividends.

Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock:

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depends primarily upon the ability of our subsidiaries, including the Bank, to pay dividends or otherwise transfer funds to us;

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is subject to policies established by the Federal Reserve and Massachusetts banking law; and

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is also limited by the terms of a series of outstanding convertible trust preferred securities of BPFH Capital Trust I, which generally prohibit us from issuing dividends in the event that we default under certain of our obligations under such securities.

Voting Rights

Except as otherwise required by law and except as provided by the terms of any other class or series of stock, holders of common stock have the exclusive power to vote on all matters presented to our shareholders, including the election of directors. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our directors, which means that, subject to any rights to elect directors that are granted to the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect a director.

Preemptive Rights

Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive rights under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act, or our articles of organization or by-laws.

Liquidation/Dissolution Rights

In the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are wound up, and subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive, in cash or in kind, in proportion to their holdings, the assets that we may legally use to pay distributions after we pay or make adequate provision for all of our debts and liabilities.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Computershare, Inc., in Canton, Massachusetts.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

The following is a description of the material terms and provisions of our preferred stock. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Therefore, you should read our charter and bylaws before you purchase any shares of our preferred stock.

General

Under our charter, we are authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of January 3, 2013, 401 shares of Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Contingent Convertible Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, and 0 shares of Series B-1 Non-Cumulative Perpetual Contingent Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value, were issued and outstanding.

Subject to limitations of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act and our articles and by-laws, the board may determine the number of shares constituting each class or series of preferred stock and the designation, preferences, voting powers, qualifications, and special or relative rights or privileges of that class or series. These may include provisions concerning voting rights, dividends, redemption rights, dissolution or the distribution of assets, conversion or exchange and other subjects or matters as may be fixed by resolution of the board. Our board of directors is authorized to issue, without shareholder approval, shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more classes or one or more series of stock within any class.

Terms

You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of a class or series of preferred stock or the Certificate of Vote designating the class or series of preferred stock for the specific terms of that class or series, including:

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the distinctive class or serial designation and the number of shares constituting such class or series;

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the dividend rates or the amount of dividends to be paid on the shares of such class or series, whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates, the payment date or dates for dividends, and the participating and other rights, if any, with respect to dividends;

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the voting powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares of such class or series;

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whether the shares of such class or series shall be redeemable and, if so, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, such shares may be redeemed;

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the amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such class or series and any preferences applicable thereto in the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up;

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whether the shares of such class or series shall be entitled to the benefit of a sinking or retirement fund to be applied to the purchase or redemption of such shares, and if so entitled, the amount of such fund and the manner of its application, including the price or prices at which such shares may be redeemed or purchased through the application of such fund;

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whether the shares of such class or series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of our stock and, if so convertible or exchangeable, the conversion price or prices, or the rate or rates of exchange, and the adjustments thereof, if any, at which such conversion or exchange may be made, and any other terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange;

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the price or other consideration for which the shares of such class or series shall be issued;

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whether the shares of such class or series which are redeemed or converted shall have the status of authorized but unissued shares of undesignated preferred stock (or series thereof) and whether such shares may be reissued as shares of the same or any other class or series of stock; and

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such other powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as our board of directors may deem advisable.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the depositary shares offered by this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any issuance of depositary shares. You should read the particular terms of any depositary shares we offer in any prospectus supplement, together with the more detailed form of deposit agreement, including the form of depositary receipt relating to the depositary shares, which will be filed as an exhibit to a document incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The prospectus supplement also will state whether any of the terms summarized below do not apply to the depositary shares being offered.

General

We may offer fractional, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we exercise this option, we will provide for the issuance by a depositary to the public of depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest (to be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the preferred stock) in a share of a particular series of the preferred stock.

We will deposit the shares of any series of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company selected by us, known as a depositary, having its principal office in the United States, and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million. The applicable prospectus supplement will provide the name and address of the depositary. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will have a fractional interest in all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock underlying the depositary share. These rights include any dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

While the final depositary receipts are being prepared, we may order the depositary, in writing, to issue temporary depositary receipts substantially identical to the final depositary receipts although not in final form. This will entitle the holders to all the rights relating to the final depositary receipts. Final depositary receipts will be prepared without unreasonable delay, and the holders of the temporary depositary receipts can exchange them for the final depositary receipts at our expense.

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

If you surrender depositary receipts at the principal corporate trust office of the depositary (unless the related depositary shares have previously been called for redemption), you are entitled to receive at that office, should you so request, the number of shares of preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. We will not issue partial shares of preferred stock. If you deliver a number of depositary receipts evidencing a number of depositary shares that represent more than a whole number of depositary shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will issue you a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares at the same time that the preferred stock is withdrawn. Holders of preferred stock will no longer be entitled to deposit these shares under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary shares in exchange for those withdrawn shares of preferred stock. We cannot assure you that a market will exist for the withdrawn preferred stock.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received for the preferred stock (less any taxes required to be withheld) to the record holders of depositary shares representing the preferred stock in proportion to the number of depositary shares that the holders own on the relevant record date. The depositary will distribute only the amount that can be distributed without attributing to any holder of depositary shares a fraction of one cent. The balance not distributed will be added to and treated as part of the next sum that the depositary receives for distribution to record holders of depositary shares.

If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property to the record holders of depositary shares that are entitled to it, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make this distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds from the sale to the holders of depositary shares.

The deposit agreement will also contain provisions relating to the manner in which any subscription or similar rights that we offer to holders of the preferred stock will be made available to holders of depositary shares.

Conversion and Exchange

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will not be convertible or exchangeable into any other class or series of our capital stock.

Redemption of Deposited Preferred Stock

If a series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is subject to redemption, we will redeem the depositary shares from the redemption proceeds received by the depositary, in whole or in part, on the series of preferred stock held by the depositary. The redemption price per depositary share will bear the same relationship to the redemption price per share of preferred stock that the depositary share bears to the underlying preferred stock. When we redeem preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date, the number of depositary shares representing the preferred stock redeemed. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the redemption will be made in a manner that our board of directors decides is equitable.

From and after the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be outstanding. When the depositary shares are no longer outstanding, all rights of the holders of depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive money or property that the holders of the depositary shares were entitled to receive on redemption. The payments will be made when holders surrender their depositary receipts to the depositary.

Voting of Deposited Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary shares relating to the preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock) will be entitled to instruct the depositary on how the preferred stock underlying the holder’s depositary shares should be voted. The depositary will try, if practicable, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares according to the instructions received, and we will take all action that the depositary may consider necessary to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote any preferred stock if it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares relating to the preferred stock.

Taxation

Owners of depositary shares will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as if they were owners of the preferred stock represented by the depositary shares. Accordingly, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, they will have the income and deductions to which they would have been entitled if they were holders of the preferred stock. In addition:

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no gain or loss will be recognized for federal income tax purposes when preferred stock is withdrawn in exchange for depositary shares as provided in the deposit agreement;

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the tax basis of each share of preferred stock to an exchanging owner of depositary shares will, at the exchange, be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the depositary shares exchanged; and

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the holding period for the preferred stock in the hands of an exchanging owner of depositary shares who held the depositary shares as a capital asset at the time of the exchange, will include the period during which the person owned the depositary shares.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement or required by law, the form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended at any time by an agreement between us and the depositary. A deposit agreement may be terminated by either the depositary or us only if:

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all outstanding depositary shares relating to the deposit agreement have been redeemed; or

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there has been a final distribution on the preferred stock of the relevant series in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and the distribution has been distributed to the holders of the related depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary associated with the initial deposit and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay transfer and other taxes and governmental charges, and any other charges that are stated to be their responsibility in the deposit agreement.

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering notice to us. We also may remove the depositary at any time. Resignations or removals will be effective when a successor depositary is appointed, and when the successor accepts the appointment. A successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal. A successor depositary must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States, and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million.

Miscellaneous

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary shares all reports and communications that it receives from us, and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock.

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if the depositary is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. Our obligations and the depositary’s obligations under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of the duties described in the deposit agreement. Neither we nor the depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding connected with any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished to the depositary and us. We and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary shares or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be genuine.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and debt securities. Warrants may be issued separately or together with common stock, preferred stock or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust corporation, as warrant agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of offered warrants. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants. Copies of the forms of warrant agreements, including the forms of warrant certificates representing the warrants, will be filed as exhibits to a document incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the warrants offered by this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any issuance of warrants. You should read the particular terms of any warrants we offer in any prospectus supplement, together with the more detailed form of warrant agreement and the form of warrant certificate. The prospectus supplement also will state whether any of the terms summarized below do not apply to the warrants being offered.

General

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants and applicable warrant agreement, including the following, where applicable:

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the title of the warrants;

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the offering price for the warrants, if any;

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the aggregate number of warrants offered and the aggregate number of warrants outstanding as of the most practicable date;

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the designation and terms of the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, if any, purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

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the designation and terms of the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, if any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each of these securities;

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the date after which the warrants and any debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, if any, issued with the warrants will be separately transferable;

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the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the purchase price;

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the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants begins and expires;

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the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

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whether the warrants represented by warrant certificates or debt securities that may be issued upon exercise of the warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

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information with respect to any book-entry procedures;

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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

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a discussion of certain United States federal income tax considerations;

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any anti-dilution provisions of the warrants;

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any redemption or call provisions applicable to the warrants;

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whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units; and

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any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new warrant certificates of different denominations, may be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of any warrant to purchase debt securities, holders of such warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase preferred stock or common stock, holders of such warrants will not have any rights of holders of the preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase such principal amount of debt securities or shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to the offered warrants. After the close of business on the expiration date of the warrants (or such later date to which such expiration date may be extended by us), unexercised warrants will become void.

Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the warrant agent payment as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement of the amount required to purchase the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate. Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise price, subject to the receipt, within five business days, of the warrant certificate evidencing such warrants. Upon receipt of such payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.

Amendments and Supplements to Warrant Agreements

The warrant agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

Common Stock Warrant Adjustments

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by, a common stock warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including:

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the issuance of common stock as a dividend or distribution on the common stock;

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subdivisions and combinations of the common stock;

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the issuance to all holders of common stock of capital stock rights entitling them to subscribe for or purchase common stock within 45 days after the date fixed for the determination of the shareholders entitled to receive such capital stock rights, at less than the current market price; and

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the distribution to all holders of common stock of evidences of our indebtedness or assets (excluding certain cash dividends and distributions described below) or rights or warrants (excluding those referred to above).

We may, in lieu of making any adjustment in the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by, a common stock warrant, make proper provision so that each holder of such common stock warrant who exercises such common stock warrant (or any portion thereof):

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before the record date for such distribution of separate certificates, shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise shares of common stock issued with capital stock rights; and

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after such record date and prior to the expiration, redemption or termination of such capital stock rights, shall be entitled to receive upon such exercise, in addition to the shares of common stock issuable upon such exercise, the same number of such capital stock rights as would a holder of the number of shares of common stock that such common stock warrants so exercised would have entitled the holder thereof to acquire in accordance with the terms and provisions applicable to the capital stock rights if such common stock warrant was exercised immediately prior to the record date for such distribution.

Common stock owned by or held for our account or any of our majority owned subsidiaries shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any adjustment.

No adjustment in the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by, a common stock warrant will be made for regular quarterly or other periodic or recurring cash dividends or distributions of cash dividends or distributions to the extent paid from retained earnings. Except as provided in the prospectus supplement, the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by, a common stock warrant will not be adjusted for the issuance of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, or securities carrying the right to purchase any of the foregoing.

In the case of a reclassification or change of the common stock, a consolidation or merger involving us or sale or conveyance to another corporation of our property and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, in each case as a result of which holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities, other property or assets (including cash) with respect to, or in exchange for, such common stock, the holders of the common stock warrants then outstanding will be entitled thereafter to convert such common stock warrants into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities or property which they would have received upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance had such common stock warrants been exercised immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance.

DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue stock purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us and us to sell to the holders, a specified number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares at a future date or dates. Alternatively, the stock purchase contracts may obligate us to purchase from holders, and obligate holders to sell to us, a specified or varying number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares. The consideration per share of common stock or preferred stock or per depositary share may be fixed at the time the stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by a specific reference to a formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may provide for settlement by delivery by us or on our behalf of shares of the underlying security, or they may provide for settlement by reference or linkage to the value, performance or trading price of the underlying security. The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of stock purchase units consisting of a stock purchase contract and debt securities, preferred stock or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. treasury securities, other stock purchase contracts or common stock, or other securities or property, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase or sell, as the case may be, the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or other security or property under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units or vice versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis and may be paid on a current or on a deferred basis. The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations thereunder in a specified manner and may provide for the prepayment of all or part of the consideration payable by holders in connection with the purchase of the underlying security or other property pursuant to the stock purchase contracts.

The securities related to the stock purchase contracts may be pledged to a collateral agent for our benefit pursuant to a pledge agreement to secure the obligations of holders of stock purchase contracts to purchase the underlying security or property under the related stock purchase contracts. The rights of holders of stock purchase contracts to the related pledged securities will be subject to our security interest therein created by the pledge agreement. No holder of stock purchase contracts will be permitted to withdraw the pledged securities related to such stock purchase contracts from the pledge arrangement.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The prospectus supplement will describe:

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the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be held or transferred separately;

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a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units;

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a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units; and

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whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

The descriptions of the units and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful or that may be important to you. You should refer to the provisions of the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” below.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities in any one or more of the following ways:

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directly to investors, including through a specific bidding, auction or other process;

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to investors through agents;

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directly to agents;

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to or through brokers or dealers;

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to the public through underwriting syndicates led by one or more managing underwriters;

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to one or more underwriters acting alone for resale to investors or to the public; and

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through a combination of any such methods of sale.

Our common stock or preferred stock may be issued upon conversion of debt securities or our preferred stock or in exchange for our debt securities. Securities may also be issued upon exercise of warrants. We reserve the right to sell securities directly to investors on their own behalf in those jurisdictions where they are authorized to do so.

If we sell securities to a dealer acting as principal, the dealer may resell such securities at varying prices to be determined by such dealer in its discretion at the time of resale without consulting with us and such resale prices may not be disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Any underwritten offering may be on a best efforts or a firm commitment basis. We may also offer securities through subscription rights distributed to our shareholders on a pro rata basis, which may or may not be transferable. In any distribution of subscription rights to shareholders, if all of the underlying securities are not subscribed for, we may then sell the unsubscribed securities directly to third parties or may engage the services of one or more underwriters, dealers or agents, including standby underwriters, to sell the unsubscribed securities to third parties.

Sales of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions:

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at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;

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at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

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at prices related to prevailing market prices; or

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at negotiated prices.

Any of the prices may represent a discount from the then prevailing market prices.

In the sale of the securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive compensation from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Discounts, concessions and commissions may be changed from time to time. Dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts, concessions or commissions they receive from us and any profit on the resale of securities they realize may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under applicable federal and state securities laws.

The applicable prospectus supplement will, where applicable:

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identify any such underwriter, dealer or agent;

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describe any compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, commissions or otherwise received from us by each such underwriter or agent and in the aggregate by all underwriters and agents;

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describe any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers;

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identify the amounts underwritten; and

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identify the nature of the underwriter’s or underwriters’ obligation to take the securities.

Unless otherwise specified in the related prospectus supplement, each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than shares of our common stock, which are listed on NASDAQ. Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on NASDAQ, subject to official notice of issuance. We may elect to list any series of debt securities or preferred stock, on an exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading market for, any offered securities.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If disclosed in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with those derivative transactions third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and such prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or from others to settle those short sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivative transactions to close out any related open borrowings of securities. If the third party is or may be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act, it will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplements.

Until the distribution of the securities is completed, rules of the SEC may limit the ability of any underwriters and selling group members to bid for and purchase the securities. As an exception to these rules, underwriters are permitted to engage in some transactions that stabilize the price of the securities. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities.

Underwriters may engage in overallotment. If any underwriters create a short position in the securities in an offering in which they sell more securities than are set forth on the cover page of the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing the securities in the open market.

The lead underwriters may also impose a penalty bid on other underwriters and selling group members participating in an offering. This means that if the lead underwriters purchase securities in the open market to reduce the underwriters’ short position or to stabilize the price of the securities, they may reclaim the amount of any selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those securities as part of the offering.

In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of a security to the extent that it were to discourage resales of the security before the distribution is completed.

We do not make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above might have on the price of the securities. In addition, we do not make any representation that underwriters will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against or contribution towards certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the applicable securities laws.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, perform services for us or be our tenants in the ordinary course of business.

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by particular institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in such prospectus supplement. Each delayed delivery contract will be for an amount no less than, and the aggregate amounts of securities sold under delayed delivery contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Institutions with which such contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but will in all cases be subject to our approval. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the conditions that (a) the purchase of the securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the purchaser is subject, and (b) if the securities are being sold to underwriters, we shall have sold to the underwriters the total amount of the securities less the amount thereof covered by the contracts. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.

To comply with applicable state securities laws, the securities offered by this prospectus will be sold, if necessary, in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, securities may not be sold in some states unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

Underwriters, dealers or agents that participate in the offer of securities, or their affiliates or associates, may have engaged or engage in transactions with and perform services for us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of business for which they may have received or receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities we are offering will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, have been incorporated by reference herein, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information and reports we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to these documents. Our SEC file number is 000-17089. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information already incorporated by reference. We are incorporating by reference the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), (1) on or after the date of filing of the registration containing this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (2) on or after the date of this prospectus until the earlier of the date on which all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold or this registration statement has been withdrawn shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents:

•

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed on March 13, 2012;

•

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2012, June 30, 2012 and September 31, 2012, filed on May 8, 2012, August 7, 2012 and November 8, 2012, respectively;

•

Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on January 26, 2012, February 6, 2012, February 29, 2012, April 4, 2012, April 25, 2012, May 2, 2012, May 21, 2012, July 18, 2012, July 20, 2012, August 20, 2012, August 22, 2012, September 20, 2012, October 3, 2012, October 17, 2012 (as amended on Form 8-K/A on October 18, 2012), October 22, 2012, November 2, 2012, and December 17, 2012;

•

Portions of our Proxy Statement filed on April 2, 2012 that have been incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K; and

•

The description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A, filed on July 27, 1988, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

You may request a copy of these filings, and any exhibits we have specifically incorporated by reference as an exhibit in this prospectus, at no cost by writing or telephoning us at the following: Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., Ten Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attention: Margaret W. Chambers, Corporate Secretary. Our telephone number is (617) 912-1900.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. We have incorporated into this registration statement exhibits. You should read the exhibits carefully for provisions that may be important to you.

You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus or those documents.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, or in any other document filed later that is also incorporated in this prospectus by reference, modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded. The information relating to us contained in this prospectus should be read together with the information contained in any prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement by reference.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) that registers the offer and sale of the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is part of the registration statement, but the registration statement, including the accompanying exhibits included or incorporated by reference therein, contains additional relevant information about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit certain information included in the registration statement from this prospectus.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and on our website at http://www.bostonprivate.com . We have included the SEC’s web address and our web address as inactive textual references only. Except as specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus, information on those websites is not part of this prospectus.

We have the authority to designate and issue more than one class or series of stock having various preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption. See “Description of Common Stock.” We will furnish a full statement of the relative rights and preferences of each class or series of our stock that has been so designated and any restrictions on the ownership or transfer of our stock to any shareholder upon request and without charge. Written requests for such copies should be directed to: Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., Ten Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, Attention: Margaret W. Chambers, Corporate Secretary.

$225,000,000

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Senior Debt Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities

Depositary Shares

Warrants

Stock Purchase Contracts

Units

LOGO

PROSPECTUS

, 20__

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the Securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the estimated costs and expenses payable by the registrant in connection with the registration of securities being registered under this Registration Statement. All amounts except the SEC registration fee are estimates.


SEC Registration fee	$	30,600
Legal fees and expenses		30,000	*
Accounting fees and expenses		10,000	*
Printing and related expenses		5,000	*
Miscellaneous expenses		10,000	*

Total	$	75,600

*	Estimated.

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The Company is a Massachusetts corporation. Reference is made to Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”). Section 8.51 of the MBCA authorizes a corporation to indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1)(i) he conducted himself in good faith; (ii) he reasonably believed that his conduct was in the best interests of the corporation or that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which he shall not be liable under a provision of the corporation’s articles of organization. Section 8.52 of the MBCA further provides that a corporation shall indemnify a director who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding. Section 8.56 of the MBCA provides that a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses to an officer of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer of the corporation to the same extent as a director. Section 6.3 of Article 6 of the Company’s articles of organization provides for indemnification to the full extent permitted under the MBCA.

The Company and its directors and officers currently carry liability insurance.

Item 16.

Exhibits.


Exhibit No.	Description	Form	SEC Filing Date	Exhibit Number

1.1	Form of Underwriting Agreement*

1.2	Form of Distribution Agreement (Debt Securities)*

4.1	Restated Articles of Organization of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.	8-K	8/2/2010	3.1

4.2	Articles of Amendment of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., filed on May 1, 2012	8-K	5/1/2012	3.1

4.3	By-laws of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., as amended and restated	8-K	8/2/2010	3.2

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Exhibit No.	Description	Form	SEC Filing Date	Exhibit Number

4.4	Form of Indenture for Senior Debt	This S-3

4.5	Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt	This S-3

4.6	Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.4)

4.7	Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.5)

4.8	Form of Warrant Agreement (Stock) (including form of warrant)*

4.9	Form of Warrant Agreement (Debt) (including form of warrant)*

4.10	Form of Deposit Agreement for Depositary Shares*

4.11	Form of Depositary Receipt*

4.12	Form of Purchase Contract Agreement (including form of related security certificate)*

4.13	Form of Unit Agreement*

4.14	Form of Unit Certificate*

4.15	Form of Certificate of Vote of Preferred Stock*

5.1	Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the Securities being registered	This S-3

12.1	Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends and Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges	This S-3

23.1	Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)	This S-3

23.2	Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	This S-3

24.1	Powers of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement)	This S-3

25.1	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Senior Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939*

25.2	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939*

*	To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement.

Item 17.

Undertakings.

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:

(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

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(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii) 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;

provided, however , that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of 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 initial bona fide offering thereof; and

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser,

(i) (A) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and (B) each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; or

(ii) each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or

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deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) 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 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(7) 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 foregoing provisions, 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 or 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 it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 4^th day of January, 2013.


BOSTON PRIVATE FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, INC.

By:		/S/ CLAYTON G. DEUTSCH
		Clayton G. Deutsch President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

By:		/S/ DAVID J. KAYE
		David J. Kaye Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, the undersigned officers and directors of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., hereby severally constitute Clayton G. Deutsch and David J. Kaye and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to them, and each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below and in such other capacities as the undersigned may from time to time serve in the future, the registration statement filed herewith and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to said registration statement (or any registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended), and generally to do all such things in our names and in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming our signatures as they may be signed by our said attorneys, or any of them, to said registration statement and any and all amendments thereto.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Title	Date

/S/ CLAYTON G. DEUTSCH Clayton G. Deutsch	President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	January 4, 2013

/S/ DAVID J. KAYE David J. Kaye	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	January 4, 2013

/S/ JOSEPH D. REGAN Joseph D. Regan	Senior Vice President, Controller and Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)	January 4, 2013

/S/ STEPHEN M. WATERS Stephen M. Waters	Chairman	January 4, 2013

/S/ HERBERT S. ALEXANDER Herbert S. Alexander	Director	January 4, 2013



/S/ EUGENE S. COLANGELO Eugene S. Colangelo	Director	January 4, 2013

/S/ LYNN THOMPSON HOFFMAN Lynn Thompson Hoffman	Director	January 4, 2013

/S/ DEBORAH F. KUENSTNER Deborah F. Kuenstner	Director	January 4, 2013

/S/ JOHN MORTON III John Morton III	Director	January 4, 2013

/S/ WILLIAM J. SHEA William J. Shea	Director	January 4, 2013

/S/ DR. ALLEN L. SINAI Dr. Allen L. Sinai	Director	January 4, 2013

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No.	Description	Form		SEC Filing Date	Exhibit Number

1.1	Form of Underwriting Agreement*

1.2	Form of Distribution Agreement (Debt Securities)*

4.1	Restated Articles of Organization of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc.		8-K	8/2/2010	3.1

4.2	Articles of Amendment of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., filed on May 1, 2012		8-K	5/1/2012	3.1

4.3	By-laws of Boston Private Financial Holdings, Inc., as amended and restated		8-K	8/2/2010	3.2

4.4	Form of Indenture for Senior Debt		This S-3

4.5	Form of Indenture for Subordinated Debt		This S-3

4.6	Form of Senior Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.4)

4.7	Form of Subordinated Debt Security (included in Exhibit 4.5)

4.8	Form of Warrant Agreement (Stock) (including form of warrant)*

4.9	Form of Warrant Agreement (Debt) (including form of warrant)*

4.10	Form of Deposit Agreement for Depositary Shares*

4.11	Form of Depositary Receipt*

4.12	Form of Purchase Contract Agreement (including form of related security certificate)*

4.13	Form of Unit Agreement*

4.14	Form of Unit Certificate*

4.15	Form of Certificate of Vote of Preferred Stock*

5.1	Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP as to the legality of the Securities being registered		This S-3

12.1	Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends and Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges		This S-3

23.1	Consent of Goodwin Procter LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 hereto)		This S-3

23.2	Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		This S-3

24.1	Powers of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement)		This S-3

25.1	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Senior Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939*

25.2	Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939*

*	To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference to this Registration Statement.