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FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(b)(3)
REGISTRATION NO. 333-32146
Interests in
BERKSHIRE BANK
401(k) Plan
and
Offering of 592,924 Shares of
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
Common Stock ($.01 Par Value)
________________________
This prospectus supplement relates to the offer and sale to participants in
the Berkshire Bank 401(k) Plan of participation interests and shares of common
stock of Berkshire Hills.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank has adopted a plan to convert
Berkshire Bancorp, the mutual holding company for Berkshire Bank, to a stock
holding company. As part of the conversion, Berkshire Hills has been
established to acquire all of the stock of Berkshire Bank and simultaneously
offer Berkshire Hills common stock to the public under certain purchase
priorities in the plan of conversion. After the conversion, Berkshire Bancorp
will cease to exist.
In connection with the offering of Berkshire Hills common stock, 401(k)
Plan participants are now permitted to direct the trustee of the 401(k) Plan to
use their current account balances to subscribe for and purchase shares of
Berkshire Hills common stock through the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. Based
upon the value of the 401(k) Plan assets at December 31, 1999, the trustee of
the 401(k) Plan could purchase up to 592,924 shares of Berkshire Hills common
stock assuming a purchase price of $10.00 per share. This prospectus supplement
relates to the election of 401(k) Plan participants to direct the trustee of the
401(k) Plan to invest all or a portion of their 401(k) Plan accounts in
Berkshire Hills common stock.
The prospectus dated May 12, 2000, of Berkshire Hills, which we have
attached to this prospectus supplement, includes detailed information regarding
the conversion, the common stock and the financial condition, results of
operations and business of Berkshire Bank. This prospectus supplement provides
information regarding the 401(k) Plan. You should read this prospectus
supplement together with the prospectus and keep both for future reference.
Please refer to "Risk Factors" beginning on page 11 of the prospectus.
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is May 12, 2000.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Massachusetts Division
of Banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor any other state or
federal agency or any state securities commission, has approved or disapproved
these securities. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
This prospectus supplement may be used only in connection with offers and
sales by Berkshire Hills of interests or shares of common stock pursuant to the
401(k) Plan. No one may use this prospectus supplement to reoffer or resell
interests or shares of common stock acquired through the 401(k) Plan.
Berkshire Bank has not authorized any person to give any information or to
make any representations other than those contained in the prospectus or this
prospectus supplement, and, if given or made, no one may rely on such
information or representations as having been authorized by Berkshire Bank or
the 401(k) Plan. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to
sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to
any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such
jurisdiction.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
THE OFFERING................................................................................................... 1
Securities Offered................................................................................... 1
Election to Purchase the Common Stock in the Conversion.............................................. 1
Value of Participation Interests..................................................................... 1
Method of Directing Transfer......................................................................... 1
Time for Directing Transfer in Connection with the Conversion........................................ 2
Irrevocability of Transfer Direction in Connection with the Conversion............................... 2
Direction to Purchase the Common Stock After the Conversion.......................................... 2
Common Stock in the Conversion will be Purchased at $10.00 Per Share................................. 2
Nature of a Participant's Interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund................................. 2
Voting and Tender Rights of the Common Stock......................................................... 3
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN........................................................................................ 3
Introduction......................................................................................... 3
Eligibility and Participation........................................................................ 4
Contributions Under the Plan......................................................................... 4
Limitations on Contributions......................................................................... 4
Investment of Contributions.......................................................................... 5
Benefits Under the Plan.............................................................................. 7
Withdrawals and Distributions From the 401(k) Plan................................................... 7
Administration of the Plan........................................................................... 8
Reports to Plan Participants......................................................................... 8
Plan Administrator................................................................................... 8
Amendment and Termination............................................................................ 8
Merger, Consolidation or Transfer.................................................................... 9
Federal Income Tax Consequences...................................................................... 9
ERISA and Other Qualification........................................................................ 10
Restrictions on Resale............................................................................... 10
SEC Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability....................................................... 10
LEGAL OPINION.................................................................................................. 11
CONTRIBUTION AND INVESTMENT FORM
</TABLE>
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THE OFFERING
Securities Offered
The securities offered in connection with this prospectus supplement are
participation interests in the 401(k) Plan. Assuming a purchase price of $10.00
per share, the trustee may acquire up to 592,924 shares of common stock for the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. Berkshire Hills, the proposed holding company for
Berkshire Bank, is the issuer of the common stock. Only employees of Berkshire
Bank may participate in the 401(k) Plan. The interests offered under this
prospectus supplement are conditioned on the consummation of the conversion.
Your investment in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund in connection with the
conversion is subject to priorities set forth in the plan of conversion of
Berkshire Bank.
This prospectus supplement contains information regarding the 401(k) Plan.
The attached prospectus contains information regarding the conversion, the
common stock and the financial condition, results of operations and business of
Berkshire Bank. The address of the principal executive office of Berkshire Bank
is 24 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. The telephone number of Berkshire
Bank is (413) 443-5601.
Election to Purchase the Common Stock in the Conversion
In connection with the conversion, the 401(k) Plan will now provide an
additional investment option that will allow you to transfer all or part of the
funds which represent your beneficial interest in the assets of the 401(k) Plan
to the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. If you elect to invest in the Berkshire
Hills Stock Fund, the 401(k) Plan trustee will subscribe for the common stock
offered for sale in connection with the conversion in accordance with your
direction. In the event the conversion offering is oversubscribed and some or
all of your funds cannot be used to purchase common stock in the conversion
offering, the 401(k) Plan trustee will reallocate the amount not invested in
common stock on a proportionate basis to the other investment options you have
selected.
All plan participants are eligible to direct a transfer of funds to the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. However, such directions are subject to the
purchase priorities in the plan of conversion of Berkshire Bancorp.
Participants who had a savings account of $50.00 or more on September 30, 1998
at Berkshire Bank have first priority. No 401(k) Plan participants may purchase
in the subscription offering more than $250,000 of the common stock.
Value of Participation Interests
As of December 31, 1999, the market value of the assets of the 401(k) Plan
totaled $5,929,249. The plan administrator informed each participant of the
value of his or her beneficial interest in the 401(k) Plan as of September 30,
1999. The value of plan assets represents the past contributions to the 401(k)
Plan by or on behalf of the participants of the 401(k) Plan, plus or minus
earnings or losses on the contributions, less previous withdrawals.
Method of Directing Transfer
If you want to use your 401(k) Plan funds to purchase common stock in the
Berkshire Hills initial public offering, you must make a transfer of funds into
the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund from the other investment funds in which your
elective deferrals are invested. You must do this by completing the attached
Contribution and Investment Form and submitting it to the Human Resources
Department of Berkshire Bank. The 401(k) Plan trustee will submit an order form
on your behalf to purchase the maximum number of shares in the initial public
offering that can be purchased with the funds you transferred to the Berkshire
Hills Stock Fund. If you do not wish to make such an election at this time, you
do not need to take any action.
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Time for Directing Transfer in Connection with the Conversion
The deadline for submitting a direction to transfer amounts to the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund in connection with the conversion is May 31, 2000.
You should return the Contribution and Investment Form attached to this
prospectus supplement to the Human Resources Department of Berkshire Bank by
4:00 p.m., on May 31, 2000.
Irrevocability of Transfer Direction in Connection with the Conversion
Your direction to transfer amounts credited to your account in the 401(k)
Plan to the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund in connection with the conversion cannot
be changed. Pending completion of the initial public offering, the funds you
transfer to the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund will be held in an interest-bearing
account at Berkshire Bank on the same terms as other subscribers in the initial
public offering, as described in the attached prospectus.
Direction to Purchase the Common Stock After the Conversion
After the conversion, you may direct the 401(k) Plan trustee to transfer a
certain percentage (in multiples of not less than 1%) of the net value of your
interests in the other investment funds in the 401(k) Plan to the Berkshire
Hills Stock Fund. Alternatively, you may direct the 401(k) Plan trustee to
transfer a certain percentage of your interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund
to any of the other investment funds in the 401(k) Plan in accordance with the
terms of the 401(k) Plan. You may direct the trustee to invest future
contributions made to the 401(k) Plan on your behalf in the Berkshire Hills
Stock Fund after July 1, 2000. Following your initial election, you may change
the allocation of your interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund on the first
day of any calendar quarter by submitting an appropriate form to the plan
administrator. You may obtain a form from the Human Resources Department of
Berkshire Bank. Special restrictions may apply to transfers directed by those
participants who are officers, directors and principal shareholders of Berkshire
Bank, who are subject to the provisions of Section 16(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Common Stock in the Conversion will be Purchased at $10.00 Per Share
The 401(k) Plan trustee will use the funds transferred to the Berkshire
Hills Stock Fund to purchase shares of common stock in the conversion. The
trustee will pay the same price for shares of common stock as all other persons
who purchase shares of the common stock in the conversion. Post-conversion
purchases of common stock in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund will be made at
prevailing market prices. These prices may be higher or lower than the
conversion price of $10.00 per share of common stock.
Nature of a Participant's Interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund
With the other investment funds in the 401(k) Plan, the funds purchase
their underlying investment every pay period. Each investment fund's unit value
is updated every day based on the total value of its underlying investments and
the number of units held in the fund. Distributions, withdrawals, loans and
investment transfers occur without having to wait until the end of the calendar
quarter. Loan and transfer requests are made through the Voice Response System.
However, the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund differs from the other investment
options in the 401(k) Plan in the following ways:
. Any of your elective deferrals that you direct into the Berkshire Hills
Stock Fund are invested in the fund every pay period (as your deferrals are
withheld from each paycheck). However, your money is invested in a money
market fund and earns interest until the end of the calendar quarter, at
which time the cash is used to buy Berkshire Hills common stock.
. The Berkshire Hills Stock Fund's unit values are determined only at the
end of a calendar quarter, based on the market value of all Berkshire Hills
common stock the fund holds. The units you hold do not represent an
equivalent number of Berkshire Hills common stock, but instead reflect your
portion of the fund's holdings.
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. The value of your investment in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund that you
can obtain from the Voice Response System or www.SBERA.com, will be based
on the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund unit value at the close of the prior
calendar quarter plus your deferrals, which are being held in money market
fund until the end of the calendar quarter.
. All distributions and investment transfers you make involving the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund will be processed at the end of the applicable
calendar quarter using the appropriate administrative form, which must be
submitted to the Human Resources Department at least two weeks before the
end of the calendar quarter. Transfers into or out of the Berkshire Hills
Stock Fund cannot be initiated in the Voice Response System or via the
Internet on www.SBERA.com.
. Withdrawals can only be drawn from your Berkshire Hills Stock Fund at the
end of a calendar quarter, unlike the other funds, which can be drawn
against on any day. Therefore, withdrawals will be drawn first from the
other funds, not your interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. Only if
there is not enough money in your other funds to meet your withdrawal
amount will the remainder be drawn from your interest in the Berkshire
Hills Stock Fund at the end of the calendar quarter. In that event, the
entire amount of your withdrawal will not be made until after the end of
the calendar quarter.
. If you wish to borrow from your interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock
Fund, you must first transfer an amount out of the Berkshire Hills Stock
Fund, equal to twice the amount you wish to borrow, into one of the other
investment funds. Then you can follow the usual procedures to request a
loan from that investment fund. When you request from the Voice Response
System the amount available for loan, the amount will not include your
interest in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund.
Voting and Tender Rights of the Common Stock
The plan administrator generally will exercise voting rights attributable
to all of the common stock held by the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. However, in
the event that a significant corporate transaction is proposed to the
shareholders of Berkshire Hills, such as a tender offer, the trustees of the
401(k) Plan may pass-through to you the voting or tender rights of shares in the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund that represent your interest in the fund. The number
of shares of the common stock held in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund that the
trustee votes in the affirmative and negative on each matter shall be
proportionate to the number of voting instruction rights exercised by
participants in the affirmative and negative, respectively. For matters not
involving a tender offer, the plan administrator will direct the vote of
allocated shares and participants will not have an opportunity to direct the
voting of shares.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
Introduction
Effective April 1, 1993, Berkshire Bank adopted the Berkshire Bank 401(k)
Plan in the SBERA Common and Collective Trust. Berkshire Bank intends for the
401(k) Plan to comply, in form and in operation, with all applicable provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act,
most commonly referred to as "ERISA." Berkshire Bank may amend the 401(k) Plan
from time to time to ensure continued compliance with these laws. Berkshire
Bank may also amend the 401(k) Plan from time to time to add, modify, or
eliminate certain features of the plan, as it sees fit. As a plan subject to
ERISA, federal law provides you with various rights and protections as a plan
participant. Although the 401(k) Plan is subject to many of the provisions of
ERISA, your benefits under the plan are not guaranteed by the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation.
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Applicable federal tax law requires the 401(k) plan to impose substantial
restrictions on your right to withdraw amounts held under the plan prior to your
termination of employment with Berkshire Bank. Federal law may also impose an
excise tax on withdrawals made from the 401(k) plan prior to your attainment of
age 59-1/2, regardless of whether the withdrawal occurs during your employment
with Berkshire Bank or after termination of employment.
Reference to Full Text of Plan. The following portions of this prospectus
supplement summarize certain provisions of the 401(k) Plan. Berkshire Bank
qualifies these summaries in their entirety by the full text of the 401(k) Plan.
You may obtain copies of the 401(k) Plan document by sending a request to: Plan
Administrator, Thomas Forese, Jr., Savings Bank Employees Retirement
Association, 69 Cummings Park, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801. You should
carefully read the full text of the 401(k) Plan document to understand your
rights and obligations under the plan.
Eligibility and Participation
Any employee of Berkshire Bank may participate in the 401(k) Plan as of the
first day of the month following completion of a "year of service" and
attainment of age twenty-one. For purposes of the 401(k) Plan, you generally
complete a "year of service" when you complete 1,000 hours of service with
Berkshire Bank within a twelve-consecutive-month period measured from your date
of hire.
As of October 31, 1999, approximately 249 out of 254 then eligible
employees had elected to participate in the 401(k) Plan.
Contributions Under the Plan
401(k) Plan Participant Contributions. The 401(k) Plan permits each
participant to make pre-tax salary deferrals to the 401(k) Plan in amounts
ranging from 1% to 15% of compensation. Participants in the 401(k) Plan may
modify the amount contributed to the 401(k) Plan, effective on the first day of
the month, by filing a new deferral agreement with the plan administrator at
least 15 days prior to the effective date of the modification.
Berkshire Bank Contributions. Berkshire Bank has discretion under the
401(k) Plan to make matching contributions. Berkshire Bank currently makes
matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan equal to 100% of the first 3% of each
participant's deferred compensation for the plan year. Amounts deferred in
excess of 3% of a participant's compensation are not subject to matching
contributions.
Limitations on Contributions
Limitation on Employee Salary Deferral. Although the 401(k) Plan permits
you to defer up to 15% of your compensation, by law, your total pre-tax
deferrals under the 401(k) Plan, together with similar plans, may not exceed
$10,500 for 2000. The IRS will periodically increase this annual limitation.
Contributions in excess of this limitation ("excess deferrals") will be included
in an affected participant's gross income for federal income tax purposes in the
year they are made. In addition, any such excess deferral will again be subject
to federal income tax when distributed by the 401(k) Plan to the participant,
unless the excess deferral (together with any income allocable thereto) is
distributed to the participant not later than the first April 15th following the
close of the taxable year in which the excess deferral is made. Any income on
the excess deferral that is distributed not later than such date shall be
treated, for federal income tax purposes, as earned and received by the
participant in the taxable year in which the distribution is made.
Limitations on Annual Additions and Benefits. Under the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code, the 401(k) Plan provides that the total amount of
contributions and forfeitures (annual additions) allocated to participants under
the 401(k) Plan and other defined contribution plans during any plan year may
not exceed the lesser of 25% of the participant's compensation for the plan
year, or $30,000 for 2000. The 401(k) Plan will also limit annual additions to
the extent necessary to prevent the limitations set forth in the Internal
Revenue Code for all of
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the qualified defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans maintained by
Berkshire Bank from being exceeded.
Limitation on Plan Contributions for Highly Compensated Employees. Special
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code limit the amount of salary deferrals and
matching contributions that may be made to the 401(k) Plan in any year on behalf
of highly compensated employees in relation to the amount of deferrals and
matching contributions made by or on behalf of all other employees eligible to
participate in the 401(k) Plan. If these limitations are exceeded, the level of
deferrals by highly compensated employees must be adjusted.
In general, a Highly Compensated Employee includes any employee who (1) was
a five percent owner of the employer at any time during the year or preceding
year; or (2) had compensation for the preceding year in excess of $85,000 and,
if the employer so elects, was in the top 20% of employees by compensation for
the year. The dollar amounts in the foregoing sentence are for 2000. Such
amounts are adjusted annually to reflect increases in the cost of living.
In order to prevent the disqualification of the 401(k) Plan, any amount
contributed by Highly Compensated Employees that exceed the average deferral
limitation in any plan year ("excess contributions"), together with any income
allocable thereto, must be distributed to such Highly Compensated Employees
before the close of the following plan year. Berkshire Bank will be subject to
a 10% excise tax on any excess contributions unless such excess contributions,
together with any income allocable thereto, either are recharacterized or are
distributed before the close of the first 2 1/2 months following the plan year
to which such excess contributions relate.
Top-Heavy Plan Requirements. If for any plan year the 401(k) Plan is a
Top-Heavy Plan (as defined below), then (i) Berkshire Bank may be required to
make certain minimum contributions to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of non-key
employees (as defined below), and (ii) certain additional restrictions would
apply with respect to the combination of annual additions to the 401(k) Plan and
projected annual benefits under any defined benefit plan maintained by Berkshire
Bank.
In general, the 401(k) Plan will be regarded as a "Top-Heavy Plan" for any
plan year if, as of the last day of the preceding plan year, the aggregate
balance of the accounts of participants who are Key Employees (as defined below)
exceeds 60% of the aggregate balance of the accounts of all participants. Key
Employees generally include any employee who, at any time during the plan year
or any of the four preceding plan years, is (1) an officer of the Bank having
annual compensation in excess of $60,000 who is in an administrative or policy-
making capacity, (2) one of the ten employees having annual compensation in
excess of $30,000 and owning, directly or indirectly, the largest interests in
Berkshire Bank, (3) a 5% owner of Berkshire Bank, (i.e., owns directly or
indirectly more than 5% of the stock of Berkshire Bank, or stock possessing more
than 5% of the total combined voting power of all stock of Berkshire Bank), or
(4) a 1% owner of Berkshire Bank having annual compensation in excess of
$150,000. The dollar amounts in the foregoing sentence are for 2000.
Investment of Contributions
All amounts credited to participants' accounts under the 401(k) Plan are
held in trust. A trustee appointed by the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank
administers the trust.
Immediately prior to May 12, 2000, the 401(k) Plan offered the following
investment choices:
Money Market Account: The money market account seeks to maximize current
income while preserving capital and liquidity. The money market account intends
to maintain a consistent net cash value of $1.00 per share. The objective of the
money market account is to consistently out-perform the Donoghue Money Fund
Average. The Savings Bank Employees Retirement Association manages the money
market account.
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Asset Allocation Account: The asset allocation account seeks to offer a
competitive long-term total return and below-average volatility through a
balanced and diversified investment approach. The asset allocation account
invests in a carefully selected portfolio of mutual funds that emphasize either
equity, fixed income, or money market securities, both foreign and domestic.
Putnam Investments manages the asset allocation account.
Equity Account: The equity account seeks long-term growth of capital and
income by investing in common stocks of domestic and foreign companies. Five
investment advisors selected by the Board of Trustees of the Savings Bank
Employees Retirement Association manage the equity account.
Bond Account: The bond account seeks to produce a positive real rate of
return after inflation with a high degree of stability and limited volatility.
The entire portfolio of the bond account consists of United States Treasury
obligations, Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed
certificates, other United States Agency obligations and cash equivalents. The
bond account seeks to exceed the returns of the Lehman Brothers Mortgage Backed
securities Index. Putnam Investment Management manages the bond account.
Enhanced Index Account: The enhanced index account is a domestic common
stock portfolio. The enhanced index account seeks to consistently provide
excess returns over the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. The enhanced index account
controls risk by maintaining portfolio characteristics and industry weights
similar to those of the S&P 500 Index. Fidelity Management Trust Company
manages the enhanced index account.
Index 500 Account: The Index 500 account attempts to provide investment
results that parallel the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite
Stock Price Index. The portfolio holds all of the 500 underlying securities in
proportion to their weighting in the index. The Index 500 account expects to
provide investors with long-term growth of capital and income. The Vanguard
Group manages the Index 500 account.
International Equity Account: The international equity account seeks to
obtain long-term growth through a diversified portfolio of marketable equity
securities of foreign companies. The international equity account looks to
outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far
East) Index in U.S. dollars over a market cycle. Putnam International Equity
Management manages the international equity account.
Small Cap Equity Account: The small cap equity account seeks capital
appreciation. The small cap equity account is designed for investors willing to
assume above-average risk in exchange for above-average capital potential. The
account invests primarily in common stocks of small to medium-sized companies
that the account's investment advisor believes have potential for capital
appreciation significantly greater than the market average. Putnam Investment
Management manages the small cap equity account.
In connection with the Conversion, the 401(k) Plan now provides the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund as an additional choice to these investment
alternatives. The Berkshire Hills Stock Fund will invest primarily in the
common stock of Berkshire Hills. Participants in the 401(k) Plan may direct the
trustee to invest all or a portion of their 401(k) Plan account balance in the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund.
On the first day of any calendar quarter you may elect (in increments of
1%), to have both past and future contributions and additions to your accounts
invested in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. Your election becomes effective as
of the last day of the calendar quarter for which you make the election,
provided you file written notice with the plan administrator at least 15 days
before it is to become effective.
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Previous Funds. Prior to the Conversion and implementation of the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund, contributions under the 401(k) Plan were invested in
the funds specified below. The annual percentage return on these funds for the
prior three years was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
a. Money Market Account 5.05% 5.40% 5.45%
b. Asset Allocation Account 31.73 13.68 14.57
c. Equity Account 37.16 13.98 21.99
d. Bond Account 1.19 7.41 8.79
e. Enhanced Index Account 19.47 28.87 29.03
f. Index 500 Account 21.28 28.79 33.28
g. International Equity Account 59.79 12.91 12.61
h. Small Cap Equity Account 85.11 7.11 17.20
</TABLE>
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. The Berkshire Hills Stock Fund will consist of
investments primarily in the common stock of Berkshire Hills made on and after
the effective date of the Conversion. After the conversion, the trustee of the
401(k) Plan will, to the extent practicable, use all amounts held by it in the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund, including cash dividends paid on the common stock
held in the fund, to purchase shares of common stock of Berkshire Hills.
Berkshire Bank expects that the trustee will make all purchases of common stock
at prevailing market prices.
As of the date of this prospectus supplement, none of the shares of common
stock have been issued or are outstanding and there is no established market for
the common stock of Berkshire Bank. Accordingly, there is no record of the
historical performance of the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund. Performance of the
Berkshire Hills Stock Fund depends on a number of factors, including the
financial condition and profitability of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank and
market conditions for the common stock generally.
Investments in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund may involve certain special
risks in investments in the common stock of Berkshire Hills. For a discussion
of these risk factors, see "Risk Factors" in the prospectus.
Benefits Under the Plan
Vesting. At all times, you have a fully vested, nonforfeitable interest in
your accounts under the 401(k) Plan.
Withdrawals and Distributions From the 401(k) Plan
Withdrawals Prior to Termination of Employment. You may receive in-service
distributions from the 401(k) Plan under limited circumstances in the form of
hardship distributions and loans. You can apply for a loan from the 401(k) Plan
by contacting the Human Resources Department of Berkshire Bank. You cannot have
more than two loans outstanding at a time. You can apply for a minimum loan of
$1,000 (in multiples of $500) and a maximum loan of the lesser of $50,000 or 50%
of your total vested account balance. You may also be eligible for hardship
withdrawals. In order to qualify for a hardship withdrawal, you must have an
immediate and substantial need to meet certain expenses and have no other
reasonably available resources to meet the financial need. If you qualify for a
hardship distribution, the trustee will make the distribution pro rata from the
investment funds in which you have
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invested your account balances. You may not receive more than one hardship
withdrawal in any calendar year. Hardship withdrawals may not be paid back to
the 401(k) Plan.
Distribution Upon Retirement or Disability. Participants shall receive
benefits as soon as administratively feasible following the close of a valuation
period during which the distribution is requested. Distributions are payable to
participants in installments.
Distribution Upon Death. If you die prior to your benefits being paid from
the 401(k) Plan, your benefits will be paid to your surviving spouse or
beneficiary under one or more of the forms available under the 401(k) Plan.
Distribution Upon Termination for Any Other Reason. If you terminate
employment for any reason other than retirement, disability or death and your
account balance exceeds $5,000, the trustee will make your distribution on your
normal retirement date, unless you request otherwise. If your account balance
does not exceed $5,000, the trustee will generally distribute your benefits to
you as soon as administratively practicable following your termination of
employment.
Nonalienation of Benefits. Except with respect to federal income tax
withholding and as provided with respect to a qualified domestic relations
order, benefits payable under the 401(k) Plan shall not be subject in any manner
to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance,
charge, garnishment, execution, or levy of any kind, either voluntary or
involuntary, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign,
pledge, encumber, charge or otherwise dispose of any rights to benefits payable
under the Plan shall be void.
Administration of the Plan
Trustees. The board of directors of Berkshire Bank has appointed Savings
Bank Employees Retirement Association as trustee of the Berkshire Hills Stock
Fund. The trustee with respect to the 401(k) Plan is the named fiduciary of the
401(k) Plan for purposes of ERISA.
The trustee receives, holds and invests the contributions to the 401(k)
Plan in trust and distributes them to participants and beneficiaries in
accordance with the terms of the plan and the directions of the plan
administrator. The trustee is responsible for investment of the assets of the
trust.
Reports to Plan Participants
The plan administrator will furnish you a statement at least quarterly
showing (i) the balance in your account as of the end of that period, (ii) the
amount of contributions allocated to your account for that period, and (iii) the
adjustments to your account to reflect earnings or losses (if any).
Plan Administrator
Currently, the plan administrator of the 401(k) Plan is Thomas Forese, Jr.,
SBERA, 69 Cummings Park, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801, (781) 938-3500. The plan
administrator is responsible for the administration of the 401(k) Plan,
interpretation of the provisions of the plan, prescribing procedures for filing
applications for benefits, preparation and distribution of information
explaining the plan, maintenance of plan records, books of account and all other
data necessary for the proper administration of the plan, and preparation and
filing of all returns and reports relating to the plan which are required to be
filed with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service, and
for all disclosures required to be made to participants, beneficiaries and
others under ERISA.
Amendment and Termination
Berkshire Bank intends to continue the 401(k) Plan indefinitely.
Nevertheless, Berkshire Bank may terminate the 401(k) Plan at any time. If
Berkshire Bank terminates the 401(k) Plan in whole or in part, then regardless
of other provisions in the plan, all participants affected by such termination
shall become fully vested in their accounts.
8
<PAGE>
Berkshire Bank reserves the right to make, from time to time, any amendment or
amendments to the 401(k) Plan which do not cause any part of the trust to be
used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than the exclusive benefit of
participants or their beneficiaries; provided, however, that Berkshire Bank may
amend the plan as it determines necessary or desirable, with or without
retroactive effect, to comply with ERISA or the Internal Revenue Code.
Merger, Consolidation or Transfer
In the event of the merger or consolidation of the 401(k) Plan with another
plan, or the transfer of the trust assets to another plan, the plan requires
that you would (if either the plan or the other plan then terminated) receive a
benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation or transfer which is equal
to or greater than the benefit you would have been entitled to receive
immediately before the merger, consolidation or transfer (if the plan had then
terminated).
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is only a brief summary of the material federal income tax
aspects of the 401(k) Plan. You should not rely on this summary as a complete
or definitive description of the material federal income tax consequences
relating to the 401(k) Plan. Statutory provisions change, as do their
interpretations, and their application may vary in individual circumstances.
Finally, the consequences under applicable state and local income tax laws may
not be the same as under the federal income tax laws. You are urged to consult
your tax advisor with respect to any distribution from the 401(k) Plan and
transactions involving the 401(k) Plan.
As a "qualified retirement plan," the Internal Revenue Code affords the
401(k) Plan special tax treatment, including:
(1) the sponsoring employer is allowed an immediate tax deduction for the
amount contributed to the plan each year;
(2) participants pay no current income tax on amounts contributed by the
employer on their behalf; and
(3) earnings of the plan are tax-deferred thereby permitting the tax-
deferred accumulation of income and gains on investments.
Berkshire Bank will administer the 401(k) Plan to comply in operation with
the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code as of the applicable effective
date of any change in the law. If Berkshire Bank receives an adverse
determination letter regarding its tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue
Service, all participants would generally recognize income equal to their vested
interest in the 401(k) Plan, the participants would not be permitted to transfer
amounts distributed from the 401(k) Plan to an Individual Retirement Account or
to another qualified retirement plan, and Berkshire Bank may be denied certain
deductions taken with respect to the 401(k) Plan.
Lump Sum Distribution. A distribution from the 401(k) Plan to a
participant or the beneficiary of a participant will qualify as a lump sum
distribution if it is made within one taxable year on account of the
participant's death, disability or separation from service, or after the
participant attains age 59 1/2, and consists of the balance to the credit of the
participant under this plan and all other profit sharing plans, if any,
maintained by Berkshire Bank. The portion of any lump sum distribution required
to be included in your taxable income for federal income tax purposes consists
of the entire amount of the lump sum distribution less the amount of after-tax
contributions, if any, you have made to this plan and any other profit sharing
plans maintained by Berkshire Bank which is included in the distribution.
Distributions: Rollovers and Direct Transfers to Another Qualified Plan or
to an IRA. You may roll over virtually all distributions from the 401(k) Plan
to another qualified plan or to an individual retirement account generally in
accordance with the terms of the other plan or account.
9
<PAGE>
We have provided you with a brief description of the material federal
income tax aspects of the 401(k) Plan which are of general application under the
Code. It is not intended to be a complete or definitive description of the
federal income tax consequences of participating in or receiving distributions
from the 401(k) Plan. Accordingly, you are urged to consult a tax advisor
concerning the federal, state and local tax consequences of participating in and
receiving distributions from the 401(k) Plan.
ERISA and Other Qualification
As noted above, the 401(k) Plan is subject to certain provisions of ERISA
and is intended to be a qualified retirement plan under the Internal Revenue
Code.
Restrictions on Resale
Any person receiving a distribution of shares of common stock under the
401(k) Plan who is an "affiliate" of Berkshire Hills under Rules 144 and 405
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (e.g., directors, officers and
substantial shareholders of the Bank), may reoffer or resell such shares only
pursuant to a registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933
assuming the availability of a registration statement, pursuant to Rule 144 or
some other exemption of the registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933. Any person who may be an "affiliate" of Berkshire Bank may wish to
consult with counsel before transferring any common stock they own. In
addition, participants are advised to consult with counsel as to the
applicability of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which may
restrict the sale of common stock acquired under the 401(k) Plan, or other sales
of common stock.
Persons who are not deemed to be "affiliates" of Berkshire Bank at the time
of resale will be free to resell any shares of common stock distributed to them
under the 401(k) Plan, either publicly or privately, without regard to the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933
or compliance with the restrictions and conditions contained in the exemptive
rules under federal law. An "affiliate" of Berkshire Bank is someone who
directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control, with Berkshire Bank. Normally, a
director, principal officer or major shareholder of a corporation may be deemed
to be an "affiliate" of that corporation. A person who may be deemed an
"affiliate" of Berkshire Bank at the time of a proposed resale will be permitted
to make public resales of the common stock only pursuant to a "reoffer"
prospectus or in accordance with the restrictions and conditions contained in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 or some other exemption from
registration, and will not be permitted to use this prospectus in connection
with any such resale. In general, the amount of the common stock which any such
affiliate may publicly resell pursuant to Rule 144 in any three-month period may
not exceed the greater of one percent of the common stock then outstanding or
the average weekly trading volume reported on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System during the four calendar weeks
prior to the sale. Such sales may be made only through brokers without
solicitation and only at a time when Berkshire Hills is current in filing the
reports required of it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
SEC Reporting and Short-Swing Profit Liability
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 imposes reporting and
liability requirements on officers, directors and persons beneficially owning
more than ten percent of public companies such as Berkshire Hills. Section
16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the filing of reports of
beneficial ownership. Within ten days of becoming a person subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 16(a), a Form 3 reporting initial beneficial
ownership must be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
changes in beneficial ownership, such as purchases, sales, gifts and
participation in savings and retirement plans must be reported periodically,
either on a Form 4 within ten days after the end of the month in which a change
occurs, or annually on a Form 5 within 45 days after the close of Berkshire
Bank' fiscal year. Participation in the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund of the
401(k) Plan by officers, directors and persons beneficially owning more than ten
percent of common stock of Berkshire Hills must be reported to the Securities
and Exchange Commission annually on a Form 5 by such individuals.
10
<PAGE>
In addition to the reporting requirements described above, Section 16(b) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides for the recovery by Berkshire Hills
of profits realized by any officer, director or any person beneficially owning
more than ten percent of the common stock ("Section 16(b) Persons") resulting
from the purchase and sale or sale and purchase of the common stock within any
six-month period.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules that exempt many
transactions involving the 401(k) Plan from the "short-swing" profit recovery
provisions of Section 16(b).The exemptions generally involve restrictions upon
the timing of elections to buy or sell employer securities for the accounts of
Section 16(b) Persons.
Except for distributions of the common stock due to death, disability,
retirement, termination of employment or under a qualified domestic relations
order, Section 16(b) Persons may, under limited circumstances involving the
purchase of common stock within six months of the distribution, be required to
hold shares of the common stock distributed from the 401(k) Plan for six months
following such distribution.
LEGAL OPINION
The validity of the issuance of the common stock will be passed upon by
Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP, Washington, D.C. Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette
LLP, acted as special counsel for Berkshire Bank in connection with the
conversion.
11
<PAGE>
Berkshire Bank
401(k) Plan
Contribution and Investment Form
--------------------------------
Name of Plan Participant:
---------------------------------------
Social Security Number:
-----------------------------------------
1. Instructions. In connection with the proposed conversion, participants in
the Berkshire Bank 401(k) Plan may direct their account balances as of June 7,
2000, into a new fund: the Berkshire Hills Stock Fund ("Employer Stock Fund").
The percentage of a Participant's account transferred at the direction of the
Participant into the Employer Stock Fund will be used to purchase shares of
common stock of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the "Common Stock").
To direct a transfer of all or a part of the funds credited to your
accounts to the Employer Stock Fund, you should complete and file this form with
the Human Resources Department by May 31, 2000. Human Resources will retain a
copy of this form and return a copy to you. If you need any assistance in
completing this form, please contact Linda Johnston in the Human Resources
Department. If you do not complete and return this form to Linda Johnston in
the Human Resources Department by 4:00 p.m., May 31, 2000, the funds credited to
your accounts under the 401(k) Plan will continue to be invested in accordance
with your prior investment direction, or in accordance with the terms of the
401(k) Plan if no investment direction has been provided.
2. Investment Directions. I hereby authorize the Plan Administrator to
direct the Trustee to invest the following percentage (in multiples of not less
than 1%) from one or more of the following funds into the Employer Stock Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Funds Percentage
----- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
a. Money Market Account _______%
b. Equity Account _______%
c. Bond Account _______%
d. Asset Allocation Account _______%
e. Index 500 Account _______%
f. Enhanced Index Account _______%
g. Small Cap Equity Account _______%
h. International Equity Account _______%
</TABLE>
Note: The dollar equivalent of the above-noted percentages transferred from the
401(k) Plan's existing funds into the Employer Stock Fund will be rounded down
to accommodate the purchase of full shares only at $10 per share.
3. Acknowledgment of Participant. I understand that this Contribution and
Investment Form shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of the
401(k) Plan. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Prospectus and
the Prospectus Supplement. I understand that by signing this Contribution and
Investment Form, I am not waiving any rights under the federal securities laws,
including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
- ------------------------ ------------
Signature of Participant Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acknowledgment of Receipt by Human Resources. This Contribution and Investment
Form was received by the Human Resources Department and will become effective on
the date noted below.
By:____________________ ______________________________
Date
The participation interests represented by common stock offered hereby are
not deposit accounts and are not insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or the
Savings Association Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
or any other government agency and are not guaranteed by the Company or Bank.
The common stock is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of
the principal invested.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO OF BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP(TM)]
BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP, INC.
(Proposed Holding Company for Berkshire Bank)
8,314,500 Shares of Common Stock
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berkshire Bancorp, the mutual holding company for Berkshire Bank, is converting
to a stock holding company. After the conversion, Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
will own all of Berkshire Bank's common stock.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share: $10.00
Minimum Subscription Requirement: 25 Shares or $250
Expected Trading Market and Symbol: American Stock Exchange "BHL"
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Minimum Maximum
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Number of shares................................. 6,145,500 8,314,500
Gross offering proceeds.......................... $61,455,000 $83,145,000
Estimated underwriting commissions and other
offering expenses............................... $2,361,000 $2,658,000
Estimated net proceeds........................... $59,094,000 $80,487,000
Estimated net proceeds per share................. $9.62 $9.68
</TABLE>
If the appraiser increases the estimated value, Berkshire Hills may increase
the maximum number of shares by up to 15% to 9,561,675 shares.
Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. will use its best efforts to assist Berkshire
Hills in selling at least the minimum number of shares but there is no
guarantee that this number will be sold. Sandler O'Neill is not obligated to
purchase any shares of common stock in the offering.
The offering to depositors, officers, directors, trustees and employees of
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bancorp will end at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on
June 12, 2000, unless extended. An offering to the general public may also be
held and may end as early as 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June 12, 2000. If the
conversion is not completed by July 27, 2000, and the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner allows more time to complete the conversion, all subscribers will
be able to increase, decrease or cancel their orders. All extensions may not go
beyond October 22, 2001. Funds will be returned promptly with interest if the
conversion is terminated.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These securities are not deposits or accounts and are not insured or guaranteed
by Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Depositors Insurance Fund or any other federal or
state government agency. The common stock is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of money invested.
For a discussion of the material risks that you should consider, see "Risk
Factors" beginning on page 11.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Massachusetts Division of Banks, 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.
<PAGE>
[Map of Massachusetts with enlarged insert of Berkshire County. The insert
denotes the location of Berkshire Bank's executive offices and banking
locations. The map also lists the names and addresses of the executive offices
and each banking location. The banking locations are located in North Adams,
Pittsfield, West Stockbridge, Lee, Great Barrington and Sheffield,
Massachusetts.]
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
Summary................................................................................. 1
Risk Factors............................................................................ 11
Recent Developments..................................................................... 16
Selected Consolidated Financial Information............................................. 21
Use of Proceeds......................................................................... 24
Dividend Policy......................................................................... 25
Market for Common Stock................................................................. 26
Capitalization.......................................................................... 27
Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.................................. 28
Pro Forma Data.......................................................................... 29
Comparison of Independent Valuation and Pro Forma Financial Information With and
Without the Foundation............................................................... 35
Berkshire Bancorp and Subsidiary Consolidated Statements of Income...................... 36
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations... 37
Business of Berkshire Bancorp........................................................... 48
Business of Berkshire Hills............................................................. 48
Business of Berkshire Bank.............................................................. 49
Management of Berkshire Hills........................................................... 75
Management of Berkshire Bank............................................................ 76
Regulation and Supervision.............................................................. 87
Federal and State Taxation on Income.................................................... 95
Shares to Be Purchased by Management with Subscription Rights........................... 97
The Conversion.......................................................................... 98
Restrictions on Acquisition of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank....................... 118
Description of Berkshire Hills Stock.................................................... 124
Description of Berkshire Bank Stock..................................................... 125
Transfer Agent and Registrar............................................................ 126
Registration Requirements............................................................... 126
Legal and Tax Opinions.................................................................. 127
Experts................................................................................. 127
Where You Can Find More Information..................................................... 127
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements - Berkshire Bancorp.......................... F-1
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
You should read the entire prospectus carefully before you decide to
invest. For assistance, please contact Berkshire Hills' conversion center at
(800) 220-6956.
The Companies
Berkshire Bancorp (page 46) Berkshire Bancorp was formed in 1996 as
24 North Street the mutual holding company for Berkshire
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 County Savings Bank. In the mutual
(413) 443-5601 holding company reorganization,
Berkshire County Savings Bank converted
from mutual to stock form and issued all
of its outstanding stock to Berkshire
Bancorp. Berkshire Bancorp is governed by
a Board of Trustees. All voting control
of Berkshire Bancorp lies in its
governing body of corporators. To date,
Berkshire Bancorp's business activities
have been limited to directing, planning
and coordinating Berkshire Bank's
business activities. After the
conversion, Berkshire Bancorp will no
longer exist.
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. Berkshire Bank recently formed Berkshire
(page 46) Hills to be its new stock holding
24 North Street company. To date Berkshire Hills has
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 only conducted organizational
(413) 443-5601 activities. After the conversion, it will
own all of Berkshire Bank's capital stock
and will direct, plan and coordinate
Berkshire Bank's business activities.
After the conversion, Berkshire Hills
might become an operating company or
acquire or organize other operating
subsidiaries, including other financial
institutions or financial services
companies. Berkshire Hills intends to
retain 50% of the net conversion
proceeds.
Berkshire Bank (page 47) Berkshire Bank is a Massachusetts-
24 North Street chartered stock savings bank that
Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201 operates as a community bank dedicated
(413) 443-5601 to serving the financial service needs of
consumers and small businesses within its
primary market area. Berkshire Bank is
the product of the 1997 merger of
Berkshire County Savings Bank and Great
Barrington Savings Bank. Currently,
Berkshire Bank operates out of its main
office in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and
its 12 full-service banking offices in
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, which
Berkshire Bank considers its primary
market area for making loans and
attracting deposits. Berkshire Bank also
makes loans outside its primary market
area, primarily in eastern New York,
northern Connecticut, southern Vermont
and western Massachusetts.
Historically, Berkshire Bank's principal
business has been attracting deposits
from the general public and using those
funds to make one- to four-family real
estate, multi-family real estate,
commercial real estate, commercial and
consumer loans, which accounted for
36.4%, 2.2%, 6.9%, 21.7% and 31.0%,
respectively, of Berkshire Bank's total
loan portfolio at December 31, 1999.
Berkshire Bank also invests in U.S.
government and agency securities,
mortgage- and asset-backed securities,
including real estate mortgage investment
conduits and collateralized mortgage
obligations, corporate
1
<PAGE>
bonds and marketable equity securities.
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had
total assets of $841.7 million, deposits
of $680.8 million and total capital of
$88.4 million.
Berkshire Bank also offers trust services
and savings bank life insurance. See
"Business of Berkshire Bank--Trust
Services." Going forward, Berkshire Bank
intends to expand the offering of other
insurance products to its customers and
is currently in the process of
establishing an insurance agency.
For a discussion of Berkshire Bank's
business strategy and recent results of
operations, see "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations." For a discussion
of Berkshire Bank's business activities,
see "Business of Berkshire Bank."
The Conversion
What is the Conversion (page 94) The conversion is a change in Berkshire
Bancorp's legal form of organization.
Currently, Berkshire Bancorp owns all of
the outstanding capital stock of
Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bancorp is a
mutual holding company and has no stock
or stockholders. Instead, Berkshire
Bancorp operates for the mutual benefit
of Berkshire Bank's depositors. Berkshire
Bancorp's corporators elect directors and
vote on other important matters. After
the conversion, Berkshire Bancorp and its
governing body of corporators will cease
to exist and Berkshire Bank will continue
as a stock savings bank but will be owned
and controlled by the new holder of all
its stock, Berkshire Hills. Voting rights
in Berkshire Bank will belong to
Berkshire Hills. Voting rights in
Berkshire Hills will belong to its
stockholders.
Berkshire Bancorp is conducting the
conversion under the terms of its plan of
conversion. The corporators of Berkshire
Bancorp approved the plan of conversion
at a meeting of corporators called for
that purpose on April 19, 2000. The
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner
approved the plan of conversion on April
4, 2000. In addition, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation and the Federal
Reserve Board have reviewed the
application for conversion. Berkshire
Hills expects to receive approval from
the Office of Thrift Supervision to
acquire all of the stock of Berkshire
Bank. Before the offering can close and
the conversion can be completed,
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills must
obtain all required regulatory approvals,
including that of the Office of Thrift
Supervision, and satisfy all of the
conditions of those approvals that must
be completed before the completion of the
conversion. See "The Conversion--
General."
2
<PAGE>
Reasons for the Conversion By converting Berkshire Bancorp to the
(page 99) stock form of organization, Berkshire
Bank will be structured in the form used
by commercial banks, most business
entities and a large number of savings
institutions. The conversion will be
important to Berkshire Bank's future
growth and performance because it will:
. enhance its ability to diversify
into other financial services
related activities;
. enhance its ability to expand
through the acquisition of other
financial institutions or their
assets;
. enhance its ability to attract and
retain qualified management through
stock-based compensation plans;
. provide a larger capital base from
which to operate and expand its
ability to serve the public; and
. enhance its ability to access the
capital markets.
With the exception of the current plan to
establish an insurance agency, currently
neither Berkshire Hills nor Berkshire
Bank has any specific contracts,
understandings, or arrangements for the
acquisition of other financial service
companies or their assets. In this
regard, in February 2000, Berkshire Bank
entered into a contract with a third
party to assist it in establishing and
operating such agency.
Berkshire Hills Foundation To continue its long-standing commitment
(page 95) to its local communities, Berkshire Bank
intends to establish a charitable
foundation, Berkshire Hills Foundation,
as part of the conversion. The foundation
will be funded with Berkshire Hills
common stock equal to 8% of the shares
sold in the conversion. This would range
from 491,640 shares, assuming 6,145,500
shares are sold in the conversion, to
665,160 shares, assuming 8,314,500 shares
are sold in the conversion, or 764,934
shares if the number of shares sold in
the conversion is increased to 9,561,675
shares. Based on the purchase price of
$10.00 per share, the foundation would be
funded with between $4.9 million and $6.7
million of common stock, or $7.6 million,
if the number of shares sold in the
conversion is increased to 9,561,675
shares. Berkshire Hills Foundation will
make grants and donations to non-profit
and community groups and projects located
within Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
If Berkshire Hills Foundation was not
established as part of the conversion,
then the amount of common stock sold
would be greater than if the conversion
was completed with the foundation. For a
further discussion of the financial
impact of the foundation, including its
dilutive effect on those who purchase
shares in the conversion, see "Risk
Factors--The contribution to Berkshire
Hills Foundation means that a
stockholder's total ownership interest
will be 7.4% less after the
contribution," "Pro Forma Data" and
"Comparison of Independent Valuation and
Pro Forma Financial Information With and
Without the Foundation."
Berkshire Hills Foundation will
complement the activities of
3
<PAGE>
Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc., a
private foundation established by
Berkshire Bank in 1997, which was funded
with marketable equity securities with a
fair market value of $2.5 million.
Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc., which
had assets of $2.1 million at December
31, 1999, provides grants within the
communities that Berkshire Bank serves to
public charities that are operated for
charitable, scientific, literary or
educational purposes. Berkshire Bank does
not expect to make any further
contributions to Greater Berkshire
Foundation, Inc. after the conversion.
Benefits of the Conversion to Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank intend
Management (page 75) to adopt certain benefit plans and
employment and change in control
agreements.
The following table summarizes the total
number and dollar value of the shares of
common stock which the employee stock
ownership plan, to be formed by Berkshire
Hills as part of the Conversion, expects
to acquire and the total value of all
stock awards that are expected to be
available under the stock-based incentive
plan, assuming 8,979,660 shares are
issued in the conversion. The table
assumes the value of the shares is $10.00
per share, the purchase price in the
offering. The table does not include a
value for stock options because the price
paid for the option shares would be equal
to the fair market value of the common
stock on the day that the options are
granted. As a result, financial gains can
be realized on an option only if the
market price of common stock increases
above the price at which the options are
granted.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage
of Shares
Number Estimated Issued
of Value in the
Shares of Shares Conversion
--------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Employee stock ownership plan.. 718,372 $ 7,183,720 8.0%
Stock awards................... 359,186 3,591,860 4.0
Stock options.................. 897,966 -- 10.0
--------- ----------- ----
Total............ 1,975,524 $10,775,580 22.0%
========= =========== ====
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes the
estimated value of the benefits payable
under the employment agreements, change
in control agreements, supplemental
executive retirement plan and the
employee severance compensation plan
assuming a change in control of Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank had occurred as
of December 31, 1999 based on 1999
compensation data. The estimated value of
the benefit payable under the employee
severance compensation plan assumes that
all employees are terminated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated
Value
of Benefit
----------
<S> <C>
Employment agreements............................. $3,000,000
Change in control agreements...................... 2,100,000
Supplemental executive retirement plan............ 450,000
Employee severance compensation plan.............. 12,000,000
</TABLE>
The following is a description of these
benefit plans, employment agreements and
change in control agreements:
. Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This
plan intends to acquire an amount of
shares equal to 8% of the shares
issued in the conversion. This would
range from 530,971 shares, assuming
6,637,140 shares are issued in the
conversion, to 718,372 shares,
assuming 8,979,660 shares are issued
in the conversion, or 826,128 shares
if the number of shares issued in
the conversion is increased to
10,326,609 shares. Berkshire Bank
will allocate these shares to
employees over a period of years in
proportion to their compensation.
. Stock-Based Incentive Plan. Under
this plan, which
4
<PAGE>
will be adopted after the conversion
and will be submitted to
stockholders for their approval,
Berkshire Hills may award stock
options to key employees and
directors of Berkshire Hills and its
affiliates. No decisions have been
made as to who will be awarded
options or the amounts that will be
awarded. The number of options
available under this plan will equal
10% of the number of shares issued
in the conversion. This would range
from 663,714 shares, assuming
6,637,140 shares are issued in the
conversion, to 897,966 shares,
assuming 8,979,660 shares are issued
in the conversion, or 1,032,660
shares if the number of shares
issued in the conversion is
increased to 10,326,609 shares.
In addition to options, under this
plan shares of stock may also be
awarded to key employees and
directors at no cost to the
recipient. No decisions have been
made as to who will be awarded
shares of stock or the amounts that
will be awarded. The number of
shares available for stock awards
will equal an additional 4% of the
number of shares issued in the
conversion. This would range from
265,485 shares, assuming 6,637,140
shares are issued in the conversion,
to 359,186 shares, assuming
8,979,660 shares are issued in the
conversion, or 413,064 shares if the
number of shares issued in the
conversion is increased to
10,326,609 shares.
. Employment Agreements. Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank intend to
enter into employment agreements
with five officers of Berkshire
Bank. These agreements will provide
for severance benefits if the
executive is terminated following a
change in control of Berkshire Hills
or Berkshire Bank.
. Change in Control Agreements.
Berkshire Bank intends to enter into
change in control agreements with
six officers of Berkshire Bank who
will not be covered by an employment
agreement. These agreements will
provide for severance benefits if
the officer is terminated following
a change in control of Berkshire
Bank or Berkshire Hills.
. Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan. This plan will provide
benefits to eligible employees if
their retirement benefits under the
employee stock ownership plan,
pension plan or 401(k) plan are
reduced because of federal tax law
limitations. The plan will also
provide benefits to eligible
employees at the time of a change in
control of Berkshire Hills or
Berkshire Bank but before the
complete allocation of shares under
the employee stock ownership plan.
. Employee Severance Compensation
Plan. This plan will provide
severance benefits to eligible
employees if the employee is
terminated following a change in
control of Berkshire Hills or
Berkshire Bank.
For a discussion of risks associated with
these plans and agreements, see "Risk
Factors--Implementation of additional
5
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benefit plans, the value of which could
range between $8.0 million and $12.4
million based on a purchase price of
$10.00 per share, will increase future
compensation expense and lower Berkshire
Bank's profits," "Risk Factors--Issuance
of shares for benefit program may lower
your ownership interest" and "Risk
Factors--Various factors could make
takeover attempts that you want to occur
more difficult to achieve." For a further
discussion of these plans and agreements,
see "Management of Berkshire Bank--
Executive Compensation."
THE OFFERING
Subscription Offering (page 102) Berkshire Bancorp has granted
subscription rights in the following
Note: Subscription rights are not order of priority to:
transferable, and persons with
subscription rights may not 1. Persons with $50 or more on deposit
subscribe for shares for the at Berkshire Bank as of September
benefit of any other person. 30, 1998.
If you violate this prohibition,
you may lose your rights to 2. Persons with $50 or more on deposit
purchase shares and may face at Berkshire Bank as of September
criminal prosecution and/or other 30, 1999, other than the officers,
sanctions. directors, trustees or corporators
of Berkshire Bank or Berkshire
Bancorp and their associates.
3. The Berkshire Bank employee stock
ownership plan.
4. Directors, trustees, officers and
employees of Berkshire Bank and
Berkshire Bancorp who do not have a
higher priority right.
To ensure that Berkshire Hills properly
identifies your subscription rights, you
must list all of your deposit accounts as
of the eligibility dates on the stock
order form. Failure to do so may result
in reduction or rejection of your order.
The subscription offering will end
at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on
June 12, 2000, unless extended.
If the offering is oversubscribed,
shares will be allocated in order
of the priorities described above
under a formula outlined in the plan
of conversion.
Direct Community Offering (page 104) Berkshire Hills may offer shares not sold
in the subscription offering to the
general public in a direct community
offering. Residents of Berkshire County,
Massachusetts, will have first preference
to purchase shares in a direct community
offering. If shares are available,
Berkshire Hills expects to offer them to
the general public immediately after the
end of the subscription offering, but may
begin a direct community offering at any
time during or after the subscription
offering.
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank may
reject orders received in the direct
community offering either in whole or in
part. If your order is rejected in part,
you cannot cancel the remainder of your
order.
Syndicated Community Offering Berkshire Hills may also offer shares not
(page 105) sold in the subscription offering in a
syndicated community offering through a
syndicate of registered broker-dealers to
be formed and managed by Sandler O'Neill.
Berkshire Hills will have the right to
reject orders, in whole or in part, at
their sole discretion in the
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syndicated community offering. The
syndicated community offering may begin
at any time during or after the
subscription offering.
Time Period for Completing the If the conversion is not completed by
Conversion July 27, 2000, and the Massachusetts
Banking Commissioner allows more time to
complete the conversion, everyone who
subscribed for shares will be contacted
to see if they still want to purchase
stock. This is known as a "resolicitation
offering." A material change in the
independent appraisal of Berkshire Hills
and Berkshire Bank would be the most
likely, but not necessarily the only,
reason for a delay in completing the
conversion. The conversion must be
completed by October 22, 2001.
In a resolicitation offering, if you
previously subscribed for stock, you will
receive a supplement to this prospectus
which will instruct you how to confirm,
modify or cancel your subscription. If
you fail to respond to the resolicitation
offering, it will be treated as if you
had canceled your order. If you paid for
stock by check or money order, your
subscription funds will be returned to
you, together with accrued interest. If
you authorized payment by withdrawal of
funds on deposit at Berkshire Bank, that
authorization would terminate.
If you affirmatively confirm your
subscription order during the
resolicitation offering, your
subscription funds will be held until the
end of the resolicitation offering. You
would be unable to cancel your
resolicitation order without the approval
of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank
until the conversion is completed or
terminated.
Purchase Price The purchase price is $10.00 per
share. The Boards of Directors of
Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bancorp
and Berkshire Bank consulted with
Sandler O'Neill in determining it.
You will not pay a commission to
buy any shares in the conversion.
Number of Shares to be Sold Berkshire Hills will sell between
(page 109) 6,145,500 and 8,314,500 shares of its
common stock in this offering. With
regulatory approval, Berkshire Hills may
increase the number of shares to be sold
to 9,561,675 shares without giving you
further notice.
Estimated Market Value of The amount of common stock that Berkshire
Berkshire Hills Common Stock Hills will offer in the conversion is
based on an independent appraisal of the
estimated market value of the common
stock of Berkshire Hills to be sold in
the conversion as if the conversion had
occurred as of the date of the appraisal.
FinPro, Inc., an independent appraiser,
has estimated that, in its opinion, as of
March 8, 2000, the estimated market value
ranged between $61.5 million and $83.1
million, with a midpoint of $72.3
million. The appraisal was based, in
part, on Berkshire Bank's financial
condition and results of operations and
the effect on Berkshire Bank of the
additional capital raised by the sale of
common stock in this offering. The
independent appraisal will be updated
before the
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conversion is completed.
Comparable Thrift Stock Pricing In preparing its independent appraisal,
Ratios FinPro focused primarily on the
price/core earnings for the past 12
months and price/book valuation
methodologies, both of which are
discussed in the appraisal report. See
"Where You Can Find More Information" for
how you may obtain a copy of the
appraisal report. The following table,
which is derived from data contained in
the independent appraisal report,
compares Berkshire Bank's pro forma
price/core earnings for the past 12
months and price/book ratios at the
minimum and maximum of the offering range
to the medians for all publicly traded
thrift institutions, all publicly traded
Massachusetts thrift institutions and a
comparable group of 12 publicly traded
thrift institutions identified in the
appraisal report, based on closing prices
as of March 2, 2000. Thrift institutions
in the mutual holding company structure
that have publicly issued stock are
excluded from each comparison group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price/Core Price/
Earnings Book
Ratio Ratio
---------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Berkshire Bank:
Minimum................................. 8.77x 46.99%
Maximum................................. 11.11 55.96
Median for all publicly traded thrifts..... 11.15 87.84
Median for all publicly traded
Massachusetts thrifts................... 9.48 99.38
Median for the comparable group............ 9.70 122.34
</TABLE>
The independent appraisal does not
necessarily indicate market value.
Do not assume or expect that the
valuation as shown in the above table
means that the common stock will trade
above the $10.00 purchase price after
the conversion. There is no guarantee
that anyone who purchases shares in
the conversion will be able to sell
their shares at or above the $10.00
purchase price.
Purchase Limitations (pages 103 The minimum purchase is 25 shares.
and 111)
The maximum purchase in the subscription
offering by any person or group of
persons through a single deposit account
or similarly titled deposit accounts is
$250,000 of common stock, which equals
25,000 shares or such greater amount
determined by such person's subscription
right.
The maximum purchase by any person,
related persons or persons acting
together in the direct community offering
is $250,000 of common stock, which equals
25,000 shares.
The maximum purchase in the subscription
offering, direct community offering and
syndicated community offering combined by
any person, related persons or persons
acting together is 1% of the common stock
offered for sale in the offering. This
maximum purchase limit ranges from
$614,550, if 6,145,500 shares are offered
for sale in the offering, to $831,450, if
8,314,500 shares are offered for sale in
the offering or $956,168 if the number of
shares offered for sale in the offering
is increased to 9,561,675 shares.
How to Purchase Common Stock If you want to subscribe for shares in
(page 107) the subscription offering or place a
purchase order for shares in the direct
Note: Once Berkshire Hills receives community offering, you must complete an
your order, you cannot cancel or original stock order form and send it
change it without Berkshire Hills' together with full payment to Berkshire
consent. If Berkshire Hills sells Hills. You must sign the certification
fewer than 6,145,500 shares or more that is part of the stock order form.
than 9,561,675 shares, all Berkshire Hills must receive your stock
subscribers will be notified and order form before the end of the
given the opportunity to change or subscription offering or the end of the
cancel their orders. If you do not direct community offering, as
respond to such notice, Berkshire appropriate.
Hills will return your funds promptly
with interest. You may pay for shares in the
subscription offering or the direct
community offering in any of the
following ways:
. By cash, if delivered in person to a
full-service banking
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office of Berkshire Bank.
. By check or money order made payable
to Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.
. By withdrawal from an account at
Berkshire Bank. To use funds in an
Individual Retirement Account at
Berkshire Bank, you must transfer
your account to an unaffiliated
institution or broker-dealer. Please
contact the conversion center as
soon as possible for assistance.
You will be paid interest on your
subscription funds at the rate Berkshire
Bank pays on passbook accounts from the
date it receives your funds until the
conversion is completed or terminated.
All funds authorized for withdrawal from
deposit accounts with Berkshire Bank will
earn interest at the applicable account
rate until the conversion is completed.
There will be no early withdrawal penalty
for withdrawals from certificates of
deposit used to pay for stock.
No prospectus will be mailed later than
five (5) days before the end of the
offering or hand-delivered less than 48
hours before the end of the offering.
Use of Proceeds (page 22) Berkshire Hills will provide 50% of the
net offering proceeds to Berkshire Bank
and will retain the remaining net
proceeds for general business purposes.
These purposes may include investment in
securities, paying cash dividends or
repurchasing shares of its common stock,
although Berkshire Hills has no specific
plans to pay dividends or repurchase its
common stock at this time. Berkshire Bank
will use the funds it receives for
general business purposes, including
originating loans and purchasing
securities.
Berkshire Hills will also capitalize a
subsidiary it intends to establish with
an amount equal to 8% of the total dollar
value of the stock to be issued in the
conversion. That subsidiary will then
lend those funds to the employee stock
ownership plan to fund its purchase of
common stock in the conversion. Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank may also use the
proceeds of the offering to expand and
diversify their businesses although, with
the exception of an insurance agency
which it is currently in the process of
establishing, they do not have any
specific contracts, understandings or
arrangements to acquire other financial
service companies or their assets.
Purchases by Directors and Executive Berkshire Bank's and Berkshire Bancorp's
Officers (page 93) directors, trustees and executive
officers intend to subscribe for 208,500
shares, which equals 2.51% of the
8,314,500 shares that would be sold at
the maximum of the offering range. If
fewer shares are sold in the conversion,
then directors and executive officers
will own a greater percentage of
Berkshire Hills. Directors and executive
officers will pay the $10.00 per share
price as will everyone else who purchases
shares in the conversion. For a further
discussion of the impact of management's
ownership interests in Berkshire Hills,
see "Risk Factors--Various factors could
make takeover attempts that you want to
occur more difficult to
9
<PAGE>
achieve" and "Restrictions on Acquisition
of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank."
Market for Common Stock Berkshire Hills intends to have its
(page 24) common stock listed on the American Stock
Exchange under the trading symbol "BHL."
After shares of the common stock begin
trading, you may contact a stock broker
to buy or sell shares. Berkshire Hills
cannot assure you that there will be an
active trading market for the common
stock.
Dividend Policy (page 23) Berkshire Hills intends to adopt a policy
of paying regular cash dividends, but has
not yet decided on the exact amount or
range of amounts, or the frequency of
payments. For a further discussion of
Berkshire Bank's and Berkshire Hills'
dividend policies, see "Dividend Policy."
10
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Before investing in Berkshire Hills common stock please carefully consider
the matters discussed below.
Berkshire Bank's lower than average return on equity may decrease the market
price of the common stock
Return on average equity, which equals net income divided by average
equity, is a ratio used by many investors to compare the performance of a
particular company with other companies. For the year ended December 31, 1999,
Berkshire Bank's return on average equity was 6.51%. As a result of the
additional capital that will be raised in this offering, Berkshire Bank's return
on average equity will decrease substantially. Assuming the conversion was
completed as of December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank's pro forma return on equity
would have been 4.97% if 6,145,500 shares had been sold in the conversion, 4.69%
if 8,314,500 shares had been sold in the conversion, and 4.56% if 9,561,675
shares had been sold in the conversion. Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills will
not be able to immediately deploy the increased capital from the offering into
higher-yielding loans. Berkshire Bank's and Berkshire Hills' ability to invest
in loans will depend on market interest rates, demand in their market area and
their ability to compete successfully for loans. Unless and until the capital
can be deployed in higher-yielding assets, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills
expect that their return on equity will continue to be below average. In
addition, compensation expense will increase as a result of the new benefit
plans. Over time, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank intend to use the net
proceeds from this offering to increase earnings per share and book value per
share, without assuming undue risk, with the goal of achieving a return on
equity competitive with other publicly traded financial institutions. This goal
could take a number of years to achieve, and Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank
cannot assure you that they can reach this goal. Consequently, you should not
expect a return on equity that is average or better than average in the near
future. See "Pro Forma Data" for an illustration of the financial effects of
this stock offering.
Berkshire Bank's increased emphasis on commercial and consumer lending may hurt
both asset quality and profits
At December 31, 1999, commercial business, commercial real estate and
consumer loans aggregated 59.6% of Berkshire Bank's total loan portfolio.
Berkshire Bank will continue to emphasize these types of lending. Berkshire
Bank's commercial loans are generally secured by business assets other than real
estate, such as equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. Consumer loans
are secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles, or to a lesser
extent, are unsecured. The substantial majority of Berkshire Bank's commercial
business, commercial real estate and consumer loans generally offer higher rates
of return but also possess a greater risk of loss than loans secured by
residential real estate. Additionally, the level of risk in the loan portfolio
may be higher than other peer institutions as a result of its higher
concentration of automobile loans, which at December 31, 1999 totaled $164.9
million, or 24.5% of total loans. Automobile loans generally offer higher
interest rates but also possess greater risk due to generally higher default
rates than loans secured by real estate. For 1999, 1998 and 1997, charge-offs
for commercial business, commercial real estate and consumer loans totaled $2.2
million (or 95.0% of total charge-offs), $798,000 (or 98.3% of total charge-
offs) and $2.1 million (or 93.6% of total charge-offs), respectively. Berkshire
Bank cannot assure that its level of charge-offs of commercial business loans,
commercial real estate and consumer loans, as well as other types of loans, will
not be higher in future periods which would reduce net interest income, or that
it will not have to charge-off material amounts of commercial business,
commercial real estate or consumer loans or other types of loans in future
periods, which could lead to a material increase in the provision for loan
losses in future periods which would also reduce net income. See "Business of
Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--Real Estate Lending--Commercial and Multi-
Family Real Estate Loans," "Business of Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--
Commercial Lending," "Business of Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--Consumer
Lending" and "Business of Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--Nonperforming
Assets, Delinquencies and Impaired Loans" for additional information.
11
<PAGE>
A decline in the stock market may hurt Berkshire Bank's profits and negatively
impact its net worth
The profitability of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank and their net worth
is tied, in part, to the market value of the securities it holds. All of
Berkshire Bank's debt and mortgage-backed securities carry market risk insofar
as increases in market rates of interest may cause a decrease in their market
value. They also carry prepayment risk insofar as they may be called or repaid
before maturity in times of low market interest rates, so that Berkshire Bank
may have to reinvest the funds at a lower rate. The marketable equity
securities portfolio also carries market risk as such investments are not
insured or guaranteed and are subject to market fluctuations. As marketable
equity securities are carried at their fair value, any decline in their value
due to unfavorable market conditions or other factors will negatively impact
Berkshire Bank's equity. Additionally, sales of securities at prices below
their purchase price due to unfavorable market conditions may also negatively
impact Berkshire Bank's net income. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank's net
unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of income taxes, totaled
$17.7 million, or 20.0%, of total net worth.
Recent market conditions may affect the market price of the common stock
Recently, the stock markets have experienced volatility and the market
values of the stock of certain industry sectors has declined dramatically.
Additionally, the market value of the stock of financial institutions similar to
Berkshire Hills has declined from the higher levels experienced in mid-1998 and
continue to remain at trading levels below the levels experienced in the mid and
late 1990s. While such decline is not attributable to any one specific
identifiable factor, such decline may be attributable to factors such as the
rising interest rate environment, the slowdown in the consolidation in the
industry, increased competition, the market performance of other industry
sectors, such as technology stocks, and attempts to rebound from the downturn
due to Year 2000 concerns. Continued volatility or a continued decline in the
stock market in general or in the financial institution sector may negatively
affect the market price of the common stock immediately after the conversion and
in future periods.
Competition has hurt Berkshire Bank's net interest income
Berkshire Bank faces intense competition both in making high yield and
quality loans and in attracting deposits. This competition has forced Berkshire
Bank to offer higher deposit rates in its market area. This competition from
other providers of financial services for loans and deposits has contributed to
a recent narrowing of its average interest rate spread, from 3.65% for the year
ended December 31, 1997 to 3.50% for the year ended December 31, 1999, which has
hurt net interest income. Berkshire Bank expects that the competition for loans
and deposits will continue to be intense and is likely to increase in the
future. For more information about Berkshire Bank's market area and the
competition it faces, see "Business of Berkshire Bank--Market Area" and
"Business of Berkshire Bank--Competition."
Declining interest rates could hurt Berkshire Bank's profits
Like most financial institutions, Berkshire Bank's ability to make a profit
depends largely on its net interest income, which is the difference between the
interest income it receives from its loans and securities and the interest it
pays on deposits and borrowings. A large percentage of Berkshire Bank's
interest-earning assets have shorter maturities. Therefore, if interest rates
decline, Berkshire Bank anticipates that its net interest income would decline
because interest earned on its assets would decrease more quickly than the
interest paid on deposits. For further discussion of how changes in interest
rates could impact Berkshire Bank, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Management of Interest Rate Risk
and Market Risk Analysis."
Banking reform legislation restricts the activities in which Berkshire Hills may
engage compared to existing unitary holding companies
12
<PAGE>
Legislation intended to modernize the financial services industry has been
enacted which provides for greater affiliations by commercial bank holding
companies with financial companies such as securities and insurance companies.
Under the legislation, newly formed savings and loan holding companies will not
have the broad powers formerly available to unitary savings and loan holding
companies. Berkshire Hills will be a savings and loan holding company after the
conversion. Certain unitary savings and loan holding companies would be
grandfathered under the proposed legislation; however, Berkshire Hills will not
qualify for the grandfathering. Consequently, Berkshire Hills will be restricted
in terms of activities in which it may engage to a greater extent than
previously existing unitary savings and loan holding companies.
Management will have substantial discretion over investment of the offering
proceeds and may make investments with which you may disagree
The net offering proceeds to Berkshire Bank are estimated to range from
$29.5 million to $40.2 million. The net offering proceeds to Berkshire Hills are
estimated to range from $24.2 million to $33.1 million after it uses a portion
of its proceeds to capitalize a subsidiary it intends to create which will lend
funds to Berkshire Bank's employee stock ownership plan to purchase shares of
common stock. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank intend to use these funds for
general business purposes, giving management substantial discretion over their
investment. You may disagree with investments that management makes. See "Use
of Proceeds" for further discussion.
Implementation of additional benefit plans, the value of which could range
between $8.0 and $12.4 million based on a purchase price of $10.00 per share,
will increase future compensation expense and lower Berkshire Bank's profits
Berkshire Bank will recognize additional material employee compensation and
benefit expenses stemming from the shares purchased by or granted to employees
and executives under new benefit plans. Berkshire Bank cannot predict the
actual amount of these new expenses because applicable accounting practices
require that they be based on the fair market value of the shares of common
stock at specific points in the future. Berkshire Bank would recognize expenses
for its employee stock ownership plan when shares are committed to be released
to participants' accounts and would recognize expenses for the stock-based
incentive plan over the vesting period of awards made to recipients. These
expenses have been estimated in the pro forma financial information under "Pro
Forma Data" assuming the $10.00 per share purchase price as fair market value.
Actual expenses, however, may be higher or lower. For further discussion of
these plans, see "Management of Berkshire Bank--Benefits."
A downturn in the local economy or the economy in western Massachusetts in
general could hurt Berkshire Bank's profits
The vast majority of Berkshire Bank's loans are made to borrowers who live
and work in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. A prolonged economic recession in
Berkshire County or western Massachusetts in general would likely cause
significant increases in nonperforming loans and assets, which could create
operating losses for Berkshire Bank and would hurt its profits. For a further
discussion of Berkshire Bank's market area and competition, see "Business of
Berkshire Bank--Market Area" and "Business of Berkshire Bank--Competition."
Issuance of shares for benefit program may lower your ownership interest
If stockholders approve the new stock-based incentive plan, Berkshire Hills
intends to issue shares to its officers and directors through this plan. If the
restricted stock awards under the stock-based incentive plan are granted from
authorized but unissued stock, your ownership interest could be reduced by up to
approximately 3.85%. If shares issued on the exercise of options under the
stock-based incentive plan are from authorized but unissued stock, your
ownership interest could be further reduced by up to approximately 9.09%. See
"Pro Forma Data" and "Management of Berkshire Bank--Benefits."
The contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation means that a stockholder's total
ownership interest will be 7.4% less after the contribution
13
<PAGE>
Purchasers of shares will have their ownership and voting interests in
Berkshire Hills diluted by 7.4% at the close of the conversion when Berkshire
Hills issues an additional 8% of shares sold in the conversion and contributes
those shares to the foundation. For a further discussion regarding the effect
of the contribution to the foundation, see "Pro Forma Data" and "Comparison of
Independent Valuation and Pro Forma Financial Information With and Without the
Foundation."
Contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation may not be tax deductible which could
hurt Berkshire Hills' profits
Berkshire Hills believes that its contribution to the Berkshire Hills
Foundation should be deductible for federal income tax purposes. However,
Berkshire Hills does not have any assurance that the Internal Revenue Service
will grant tax-exempt status to the foundation. If the contribution is not
deductible, Berkshire Hills would not receive any tax benefit from the
contribution. In addition, even if the contribution is tax deductible,
Berkshire Hills may not have sufficient profits to be able to fully use the
deduction. For a further discussion of the contribution to the charitable
foundation, see "The Conversion--Establishment of the Charitable Foundation--Tax
Considerations."
Establishment of Berkshire Hills Foundation will hurt Berkshire Hills' profits
for the year 2000
Berkshire Hills intends to contribute to Berkshire Hills Foundation shares
of its common stock equal to 8% of the shares sold in the conversion. This
contribution will hurt net income during the fiscal year in which the foundation
is established, which is expected to be 2000, possibly resulting in an operating
loss for that year. For a further discussion regarding the effect of the
contribution to the foundation, see "The Conversion--Establishment of the
Charitable Foundation."
Various factors could make takeover attempts that you want to occur more
difficult to achieve
Provisions of Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws,
federal and state regulations and various other factors may make it more
difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of Berkshire Hills without
the consent of Berkshire Hills' Board of Directors. It is possible, however,
that you might like to see a takeover attempt succeed because, for example, the
potential acquiror could be offering a premium over the then prevailing price of
Berkshire Hills common stock. The factors that may discourage takeover attempts
or make them more difficult include:
. Expected voting control by management and employees. The shares of
common stock that Berkshire Bank's directors and executive officers
intend to purchase in the conversion, when combined with the shares
that may be awarded to participants under Berkshire Bank's employee
stock ownership plan and Berkshire Hills' stock-based incentive plan,
could result in management and employees controlling a significant
percentage of Berkshire Hills' common stock. If these individuals were
to act together, they could have significant influence over the outcome
of any stockholder vote. In addition, the total voting power of
management and employees could exceed 20% of Berkshire Hills'
outstanding stock, which would enable management and employees as a
group to defeat any stockholder matter that requires an 80% vote. For
information about management's intended stock purchases and the number
of shares that may be awarded under new benefit plans, see "Management
of Berkshire Bank--Executive Compensation," "Shares to Be Purchased by
Management with Subscription Rights" and "Restrictions on Acquisition
of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank."
14
<PAGE>
. Anti-takeover provisions and statutory provisions. Provisions in
Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, the corporate
law of the State of Delaware, Massachusetts banking law and federal
banking regulations may make it difficult and expensive to pursue a
takeover attempt that management opposes. These provisions will also
make the removal of the current board of directors or management of
Berkshire Hills, or the appointment of new directors, more difficult.
These provisions include: limitations on voting rights of beneficial
owners of more than 10% of Berkshire Hills' common stock; supermajority
voting requirements for certain business combinations; the election of
directors to staggered terms of three years; certain qualifications to
stand for election to and serve on the board of directors; and the
elimination of cumulative voting for directors. The Certificate of
Incorporation of Berkshire Hills also contains provisions regarding the
timing and content of stockholder proposals and nominations and
limiting the calling of special meetings. Similar provisions in the
Amended and Restated Articles of Organization and Bylaws of Berkshire
Bank would also discourage takeover attempts and make takeovers less
likely to succeed without the support of management. For further
information about these provisions, see "Restrictions on Acquisition of
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank."
. Payments under certain agreements and benefit plans, the estimated
value of which, in the aggregate, totals $17.6 million, could make
takeover attempts more difficult. The employment and change in control
agreements to be entered into with officers of Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank provide for cash severance payments and/or the
continuation of health, life and disability benefits if the officers
are terminated following a change in control of Berkshire Hills or
Berkshire Bank. If a change in control had occurred at December 31,
1999, the aggregate value of the severance benefits available to these
officers under the agreements would, based on 1999 compensation data,
have been approximately $5.1 million. In addition, if a change in
control had occurred at December 31, 1999 and all eligible employees
had been terminated, the aggregate payment due under the supplemental
executive retirement plan would have been approximately $450,000 and
the aggregate payment due under the severance plan would have been
approximately $12.0 million. These estimates do not take into account
future salary adjustments or bonus payments or the value of the
continuation of other employee benefits. All of these arrangements may
have the effect of increasing the costs of acquiring Berkshire Hills,
thereby discouraging future attempts to take over Berkshire Hills or
Berkshire Bank. For information about the proposed employment, change
in control and severance agreements and the severance plan, see
"Management of Berkshire Bank--Executive Compensation."
Berkshire Hills cannot assure or guarantee an active trading market for the
common stock
Because Berkshire Hills has never issued stock, there is no current
trading market for the common stock. Consequently, Berkshire Hills cannot assure
or guarantee that an active trading market for the common stock will develop or
that an active trading market, if developed, will continue. An active and
orderly trading market will depend on the existence and individual decisions of
willing buyers and sellers at any given time over which neither Berkshire Hills
nor any market maker will have any control. If an active trading market does not
develop or is sporadic, this may hurt the market value of the common stock.
Furthermore, Berkshire Hills cannot assure or guarantee that purchasers of
common stock in the offering will be able to sell their shares after the
conversion at or above the $10.00 per share purchase price. For further
information, see "Market for Common Stock."
15
<PAGE>
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The following tables contain certain information concerning the financial
position and results of operations of Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank at
and for the dates indicated. The data presented at March 31, 2000 and for the
three month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 are derived from unaudited
condensed consolidated financial statements but, in the opinion of management,
reflect all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results for these
interim periods. These adjustments consist only of normal recurring
adjustments. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31,
2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be
expected for the year ended December 31, 2000. This information should be read
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At At
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
-------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Selected Financial Data:
Total assets................................. $875,453 $841,651
Loans, net................................... 695,815 665,554
Investment securities:
Available for sale..................... 91,753 93,084
Held to maturity....................... 21,444 17,014
Federal Home Loan Bank stock........... 4,217 3,843
Savings Bank Life Insurance stock...... 2,043 2,043
Deposits (1)................................. 688,033 680,767
Federal Home Loan Bank advances.............. 86,347 58,928
Repurchase agreements........................ 870 1,120
Total retained earnings...................... 88,611 88,352
Real estate owned............................ 220 220
Nonperforming loans.......................... 2,547 2,841
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or For the Three
Months
Ended March 31,
----------------------
2000 1999
----------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Selected Operating Data:
Total interest and dividend income............................ $15,546 $13.918
Total interest expense........................................ 7,343 6,296
------ ------
Net interest income........................................ 8,203 7,622
Provision for loan losses..................................... 810 675
--- ---
Net interest income after provision for loan losses........ 7,393 6,947
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees................................... 1,093 670
Gain on sales and dispositions of securities, net.......... 232 523
Other...................................................... 53 132
------- -------
Total noninterest income................................ 1,378 1,325
------- -------
Total noninterest expense............................... 6,432 5,926
------- -------
Income before income taxes................................. 2,339 2,346
Income taxes............................................... 782 615
Net income.............................................. $ 1,557 $ 1,731
======= =======
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or For the
Three Months
Ended March 31,
------------------------
2000 1999
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Selected Operating Ratios and Other Data:
Performance Ratios (2):
Average yield on interest-earning assets....................................... 7.69% 7.54%
Average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.............................. 4.30 4.07
Interest rate spread (3)....................................................... 3.39 3.47
Net interest margin (4)........................................................ 4.06 4.13
Ratio of interest-bearing assets to interest-bearing liabilities............... 118.46 119.37
Ratio of net interest income after provision for loan losses
to noninterest expense...................................................... 114.93 117.22
Noninterest expense as a percent of average assets............................. 3.00 3.03
Return on average assets (5)................................................... 0.73 0.89
Return on average equity (6)................................................... 6.94 8.11
Average equity to average assets............................................... 10.47 10.93
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At At
March 31, December 31,
2000 1999
---------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Tier 1 capital to average assets............................................... 7.96% 7.91%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets.......................................... 12.56 12.90
Asset Quality Ratios:
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans (7)............................ 0.36 0.42
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets (8).......................... 0.32 0.36
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans.......................... 1.30 1.27
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans.................. 359.95 300.39
Net loans charged-off as a percent of interest-earning loans................... 0.03 0.31
</TABLE>
(1) Includes mortgagors' escrow accounts.
(2) Performance Ratios are based on average daily balances during the indicated
periods and are annualized for interim periods.
(3) Difference between weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and
weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4) Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(5) Net income divided by average total assets.
(6) Net income divided by average total equity.
(7) Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans.
(8) Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans and real estate owned.
18
<PAGE>
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999
Total assets increased $33.8 million, or 4.0%, from $841.7 million at
December 31, 1999 to $875.5 million at March 31, 2000, primarily a result of a
$30.3 million, or 4.5%, increase in net loans. The increase in loans was mainly
due to a $22.7 million increase in automobile loans as Berkshire Bank began to
expand its presence into eastern New York through the establishment of
additional relationships with car dealers in late 1999 and early 2000 and
increased originations by existing dealers. The increase in loans was also due
to a $10.1 million increase in commercial loans. A $3.5 million increase in the
investment securities portfolio also contributed to the growth in assets.
Nonperforming assets decreased $294,000, or 9.6%, from $3.1 million at
December 31, 1999 to $2.8 million at March 31, 2000, due primarily to a decrease
in nonaccruing automobile loans. The decrease in nonaccrual loans was due to
the improved financial condition of borrowers, which management attributes to
the strong economy.
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston increased $27.4 million,
or 46.5%, from $58.9 million at December 31, 1999 to $86.3 million at March 31,
2000. Management determined to fund asset growth through additional borrowings
instead of through the sale of assets or more aggressive pricing of deposits.
Additionally, asset growth was funded by a $7.3 million, or 1.1%, increase in
deposits from $680.8 million at December 31, 1999 to $688.0 million at March 31,
2000. This increase was primarily due to a $6.6 million, or 16.5%, increase in
commercial checking accounts due to increased marketing efforts and product
offerings.
Total retained earnings were $88.6 million at March 31, 2000 compared to
$88.4 million at December 31, 1999. The increase in retained earnings was due
to net income of $1.6 million, offset by a decline in net accumulated unrealized
gains on available for sale securities of $1.3 million. The decrease in the
unrealized gains on securities occurred due to market declines in Berkshire
Bank's debt securities portfolios due primarily to the rising interest rate
environment. The decrease in unrealized gains on securities was also caused by
a decline in the market value of the equity securities portfolio, consisting
primarily of bank, financial and industrial stocks, which experienced general
market declines during the first quarter of 2000.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and
March 31, 1999
Net Income. Net income decreased $174,000, or 10.1%, from $1.7 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $1.6 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2000. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $506,000 increase
in non-interest expense, and a $135,000 increase in the provision for loan
losses due to loan growth, particularly automobile and commercial loans. These
decreases were partially offset by a $581,000 increase in net interest income
due to the growth in the loan portfolio. The efficiency ratio at March 31, 2000
was 68.8% compared to 70.3% at March 31, 1999.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $581,000, or 7.6%, to
$8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000 compared to $7.6 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1999, primarily due to an increase in the
average balance of interest earning assets due to loan growth.
Interest and dividend income increased $1.6 million, or 11.7%, from $13.9
million for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $15.5 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2000. The yield on interest-earning assets was 7.69% and
7.54% for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Interest income on loans increased by $1.6 million, or 12.6%, to $14.0 million
for the three months ended March 31, 2000 from $12.4 million for the same period
in 1999, primarily due to an $69.2 million increase in the average balance of
loans, primarily automobile loans. To a lesser extent, the increase in interest
income was also attributable to a 10 basis point increase in the average yield
on loans from 8.10% for the three months ended March 31, 1999 to 8.20% for the
three months ended March 31, 2000. Even though interest rates rose sharply in
the first quarter of 2000, strong competition in Berkshire Bank's market area
limited Berkshire Bank from correspondingly raising the rates charged on its
loans.
19
<PAGE>
Interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 16.7%, from $6.3 million for
the three months ended March 31, 1999 to $7.3 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2000. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to a $36.2
million, or 107.1%, increase in average borrowings to $69.9 million for the
three months ended March 31, 2000 from $33.8 million for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 due to an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings which
were primarily used to fund loan growth. The increase in interest expenses was
also attributable to a rise in market interest rates, including a 128 basis
point increase in the average rate paid on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings
from 4.50% to 5.78%. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was
an increase in the average balance of interest bearing deposits to $611.5
million for the first quarter of 2000 from $576.0 million for the previous
year's quarter due to increased deposit inflows resulting from increased
promotional activity and more aggressive deposit pricing which began in late
1999 and continued through the first quarter of 2000. A 9 basis point increase
in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposit accounts for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 to 4.13% from 4.04% for the three months ended March
31, 1999 also contributed to the increase in interest expense.
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased
$135,000, or 20.0%, for the three months ended March 31, 2000 to $810,000 from
$675,000 to reflect the growth in the loan portfolio and, in particular, the
increase in the average balance of commercial and automobile loans, which
generally bear a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family mortgage loans
or loans secured by real estate, and due to management's consideration of the
growth of such loans as a percentage of the total loan portfolio. As of March
31, 2000, commercial loans and consumer loans, excluding home equity loans,
totaled $355.3 million or 50.4% of total loans as compared to $227.9 million and
36.2% as of March 31, 1999. Management determined to increase the provision
notwithstanding the fact that nonperforming loans decreased in the first quarter
of 2000 compared to the first quarter of 1999. At March 31, 2000 and 1999, the
allowance for loan losses was $9.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively, which
represented 359.95% of nonperforming loans and 1.30% of total loans at March 31,
2000 compared to 261.52% of nonperforming loans and 1.23% of total loans at
March 31, 1999. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Comparison of Operating Results for the
Years Ended December 31, 1999 and 1998" and "Business of Berkshire Bank--Lending
Activities--Allowance for Loan Losses."
Noninterest Income. Non-interest income totaled $1.4 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2000 and $1.3 million for the three months ended March
31, 1999, an increase of $53,000, or 4.0%, due primarily to a $423,000, or
63.1%, increase in service fees and charges to $1.1 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2000 from $670,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1999.
This increase was primarily due to a $170,000 increase in loan servicing fees
due to a higher volume of loans being serviced, primarily automobile loans, and
a $165,000 increase in trust fees, due to an increase in trust department
assets. Also contributing to the increase in noninterest income was a $20,000
increase in ATM fees and a $15,000 increase in checking account fees due to
increased volume. Offsetting these increases was a $291,000, or 55.6%, decrease
in gains on the sale of securities from $523,000 for the three months ended
March 31, 1999 to $232,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2000.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $506,000, or 8.5%, to
$6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000, compared to $5.9 million
for the three months ended March 31, 1999. The increase was primarily due to a
$259,000, or 8.2%, increase in salaries and benefits from $3.2 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1999 to $3.4 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2000 due to normal salary increases. Also contributing to the increase
in noninterest expense was $156,000 in costs associated with repossession and
related liquidation costs, $70,000 in occupancy and equipment expenses, $65,000
in office supplies and $48,000 in costs associated with the establishment of the
new insurance agency. These costs were offset by decreases of $130,000 in data
processing costs and $37,000 in marketing expenses.
Income Taxes. Income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2000 were
$782,000, an increase of $167,000, or 27.2%, from $615,000 for the three months
ended March 31, 1999. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March
31, 2000 and the three months ended March 31, 1999 were 33.4% and 26.2%,
respectively. The lower effective tax rate for 1999 was attributable to state
tax loss carryforwards and a larger deduction in 1999 in connection with the
establishment of Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. in 1997. In connection with
Berkshire Bank's application for rehabilitating a historic firehouse in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, it booked tax credits in 1999. These tax credits
will not be available in 2000.
20
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following tables contain certain information concerning the
consolidated financial position and results of operations of Berkshire Bancorp
and Berkshire Bank at and for the dates indicated. The data as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for the years then ended represents the combined financial
position and results of operations of Great Barrington Savings Bank and
Berkshire County Savings Bank and is derived from unaudited consolidated
financial statements. These two banks were merged to form Berkshire Bank on May
1, 1997. The data as of December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 and for the years then
ended are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of
Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank. This information should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(In thousands)
Selected Financial Data:
Total assets..............................$841,651 $780,289 $637,346 $627,453 $602,679
Loans, net................................ 665,554 599,171 491,743 459,059 440,761
Investment securities:
Available for sale..................... 93,084 93,774 71,778 82,888 81,865
Held to maturity....................... 17,014 23,780 34,675 33,243 17,456
Federal Home Loan Bank stock........... 3,843 2,547 2,547 2,509 2,399
Savings Bank Life Insurance stock...... 2,043 2,043 2,043 2,043 2,043
Deposits (1).............................. 680,767 647,122 539,061 535,505 524,327
Federal Home Loan Bank advances........... 58,928 29,590 6,880 7,732 6,357
Repurchase agreements..................... 1,120 7,000 5,070 6,340 2,843
Total retained earnings................... 88,352 84,201 75,317 68,713 61,458
Real estate owned......................... 220 398 364 2,888 219
Nonperforming loans....................... 2,841 3,490 2,156 4,845 3,912
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Selected Operating Data:
Total interest and dividend income........ $58,468 $52,495 $48,423 $46,890 $44,761
Total interest expense.................... 26,922 24,182 22,290 22,032 19,422
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income.................... 31,546 28,313 26,133 24,858 25,339
Provision for loan losses................. 3,030 2,055 1,477 1,980 2,509
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income after provision
for loan losses..................... 28,516 26,258 24,656 22,878 22,830
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Noninterest income:
Service charges and fees............... 3,405 2,568 2,440 2,801 2,609
Gain on sales and dispositions of
securities, net..................... 491 425 2,653 1,364 244
Other.................................. 402 300 512 653 708
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total noninterest income............ 4,298 3,293 5,605 4,818 3,561
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total noninterest expense........... 25,196 22,359 26,066 19,257 17,805
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes............. 7,618 7,192 4,195 8,439 8,586
Income taxes........................... 1,995 2,768 1,692 3,039 2,066
Net income.......................... $ 5,623 $ 4,424 $ 2,503 $ 5,400 $ 6,520
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
(footnotes on following page)
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE>
22
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
----------------------------------------
Selected Other Data:
Number of:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mortgage loans outstanding................................ 3,667 2,961 2,879 2,967 3,127
Deposit accounts.......................................... 76,493 75,648 65,012 65,142 64,760
Banking offices........................................... 14 14 11 11 11
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or For the Year Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------
Selected Operating Ratios and Other Data (2):
Performance Ratios:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average yield on interest-earning assets......................... 7.65% 7.83% 8.10% 8.07% 8.26%
Average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities................ 4.15 4.36 4.45 4.42 4.14
Interest rate spread (3)......................................... 3.50 3.47 3.65 3.65 4.12
Net interest margin (4).......................................... 4.13 4.22 4.37 4.28 4.67
Interest-bearing assets to interest-bearing liabilities.......... 117.75 120.94 119.44 116.46 115.55
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
to noninterest expense........................................ 113.18 117.44 94.59 118.80 128.22
Non-interest expense as a percent of average assets.............. 3.09 3.19 4.16 3.13 3.11
Return on average assets (5)..................................... 0.69 0.63 0.40 0.88 1.14
Return on average equity (6)..................................... 6.51 5.56 3.54 8.55 11.77
Average equity to average assets................................. 10.59 11.34 11.30 10.25 9.68
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
Tier 1 capital to average assets................................. 7.91 7.79 9.80 9.46 9.18
Total capital to risk-weighted assets............................ 12.90 13.04 13.46 14.52 13.73
Asset Quality Ratios:
Nonperforming loans as a percent of
total loans (7)............................................... 0.42 0.58 0.43 1.04 0.87
Nonperforming assets as a percent of
total assets (8).............................................. 0.36 0.50 0.40 1.23 0.69
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of
total loans................................................... 1.27 1.25 1.22 1.35 1.45
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of
nonperforming loans........................................... 300.39 217.45 281.91 130.09 165.75
Net loans charged-off as a percent of
interest-earning loans........................................ 0.31 0.09 0.34 0.47 0.25
</TABLE>
(1) Includes mortgagors' escrow accounts.
(2) Regulatory Capital and Asset Quality Ratios are end of period ratios.
Performance Ratios for 1999 and 1998 are based on daily averages.
Performance Ratios for 1997, 1996 and 1995 are based on monthly averages.
(3) Difference between weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and
weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4) Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(5) Net income divided by average total assets.
(6) Net income divided by average total equity.
(7) Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans. See "Business of Berkshire
Bank--Lending Activities--Nonperforming Assets, Delinquencies and Impaired
Loans."
(8) Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans and real estate owned. See
"Business of Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--Nonperforming Assets,
Delinquencies and Impaired Loans."
23
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table presents the estimated net proceeds of the offering,
the amount to be retained by Berkshire Hills, the amount to be contributed to
Berkshire Bank, and the amount of Berkshire Hills' capitalization of a
subsidiary to be created which will lend funds to the employee stock ownership
plan. See "Pro Forma Data" for the assumptions used to arrive at these amounts.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares at Shares at Shares at
$10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Per Share Per Share Per Share
---------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross proceeds................................................. $ 61,455 $ 83,145 $ 95,617
Less: estimated underwriting commissions and
other offering expenses.............................. 2,361 2,658 2,829
---------- ---------- ----------
Net proceeds................................................... $ 59,094 $ 80,487 $ 92,788
========== ========== ==========
Net proceeds to be retained by Berkshire Hills................. $ 29,547 $ 40,244 $ 46,394
Net proceeds to be contributed to Berkshire Bank............... $ 29,547 $ 40,244 $ 46,394
Amount of loan by Berkshire Hills to employee
stock ownership plan........................................ $ 5,310 $ 7,184 $ 8,261
</TABLE>
Berkshire Hills will acquire all of the capital stock of Berkshire Bank in
exchange for 50% of the net proceeds of the stock offering. Receipt of the 50%
of the net proceeds of the sale of the common stock will increase Berkshire
Bank's capital and will support the expansion of Berkshire Bank's existing
business activities. Berkshire Bank will use the funds contributed to it for
general business purposes, including, loan originations and investment in short-
to intermediate-term investment grade securities.
Berkshire Hills intends to capitalize a subsidiary it intends to create
which will lend funds to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount
necessary for the plan to acquire an amount of shares equal to 8% of the shares
issued in the conversion, including shares issued to Berkshire Hills Foundation.
Accordingly, acquisitions by the employee stock ownership plan would range
between 530,971 shares, assuming 6,637,140 shares are issued in the conversion,
to 826,128 shares, if 10,326,609 shares are issued in the conversion. Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank may alternatively choose to fund the employee stock
ownership plan's stock purchases through a loan by a third party financial
institution. For purposes of the above table, it is assumed that any shares of
common stock to be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan in the open
market will be purchased at $10.00 per share. If there are not enough shares to
satisfy the employee stock ownership plan's subscription for shares sold in the
conversion, the plan may purchase such shares in the open market after
conversion. It is anticipated that the employee stock ownership plan loan will
have a 15-year term with a fixed rate of interest equal to the prime rate
published in The Wall Street Journal on the closing date of the conversion. The
loan will be repaid primarily from Berkshire Bank's contributions to the
employee stock ownership plan and from any dividends paid on shares of common
stock held by the employee stock ownership plan.
The remaining net proceeds retained by Berkshire Hills will initially be
invested primarily in short- to intermediate-term investment grade securities.
Berkshire Hills may also use the funds it retains to support future expansion of
operations or diversification into other banking or financial services related
businesses and for other business or investment purposes. However, with the
exception of the current plan to establish an insurance agency, there are no
specific plans, arrangements, agreements or understandings, written or oral,
regarding any expansion activities. In this regard, in February 2000, Berkshire
Bank entered into a contract with a third party to assist it in establishing and
operating such agency. See "Business of Berkshire Bank--General."
24
<PAGE>
Berkshire Hills may also use available funds to repurchase shares of common
stock and for the payment of dividends, subject to any limitations set forth in
applicable laws and regulations. Following the conversion, the Board of
Directors will have the authority to adopt plans that meet statutory and
regulatory requirements for repurchases of common stock. Since Berkshire Hills
has not yet issued stock, there currently is insufficient information upon which
an intention to repurchase stock could be based and consequently, no such
intention currently exists. The Board of Directors will consider many facts and
circumstances in determining whether to repurchase stock in the future. These
factors include market and economic factors such as the price at which the stock
is trading in the market, the volume of trading, the attractiveness of other
investment alternatives in terms of the rate of return and risk involved in the
investment, the ability to increase the book value and/or earnings per share of
the remaining outstanding shares, and the ability to improve Berkshire Hills'
return on equity. The avoidance of dilution to stockholders by not having to
issue additional shares to cover the exercise of stock options or to fund
employee stock benefit plans is another factor that will be considered. The
Board of Directors will also consider any other circumstances in which
repurchases would be in the best interests of Berkshire Hills and its
stockholders.
Before undertaking any stock repurchases, the Board of Directors must
determine that both Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank will be capitalized in
excess of all applicable regulatory requirements after any repurchases and that
capital will be adequate, taking into account, among other things, Berkshire
Bank's level of nonperforming and classified assets, Berkshire Hills' and
Berkshire Bank's current and projected results of operations and asset/liability
structure, the economic environment and tax and other regulatory considerations.
Except as described above, neither Berkshire Hills nor Berkshire Bank has
specific plans for the investment of the proceeds of this offering. For a
discussion of management's business reasons for undertaking the conversion, see
"The Conversion--Reasons for the Conversion."
DIVIDEND POLICY
General
Berkshire Hills' Board of Directors intends to adopt a policy of paying
regular cash dividends after the conversion, but has not decided the exact
amount or range of amounts that may be paid, when the payments may begin or the
frequency of any payments. In addition, the Board of Directors may declare and
pay periodic special cash dividends in addition to, or in lieu of, regular cash
dividends. When deciding whether to declare or pay any dividends, whether
regular or special, the Board of Directors will take into account the amount of
the net proceeds retained by Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Hills' financial
condition, results of operations, tax considerations, capital requirements,
industry standards, and economic conditions. The Board of Directors will also
consider the regulatory restrictions discussed below that affect the payment of
dividends by Berkshire Bank to Berkshire Hills. Berkshire Hills is also subject
to Delaware law, which generally limits dividends to an amount equal to an
excess of the net assets of a company (the amount by which total assets exceed
total liabilities) over statutory capital, or if there is no excess, to the
company's net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year.
In order to pay cash dividends, however, Berkshire Hills must have available
cash either from the net proceeds raised in the conversion and retained by
Berkshire Hills, borrowings by Berkshire Hills, dividends received from
Berkshire Bank or earnings on Berkshire Hills' assets. No assurances can be
given that any dividends, either regular or special, will be declared or paid,
or if declared and paid, what the amount of dividends will be or whether they
will continue uninterrupted.
Regulatory Restrictions
Dividends from Berkshire Hills may depend, in part, upon receipt of
dividends from Berkshire Bank because Berkshire Hills will initially have no
source of income other than dividends from Berkshire Bank and earnings from the
investment of the net proceeds from the offering retained by Berkshire Hills.
Berkshire Bank, as a Massachusetts-chartered savings bank, must also comply with
Massachusetts law when considering paying a dividend. A Massachusetts savings
bank may only pay dividends on its stock if such payment would not impair the
bank's stock and surplus account. In addition, Berkshire Bank may not declare
or pay a cash dividend on its stock if
25
<PAGE>
the effect would be to reduce its regulatory capital below the amount required
for the liquidation account to be established under the plan of conversion and
below amounts required to be maintained by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. See "The Conversion--Effects of Conversion to Stock Form--
Liquidation Account."
Tax Considerations
In addition to the foregoing, retained earnings of Berkshire Bank
appropriated to bad debt reserves and previously deducted for federal income tax
purposes cannot be used to pay cash dividends to Berkshire Hills without the
payment of federal income taxes by Berkshire Bank at the then current income tax
rate on the amount deemed distributed, which would include the amounts of any
federal income taxes relating to the distribution. See "Federal and State
Taxation on Income--Federal Income Taxation." Berkshire Hills does not
contemplate any distribution by Berkshire Bank that would result in a recapture
of its bad debt reserve or create the above-mentioned federal tax liabilities.
MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK
Because Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank have not issued capital stock to
the public, no established market for the common stock exists. Berkshire Hills
expects to receive approval to have its common stock listed on the American
Stock Exchange under the symbol "BHL" upon completion of the conversion. To
receive that approval, Berkshire Hills must satisfy various conditions,
including selling the stock and meeting certain listing criteria. There can be
no assurance that the common stock will be able to meet the applicable listing
criteria to maintain its quotation on the American Stock Exchange or that an
active and liquid trading market will develop or, if developed, will be
maintained. No assurance can be given that an investor will be able to resell
the common stock at or above the purchase price of the common stock after the
conversion.
26
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table presents the historical capitalization of Berkshire
Bancorp at December 31, 1999, and the pro forma capitalization of Berkshire
Hills after giving effect to the assumptions listed under "Pro Forma Data,"
based on the sale of the number of shares of common stock indicated in the
table. Pro forma capitalization does not reflect the issuance of additional
shares under the proposed stock-based incentive plan. A change in the number of
shares to be issued in the conversion may materially affect pro forma
capitalization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Berkshire Hills Pro Forma
Capitalization Based Upon the Sale of $10.00 Per Share
-------------------------------------------------------------------
15% Above
Minimum of Maximum of Maximum of
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
---------- ---------- ----------
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Berkshire Bancorp Shares at Shares at Shares at
at $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
December 31, 1999 Per Share Per Share Per Share
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Deposits (1)................................................... $680,767 $ 680,767 $ 680,767 $ 680,767
Short-term borrowed funds...................................... 1,120 1,120 1,120 1,120
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank........................... 58,928 58,928 58,928 58,928
-------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total deposits and borrowed funds.............................. $740,815 $ 740,815 $ 740,815 $ 740,815
======== ========== ========== ==========
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock:
1,000,000 shares, $.01 par value per share,
authorized; none issued or outstanding.................. $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Common stock:
26,000,000 shares, $.01 par value per share, authorized;
specified number of shares assumed
to be issued and outstanding (2)....................... -- 66 90 103
Additional paid-in capital..................................... -- 59,028 80,397 92,685
Undivided profits (3).......................................... 70,679 70,679 70,679 70,679
Accumulated other comprehensive income (4)..................... 17,673 17,673 17,673 17,673
Plus:
Contribution to foundation.................................. -- 4,916 6,652 7,649
Less:
Expense of contribution to foundation, net of taxes (5)..... -- (3,146) (4,257) (4,896)
Less:
Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan (6).. -- (5,310) (7,184) (8,261)
Common stock to be acquired by stock-based incentive
plan (7).................................................... -- (2,655) (3,592) (4,131)
-------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity..................................... $ 88,352 $ 141,251 $ 160,458 $ 171,501
======== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(1) Withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of common stock are not
reflected. Withdrawals to purchase common stock will reduce pro forma
deposits by the amounts of the withdrawals.
(2) After conversion, Berkshire Bank's authorized capital will consist solely of
10,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000 shares of which
will be issued to Berkshire Hills, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
$1.00 par value, none of which will be issued in connection with the
conversion.
(3) Undivided profits are restricted by applicable regulatory capital
requirements. Additionally, Berkshire Bank will be prohibited from paying
any dividend that would reduce its regulatory capital below the amount in
the liquidation account, which will be established for the benefit of its
eligible depositors as of September 30, 1998 and September 30, 1999 at the
time of the conversion and decreased subsequently as these account holders
reduce their balances or cease to be depositors. See "The Conversion--
Effects of Conversion to Stock Form--Liquidation Account."
(4) Represents the net unrealized gain on securities classified as available for
sale, net of related taxes.
(5) Represents the expense, net of tax, of the contribution of common stock to
Berkshire Hills Foundation based on an estimated tax rate of 36%. The
realization of the tax benefit is limited annually to 10% of Berkshire
Hills' annual taxable income. However, for federal tax and state purposes,
Berkshire Hills can carry forward any unused portion of the deduction for
five years following the year in which the contribution is made.
(6) Assumes that 8% of the common stock issued in the conversion will be
acquired by the employee stock ownership plan in the conversion at $10.00
per share with funds borrowed from a subsidiary established and capitalized
by Berkshire Hills for that purpose. Under generally accepted accounting
principles, the amount of common stock to be purchased by the employee stock
ownership plan represents unearned compensation and is, accordingly,
reflected as a reduction of capital. As shares are released to employee
stock ownership plan participants' accounts, a corresponding reduction in
the charge against capital will occur. See "Management of Berkshire Bank--
Benefits--Employee Stock Ownership Plan."
(7) Assumes the purchase in the open market at $10.00 per share, under the
proposed stock-based incentive plan, of a number of shares equal to 4% of
the shares of common stock issued in the conversion. The shares are
reflected as a reduction of stockholders' equity. See "Risk Factors--
Issuance of shares for benefit program may lower your ownership interest,"
"Pro Forma Data" and "Management of Berkshire Bank--Benefits--Stock-Based
Incentive Plan." The stock-based incentive plan will be submitted to
stockholders for approval at a meeting following the conversion.
27
<PAGE>
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE
The following table presents Berkshire Bank's historical and pro forma
capital position relative to its regulatory capital requirements at December 31,
1999. The table amounts include $15,631 in cash held by Berkshire Bancorp that
will be added to Berkshire Bank's capital upon conversion. The amount of
capital infused into Berkshire Bank for purposes of the following table is 50%
of the net proceeds of the offering. For purposes of the table, the amount
expected to be borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan and the cost of the
shares expected to be awarded under the stock-based incentive plan as restricted
stock are deducted from pro forma regulatory capital. For a discussion of the
assumptions underlying the pro forma capital calculations presented below, see
"Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization" and "Pro Forma Data." The definitions of
the terms used in the table are those provided in the capital regulations issued
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. For a discussion of the capital
standards applicable to Berkshire Bank, see "Regulation and Supervision--Federal
Regulations--Capital Requirements."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Berkshire Bank Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance at
December 31, 1999, Based Upon the Sale of
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15% Above
Minimum of Maximum of Maximum of
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Berkshire Bank Valuation Range Valuation Range Valuation Range
Historical at 6,145,500 Shares 8,314,500 Shares 9,561,675 Shares
December 31, 1999 at $10.00 Per Share at $10.00 Per Share at $10.00 Per Share
--------------------- --------------------- --------------------- --------------------
Percent Percent Percent Percent
of of of of
Adjusted Adjusted Adjusted Adjusted
Total Total Total Total
Amount Assets (1) Amount Assets Amount Assets Amount Assets
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Generally accepted accounting
principles capital............ $88,352 10.50% $109,934 12.74% $117,820 13.53% $122,354 13.98%
======= ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Tier 1 capital to average
assets (2)...................... $63,870 7.91% $ 85,452 10.31% $ 93,338 11.15% $ 97,872 11.63%
Requirement...................... 32,305 4.00 33,168 4.00 33,484 4.00 33,665 4.00
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Excess........................... $31,565 3.91% $ 52,284 6.31% $ 59,854 7.15% $ 64,207 7.63%
======= ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
Total capital to
risk-weighted assets (3)........ $84,652 12.90% $106,234 15.92% $114,120 17.00% $118,654 17.62%
Requirement...................... 52,516 8.00 53,379 8.00 53,694 8.00 53,876 8.00
------- ----- -------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Excess........................... $32,136 4.90% $ 52,855 7.92% $ 60,426 9.00% $ 64,778 9.62%
======= ===== ======== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
(1) Tier 1 capital levels are shown as a percentage of adjusted total assets of
$807.6 million. Total capital to risk-weighted assets are shown as a
percentage of risk-weighted assets of $656.4 million.
(2) A portion of the net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investment
securities and goodwill accounts for the difference between generally
accepted accounting principles capital and Tier 1 capital.
(3) Percentage represents total core and supplementary capital divided by total
capital to risk-weighted assets. Assumes net proceeds are invested in
assets that carry a 50% risk-weighting.
28
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA DATA
The plan of conversion requires that the common stock must be sold at a
price equal to the estimated market value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank,
as converted, based upon an independent appraisal by FinPro. The estimated
valuation range as of March 8, 2000 is from a minimum of $61.5 million to a
maximum of $83.1 million with a midpoint of $72.3 million. At a price per share
of $10.00, this results in a minimum number of shares of 6,145,500, a maximum
number of shares of 8,314,500 and a midpoint number of shares of 7,230,000.
The actual net proceeds from the sale of the common stock cannot be
determined until the conversion is completed. However, net proceeds indicated in
the following tables are based upon the following assumptions:
. All shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription and direct
community offerings;
. Sandler O'Neill will receive a fee equal to 1.50% of the aggregate
purchase price of the shares sold in the subscription and direct
community offerings, except that no fee will be paid with respect to
shares purchased by the employee benefit plans, shares purchased by
officers, employees or directors of Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills,
or their immediate families. See "The Conversion--Plan of Distribution
for the Subscription, Direct Community and Syndicated Community
Offerings"; and
. Conversion expenses, excluding the 1.50% fee paid to Sandler O'Neill,
will total approximately $1,550,000 regardless of the number of shares
sold in the conversion.
Actual expenses may vary from this estimate, and the fees paid will depend
upon whether a syndicate of broker-dealers or other means is necessary to sell
the shares, and other factors.
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank prepared the following pro forma data
with the assistance of FinPro. The following tables summarize the historical
consolidated net income and capital of Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank and
the pro forma consolidated net income and stockholders' equity of Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank at and for the year ended December 31, 1999. Pro forma
net income for the year ended December 31, 1999 has been calculated as if the
conversion was completed on January 1, 1999 and the estimated net proceeds had
been invested at 5.98% beginning on that date, which represents the one-year
U.S. Treasury Bill yield as of December 31, 1999.
A pro forma after-tax return of 3.83% is used for the year ended December
31, 1999, after giving effect to a combined federal and state income tax rate of
36%. Historical and pro forma per share amounts have been calculated by
dividing historical and pro forma amounts by the number of shares of common
stock indicated in the table.
When reviewing the following tables you should consider the following:
. The final column gives effect to the sale of an additional 1,247,175
shares in the conversion, which may be issued without any further
notice if FinPro increases its appraisal to reflect the results of this
offering or changes in the financial condition or results of operations
of Berkshire Bank or changes in market conditions after the date of the
appraisal. See "The Conversion--Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to
be Issued."
. Since funds on deposit at Berkshire Bank may be withdrawn to purchase
shares of common stock, the amount of funds available for investment
will be reduced by the amount of withdrawals for stock purchases. The
pro forma tables do not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts.
. Historical per share amounts have been computed as if the shares of
common stock expected to be issued in the conversion had been
outstanding at January 1, 1999. However, neither historical nor pro
forma stockholders' equity has been adjusted to reflect the investment
of the estimated net
29
<PAGE>
proceeds from the sale of the shares in the conversion, the additional
employee stock ownership plan expense or the proposed stock-based
incentive plan.
. Pro forma stockholders' equity ("book value") represents the difference
between the stated amounts of Berkshire Bank's assets and liabilities.
The amounts shown do not reflect the liquidation account, which will be
established for the benefit of eligible depositors as of September 30,
1999 and September 30, 1998, or the federal income tax consequences of
the restoration to income of Berkshire Bank's special bad debt reserves
for income tax purposes, which would be required in the unlikely event
of liquidation. See "Federal and State Taxation on Income" and "The
Conversion--Effects of Conversion to Stock Form." The amounts shown for
book value do not represent fair market values or amounts available for
distribution to stockholders in the unlikely event of liquidation.
. The amounts shown as pro forma stockholders' equity per share do not
represent possible future price appreciation or depreciation of
Berkshire Hills' common stock.
. The amounts shown do not account for the shares to be reserved for
issuance upon the exercise of stock options that may be granted under
the proposed stock-based incentive plan, which requires stockholder
approval at a meeting following the conversion.
The following pro forma data, which are based on Berkshire Bancorp's and
Berkshire Bank's capital at December 31, 1999 and net income for the year ended
December 31, 1999 on a consolidated basis, may not represent the actual
financial effects of the conversion or the operating results of Berkshire Hills
after the conversion. The pro forma data rely exclusively on the assumptions
outlined above. The pro forma data does not represent the fair market value of
Berkshire Hills' common stock, the current fair market value of Berkshire Bank's
or Berkshire Bancorp's assets or liabilities, or the amount of money that would
be available for distribution to stockholders if Berkshire Hills is liquidated
after the conversion.
The following tables assume that Berkshire Hills Foundation is funded as
part of the conversion and therefore gives effect to the issuance of authorized
but unissued shares of Berkshire Hills common stock to Berkshire Hills
Foundation. The valuation range accounts for the dilutive impact of the
issuance of shares to Berkshire Hills Foundation.
30
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 1999
------------------------------------------
15% Above
Minimum of Maximum of Maximum of
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
----------- --------- ---------
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares Shares Shares
at $10.00 at $10.00 at $10.00
Per Share Per Share Per Share
----------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross proceeds................................................................. $ 61,455 $ 83,145 $ 95,617
Plus: shares issued to the foundation (equal to 8% of the shares
sold in the conversion)................................................. 4,916 6,652 7,649
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro forma market capitalization................................................ $ 66,371 $ 89,797 $ 103,266
========== ========== ===========
Gross proceeds................................................................. $ 61,455 $ 83,145 $ 95,617
Less: estimated expenses...................................................... (2,361) (2,658) (2,829)
---------- ---------- -----------
Estimated net proceeds......................................................... 59,094 80,487 92,788
Less: common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan.................. (5,310) (7,184) (8,261)
Less: common stock to be acquired by stock-based incentive plan............... (2,655) (3,592) (4,131)
---------- ---------- -----------
Net investable proceeds.................................................. $ 51,129 $ 69,711 $ 80,396
========== ========== ===========
Pro Forma Net Income:
Number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share (1).......... 6,141,567 8,309,179 9,555,555
Pro forma net income (2):
Historical.................................................................. $ 5,623 $ 5,623 $ 5,623
Pro forma income on net investable proceeds................................. 1,958 2,670 3,079
Less: pro forma employee stock ownership plan adjustments (3).............. (227) (307) (352)
Less: pro forma stock-based incentive plan adjustments (4)................. (340) (460) (529)
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro forma net income..................................................... $ 7,014 $ 7,526 $ 7,821
========== ========== ===========
Pro forma net income per share (2):
Historical.................................................................. $ 0.92 $ 0.68 $ 0.59
Pro forma income on net investable proceeds................................. 0.32 0.32 0.32
Less: pro forma employee stock ownership plan adjustments (3).............. (0.04) (0.04) (0.04)
Less: pro forma stock-based incentive plan adjustments (4)................. (0.06) (0.06) (0.06)
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro forma net income per share (5)....................................... $ 1.14 $ 0.90 $ 0.81
========== ========== ===========
Pro Forma Stockholders' Equity:
Number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders' equity per share.... 6,637,140 8,979,660 10,326,609
Pro forma stockholders' equity (book value) (2):
Historical.................................................................. $ 88,352 $ 88,352 $ 88,352
Estimated net proceeds...................................................... 59,094 80,487 92,788
Plus: tax benefit of the contribution to the foundation..................... 1,770 2,395 2,753
Less: common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan............ (5,310) (7,184) (8,261)
Less: common stock acquired by stock-based incentive plan (4)............... (2,655) (3,592) (4,131)
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity (5)....................................... $ 141,251 $ 160,458 $ 171,501
========== ========== ===========
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share (2):
Historical.................................................................. $ 13.31 $ 9.84 $ 8.56
Estimated net proceeds...................................................... 8.90 8.96 8.99
Plus: tax benefit of the contribution to the foundation..................... 0.27 0.27 0.27
Less: common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan........... (0.80) (0.80) (0.80)
Less: common stock acquired by stock-based incentive plan (4).............. (0.40) (0.40) (0.40)
---------- ---------- -----------
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share................................. $ 21.28 $ 17.87 $ 16.62
========== ========== ===========
Offering price as a percentage of pro forma stockholders' equity per share..... 46.99% 55.96% 60.17%
Offering price as a multiple of pro forma net income per share................. 8.77x 11.11x 12.35x
</TABLE>
(footnotes begin on next page)
31
<PAGE>
(1) The following table shows the calculations used to arrive at the number of
shares used to calculate pro forma net income per share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
15% Above
Minimum Maximum Maximum
of Estimated of Estimated of Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares sold in the conversion................................ 6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares issued to the foundation.............................. 491,640 665,160 764,934
--------- --------- ----------
Total shares outstanding..................................... 6,637,140 8,979,660 10,326,609
Less: Full employee stock ownership plan adjustment......... (530,971) (718,373) (826,129)
Plus: Employee stock ownership shares committed
to be declared........................................ 35,398 47,892 55,075
--------- --------- ----------
Number of shares used to calculate pro forma net income
per share................................................. 6,141,567 8,309,179 9,555,555
========= ========= ==========
</TABLE>
(2) Does not give effect to the non-recurring expense that will be recognized in
2000 as a result of the contribution of common stock to Berkshire Hills
Foundation. The following table shows the estimated after-tax expense
associated with the contribution to the foundation, as well as pro forma net
income and pro forma net income per share assuming the contribution to the
foundation was expensed during the periods presented. The pro forma data
assumes that Berkshire Hills will realize 100% of the income tax benefit as
a result of the contribution to the foundation based on a 36% tax rate. The
realization of the tax benefit is limited annually to 10% of Berkshire
Hills' annual taxable income. However, for federal and state tax purposes,
Berkshire Hills can carry forward any unused portion of the deduction for
five years following the year in which the contribution is made.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
15% Above
Minimum Maximum Maximum
of Estimated of Estimated of Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
------------ ------------ ------------
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares Shares Shares
at $10.00 at $10.00 at $10.00
Per Share Per Share Per Share
--------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After-tax expense of contribution to foundation:
Year ended December 31, 1999..................... $3,146 $4,257 $4,896
Pro forma net income:
Year ended December 31, 1999..................... 3,868 3,269 2,925
Pro forma net income per share:
Year ended December 31, 1999..................... 0.63 0.39 0.31
</TABLE>
(3) Assumes that the employee stock ownership plan will acquire an amount of
stock equal to 8% of the shares of common stock issued in the conversion.
Shares purchased are assumed to be purchased at $10.00 per share. The
employee stock ownership plan will borrow the funds used to acquire these
shares from a subsidiary to be established by Berkshire Hills. The
subsidiary will receive these funds from the net proceeds from the
conversion retained by Berkshire Hills. The amount of this borrowing, which
will have an interest rate equal to the prime rate as published in The Wall
Street Journal, which was 8.5% at December 31, 1999, has been reflected as a
reduction from gross proceeds to determine estimated net investable
proceeds. Berkshire Bank intends to make contributions to the employee
stock ownership plan in amounts at least equal to the principal
32
<PAGE>
and interest requirement of the debt. As the debt is paid down,
stockholders' equity will be increased. Berkshire Bank's payment of the
employee stock ownership plan debt is based upon equal installments of
principal over a 15-year period, assuming a combined federal and state
income tax rate of 36%. Interest income earned by Berkshire Hills on the
loan to the employee stock ownership plan offsets the interest paid on the
loan by Berkshire Bank. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed
to fund the employee stock ownership plan. Applicable accounting principles
require that compensation expense for the employee stock ownership plan be
based upon shares committed to be released and that unallocated shares be
excluded from earnings per share computations. The valuation of shares
committed to be released would be based upon the average market value of the
shares during the year, which, for purposes of this calculation, was assumed
to be equal to the $10.00 per share purchase price. See "Management of
Berkshire Bank--Benefits--Employee Stock Ownership Plan."
(4) Assumes that the stock-based incentive plan will acquire an amount of stock
equal to 4% of the common stock issued in the conversion for award to key
employees and directors. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-
based incentive plan, it is assumed that the required stockholder approval
has been received, that the shares were acquired by the stock-based
incentive plan at the beginning of the respective period in open market
purchases at the $10.00 per share purchase price, that 20% of the amount
contributed was an amortized expense during the period, that the combined
federal and state income tax rate is 36%, and that stock options which may
be issued under the stock-based incentive plan are not granted or exercised.
The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of the common stock instead
of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of existing
stockholders by approximately 3.85%.
For purposes of this table, shares issued under the stock-based incentive plan
vest 20% per year and compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line
basis over each vesting period. If the fair market value per share is greater
than $10.00 per share on the date shares are awarded under the stock-based
incentive plan, total stock-based incentive plan expense would be greater.
The total estimated stock-based incentive plan expense was multiplied by 20%,
which is the total percent of shares for which expense is recognized in the
first year.
The following table shows the estimated pro forma net income and stockholders'
equity per share if shares for the stock-based incentive plan were authorized
but unissued shares instead of repurchased shares. The table also shows the
estimated pre-tax stock-based incentive plan expense.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
15% Above
Minimum Maximum Maximum
of of of
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
--------- --------- ---------
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares Shares Shares
at $10.00 at $10.00 at $10.00
Per Share Per Share Per Share
--------- --------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income per share:
Year ended December 31, 1999................ $ 1.11 $ 0.88 $ 0.80
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share:
At December 31, 1999........................ 20.46 17.18 15.97
Pre-tax stock-based incentive plan expense:
Year ended December 31, 1999................ 2,655 3,592 4,131
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
(5) In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based incentive plan, no
effect has been given for any shares that may be reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of stock options that may be granted under the stock-based
incentive plan. The number of options available under the stock-based
incentive plan will be equal to 10% of the number of shares issued in the
conversion. The issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock
instead of open market purchases would dilute the voting interests of
existing stockholders by approximately 9.09%.
The following table shows the estimated pro forma net income and stockholders'
equity per share if shares for stock issued as a result of the exercise of
stock options were authorized but unissued shares instead of repurchased
shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
15% Above
Minimum Maximum Maximum
of Estimated of Estimated of Estimated
Valuation Valuation Valuation
Range Range Range
--------- --------- ---------
6,145,500 8,314,500 9,561,675
Shares Shares Shares
at $10.00 at $10.00 at $10.00
Per Share Per Share Per Share
---------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Pro forma net income per share:
Year ended December 31, 1999.............. $ 1.03 $ 0.82 $ 0.74
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share:
At December 31, 1999...................... 20.26 17.15 16.01
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF INDEPENDENT VALUATION AND PRO FORMA
FINANCIAL INFORMATION WITH AND WITHOUT THE FOUNDATION
As set forth in the following table, if Berkshire Hills Foundation was not
established and funded as part of the conversion, FinPro estimates that the pro
forma valuation of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank would be greater than if
the foundation is included, and which would have resulted in an increase in the
amount of common stock offered for sale in the conversion. If the foundation
were not established, there is no assurance that the appraisal prepared at that
time of conversion would conclude that the pro forma market value of Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank would be the same as the estimate set forth in the
table below. Any appraisal prepared at the time of conversion would be based on
the facts and circumstances existing at that time, including, among other
things, market and economic conditions.
The information presented in the following table is for comparative
purposes only. It assumes that the conversion was completed at December 31,
1999, based on the assumptions set forth under "Pro Forma Data."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At the Maximum,
At the Minimum At the Maximum as Adjusted,
of Estimated of Estimated of Estimated
Valuation Range Valuation Range Valuation Range
--------------- --------------- ---------------
With No With No With No
Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation Foundation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Estimated pro forma valuation (1).............. $ 61,455 $ 69,275 $ 83,145 $ 93,725 $ 95,617 $107,784
Pro forma market capitalization................ 66,371 69,275 89,797 93,725 103,266 107,784
Total assets................................... 894,550 900,138 913,757 921,317 924,800 933,495
Total liabilities.............................. 756,360 756,360 756,360 756,360 756,360 756,360
Pro forma stockholders' equity................. 141,251 146,839 160,458 168,018 171,501 180,196
Pro forma net income........................... 7,014 7,272 7,526 7,874 7,821 8,221
Pro forma stockholders' equity per share....... 21.28 21.19 17.87 17.93 16.62 16.72
Pro forma net income per share................. 1.14 1.13 0.90 0.90 0.81 0.81
Pro Forma Pricing Ratios:
Offering price as a percentage of
pro forma stockholders' equity............ 46.99% 47.19% 55.96% 55.77% 60.17% 59.81%
Offering price as a multiple of pro
forma net income per share............... 8.77 8.85 11.11 11.11 12.35 12.35
Offering price to assets.................... 7.42 7.70 9.83 10.17 11.17 11.55
Pro Forma Financial Ratios:
Return on assets (annualized).............. 0.78 0.81 0.82 0.85 0.85 0.88
Return on stockholders' equity
(annualized)............................. 4.97 4.95 4.69 4.69 4.56 4.56
Stockholders' equity to total assets........ 15.79 16.31 17.56 18.24 18.54 19.30
</TABLE>
(1) Based on independent valuation prepared by FinPro as of March 8, 2000.
35
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
The following Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in
the three year period ended December 31, 1999 have been audited by Wolf &
Company, P.C., independent public accountants. The report of Wolf & Company,
P.C. on these Consolidated Statements of Income appears on page F-2 of this
prospectus. These statements should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes and with the "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest and dividend income:
Interest and fees on loans...................................................... $52,522 $46,449 $41,514
Interest and dividends on securities............................................ 5,595 5,392 6,387
Interest on short-term investments and other investments........................ 351 654 522
------- ------- -------
Total interest and dividend income........................................ 58,468 52,495 48,423
------- ------- -------
Interest expense:
Interest on deposits............................................................ 23,848 22,601 21,564
Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances..................................... 2,796 1,214 394
Interest on securities sold under agreements to repurchase...................... 278 367 332
------- ------- -------
Total interest expense.................................................... 26,922 24,182 22,290
------- ------- -------
Net interest income................................................................ 31,546 28,313 26,133
Provision for loan losses.......................................................... 3,030 2,055 1,477
------- ------- -------
Net interest income, after provision for loan losses...................... 28,516 26,258 24,656
------- ------- -------
Other income:
Customer service fees........................................................... 1,333 1,180 1,089
Trust department fees........................................................... 1,730 1,154 1,006
Loan servicing fees............................................................. 342 234 345
Gain on sales and dispositions of securities, net............................... 491 425 2,653
Gain on sale of other real estate............................................... -- 119 --
Loss on sale of equipment....................................................... (30) -- --
Miscellaneous................................................................... 432 181 512
------- ------- -------
Total other income........................................................ 4,298 3,293 5,605
------- ------- -------
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits.................................................. 13,767 11,842 12,305
Occupancy and equipment......................................................... 4,152 3,591 3,483
Data processing................................................................. 1,493 1,204 1,298
Charitable contributions........................................................ -- 200 2,488
Foreclosed real estate, net..................................................... (8) 54 766
Office supplies................................................................. 687 930 1,006
Professional fees............................................................... 869 895 1,007
Advertising..................................................................... 599 792 921
Amortization of goodwill........................................................ 549 259 286
Other general and administrative expenses....................................... 3,088 2,592 2,506
------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses.................................................. 25,196 22,359 26,066
------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes......................................................... 7,618 7,192 4,195
Provision for income taxes......................................................... 1,995 2,768 1,692
------- ------- -------
Net income................................................................ $ 5,623 $ 4,424 $ 2,503
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the "Selected
Consolidated Financial Information" and the Consolidated Financial Statements
and Notes appearing elsewhere in the prospectus. In addition to historical
information, the following "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" contains forward looking statements as a
result of certain factors, including those discussed in "Risk Factors,"
contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
General
Berkshire Bancorp owns all of the outstanding common stock of Berkshire
Bank. Berkshire Bancorp does not transact any business other than through
Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank's results of operations depend primarily on net
interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on
its interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest
expense on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.
Berkshire Bank also generates non-interest income primarily from fees charged on
customers' accounts and fees earned on its trust services. Gains on the sales
of securities is another source of non-interest income. Berkshire Bank's non-
interest expenses primarily consist of employee compensation and benefits,
occupancy expense, advertising and other operating expenses. Berkshire Bank's
results of operations are also affected by general economic and competitive
conditions, notably changes in market interest rates, government policies and
regulations. Berkshire Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements
at December 31, 1999.
Forward Looking Statements
This prospectus contains forward looking statements that are based on
assumptions and describe future plans, strategies, and expectations of Berkshire
Bank and Berkshire Hills. These forward looking statements are generally
identified by use of the words "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate,"
"estimate," "project," or similar expressions. Berkshire Bank's and Berkshire
Hills' ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or
strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse
effect on the operations of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills and their
subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, general
economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal
policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the
Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan or investment
portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for
financial services in Berkshire Bank's and Berkshire Hills' market area and
changes in relevant accounting principles. These risks and uncertainties should
be considered in evaluating forward looking statements and undue reliance should
not be placed on such statements. Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills do not
undertake--and specifically disclaim any obligation--to publicly release the
result of any revisions which may be made to any forward looking statements to
reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect
the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
Operating Strategy
Berkshire Bank is an independent, community-oriented savings bank,
delivering quality customer service and offering a wide range of deposit, loan
and investment products to its customers. In recent years, Berkshire Bank's
strategy has been to enhance profitability through controlled balance sheet
growth by emphasizing the origination of real estate mortgages, commercial
loans, home equity loans and automobile loans, increasing sources of non-
interest income and by improving operating efficiencies while managing its
capital position and limiting its credit and interest rate risk exposure. To
accomplish these objectives, Berkshire Bank has sought to:
. Operate as a full service community bank by expanding the services and
products it offers.
. Provide superior customer service and innovative products by expanding
delivery systems through the opening of new branch offices, increasing
the functionality of its ATM network and expanding the capability of
its call center.
37
<PAGE>
. Increase fee income by broadening non-depository product offerings and
services, including expansion of its trust services, and expanding the
offering of insurance products through the insurance agency it is
currently in the process of establishing.
. Increase fee income through the sale of a portion of its indirect
automobile loan portfolio, while retaining the servicing rights.
. Continue to increase its emphasis on high quality commercial and
consumer loans to increase the yields earned on its overall loan
portfolio, without incurring unacceptable credit risk.
. Control credit risk by continuing to employ conservative underwriting
standards to minimize the level of new problem assets.
. Manage interest rate risk by emphasizing investments in shorter-term
loans and investment securities.
. Invest primarily in debt instruments and money market type equity
investments to provide adequate liquidity, to meet cash flow needs and
to earn a reasonable return on investment.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 1999 and 1998
Total assets increased $61.4 million, or 7.9%, to $841.7 million at
December 31, 1999 from $780.3 million at December 31, 1998, primarily due to
growth in loans. Net loans increased $66.4 million, or 11.1%, to $665.6 million
from $599.2 million, primarily due to a $36.6 million, or 21.2%, increase in
consumer loans, primarily automobile loans, to $208.7 million at December 31,
1999 from $172.2 million at December 31, 1998, due to increased originations.
The growth in the automobile portfolio was offset by sales of $37.3 million of
automobile loans in the second half of fiscal 1999 to bolster Berkshire Bank's
liquidity position. Loan growth was also due to an increase in one- to four-
family real estate loans of $24.6 million, or 11.2%, to $245.2 million from
$220.6 million, due primarily to increased refinancing activity due to a lower
interest rate environment in 1999. Commercial loans also increased $12.1
million, or 9.0%, to $146.2 million at December 31, 1999 from $134.1 million at
December 31, 1998, due to aggressive marketing efforts. These increases were
partially offset by a $6.1 million, or 7.6%, decrease in commercial real estate,
multi-family real estate and construction loans from a total of $79.8 million at
December 31, 1998 to $73.7 million at December 31, 1999.
The growth in loans was offset, in part, by a decrease in the securities
portfolio of $6.2 million, or 5.0%, to $116.0 million from $122.1 million at
December 31, 1998, as the funds which had been received from the purchase of the
three branch offices in August 1998 and which were temporarily invested in
short-term securities, were used to support loan growth. Berkshire Bank's net
loans to assets ratio at December 31, 1999 was 79.08% compared to 76.79% at
December 31, 1998.
Nonperforming assets totaled $3.1 million at December 31, 1999 compared to
$3.9 million at December 31, 1998, a decrease of $827,000, or 21.3%. This
decrease was primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in nonaccruing commercial
real estate loans and an $822,000 decrease in nonaccruing one- to four-family
real estate loans, offset by a $960,000 increase in nonaccruing commercial loans
and a $277,000 increase in consumer loans.
Total interest-bearing liabilities increased $57.9 million, or 9.4%, due to
increased deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Total deposits
increased $33.6 million, or 5.2%, to $680.8 million at December 31, 1999 from
$647.1 million at December 31, 1998, due primarily to an increase in money
market deposits, particularly from commercial entities and municipalities.
Their balances increased $23.0 million, or 32.9%, to $92.7 million at December
31, 1999 from $69.8 million at December 31, 1998 due to increased marketing
efforts and continuing growth of the government banking program established
during 1998. Certificates of deposit increased $4.6 million, or 1.6%, to $295.3
million from $290.7 million, due primarily to increased marketing activities in
the fourth quarter of 1999. Regular savings accounts, including escrow
accounts, also increased by $6.8 million, or 4.9%, to $145.5 million from $138.7
million. Slightly offsetting these increases was a decline in non-interest
bearing checking accounts of $762,000. Federal Home Loan Bank advances
increased $29.3 million, or 99.2%, to $58.9 million from $29.6 million at
December 31, 1998, and were used primarily to fund loan growth.
38
<PAGE>
Retail repurchase agreements decreased $5.9 million, or 84.0%, to $1.1 million
at December 31, 1999 from $7.0 million at December 31, 1998 due to Berkshire
Bank's efforts to encourage its retail repurchase agreement customers to switch
to money market accounts.
Total retained earnings was $88.4 million at December 31, 1999 compared to
$84.2 million at December 31, 1998, an increase of $4.2 million, or 4.9%,
primarily due to net income of $5.6 million, offset by a decline in net
accumulated unrealized gains on available for sale securities of $1.5 million.
The decrease in the unrealized gains on securities occurred due to market
declines in Berkshire Bank's equity portfolio consisting primarily of bank,
financial and industrial stocks, which experienced greater market declines than
other sectors of the overall market.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 1998 and 1997
Total assets increased $142.9 million, or 22.4%, to $780.3 million at
December 31, 1998 from $637.3 million at December 31, 1997. This increase was
primarily attributable to an increase in Berkshire Bank's net loan portfolio of
$107.4 million, or 21.9%, to $599.2 million at December 31, 1998 from $491.7
million at December 31, 1997, primarily due to the addition of three new
automobile dealers to Berkshire Bank's indirect automobile loan program whose
originations significantly contributed to an increase in consumer loans of $55.5
million, or 47.6%, to $172.2 million at December 31, 1998 from $116.7 million at
December 31, 1997. The increase in loan growth was also due to the purchase of
three local branch offices from Fleet Bank in August 1998 which resulted in the
acquisition of $16.8 million in loans, primarily commercial and commercial real
estate loans. Increased marketing efforts also contributed to the $22.7 million,
or 20.4%, increase in commercial loans from $111.4 million at December 31, 1997
to $134.1 million at December 31, 1998. Commercial real estate loans increased
$10.3 million, or 25.0%, from $41.3 million at December 31, 1997 to $51.6
million at December 31, 1998. Residential real estate loans also increased by
$18.3 million, or 9.1%, in 1998 to $220.6 million from $202.3 million in 1997,
due to increased refinancings due to a lower interest rate environment. Loan
growth was primarily funded by deposits purchased in connection with the
acquisition of the three branches from Fleet Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank
advances and deposit growth.
The securities portfolio also increased by $11.1 million, or 10.0%, to
$122.1 million at December 31, 1998 from $111.0 million at December 31, 1997,
primarily due to the purchase of short-term securities, primarily collateralized
mortgage obligations (both agency and private label) and corporate bonds and
notes. Security purchases were funded by deposits acquired from the purchase of
the Fleet branches.
Nonperforming assets totaled $3.9 million at December 31, 1998 compared to
$2.5 million at December 31, 1997, an increase of $1.4 million, or 54.3%. This
increase was primarily due to a $728,000, or 216.7%, increase in nonaccruing
commercial real estate loans and a $649,000, or 104.2%, increase in nonaccruing
one- to four-family real estate loans from December 31, 1997 to December 31,
1998.
Total interest-bearing liabilities increased $112.7 million, or 22.5%, due
to increased deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Total deposits
increased $108.1 million, or 20.1%, to $647.1 million at December 31, 1998 from
$539.1 million at December 31, 1997. This growth was primarily due to the
assumption of $69.7 million in deposits through the acquisition of the three
branches in 1998. The increased emphasis on commercial deposits, generally due
to additional relationships generated with Berkshire Bank's commercial lending
borrowers, and the establishment of government banking in 1998 contributed to
the increase in deposits. Deposit growth was spread relatively evenly among the
various deposit categories as demand deposit accounts grew by $20.0 million, or
40.2%, NOW checking accounts grew by $26.7 million, or 51.8%, money market
accounts increased by $17.6 million, or 33.7%, savings accounts rose by $13.7
million, or 11.0% and certificates of deposit grew by $30.1 million, or 11.5%.
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston increased $22.7 million, or
330.1%, to $29.6 million at December 31, 1998 from $6.9 million at December 31,
1997 and were used to fund the loan growth.
Total retained earnings was $84.2 million at December 31, 1998 compared to
$75.3 million at December 31, 1997, an increase of $8.9 million, or 11.8%. The
increase in equity was primarily attributable to net accumulated unrealized
gains on available for sale securities of $4.5 million and net income of $4.4
million.
39
<PAGE>
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 1999 and 1998
Net Income. Net income increased $1.2 million, or 27.1%, to $5.6 million
for 1999 from $4.4 million for the previous year, primarily due to an increase
in net interest income of $3.2 million, or 11.4%, an increase in non-interest
income, of $1.0 million, and a decrease in income taxes of $773,000, or 27.9%,
to $2.0 million for 1999 from $2.8 million for the previous year. Also, non-
interest expense increased $2.8 million, or 12.7%, to $25.2 million for 1999
from $22.4 million for 1998, due to additional accruals for certain items, and
an increase in the provision for loan losses of $975,000, or 47.5%, to $3.0
million due to loan growth, in particular, growth in consumer loans. Berkshire
Bancorp's efficiency ratio was 71.27% for 1999 compared to 71.71% for 1998.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $3.2 million, or
11.4%, to $31.5 million for 1999 from $28.3 million for 1998. Total interest
and dividend income rose $6.0 million, or 11.4%, to $58.5 million for 1999 from
$52.5 million for 1998, offset in part by a $2.7 million, or 11.3%, increase in
interest expense to $26.9 million for 1999 from $24.2 million for 1998.
The increase in interest income was due to a $93.6 million, or 14.0%,
increase in average interest earning assets to $764.2 million from $670.6
million, partially offset by an 18 basis point decrease in the average yield on
interest earning assets to 7.65% for 1999 from 7.83% for 1998 due to increased
competition and a lower interest rate environment. Interest and fees on loans
rose $6.1 million, or 13.1%, to $52.5 million for 1999 from $46.4 million in
1998, primarily due to increases in one- to four-family real estate loans and
consumer loans, partially offset by a competitive pricing environment which
caused management to more aggressively price such loans and resulted in the
average yield on the loan portfolio decreasing to 8.21% for 1999 from 8.49% for
1998. Investment security income, including dividends on Federal Home Loan Bank
stock and Savings Bank Life Insurance stock rose $203,000, or 3.8%, to $5.6
million from $5.4 million for 1998 as average balances increased $6.8 million,
or 6.1%, to $119.2 million from $112.3 million for 1998. The higher balances
were offset by an 8 basis point decline on the average rate earned on investment
securities to 4.70% for 1999 from 4.78% for 1998, due to investments in lower-
yielding, higher liquidity securities in preparation for the Year 2000
transition.
Interest expense increased $2.7 million, or 11.3%, to $26.9 million for
1999 from $24.2 million for 1998, due to a $1.2 million, or 5.5%, increase in
interest expense on deposits and a $1.6 million, or 130.3%, increase in interest
expense on Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The Federal Home Loan Bank interest
expense includes an additional $277,000, which resulted from additional Federal
Home Loan Bank interest accruals. The increase in interest expense was due to a
$69.1 million, or 13.2%, increase in average interest bearing deposit balances
to $592.1 million for the year from $523.1 million for the previous year. The
increased deposit balances for 1999 are due to the assumption of $69.7 million
of deposits associated with the purchase of three Fleet branches in August 1998,
an increased emphasis on attracting commercial and governmental deposit accounts
and increased marketing efforts in late 1999. The increase in the average
balance on interest-bearing deposits was offset by a 29 basis point decrease in
the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposit accounts for 1999 to 4.03%,
from 4.32% for 1998. Average Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings increased $27.0
million, or 112.8%, to $51.0 million for 1999 from $23.9 million for 1998.
Also, a number of lower cost borrowings repriced into higher cost obligations
throughout the year from the increase in market interest rates resulting in a
higher effective cost of borrowings and an additional $100,000 in interest
expense. The average rate paid for 1999 was 5.49%, compared to 5.07% for 1998.
The additional advances primarily were used to fund loan growth.
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased
$975,000, or 47.4%, for 1999 to $3.0 million from $2.1 million to reflect the
growth in the loan portfolio and, in particular, the increase in the average
balance of commercial and consumer loans, which generally bear a greater degree
of risk than one- to four-family mortgage loans. The increase in the provision
also reflects management's assessment of increased charge-offs which increased
to $2.4 million for 1999 from $812,000 the previous year due primarily to
increased charge-offs of commercial loans which increased by $974,000, or
416.2%, and increases in consumer loan charge-offs of $420,000, or 135.1%. The
ratio of net charge-offs to interest earning loans was 0.31% for 1999 and 0.09%
for 1998. At December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the allowance for loan
losses was $8.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, which represented
300.39% of nonperforming loans and 1.27% of total loans at December 31, 1999,
compared to 217.45% of nonperforming loans and 1.25% of total loans at December
31, 1998.
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<PAGE>
Provisions for loan losses are charges to earnings to bring the total
allowance for loan losses to a level considered by management as adequate to
provide for estimated loan losses based on management's evaluation of the
collectibility of the loan portfolio. Management assesses the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses based on known and inherent risks in the loan
portfolio and upon management's continuing analysis of the factors underlying
the quality of the loan portfolio. While management believes that, based on
information currently available, Berkshire Bank's allowance for loan losses is
sufficient to cover losses inherent in its loan portfolio at this time, no
assurances can be given that Berkshire Bank's level of allowance for loan losses
will be sufficient to cover future loan losses incurred by Berkshire Bank or
that future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses will not be necessary
if economic and other conditions differ substantially from the economic and
other conditions used by management to determine the current level of the
allowance for loan losses. Management may increase its level of allowance for
loan losses as a percentage of total loans and non-performing loans if the level
of commercial real estate, multi-family, commercial, construction and
development or consumer lending as a percentage of its total loan portfolio
increases. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of
their examination process, periodically review Berkshire Bank's allowance for
loan losses. These agencies may require Berkshire Bank to provide additions to
the allowance based upon judgments different from management. See "Business of
Berkshire Bank--Lending Activities--Allowance for Loan Losses."
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income totaled $4.3 million for 1999 and
$3.3 million for 1998, an increase of $1.0 million, or 30.5%, due primarily to a
$576,000, or 49.9%, increase in trust fees to $1.7 million for 1999 from $1.2
million for 1998 of which $245,000 resulted from a one-time adjustment made in
connection with accounting for trust fees during 1999. The remainder of the
increase in trust fees primarily resulted from increased trust account activity
and revisions to the fee structure. Also contributing to the increase in
noninterest income was a $251,000 increase in other fee income, including ATM
fees and government banking advisory fees, an $89,000 increase in service
charges on checking accounts due to increased volume, and a $66,000 increase in
gains on the sale of securities.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $2.8 million, or 12.7%,
to $25.2 million for 1999, compared to $22.4 million for 1998, primarily due to
the increased expenses associated with the purchase of three branches in August
1998. The additional personnel required to staff the branches contributed to an
increase in other salary and benefit costs of $1.9 million. Additionally,
expense for the amortization of goodwill rose $290,000, or 112.0%, in 1999 due
to the purchase of the three branches. Also contributing to the increase in
noninterest expense was $285,000 in consulting expenses incurred in streamlining
Berkshire Bank's management information system and Year 2000 preparedness.
Audit and examination fees increased by $131,000 and salary expense increased
$170,000. In addition, severance costs were $189,000 for 1999 while there were
none for 1998. The increase in noninterest expense also reflects a $194,000
expense relating to the acceleration of depreciation on a branch office which
closed in April 2000.
Income Taxes. Income taxes for the year ending December 31, 1999 were $2.0
million, a decrease of $773,000, or 27.9%, from $2.8 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998. The effective tax rates for 1999 and 1998 were 26.2% and
38.5%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for 1999 was attributable to
a projected $850,000 carryforward of the deduction in connection with the
establishment of Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. in 1997. Under the Internal
Revenue Code, Berkshire Bank may only deduct up to 10% of its consolidated
taxable income before the charitable contribution in any one year. The excess
of the deductible amount will be deductible over each of the five succeeding
taxable years, subject to a 10% limitation each year. In 1998, $381,000 of the
carryforward was utilized and approximately $544,000 of such carryforward
remains to be utilized. Additionally, Berkshire Bank booked approximately
$300,000 in federal tax credits in 1999, in connection with its application for
rehabilitating a historic firehouse in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which
contributed to lowering taxes. At the state level, Greenland Development
Corporation and Forward Development Corporation, two wholly owned bank
subsidiaries, utilized the remaining $1.5 million and $1.8 million,
respectively, of their unused state net operating loss carryforwards available
at December 31, 1998.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 1998 and 1997
Net Income. Net income increased by $1.9 million, or 76.8%, from $2.5
million for 1997 to $4.4 million for 1998. The increase was primarily due to a
$2.2 million, or 8.3%, increase in net interest income and a decrease
41
<PAGE>
in noninterest expense of $3.7 million, or 14.2%, partially offset by a decrease
in noninterest income of $2.3 million. The decrease in non-interest income was
due to a decrease in the gains on the sale or contribution of securities from
$2.7 million for 1997 to $425,000 for 1998 due to the recognition of a $2.4
million gain in 1997 resulting from the funding of Greater Berkshire Foundation,
Inc. in May 1997 with appreciated securities. The gain represents the excess of
the market value of the contributed securities over the cost basis of the
securities at the date of transfer. Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. was
created in connection with the merger of Berkshire County Savings Bank and Great
Barrington Savings Bank which were merged to form Berkshire Bank. Berkshire
Bancorp's efficiency ratio was 71.71% for 1998 compared to 89.62% for 1997.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $2.2 million, or 8.3%,
to $28.3 million for 1998 from $26.1 million for 1997. This increase was
primarily due to a $72.5 million, or 12.1%, increase in the average balance of
interest-earning assets to $670.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1998
from $598.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in
interest income due to the higher average balance of interest-earning assets was
offset in part by a decline in the average yield on interest-earning assets of
27 basis points to 7.83% for 1998 from 8.10% for 1997 due primarily to a lower
interest rate environment. Total interest and dividend income increased $4.1
million, or 8.4%, to $52.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 from
$48.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in interest
and dividend income was due to a $4.9 million, or 11.9%, increase in interest
and fee income on loans to $46.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1998
from $41.5 million for the prior year. The increase in interest income on loans
was due to an increase in the average balance of loans of $70.5 million, or
14.8%, to $546.8 million for 1998 from $476.3 million for 1997 due to: (1) a
higher level of one- to four-family refinancings; (2) the addition of new
automobile dealers as indirect automobile lenders; and (3) the purchase of $16.8
million of loans in connection with the branch purchases in 1998. The increase
in interest income from loans was partially offset by a 23 basis point decline
in the average yield to 8.49% from 8.72% due to a lower interest environment.
Interest and dividend on investment securities, including dividends on Federal
Home Loan Bank stock and Savings Bank Life Insurance stock, decreased $995,000,
or 15.6%, to $5.4 million for 1998 from $6.4 million for 1997 due to a 94 basis
point decrease in the average rate earned from 5.72% for 1997 to 4.78% for 1998
due to the lower interest rate environment. The decrease in interest income and
dividends was offset, in part, by an increase in the average balance of
investment securities to $112.6 million for 1998 from $112.3 million for the
previous year due in part to additional investments with funds acquired in the
three branch purchases in 1998.
Interest expense increased $1.9 million, or 8.5%, to $24.2 million for 1998
from $22.3 million for 1997. The increase in interest expense was attributable
to a $1.0 million, or 4.8%, increase in interest on deposits and a $820,000
increase in interest on Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The increase in
interest expense on deposits was due to a higher average balance of interest-
bearing deposits of $35.8 million, or 7.4%, to $523.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $487.3 million for the year ended December 31, 1997,
predominately in money market interest expense which increased $536,000. The
increase in interest expense due to the increase in deposits was partially
offset by an 11 basis point decrease in the average rate paid on deposits from
4.43% for 1997 to 4.32% for 1998 due, again, to the lower interest rate
environment. The increase in the interest expense of Federal Home Loan Bank
advances was due to a $16.9 million increase in the average balance to $23.9
million for 1998 from $7.0 million for 1997, offset by a 56 basis point decrease
in the average rate paid from 5.63% for 1997 to 5.07% for 1997. The additional
Federal Home Loan Bank advances were used primarily to fund loan growth.
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased
$578,000, or 39.1%, to $2.1 million for 1998 from $1.5 million for 1997 as
Berkshire Bank recognized the need to increase its provision in response to the
strong growth in loan balances. In determining the provision for 1998,
management considered the decrease in charge-offs from $2.3 million for 1997 to
$812,000 for 1998 and recoveries of previously charged-off loans, which amounted
to $268,000 for 1998 versus $594,000 for 1997. At December 31, 1998 and 1997,
the allowance for loan losses was $7.6 million and $6.1 million, respectively,
which represented 217.45% of non-performing loans and 1.25% of total loans at
December 31, 1998 compared to 281.91% of non-performing loans and 1.22% of total
loans at December 31, 1997.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income totaled $3.3 million and $5.6
million for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The $2.3
million decrease in noninterest income was attributable to the one-time gain of
$2.4 million recognized on the donation of appreciated marketable equity
securities to Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. in May 1997. A decrease of
$158,000 in service fees on checking accounts contributed
42
<PAGE>
to this decrease as Berkshire Bank's fee structure was realigned to the lower of
the two merged institutions. These decreases were partially offset by trust
department fees, which rose $148,000, or 14.7%, in 1998 over 1997 levels.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense totaled $22.4 million for 1998, a
decrease of $3.7 million, or 14.2%, from $26.1 million for 1997. This decrease
was primarily attributable to higher expenses in 1997 due to merger-related
activities and to a decrease in charitable contributions of $2.3 million to
$200,000 in 1998 from $2.5 million in 1997. A donation of $2.5 million of
appreciated securities was made to Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. in 1997
while no contribution was made in 1998. Also contributing to the decrease in
noninterest expense was a $129,000, or 14.0%, decrease in advertising expense to
$792,000 for 1998 from $921,000 for 1997. Net foreclosed real estate expenses
declined $712,000 to $54,000 for 1998 from $766,000 for 1997 due to a decrease
in the amount of real estate owned. Additionally, the consolidation of accounts
resulted in an $83,000 decline in service charges paid from $265,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1997 to $182,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Offsetting these decreases in noninterest expense were acquisition expenses
related to the August 1998 purchase of three local branch offices from Fleet
Bank totaling $587,000, including goodwill from the purchases, which is being
amortized over 15 years and amounted to $207,000 in 1998 and other items
relating to the purchase such as legal fees, equipment purchases, and system
conversion costs, which totaled $380,000.
Income Taxes. Income taxes increased $1.1 million, or 63.6%, to $2.8
million for 1998 from $1.7 million for 1997 resulting in effective tax rates of
38.5% and 40.3% for 1998 and 1997, respectively. The lower effective tax rate
in 1998 was attributable to the utilization of $1.5 million, $498,000 and
$14,000 of state net operating loss carryforwards at Greenland Development
Corporation, Forward Development Corporation and Woodland Realty, Inc.,
respectively, three wholly owned subsidiaries of Berkshire Bank. The lower tax
amount in 1997 was partially attributable to the contribution of appreciated
securities to Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. Although common stock with a
market value of $2.5 million was donated to Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc.
in 1997, only $682,000 was allowable as a deduction for tax purposes. In 1998,
$381,000 of the carry forward was utilized. Berkshire Bank anticipates that it
will be able to fully use the contribution carryover for the six-year period.
43
<PAGE>
Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost
The following table presents certain information for the years indicated
regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, as well as the total
dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and
interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities and the resulting
average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the years indicated are
derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or
liabilities, respectively, for the years presented. Average balances for the
1999 and 1998 years were derived from average daily balances. Average balances
for 1997 were derived from average monthly balances. The yields and rates
include fees which are considered adjustments to yields.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At For the Year Ended December 31,
December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------
1999 1999 1998
--------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Average Average
Average Yield/ Average Yield/
Balance Balance Interest Rate Balance Interest Rate
--------------- ------------------------- -------- -------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)........................ $665,554 $639,517 $52,522 8.21% $546,845 $46,449 8.49%
Federal funds sold............... 1,000 4,042 215 5.32 9,336 498 5.33
Investment securities............ 110,098 113,929 5,351 4.70 108,048 5,165 4.78
Federal Home Loan Bank stock..... 3,843 3,193 181 5.67 2,546 164 6.44
Savings Bank Life Insurance
stock.......................... 2,043 2,043 63 3.08 2,043 63 3.08
Interest-earning deposits........ 341 1,470 136 9.25 1,754 156 8.89
--------- -------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------
Total interest-earning
assets................... 782,879 764,194 58,468 7.65 670,572 52,495 7.83
------ -------
Non-interest earning assets...... 58,772 51,111 30,933
--------- -------- --------
Total assets............... $841,651 $815,305 $701,505
========= ======== ========
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Money market accounts......... $ 92,721 $ 84,971 3,169 3.73 $ 62,043 2,173 3.50
NOW accounts.................. 78,223 73,615 830 1.13 60,039 1,165 1.94
Savings accounts (2).......... 145,486 142,193 4,366 3.07 129,020 3,925 3.04
Certificates of deposit....... 295,303 291,344 15,483 5.31 271,959 15,338 5.64
--------- -------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------
Total interest-bearing
deposits.................. 611,733 592,123 23,848 4.03 523,061 22,601 4.32
Federal Home Loan Bank
advances.................. 58,928 50,951 2,796 5.49 23,941 1,214 5.07
Repurchase agreements......... 1,120 5,923 278 4.69 7,446 367 4.93
--------- -------- ------- ------ -------- ------- ------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities............... 671,781 648,997 26,922 4.15 554,448 24,182 4.36
------ -------
Non-interest-bearing
demand deposits........... 69,034 67,563 55,585
Other noninterest-bearing
liabilities............... 12,484 12,396 11,940
--------- -------- --------
Total liabilities....... 753,299 728,956 621,973
Equity........................ 88,352 86,349 79,532
--------- -------- --------
Total liabilities
and equity............. $841,651 $815,305 $701,505
========= ======== ========
Net interest-earning assets... $111,098 $115,197 $116,124
========= ======== ========
Net interest income........... $31,546 $28,313
======= =======
Interest rate spread.......... 3.50% 3.47%
Interest margin (net
interest income as a percentage
of total average
interest-earning assets).... 4.13% 4.22%
Total average interest-earning
assets to total average
interest-bearing liabilities. 117.75% 120.94%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------
1997
--------------------------------
Average
Average Yield/
Balance Interest Rate
--------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)........................ $476,335 $41,514 8.72%
Federal funds sold............... 6,450 324 5.02
Investment securities............ 107,763 6,169 5.72
Federal Home Loan Bank stock..... 2,527 155 6.13
Savings Bank Life Insurance
stock.......................... 2,043 63 3.08
Interest-earning deposits........ 2,984 198 6.64
-------- ------ -------
Total interest-earning
assets................... 598,102 48,423 8.10
------
Non-interest earning assets...... 27,977
--------
Total assets............... $626,079
========
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Money market accounts......... $49,159 1,637 3.33
NOW accounts.................. 50,696 998 1.97
Savings accounts (2).......... 125,020 3,752 3.00
Certificates of deposit....... 262,379 15,177 5.78
-------- ------ -------
Total interest-bearing
deposits.................. 487,254 21,564 4.43
Federal Home Loan Bank
advances.................. 7,001 394 5.63
Repurchase agreements......... 6.498 332 5.11
-------- ------ -------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities............... 500,753 22,290 4.45
Non-interest-bearing ------
demand deposits........... 45,218
Other noninterest-bearing
liabilities............... 9,384
--------
Total liabilities....... 555,355
Equity........................ 70,724
--------
Total liabilities
and equity............. $626,079
========
Net interest-earning assets... $ 97,349
========
Net interest income........... $26,133
=======
Interest rate spread.......... 3.65%
Interest margin (net
interest income as a percentage
of total average
interest-earning assets).... 4.37%
Total average interest-earning
assets to total average
interest-bearing liabilities. 119.44%
</TABLE>
_________________________________
(1) Average balances include nonaccrual loans.
(2) Includes mortgagors' escrow accounts.
44
<PAGE>
Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on
the interest income and interest expense of Berkshire Bank. The rate column
shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate
multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to
changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column
represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes
attributable to changes in both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated,
have been allocated proportionately based on the absolute value of the change
due to rate and the change due to volume.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 1999 December 31, 1998
Compared to Year Ended Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
Due to Due to
---------------------- ----------------------
Rate Volume Net Rate Volume Net
---------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest-earning assets:
Loans................................ $(1,581) $7,654 $6,073 $(1,077) $6,012 $4,935
Federal funds sold................... (1) (282) (283) 21 153 174
Investment securities................ (103) 306 203 (1,012) 17 (995)
Interest-bearing deposits............ 6 (26) (20) 55 (97) (42)
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
Total interest-earning assets..... (1,679) 7,652 5,973 (2,013) 6,085 4,072
------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Money market accounts............. 149 847 996 88 448 536
NOW accounts...................... (560) 225 (335) (14) 181 167
Savings accounts.................. 37 404 441 52 121 173
Certificates of deposit........... (913) 1,058 145 (385) 546 161
------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------
Total deposits................. (1,287) 2,534 1,247 (259) 1,296 1,037
Federal Home Loan Bank
advances.......................... 107 1,475 1,582 (43) 863 820
Repurchase agreements................ (16) (73) (89) (12) 47 35
------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities................. (1,196) 3,936 2,740 (314) 2,206 1,892
------- ------ ------ ------- ------- ------
Increase (decrease) in net interest
income............................... $ (483) $3,716 $3,233 $(1,699) $3,879 $2,180
======= ====== ====== ======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
Management of Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk Analysis
Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk. Berkshire Bank's most significant form
of market risk is interest rate risk. The principal objectives of Berkshire
Bank's interest rate risk management are to evaluate the interest rate risk
inherent in certain balance sheet accounts, determine the level of risk
appropriate given its business strategy, operating environment, capital and
liquidity requirements and performance objectives, and manage the risk
consistent with its established policies. Berkshire Bank maintains an
Asset/Liability Committee that is responsible for reviewing its asset/liability
policies and interest rate risk position, which meets quarterly and reports
trends and interest rate risk position to the Executive Committee of the Board
of Directors and the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The
Asset/Liability Committee consists of Berkshire Bank's President and Chief
Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer,
Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer and Executive Vice President-Retail
Banking. The extent of the movement of interest rates is an uncertainty that
could have a negative impact on the earnings of Berkshire Bank.
In recent years, Berkshire Bank has managed interest rate risk by:
. emphasizing the origination of adjustable-rate loans and, from time to
time, selling a portion of its longer term fixed-rate loans as market
interest rate conditions dictate;
. originating shorter-term commercial and consumer loans, with an
emphasis on automobile loans;
45
<PAGE>
. investing in a high quality liquid securities portfolio that provides
adequate liquidity and flexibility to take advantage of opportunities
that may arise from fluctuations in market interest rates, the overall
maturity and duration of which is monitored in relation to the
repricing of its loan portfolio;
. promoting lower cost liability accounts such as core deposits; and
. using Federal Home Loan Bank advances to better structure maturities of
its interest rate sensitive liabilities.
Berkshire Bank's market risk also includes equity price risk. Berkshire
Bank's mutual fund and marketable equity securities portfolios had gross
unrealized gains of $28.4 million at December 31, 1999 and gross unrealized
losses of $501,000 which are included, net of taxes, in accumulated other
comprehensive income, a separate component of Berkshire Bank's equity. If
equity security prices decline due to unfavorable market conditions or other
factors, Berkshire Bank's equity would decrease.
Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk. Berkshire Bank uses a simulation
model to measure the potential change in net interest income, incorporating
various assumptions regarding the shape of the yield curve, the pricing
characteristics of loans, deposits and borrowings, prepayments on loans and
securities and changes in balance sheet mix. The table below sets forth, as of
December 31, 1999, estimated net interest income and the estimated changes in
Berkshire Bank's net interest income for the next twelve month period which may
result given instantaneous increases or decreases in market interest rates of
100 and 200 basis points.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Increase/
(Decrease)
in Market
Interest Rates At December 31, 1999
in Basis Points ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Rate Shock) Amount $ Change % Change
- --------------------- ------------------------------ --------------- -------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
200 $31,624 $ 78 0.24%
100 31,596 50 0.15
Static 31,546 - -
(100) 31,318 (228) (0.72)
(200) 31,031 (515) (1.65)
</TABLE>
The above table indicates that in the event of a sudden and sustained
decline in prevailing market interest rates of 100 basis points and 200 basis
points, Berkshire Bank's net interest income would be expected to decrease by
$228,000 and $515,000, respectively.
Computation of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes
are based on a number of assumptions including the level of market interest
rates, the degree to which certain assets and liabilities with similar
maturities or periods to repricing react to changes in market interest rates,
the expected prepayment rates on loans and investments, the degree to which
early withdrawals occur on certificates of deposit and other deposit flows. As
a result, these computations should not be relied upon as indicative of actual
results. Further, the computations do not reflect any actions that management
may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations
of a short-term nature. Berkshire Bank further defines liquidity as the ability
to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers as well as
46
<PAGE>
maintaining the flexibility to take advantage of investment opportunities.
Primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments,
maturities, paydowns, and sales of investment and mortgage-backed securities and
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. While maturities and
scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds,
deposit outflows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general
interest rates, economic conditions and competition.
Berkshire Bank's primary investing activities are: (1) originating
residential one-to four-family mortgage loans, commercial business and real
estate loans, multi-family loans, home equity loans and lines of credit and
consumer loans, and (2) investing in mortgage- and asset-backed securities, U.S.
Government and agency obligations and corporate equity securities and debt
obligations. These activities are funded primarily by principal and interest
payments on loans, maturities of securities, deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank
of Boston advances. During years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, Berkshire
Bank's loan originations totaled $280.4 million, and $277.7 million,
respectively. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, Berkshire Bank's investments in
mortgage- and asset-backed securities, U.S. Government and agency obligations
and corporate equity securities and debt obligations totaled $116.0 million and
$122.1 million, respectively. Berkshire Bank experienced a net increase in
total deposits of $33.6 million and $108.1 million for the years ended December
31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, primarily as a result of: (1) the assumption
of $69.7 million in deposits in connection with the acquisition of three
branches in 1998; (2) the increase in governmental and commercial deposits, in
part due to the establishment of the government banking program in 1998; and (3)
increased marketing efforts and special promotions. Deposit flows are affected
by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered
by Berkshire Bank and its local competitors and other factors. Berkshire Bank
closely monitors its liquidity position on a daily basis. If Berkshire Bank
should require funds beyond its ability to generate them internally, additional
sources of funds are available through advances or a line of credit with the
Federal Home Loan Bank and through a repurchase agreement with the Depositors
Insurance Fund.
Outstanding commitments for all loans and unadvanced construction loans and
lines of credit totaled $117.4 million at December 31, 1999. Management of
Berkshire Bank anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet
its current loan commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to
mature in one year or less from December 31, 1999 totaled $206.6 million.
Berkshire Bank relies primarily on competitive rates, customer service, and
long-standing relationships with customers to retain deposits. Occasionally,
Berkshire Bank will also offer special competitive promotions to its customers
to increase retention and promote deposit growth. Based upon Berkshire Bank's
historical experience with deposit retention, management believes that, although
it is not possible to predict future terms and conditions upon renewal, a
significant portion of such deposits will remain with Berkshire Bank.
Berkshire Bank must satisfy various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the federal and state banking agencies including a risk-based
capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of
capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning
balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At
December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital
requirements with Tier 1 capital to average assets of $63.9 million, or 7.91% of
average assets, which is above the required level of $32.3 million, or 4.0%, and
total capital to risk-weighted assets of $84.7 million, or 12.90% of risk-
weighted assets, which is above the required level of $52.5 million, or 8.0%.
Berkshire Bank is considered "well capitalized" under regulatory guidelines.
The capital from the conversion will significantly increase liquidity and
capital resources. Over time, the initial level of liquidity will be reduced as
net proceeds are used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of
lending activities. Berkshire Bank's financial condition and results of
operations will be enhanced by the capital from the conversion, resulting in
increased net interest-earning assets and net income. However, due to the large
increase in equity resulting from the capital injection, return on equity will
be adversely impacted following the conversion. See "Risk Factors--Berkshire
Bank's lower than average return on equity may decrease the market price of the
common stock."
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related data presented in this
prospectus have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, which require the measurement of financial position and
47
<PAGE>
operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in
the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike many
industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of
Berkshire Bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more
significant impact on Berkshire Bank's performance than the general level of
inflation. Over short periods of time, interest rates may not necessarily move
in the same direction or in the same magnitude as inflation.
Impact of New Accounting Standards
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In June
1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative
instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. The statement requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged
item in the statement of operations and requires that an entity formally
document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive
hedge accounting. This statement was amended by SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for
Derivatives and Hedging Activities--Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB
Statement No. 133." As a result, SFAS No. 133 will be effective on June 15,
2001 for Berkshire Hills. Management does not expect that the adoption of this
statement will have a material impact on Berkshire Hills' financial position or
results of operations.
BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE BANCORP
Berkshire Bancorp is a mutual holding company that was created when
Berkshire County Savings Bank reorganized into the mutual holding company form
of organization in 1996. Berkshire Bancorp is registered with the Federal
Reserve Board as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, as amended. Since its formation, Berkshire Bancorp has owned 100% of
Berkshire Bank's outstanding capital stock. After consummation of the
conversion, Berkshire Bancorp will cease to exist.
In addition to the capital stock of Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Bancorp's
assets consist of approximately $16,000 in cash and $80,000 in securities as of
December 31, 1999. Berkshire Bancorp is subject to regulation and supervision
by the Federal Reserve Bank and the Massachusetts Division of Banks. At the
present time, Berkshire Bancorp does not employ any persons other than certain
officers who are also officers of Berkshire Bank but uses the support staff of
Berkshire Bank from time to time.
BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE HILLS
General
Berkshire Hills was organized as a Delaware business corporation at the
direction of Berkshire Bank in January 2000 to become the holding company for
Berkshire Bank upon completion of the conversion. As a result of the conversion,
Berkshire Bank will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hills, which will
own all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Berkshire Bank.
Business
Before the completion of the conversion, Berkshire Hills will not engage in
any significant activities other than of an organizational nature. Upon
completion of the conversion, Berkshire Hills' business activity will be the
ownership of the outstanding capital stock of Berkshire Bank and management of
the investment of offering proceeds retained from the conversion. In the
future, Berkshire Hills may acquire or organize other operating subsidiaries;
however, there are no current plans, arrangements, agreements or understandings,
written or oral, to do so.
Initially, Berkshire Hills will neither own nor lease any property but will
instead use the premises, equipment and other property of Berkshire Bank with
the payment of appropriate rental fees, as required by applicable law and
regulations.
48
<PAGE>
Since Berkshire Hills will hold the outstanding capital stock of Berkshire
Bank after the conversion, the competitive conditions applicable to Berkshire
Hills will be the same as those confronting Berkshire Bank. See "Business of
Berkshire Bank--Competition."
BUSINESS OF BERKSHIRE BANK
General
Berkshire Bank is the product of the May 1, 1997 merger of Berkshire County
Savings Bank and Great Barrington Savings Bank, which at the time of the merger
were the two largest banks headquartered in Berkshire County, with assets of
$335.9 million and $282.9 million, respectively. Berkshire County Savings Bank
was incorporated in 1846 as a Massachusetts-chartered mutual savings bank. In
1996, Berkshire County Savings Bank converted to stock form as part of the
Berkshire Bancorp mutual holding company formation. Berkshire County Savings
Bank had six full-service banking offices at the time of the merger. Great
Barrington Savings Bank was incorporated in 1869 as a Massachusetts-chartered
mutual savings bank. While it offered commercial and trust services, its
business was primarily dependent on residential mortgage lending, primarily in
the southern portion of Berkshire County. It had five full-service banking
offices at the time of the merger.
Berkshire Bank is regulated by the Massachusetts Division of Banks and the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Berkshire Bank's deposits are insured to
the maximum allowable amount by the Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation and the Depositors Insurance Fund. Berkshire Bank has been
a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System since 1973.
Berkshire Bank is a community bank that accepts retail deposits from the
general public in the areas surrounding its 14 offices and uses those funds,
together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, to originate
residential mortgage loans, commercial business and real estate loans and
consumer loans, primarily indirect automobile loans. Berkshire Bank primarily
holds the loans that it originates for investment, but sells some of its loans,
including automobile and fixed-rate mortgage loans, in the secondary market,
while generally retaining the servicing. See "--Lending Activities." Berkshire
Bank also invests in U.S. Government and agency securities, mortgage- and asset-
backed securities, including real estate mortgage investment conduits and
collateralized mortgage obligations, debt and equity securities and other
permissible investments. Berkshire Bank's revenues are derived principally from
the generation of interest and fees on loans originated and, to a lesser extent,
interest and dividends on its investment securities. Berkshire Bank's primary
sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and
investments and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.
Berkshire Bank currently offers savings bank life insurance. Berkshire
Bank intends to expand the offering of insurance products to its customers and
is currently in the process of establishing an insurance agency. On February 24,
2000, Berkshire Bank entered into an agreement with a third party vendor whereby
such vendor will assist Berkshire Bank in establishing its own insurance agency
and provide ongoing operational consulting and management services with respect
to the offering of insurance services. The agreement has an initial term of
four years with a total management fee of $325,000 and servicing fees based upon
a percentage of gross revenues.
Market Area
Berkshire Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in Berkshire
County. Berkshire Bank's primary deposit gathering and lending areas are
concentrated in the communities surrounding its 14 offices located in Berkshire
County. However, Berkshire Bank also makes loans throughout western
Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, eastern New York and southern Vermont.
Berkshire County, the western-most county in Massachusetts, is
approximately two and one-half hours from both Boston and New York City.
Berkshire County borders Vermont, Connecticut and New York. Berkshire County
has experienced a shift in its economy as manufacturing jobs have been replaced
with service-related jobs, primarily in tourism, social service and health care.
Other than Berkshire Bank, the major employers in the area include Berkshire
Life Insurance Company, Crane & Company, GE Plastics, Kay Bee Toys, Berkshire
Health Systems, General Dynamics Defense Systems, Mead Corporation and several
institutions of higher education. The
49
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Berkshire Regional Planning Commission identified economic development as a
critical issue to aid the region in accommodating this shift away from
manufacturing jobs. The goal is to find land suitable for modern industry,
technology based businesses and corporate offices. According to published
statistics, Berkshire County's 1998 population was approximately 134,100 and
consisted of approximately 36,100 households. The population decreased
approximately 3.8% from 1990. Per capita income in 1998 for Berkshire County was
approximately $19,300, which was less than the Massachusetts average of
approximately $22,500 but higher than the national average of $18,000. The
median household income for Berkshire County for 1998 was $36,006 compared to
approximately $45,250 for Massachusetts and $38,100 for the U.S.
Massachusetts is in the midst of a broad-based recovery from the severe
recession experienced in the New England region in the late 1980s and early
1990s. This is evidenced by the state's 3.3% unemployment rate. While the
western Massachusetts economy has improved from that experienced in the late
1980s and early 1990s, as illustrated by higher property values, increased
income levels and lower unemployment, it continues to lag behind the improved
economy of eastern Massachusetts, particularly the Boston metropolitan area
which has occurred over the past few years.
Competition
Berkshire Bank faces intense competition for the attraction of deposits and
origination of loans in its primary market area. Berkshire Bank's most direct
competition for deposits has historically come from credit unions in the area,
which have a competitive advantage as they do not have to pay state or federal
taxes. Additionally, Berkshire Bank faces competition for deposits from the
several commercial and savings banks operating in its primary market area and,
to a lesser extent, from other financial institutions, such as brokerage firms
and insurance companies. While these entities continue to provide a source of
competition for deposits, Berkshire Bank increasingly faces significant
competition for deposits from the mutual fund industry as customers seek
alternative sources of investment for their funds. Berkshire Bank also faces
significant competition for investors' funds due to their direct purchase of
short-term money market securities and other corporate and government
securities. Berkshire Bank faces competition for loans from the significant
number of traditional financial institutions, primarily savings banks and
commercial banks in its market area, as well as the mortgage companies and
mortgage brokers operating in its primary market area. The increase of internet
accessible financial institutions which solicit deposits and originate loans on
a nationwide basis may also increase competition for Berkshire Bank's customers
and have an adverse impact on its future operations. Additionally, competition
is likely to increase as a result of recent regulatory actions and legislative
changes, most notably the recent enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of
1999. These changes have eased and likely will continue to ease restrictions on
interstate banking and the entrance into the financial services market by non-
depository and non-traditional financial services providers, including insurance
companies, securities brokerage and underwriting firms and specialty financial
services companies (such as internet-based providers). Competition for
deposits, for the origination of loans and the provision of other financial
services may limit Berkshire Bank's growth in the future. See "Risk Factors--
Competition has hurt Berkshire Bank's net interest income."
Lending Activities
General. The types of loans that Berkshire Bank may originate are limited
by federal and state laws and regulations. Interest rates charged by Berkshire
Bank on loans are affected principally by Berkshire Bank's current
asset/liability strategy, the demand for such loans, the supply of money
available for lending purposes and the rates offered by competitors. These
factors, in turn, are affected by general and economic conditions, monetary
policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board,
legislative tax policies and governmental budgetary matters.
Loan Portfolio Analysis. The following table sets forth the composition of
Berkshire Bank's loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the
portfolio at the dates indicated.
50
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------
Percent Percent Percent
of of of
Amount Total Amount Total Amount Total
----------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans:
One- to four-family.......... $245,240 36.39% $220,612 36.36% $202,305 40.64%
Commercial................... 46,419 6.89 51,598 8.50 41,267 8.29
Multi-family................. 14,793 2.20 15,393 2.54 14,740 2.96
Construction................. 12,534 1.86 12,821 2.11 11,531 2.32
--------- ------- -------- ------ -------- -------
Total real estate
loans................... 318,986 47.34 300,424 49.51 269,843 54.21
--------- ------- -------- ------ -------- -------
Consumer loans:
Home equity lines of
credit..................... 33,168 4.92 31,628 5.21 25,801 5.18
Automobile.................. 164,862 24.46 134,616 22.19 84,979 17.07
Other....................... 10,706 1.59 5,933 0.98 5,889 1.18
--------- ------- -------- ------ -------- -------
Total consumer loans..... 208,736 30.97 172,177 28.38 116,669 23.43
--------- ------- -------- ------ -------- -------
Commercial loans............... 146,196 21.69 134,115 22.11 111,372 22.36
--------- ------- -------- ------ -------- -------
Total loans.............. 673,918 100.00% 606,716 100.00% 497,884 100.00%
======= ====== =======
Net deferred loan
origination costs (fees)...... 170 44 (63)
Allowance for loan losses...... (8,534) (7,589) (6,078)
--------- -------- --------
Total loans, net......... $665,554 $599,171 $491,743
========= ======== ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
----------------------------------------
1996 1995
---------------------------------------
Percent Percent
of of
Amount Total Amount Total
-------- -------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans:
One- to four-family........................... $196,712 42.26% $195,786 43.76%
Commercial.................................... 50,824 10.92 55,507 12.41
Multi-family.................................. 12,451 2.67 11,591 2.59
Construction.................................. 6,229 1.34 8,324 1.86
--------- ------- -------- -------
Total real estate
loans.................................... 266,216 57.19 271,208 60.62
--------- ------- -------- -------
Consumer loans:
Home equity lines of
credit...................................... 24,945 5.36 22,417 5.01
Automobile................................... 67,006 14.39 47,031 10.51
Other........................................ 3,446 0.74 5,710 1.28
--------- ------- -------- -------
Total consumer loans...................... 95,397 20.49 75,158 16.80
--------- ------- -------- -------
Commercial loans................................ 103,884 22.32 101,061 22.58
--------- ------- -------- -------
Total loans............................... 465,497 100.00% 447,427 100.00%
======= =======
Net deferred loan
origination costs (fees)....................... (135) (182)
Allowance for loan losses....................... (6,303) (6,484)
--------- --------
Total loans, net.......................... $459,059 $440,761
========= ========
</TABLE>
Real Estate Lending
One- to Four-Family Real Estate Loans. One of Berkshire Bank's primary
lending activities is to originate loans secured by one- to four-family
residences located in its primary market area. At December 31, 1999, $245.2
million, or 36.4%, of Berkshire Bank's total loans consisted of one- to four-
family mortgage loans. Of the one- to four-family loans outstanding at that
date, approximately 40.2% were fixed-rate mortgage loans and approximately 59.8%
were adjustable-rate loans.
Berkshire Bank originates fixed-rate fully amortizing loans with maturities
of 15, 20 and 30 years. Management establishes the loan interest rates based on
market conditions. Berkshire Bank offers mortgage loans that conform to Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, as well as jumbo loans, which presently are
loans in amounts over $250,000. Fixed-rate conforming loans are generally
originated for portfolio. However, such loans may be sold by Berkshire Bank
from time to time. The determination of whether to sell loans is determined
periodically by management in response to changes in prevailing market interest
rates and liquidity needs. Loans that are sold are generally sold to a local
financial institution, with the servicing rights retained.
Berkshire Bank also currently offers adjustable-rate mortgage loans, with
an interest rate based on the one year, three year or five year Constant
Maturity Treasury index, which adjust every one, three or five years from the
outset of the loan or which adjust annually after a seven or ten year initial
fixed period and with terms of up to 30 years. Interest rate adjustments on
such loans range from 2% to 5% during any adjustment period and are limited to
no more than 6% over the life of the loan. All of Berkshire Bank's adjustable-
rate mortgages are originated at an interest rate below the fully indexed rate
on adjustable-rate mortgages. At December 31, 1999, the initial discounted rate
on these loans was 200 to 300 basis points below the current fully indexed rate.
Generally, these loans will begin to reprice towards their fully indexed rate in
their second year. However, Berkshire Bank's experience, which cannot be
guaranteed in future periods, is that discounted adjustable-rate loans tend to
be more stable and less susceptible to prepayment activity in a falling interest
rate environment.
Adjustable-rate mortgage loans help reduce Berkshire Bank's exposure to
changes in interest rates. There are, however, unquantifiable credit risks
resulting from the potential of increased costs due to changed rates to be paid
by borrowers. It is possible that during periods of rising interest rates the
risk of default on adjustable-rate mortgage loans may increase as a result of
repricing and the increased payments required to be made by borrowers. In
addition, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans allow Berkshire Bank to
increase the sensitivity of its asset base to changes in interest rates, the
extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the annual and lifetime
interest rate adjustment limits. Because of these considerations Berkshire Bank
has no assurance that yields on adjustable-rate mortgage loans will be
sufficient to offset increases in Berkshire Bank's cost of funds during periods
of rising
51
<PAGE>
interest rates. Berkshire Bank believes these risks, which have not had a
material adverse effect on Berkshire Bank to date, generally are less than the
risks associated with holding fixed-rate loans in its portfolio in a rising
interest rate environment.
Berkshire Bank underwrites fixed- and variable-rate one- to four-family
residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 100% on a one- to
two-family primary residence; up to 90% on a three- to four-family primary
residence or a vacation home; and up to 75% on a condominium. A borrower is
required to obtain private mortgage insurance on loans that exceed 80%, or 75%
in the case of a condominium, of the appraised value or sales price, whichever
is less, of the secured property. Berkshire Bank also generally requires fire,
casualty, title, hazard insurance and, if appropriate, flood insurance be
maintained on all properties securing real estate loans made by Berkshire Bank.
An independent licensed appraiser generally appraises all properties.
Berkshire Bank also offers adjustable-rate home equity loans with an
interest rate based on the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal,
which adjusts monthly. The combined loan-to-value ratio of home equity loans is
generally limited to 80%. Second mortgages are also offered on owner-occupied
primary or secondary residences and are adjustable-rate, either adjusting
annually or with a five-year initial fixed period which adjusts annually
thereafter, with terms up to 30 years.
In an effort to provide financing for low- and moderate-income families,
Berkshire Bank offers Federal Housing Authority, Veterans Administration and
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency residential mortgage loans to qualified
individuals with adjustable- and fixed-rates of interest and terms of up to 30
years. Such loans may be secured by one- to four-family residential property
and are underwritten using modified underwriting guidelines. Berkshire Bank
also participates in the Good Samaritan Home Ownership Program, which is a non-
profit venture established to advise and assist low- and middle-income families
in the purchase of their first home in Berkshire County. Qualified individuals
can obtain a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage loan on a one- to four-family, owner
occupied property. Additionally, Berkshire Bank maintains its own First-Time
Home Buyer loan program. This program offers one- and two-family residential
mortgage loans to first-time home buyers. These loans are offered with initial
five-year fixed-rates of interest which adjust annually thereafter with terms of
up to 30 years.
Construction Loans. At December 31, 1999, construction loans totaled $12.5
million, or 1.9% of Berkshire Bank's total loan portfolio, of which $5.6 million
were residential construction loans and $6.9 million were commercial
construction loans. At December 31, 1999, the unadvanced portion of
construction loans totaled $4.7 million.
Berkshire Bank originates construction loans to individuals for the
construction and acquisition of personal residences. Berkshire Bank's
residential construction loans generally provide for the payment of interest
only during the construction phase, which is usually twelve months. At the end
of the construction phase, the loan converts to a permanent mortgage loan. Loans
can be made with a maximum loan to value ratio of 90%, provided that the
borrower obtains private mortgage insurance on the loan if the loan balance
exceeds 80% of the appraised value or sales price, whichever is less, of the
secured property. At December 31, 1999, the largest outstanding residential
construction loan commitment was for $775,000, $501,000 of which was
outstanding. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31,
1999. Construction loans to individuals are generally made on the same terms as
Berkshire Bank's one- to four-family mortgage loans.
Before making a commitment to fund a residential construction loan,
Berkshire Bank requires an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed
appraiser. Berkshire Bank also reviews and inspects each property before
disbursement of funds during the term of the construction loan. Loan proceeds
are disbursed after inspection based on the percentage of completion method.
Berkshire Bank also makes construction loans for commercial development
projects, including multi-family, commercial properties, single-family
subdivisions and condominiums. These loans generally have an interest-only
phase during construction then convert to permanent financing. Disbursement of
funds are at the sole discretion of Berkshire Bank and are based on the progress
of construction. The maximum loan to value ratio for these loans depends upon
the type of commercial development project being undertaken, but generally will
not exceed 80%. At December 31, 1999, the largest outstanding commercial
construction loan commitment was $5.2 million, of which $5.2 million was
outstanding.
52
<PAGE>
Berkshire Bank also originates land loans to local contractors and
developers for the purpose of making improvements thereon, or for the purpose of
holding or developing the land for sale. Such loans are secured by a lien on
the property; have loan to value ratios that are limited to 70% of the value of
the land used for residential development and 65% of the value of the land used
for commercial development (based on the lower of the acquisition price or the
appraised value of the land) and are written with a fixed interest rate based on
a margin over the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. Land loans
are offered with a term of three years in which only interest is required to be
paid each month. A balloon payment for the principal plus any accrued interest
is due at the end of the three year period. Additionally, Berkshire Bank offers
fully-amortized land loans with a term of 15 years. Berkshire Bank's land loans
are generally secured by property in its primary market area. Berkshire Bank
requires title insurance and, if applicable, a hazardous waste survey reporting
that the land is free of hazardous or toxic waste.
Construction and development financing is generally considered to involve a
higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-
occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely
upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion
of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of
construction and other assumptions. If the estimate of construction cost proves
to be inaccurate, Berkshire Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the
amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property.
Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, Berkshire Bank
may be confronted with a project, when completed, having a value which is
insufficient to assure full repayment.
Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. Berkshire Bank originates
multi-family and commercial real estate loans that are generally secured by five
or more unit apartment buildings and properties used for business purposes such
as small office buildings, industrial facilities or retail facilities primarily
located in Berkshire Bank's primary market area. At December 31, 1999,
Berkshire Bank had $61.2 million in commercial and multi-family real estate
loans which amounted to 9.1% of total loans. Berkshire Bank's multi-family and
commercial real estate underwriting policies provide that such real estate loans
may be made in amounts of up to 80% of the appraised value of the property or
the selling price, whichever is less. Loans secured by single-family
subdivisions and condominium projects may be made in amounts of up to 75% and
70%, respectively, of the appraised value of the property or selling price,
whichever is less. All loans must comply with Berkshire Bank's current in-house
loans-to-one-borrower limit, which at December 31, 1999 was $8.8 million.
Berkshire Bank's multi-family and commercial real estate loans may be made with
terms of up to 20 years and substantially all of which are originated with
interest rates that adjust periodically and are generally indexed to the prime
rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. In reaching its decision on
whether to make a multi-family or commercial real estate loan, Berkshire Bank
considers the net operating income of the property, the borrower's expertise,
credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. In
addition, with respect to commercial real estate rental properties, Berkshire
Bank will also consider the term of the lease and the quality of the tenants.
Berkshire Bank has generally required that the properties securing these real
estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before
debt service to debt service) of at least 1.25x. Environmental surveys are
generally required for commercial real estate loans. Additionally, in larger
real estate projects, it is recommended that a feasibility study be obtained to
determine the viability of the project. A feasibility study is particularly
important with respect to multi-family housing projects, hotel/motel
construction and health care facilities. Generally, multi-family and commercial
real estate loans made to corporations, partnerships and other business entities
require personal guarantees by the principals. The largest multi-family or
commercial real estate loan in Berkshire Bank's portfolio at December 31, 1999
was a performing $5.3 million real estate loan secured by a motel located in
Lenox, Massachusetts.
Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties
generally involve larger principal amounts and a greater degree of risk than
one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Because payments on loans
secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are often
dependent on successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of
such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or
the economy. Berkshire Bank seeks to minimize these risks through strict
adherence to its underwriting standards. See "Risk Factors--Berkshire Bank's
increased emphasis on commercial and consumer lending may hurt both asset
quality and profits."
53
<PAGE>
Commercial Lending
Commercial Loans. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had $146.2 million
in commercial loans which amounted to 21.7% of total loans. In addition, at such
date, Berkshire Bank had $49.1 million of unadvanced commercial lines of credit.
Berkshire Bank makes commercial business loans primarily in its market area to a
variety of professionals, sole proprietorships and small businesses. Berkshire
Bank offers a variety of commercial lending products, the maximum amount of
which is limited by Berkshire Bank's in-house loans-to-one-borrower limit.
Berkshire Bank's largest commercial loan relationship was a $6.0 million loan
secured by various types of business assets located in Hillsdale and Millerton,
New York and Lakeville, Connecticut. This loan was performing according to its
original terms at December 31, 1999.
Berkshire Bank offers secured commercial term loans, which have a maturity
of greater than one year and the payment of which is dependent on future
earnings. The term for repayment of the loan will normally be limited to the
lesser of the expected useful life of the asset being financed or a fixed amount
of time, generally less than seven years. Berkshire Bank also offers loans
originated in order to finance a business' operating facility, revolving lines
of credit secured by business assets other than real estate, such as business
equipment, inventory and accounts receivable, letters of credit, time notes and
Small Business Administration guaranteed loans. Business lines of credit have
adjustable rates of interest and are payable on demand, subject to annual review
and renewal. Time notes are short-term loans, generally limited to 90 days
which do not require payment of principal or interest until maturity.
Berkshire Bank also offers a Business Manager Line of Credit. Unlike a
traditional line of credit, the Business Manager Line is a program whereby
Berkshire Bank purchases a customer's accounts receivable on a recourse basis.
Berkshire Bank's income from the program arises primarily from: (1) service
charges, which range from two to five percent, which are discounted from each
receivable purchased, and (2) the interest, if any, charged to account debtors
on unpaid balances. At December 31, 1999, Business Manager Lines of Credit
totaled $1.6 million, or 1.1% of commercial loans. Additionally, the unadvanced
amounts of Business Manager Lines of Credit totaled approximately $1.0 million.
When making commercial business loans, Berkshire Bank considers the
financial statements of the borrower, the borrower's payment history of both
corporate and personal debt, the debt service capabilities of the borrower, the
projected cash flows of the business, and viability of the industry in which the
customer operates and the value of the collateral. Commercial business loans
are generally secured by a variety of collateral, primarily accounts receivable,
inventory and equipment, and are generally supported by personal guarantees.
Depending on the collateral used to secure the loans, commercial loans are made
in amounts of up to 95% of the value of the collateral securing the loan.
Berkshire Bank generally does not make unsecured commercial loans.
Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of
the borrower's ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other
income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more
easily ascertainable, commercial loans are of higher risk and typically are made
on the basis of the borrower's ability to make repayment from the cash flow of
the borrower's business. As a result, the availability of funds for the
repayment of commercial loans may depend substantially on the success of the
business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over
time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. See "Risk
Factors--Berkshire Bank's increased emphasis on commercial and consumer lending
may hurt both asset quality and profits."
Consumer Lending
Automobile Lending. At December 31, 1999, automobile loans totaled $164.9
million, or 24.5% of Berkshire Bank's total loans and 79.0% of consumer loans.
The Bank offers fixed-rate automobile loans on a direct and indirect basis with
terms of up to 72 months for new and recent model used cars and up to 60 months
for older model used cars. Berkshire Bank generally will make such loans up to
100% of the retail value shown in the NADA Used Car Guide. The interest rates
offered differ depending on the age of the automobile and current interest rates
offered by competitors.
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<PAGE>
Berkshire Bank began offering indirect automobile loans through automobile
dealers approximately seven years ago. Currently, Berkshire Bank maintains
contractual relationships with over 100 new and used car dealers throughout
western Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, eastern New York and southern
Vermont. Such loans are only made following an underwriting review and
acceptance by Berkshire Bank. These loans are closed by the automobile dealer
and immediately assigned to Berkshire Bank, who then services the loans. On
loans originated by its automobile dealers, Berkshire Bank compensates the
originator based upon the higher interest rate paid on the loan, up to a maximum
of four percent. For the fiscal years 1999 and 1998, Berkshire Bank originated
$129.4 million and $97.2 million of automobile loans, respectively, of which
97.5% and 91.6% were originated indirectly through the automobile dealers in
fiscal years 1999 and 1998, respectively. The substantial majority of such
loans are secured by used automobiles. The large growth in the automobile
portfolio in the past few years is primarily attributable to the addition of one
automobile dealer in 1997 and two automobile dealers in 1998. These three
dealers, located in eastern New York, northern Connecticut and western
Massachusetts, accounted for approximately 30% of the loans originated in 1999.
Berkshire Bank has been selling automobile loans since 1998. Berkshire Bank
anticipates that it will continue to sell a portion of its automobile loans in
the secondary market for liquidity purposes and to manage the credit risk of the
loan portfolio.
Home Equity Lines of Credit and Other Consumer Loans. Berkshire Bank
offers home equity lines of credit secured by owner-occupied one- to four-family
residences. At December 31, 1999, home equity lines of credit totaled $33.2
million, or 4.9% of Berkshire Bank's total loans and 15.9% of consumer loans.
Additionally, at December 31, 1999, the unadvanced amounts of home equity lines
of credit totaled $35.2 million. The underwriting standards employed by
Berkshire Bank for home equity lines of credit include a determination of the
applicant's credit history, an assessment of the applicant's ability to meet
existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan and the value of the
collateral securing the loan. Home equity loans will not be made if the
borrower's first mortgage payment, monthly real estate payment and amortized
equity line payment exceeds 25% of the borrower's gross monthly income.
Additionally, the borrower's monthly debt cannot exceed 35% of the borrower's
gross monthly income. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable rates of
interest which are indexed to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street
Journal. Generally, the maximum combined loan-to-value ratio on home equity
lines of credit is 80% for loans less than $200,000 and 60% for loans greater
than $200,000. A home equity line of credit may be drawn down by the borrower
for an initial period of five years from the date of the loan agreement. During
this period, the borrower has the option of paying, on a monthly basis, either
principal and interest or only the interest. If not renewed, the borrower has
to pay back the amount outstanding under the line of credit over a term not to
exceed ten years, beginning at the end of the five year period.
Other consumer loans at December 31, 1999 amounted to $10.7 million, or
1.6% of Berkshire Bank's total loans and 5.1% of consumer loans. These loans
include education, collateral, personal and unsecured loans. Collateral loans
are generally secured by a passbook account, a certificate of deposit or
marketable securities. Unsecured loans generally have a maximum borrowing
limitation of $10,000 and a maximum term of five years.
Loans secured by rapidly depreciable assets such as automobiles or that are
unsecured entail greater risks than one- to four-family mortgage loans. In such
cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate
source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, since there is a greater
likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation of the underlying collateral. The
remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection
efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. Further,
collections on these loans are dependent on the borrower's continuing financial
stability and, therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss,
divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Repossessed collateral relating to
consumer loans at December 31, 1999 approximated $996,000. Finally, the
application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state
bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on
such loans if a borrower defaults.
Loans to One Borrower. The maximum amount that Berkshire Bank may lend to
one borrower is limited by statute. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank's
statutory limit on loans to one borrower was $17.6 million. At that date,
Berkshire Bank's largest amount of loans to one borrower, including the
borrower's related interests, was approximately $7.3 million and consisted of
five loans secured by residential and commercial real estate and marketable
equity securities. These loans were performing according to their original
terms at December 31, 1999.
55
<PAGE>
Maturity of Loan Portfolio. The following table shows the remaining
contractual maturity of Berkshire Bank's total loans at December 31, 1999,
excluding the effect of future principal prepayments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Home
One- to and Equity
Four- Multi-Family Lines of Other
Family (1) Construction (2) Real Estate Commercial Credit Automobile Consumer Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Amounts due in:
One year or less......... $ 869 $12,369 $ 1,440 $ 38,458 $ 1,980 $ 1,674 $ 2,133 $ 58,923
After one year:
More than one year
to three years........ 1,432 54 1,027 11,011 -- 24,030 3,128 40,682
More than three years
to five years......... 2,835 83 3,142 14,830 -- 104,271 4,356 129,517
More than five years
to 15 years........... 68,686 28 33,457 33,794 14,278 34,887 950 186,080
More than 15 years....... 171,418 -- 22,146 48,103 16,910 -- 139 258,716
-------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Total amount due...... $245,240 $12,534 $61,212 $146,196 $33,168 $164,862 $10,706 $673,918
======== ======= ======= ======== ======= ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
___________________________
(1) Includes second mortgages on one- to four-family residences.
(2) Includes residential and commercial construction loans.
The following table sets forth, at December 31, 1999, the dollar amount of
loans contractually due after December 31, 2000, and whether such loans have
fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Due After December 31, 2000
-----------------------------
Fixed Adjustable Total
-----------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans:
One- to four-family (1)....... $ 97,651 $146,720 $244,371
Construction.................. 165 -- 165
Commercial and multi-family... 6,348 53,424 59,772
-------- -------- --------
Total real estate loans.... 104,164 200,144 304,308
Home equity loans................ -- 31,188 31,188
Commercial loans................. 10,959 96,779 107,738
Automobile....................... 163,188 -- 163,188
Other............................ 8,406 167 8,573
-------- -------- --------
Total loans............. $286,717 $328,278 $614,995
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
___________________________
(1) Includes second mortgages on one- to four-family residences.
Scheduled contractual principal repayments of loans do not reflect the
actual life of the loans. The average life of a loan is substantially less than
its contractual term because of prepayments. In addition, due-on-sale clauses on
loans generally give Berkshire Bank the right to declare loans immediately due
and payable if, among other
56
<PAGE>
things, the borrower sells the real property with the mortgage and the loan is
not repaid. The average life of a mortgage loan tends to increase, however, when
current mortgage loan market rates are substantially higher than rates on
existing mortgage loans and, conversely, tends to decrease when rates on
existing mortgage loans are substantially higher than current mortgage loan
market rates.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Berkshire Bank's lending
activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan
origination procedures established by Berkshire Bank's Board of Directors and
management. The Board of Directors has designated certain individuals of
Berkshire Bank and certain branch managers to consider and approve loans within
their designated authority.
The Board of Directors has authorized the following persons and groups of
persons to approve loans up to the amounts indicated: several residential
mortgage lenders have been delegated authority to approve residential mortgage
loans ranging from $240,000 to $300,000; home equity lines of credit ranging
from $50,000 to $100,000; unsecured consumer loans from $10,000 to $30,000; and
secured consumer loans from $30,000 to $50,000. All one- to four-family
mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit in amounts of up to $300,000, all
secured consumer loans up to $50,000 and all unsecured installment loans up to
$30,000, may be approved by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the
Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer and the Senior Vice President-
Retail Lending. All such loans in excess of these amounts require the approval
of a majority of the members and the signature of two of the members of
Berkshire Bank's Residential Mortgage Lending Committee, which consists of the
President, the Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer, the Senior Vice
President-Retail Lending, the Retail Loan Administration Officer and the
residential mortgage lenders. Combining any delegated approval authorities is
permitted provided that individual limits may be combined only up to $600,000
for residential mortgage loan approvals without requiring the approval of the
Residential Mortgage Lending Committee provided that residential mortgage loans
approved by a combination of authorities must include the signature of either
the Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer, the Senior Vice President-
Retail Lending or the Senior Vice President-Commercial Lending. All residential
loans in excess of $1.0 million require the approval of the Executive Committee
of the Board of Directors or the full Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has delegated the authority to approve loans to
several commercial loan officers in amounts ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 for
secured commercial loans and in amounts ranging from $20,000 to $75,000 for
unsecured commercial loans. All secured commercial loans in amounts up to
$300,000 and unsecured commercial loans in amounts up to $175,000 may be
approved by the Chairman of the Board, the President, the Executive Vice
President-Senior Loan Officer, the Senior Vice Presidents of Lending and certain
commercial loan managers. Such loans in excess of these amounts require the
approval of a majority of the members of Berkshire Bank's Senior Lending
Committee, which consists of the Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer,
the Senior Vice Presidents of Lending and all commercial loan officers. The
President and the Credit Administration Officer are non-voting members of the
Senior Loan Committee. Delegated approval authorities may be combined. However,
individual limits may be combined only up to $500,000 for commercial loan
approvals without requiring approval of the Senior Lending Committee provided
that commercial loans approved by a combination of authorities must include the
signature of either the Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer, Senior
Vice President-Commercial Lending or the Senior Commercial Lender. All
commercial loans in excess of $1.0 million require the approval of the Executive
Committee of the Board of Directors or the full Board of Directors.
Loan Originations, Purchases and Sales. Berkshire Bank lending activities
are conducted by its salaried and commissioned loan personnel and through its
relationship with automobile dealers. Currently, Berkshire Bank has contractual
relationships with approximately 100 automobile dealers who originate automobile
loans for Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank underwrites such loans. The
automobile dealers close the loans and immediately assign them to Berkshire
Bank. These automobile dealers accounted for approximately 43.0% of the loans
originated by Berkshire Bank in 1999. The automobile dealers are compensated
based on the difference between the interest rate on the loan offered in excess
of the interest rate prescribed by Berkshire Bank, up to a maximum of 4 points.
The compensation is paid at the time the loan is closed and assigned to
Berkshire Bank. Additionally, Berkshire Bank utilizes third parties, including
finance companies to originate loans.
From time to time, Berkshire Bank will purchase whole loans or
participations in loans. Historically, Berkshire Bank generally purchased
consumer loans from a third party which originates loans through smaller
automobile dealers and has participated in loans secured by commercial real
estate. The consumer loans purchased from the third party are underwritten and
closed by that third party. Berkshire Bank, however, will also perform its
57
<PAGE>
own credit analysis before purchasing the loan. Berkshire Bank purchased $11.9
million of these consumer loans in 1999. The commercial real estate loans
participated in by Berkshire Bank are underwritten according to Berkshire Bank's
own underwriting criteria and procedures and are generally purchased with the
accompanying servicing rights. Berkshire Bank purchased $2.2 million of such
loans in 1999. Amounts outstanding related to loan participation interests
purchased by Berkshire Bank totaled $3.5 million and $6.3 million at December
31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively, and consisted primarily of loans
secured by commercial real estate.
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank was servicing $63.3 million of loans
for others, consisting primarily of automobile and one-to four-family mortgage
loans sold by Berkshire Bank. Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting
loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent
borrowers, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions when there are
unremedied defaults, making insurance and tax payments on behalf of the
borrowers and generally administering the loans. The gross servicing fee income
from loans sold is generally between 25 basis points for one-to four-family
mortgage loans and 100 basis points for automobile loans of the total balance of
the loan being serviced.
Berkshire Bank generally originates loans for portfolio but from time to
time will sell loans in the secondary market based on prevailing market interest
rate conditions and an analysis of the composition and risk of the loan
portfolio and liquidity needs. Historically, Berkshire Bank, from time to time,
sold one-to four-family mortgage loans in the secondary market while retaining
the servicing. However, in recent years Berkshire Bank has begun to primarily
sell a portion of its automobile loans in the secondary market to a financial
institution in Vermont. In 1999, Berkshire Bank sold $44.3 million of loans,
which consisted primarily of automobile loans. The determination of which loans
to sell depends upon liquidity needs, the loan mix of the portfolio and interest
rate risk management. Berkshire Bank currently anticipates that future loan
sales will consist predominately of automobile loans. Generally, loans are sold
without recourse.
The following table presents total loans originated, purchased, sold and
repaid during the periods indicated.
58
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended
December 31,
------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
------------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Loans at beginning of period................................ $606,716 $497,884 $465,497
-------- -------- --------
Originations:
Real estate loans:
One-to four-family................................. 49,207 66,410 34,203
Construction....................................... 7,199 10,978 4,736
Multifamily........................................ 3,620 926 4,036
Commercial real estate............................. 9,478 24,454 9,224
-------- -------- --------
Total real estate loans......................... 69,504 102,768 52,199
-------- -------- --------
Consumer loans:
Home equity lines of credit........................ 10,796 21,942 6,252
Other.............................................. 135,574 101,035 75,778
-------- -------- --------
Total consumer loans............................ 146,370 122,977 82,030
Commercial loans...................................... 64,542 51,989 42,019
-------- -------- --------
Total loans originated.......................... 280,416 277,734 176,248
-------- -------- --------
Purchases:
Real estate loans:
Multi-family....................................... 566 2,080 --
Commercial real estate............................. 2,228 -- --
-------- -------- --------
Total real estate loans......................... 2,794 2,080 --
Consumer loans:
Other.............................................. 11,877 6,006 --
Commercial loans...................................... 1,088 15,567 1,160
-------- -------- --------
Total loans purchased........................... 15,759 23,653 1,160
-------- -------- --------
Deduct:
Principal loan repayments, repayments and other, net.. 182,429 186,199 133,119
Loan sales............................................ 44,308 5,590 9,643
Net loan charge-offs.................................. 2,085 544 1,702
Transfers to real estate owned........................ 151 222 557
-------- -------- --------
Total deductions................................ 228,973 192,555 145,021
-------- -------- --------
Net increase in loans....................................... 67,202 108,832 32,387
-------- -------- --------
Loans at end of period...................................... $673,918 $606,716 $497,884
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
Loan Commitments. Berkshire Bank issues loan commitments to its
prospective borrowers conditioned on the occurrence of certain events.
Commitments are made in writing on specified terms and conditions and are
generally honored for up to 60 days from approval. At December 31, 1999,
Berkshire Bank had loan commitments and unadvanced loans and lines of credit
totaling $117.4 million. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this prospectus.
59
<PAGE>
Loan Fees. In addition to interest earned on loans, Berkshire Bank
receives income from fees derived from loan originations, loan modifications,
late payments and for miscellaneous services related to its loans. Income from
these activities varies from period to period depending upon the volume and type
of loans made and competitive conditions.
Berkshire Bank charges loan origination fees which are calculated as a
percentage of the amount borrowed. As required by applicable accounting
principles, loan origination fees, discount points and certain loan origination
costs are deferred and recognized over the contractual remaining lives of the
related loans on a level yield basis. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had
approximately $170,000 of net deferred loan fees and costs. Berkshire Bank
amortized $44,000 of net deferred loan fees and costs during the year ended
December 31, 1999.
Nonperforming Assets, Delinquencies and Impaired Loans. When a borrower
fails to make a required loan payment, Berkshire Bank attempts to cure the
deficiency by mailing a past due notice on the 10/th/ day of the month. In most
cases, delinquencies are cured promptly. If a delinquency continues beyond the
15/th/ day, the loan will appear on a delinquency list and the account officer
will contact the borrower. If a delinquency continues beyond the 30/th/ day of
the month, the borrower is again contacted and if it is determined that the late
payment is not a short-term cash flow problem, the account is reported to the
Senior Workout Officer. While Berkshire Bank generally prefers to work with
borrowers to resolve problems, Berkshire Bank generally will initiate
foreclosure or other proceedings no later than the 90/th/ day of a delinquency,
as necessary, to minimize any potential loss.
Management informs the Board of Directors monthly of the amount of loans
delinquent more than 30 days, all loans in foreclosure, and all foreclosed and
repossessed property that Berkshire Bank owns. Berkshire Bank generally ceases
accruing interest on all loans when principal or interest payments are
delinquent 90 days or more unless management determines the loan principal and
interest to be fully-secured and in the process of collection. Once the accrual
of interest on a loan is discontinued, all interest previously accrued is
reversed against current period interest income once management determines that
interest is uncollectible.
On January 1, 1995, Berkshire Bank adopted SFAS No. 114, "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," as amended by SFAS No. 118 "Accounting by
Creditors for Impairment of a Loan--an amendment to SFAS No. 114." At December
31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, Berkshire Bank had a $1.5 million and $938,000,
respectively, recorded investment in impaired loans, which had no specific
allowances and $50,000 and $1.5 million in loans with valuation allowances of
$14,000 and $304,000, respectively.
The following table sets forth information regarding nonperforming assets
at the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ------- ------- ------- ------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nonaccruing loans:
One- to four-family real estate............ $ 450 $1,272 $ 623 $ 766 $1,411
Commercial real estate..................... -- 1,064 336 1,421 966
Commercial................................. 1,572 612 613 2,619 1,393
Consumer................................... 819 542 584 39 142
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total nonperforming loans............... 2,841 3,490 2,156 4,845 3,912
Real estate owned............................. 220 398 364 2,888 219
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total nonperforming assets.............. $3,061 $3,888 $2,520 $7,733 $4,131
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total nonperforming loans as a percentage
of total loans............................. 0.42% 0.58% 0.43% 1.04% 0.87%
Total nonperforming assets as a percentage
of total assets............................ 0.36% 0.50% 0.40% 1.23% 0.69%
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE>
Interest income that would have been recorded for the year ended December
31, 1999 had nonaccruing loans been current according to their original terms
amounted to approximately $362,000, $209,000 of which was included in interest
income related to these loans.
The following tables set forth the delinquencies in Berkshire Bank's loan
portfolio as of the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31, 1999 At December 31, 1998 At December 31, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60-89 Days 90 Days or More 60-89 Days 90 Days or More 60-89 Days 90 Days or More
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------
Number Principal Number Principal Number Principal Number Principal Number Principal Number Principal
of Balance of Balance of Balance of Balance of Balance of Balance
Loans of Loans Loans of Loans Loans of Loans Loans of Loans Loans of Loans Loans of Loans
------- ---------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------ --------- ------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans:
One- to four-family.... 6 $ 384 1 $ 106 2 $169 4 $ 375 10 $ 719 4 $ 988
Commercial real estate. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Multi-family........... -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 79 -- -- -- --
Consumer loans:
Equity lines of credit. -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 50 -- -- 1 115
All other.............. 95 831 121 776 68 607 65 492 59 414 52 469
Commercial loans.......... 6 335 11 1,168 2 150 19 1,397 3 311 9 556
--- ------ --- ------- -- ---- -- ------ -- ------ -- ------
Total............... 107 $1,550 133 $2,050 72 $926 90 $2,393 72 $1,444 66 $2,128
=== ====== === ======= == ==== == ====== == ====== == ======
Delinquent loans to
total loans........... 0.34% 0.23% 0.43% 0.31% 0.29% 0.15% 0.36% 0.39% 0.35% 0.29% 0.32% 0.43%
</TABLE>
Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired by Berkshire Bank as a result of
foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned
until sold. When property is acquired it is recorded at fair market value at the
date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Holding costs and declines
in fair value after acquisition are expensed. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire
Bank had $220,000 of real estate owned, net, consisting primarily of three
commercial properties.
Asset Classification. Regulators have adopted various regulations and
practices regarding problem assets of savings institutions. Under such
regulations, federal and state examiners have authority to identify problem
assets during examinations and, if appropriate, require them to be classified.
There are three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful
and loss. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are
characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will
sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have
the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the
weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently
existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high
possibility of loss. An asset classified as loss is considered uncollectible and
of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not
warranted. If an asset or portion thereof is classified as loss, the insured
institution establishes specific allowances for loan losses for the full amount
of the portion of the asset classified as loss. All or a portion of general loan
loss allowances established to cover probable losses related to assets
classified substandard or doubtful can be included in determining an
institution's regulatory capital, while specific valuation allowances for loan
losses generally do not qualify as regulatory capital. Assets that do not
currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant
classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses
are designated "special mention." Berkshire Bank performs an internal analysis
of its loan portfolio and assets to classify such loans and assets similar to
the manner in which such loans and assets are classified by the federal banking
regulators. In addition, Berkshire Bank regularly analyzes the losses inherent
in its loan portfolio and its nonperforming loans in determining the appropriate
level of the allowance for loan losses.
61
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth Berkshire Bank's classified assets at
December 31, 1999.
62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Loss Doubtful Substandard Special Mention
------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------------
Number Number Number Number
of Principal of Principal of Principal of Principal
Loans Balance Loans Balance Loans Balance Loans Balance
------------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans:
One- to four-family....... -- $ -- -- $ -- 7 $ 450 11 $1,477
Commercial real estate.... -- -- -- -- 21 6,003 19 2,198
Multi-family.............. -- -- -- -- 10 1,550 -- --
Consumer loans:
Equity lines of credit.... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
All other................. -- -- -- -- 121 776 95 831
Commercial loans............. -- -- -- -- 30 1,344 20 1,761
------ --------- ------ --------- --- ------- --- ------
Total.................. -- $ -- -- $ -- 189 $10,123 145 $6,267
====== ========= ====== ========= === ======= === ======
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had six outstanding loans with one
borrower, which were adversely classified or identified as a problem credit,
totaling $1.2 million. These loans, all of which were delinquent and classified
as Substandard, were secured by commercial real estate, commercial business
assets and accounts receivable. Berkshire Bank charged-off approximately
$600,000 in fiscal 1999 in connection with these loans and anticipates that it
will incur additional charge-offs in the future. Berkshire Bank had no other
classified loans greater than $500,000 which were not performing according to
their terms on December 31, 1999.
Allowance for Loan Losses. In originating loans, Berkshire Bank recognizes
that losses will be experienced on loans and that the risk of loss will vary
with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of
the borrower over the term of the loan, general economic conditions and, in the
case of a secured loan, the quality of the security for the loan. Berkshire
Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the
loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate
of probable losses based on information available as of the date of the
financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is based on management's
evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including past loan loss
experience, known and inherent risks in the nature and volume of the portfolio,
information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values,
and economic conditions.
The loan portfolio and other credit exposures are regularly reviewed by
management to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The
methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes
comparison to actual losses, peer group comparisons, industry data and economic
conditions. In addition, management employs an independent third party to
perform a review of all of Berkshire Bank's commercial loan relationships
exceeding $1.0 million, all material credits on Berkshire Bank's watch list or
classified as Substandard and a random sampling of new loans. The regulatory
agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, also periodically
review Berkshire Bank's allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require
Berkshire Bank to make additional provisions for estimated losses based upon
judgments different from those of management.
In assessing the allowance for loan losses, loss factors are applied to
various pools of outstanding loans and certain unused commitments. Berkshire
Bank segregates the loan portfolio according to risk characteristics (i.e.,
mortgage loans, home equity, consumer, commercial). Loss factors are derived
using Berkshire Bank's historical loss experience and may be adjusted for
significant factors that, in management's judgment, affect the collectibility of
the portfolio as of the evaluation date.
In addition, management assesses the allowance using factors that cannot be
associated with specific credit or loan categories. These factors include
management's subjective evaluation of local and national economic and business
conditions, portfolio concentration and changes in the character and size of the
loan portfolio. The allowance methodology reflects management's objective that
the overall allowance appropriately reflects a margin for the imprecision
necessarily inherent in estimates of expected credit losses.
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had an allowance for loan losses of
$8.5 million which represented 1.27% of total loans and 300.39% of nonperforming
loans at that date. Although management believes that it uses the best
information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future
adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of
operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially
from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while
Berkshire Bank believes it has established its existing allowance for loan
losses in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, there
63
<PAGE>
can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing Berkshire Bank's loan
portfolio, will not request Berkshire Bank to increase its allowance for loan
losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral
cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing
allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary
should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed
above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely
affect Berkshire Bank's financial condition and results of operations.
The following table presents an analysis of Berkshire Bank's allowance for
loan losses for the years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At or For the Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of year....... $ 7,589 $ 6,078 $ 6,303 $ 6,484 $ 5,079
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Charged-off loans:
One- to four-family real estate................. 117 14 66 188 395
Multi-family.................................... -- -- 82 -- --
Commercial real estate.......................... 297 253 959 103 64
Consumer (1).................................... 731 311 699 363 257
Commercial...................................... 1,208 234 490 1,754 748
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total charged-off loans...................... 2,353 812 2,296 2,408 1,464
Recoveries on loans previously charged off......... 268 268 594 247 360
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net loans charged off.............................. 2,085 544 1,702 2,161 1,104
Provision for loan losses.......................... 3,030 2,055 1,477 1,980 2,509
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Allowance for loan losses, end of year............. $ 8,534 $ 7,589 $ 6,078 $ 6,303 $ 6,484
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios:
Net loans charged-off to interest-earning loans.... 0.31% 0.09% 0.34% 0.47% 0.25%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans........... 1.27% 1.25% 1.22% 1.35% 1.45%
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans... 300.39% 217.45% 281.91% 130.09% 165.75%
Net loans charged-off to allowance
for loan losses................................. 24.43% 7.17% 28.00% 34.29% 17.03%
Recoveries to charge-offs.......................... 11.39% 33.00% 25.87% 10.26% 24.59%
</TABLE>
______________________________
(1) Consists primarily of indirect automobile loans.
For additional discussion regarding the provision for loan losses in recent
periods, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998--Provision for Loan Losses" and "Recent
Developments."
64
<PAGE>
The following table presents the approximate allocation of the allowance
for loan losses by loan categories at the dates indicated and the percentage of
such amounts to the total allowance and to total loans. Management believes that
the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. The
allocation of the allowance to each category is not indicative of future losses
and does not restrict the use of any of the allowance to absorb losses in any
category.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Percent of Percent Percent of Percent Percent of Percent
Allowance of Loans Allowance of Loans Allowance of Loans
in Each in Each in Each in Each in Each in Each
Category Category to Category Category to Category to Category to
to Total Total to Total Total Total Total
Amount Allowance Loans Amount Allowance Loans Amount Allowance Loans
------- ------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ---------- ------- ------------ -----------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans........... $2,322 27.20% 47.34% $2,262 29.81% 49.51% $1,938 31.88% 54.21%
Consumer loans.............. 2,867 33.60 30.97 2,339 30.82 28.38 1,590 26.16 23.43
Commercial.................. 3,345 39.20 21.69 2,988 39.37 22.11 2,550 41.96 22.36
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total allowance
for loan losses....... $8,534 100.00% 100.00% $7,589 100.00% 100.00% $6,078 100.00% 100.00%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
Percent of Percent Percent of Percent
Allowance of Loans Allowance of Loans
in Each in Each in Each in Each
Category Category to Category Category to
to Total Total to Total Total
Amount Allowance Loans Amount Allowance Loans
-------- ------------ ----------- -------- ------------ ----------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real estate loans........ $1,866 29.60% 57.19% $1,973 30.43% 60.62%
Consumer loans........... 1,901 30.15 20.49 1,883 29.04 16.80
Commercial............... 2,536 40.25 22.32 2,628 40.53 22.58
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total allowance
for loan losses.... $6,303 100.00% 100.00% $6,484 100.00% 100.00%
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Investment Securities Activities
General. Under Massachusetts law, Berkshire Bank has authority to purchase
a wide range of investment securities. As a result of recent changes in federal
banking laws, however, financial institutions such as Berkshire Bank may not
engage as principals in any activities that are not permissible for a national
bank, unless the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has determined that the
investments would pose no significant risk to the Bank Insurance Fund and
Berkshire Bank is in compliance with applicable capital standards. In 1993, the
Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved a
request by Berkshire Bank to acquire and retain certain listed stocks and/or
registered stocks subject to certain conditions. See "Regulation and
Supervision."
Berkshire Bank's main source of income has been and will continue to be
derived from its loan portfolio. The investment securities portfolio is
primarily used to provide for Berkshire Bank's cash flow needs, to provide
adequate liquidity to protect the safety of customer deposits and to earn a
reasonable return on investment. The structure of the investment securities
portfolio is based upon the composition and quality of the loan portfolio and
Berkshire Bank's liquidity position and deposit structure. Berkshire Bank
currently utilizes its fixed income investment securities portfolio as a source
of liquidity to its loan portfolio and to manage its interest rate risk profile.
As such, higher priority has generally been given to investments in money market
and shorter-term readily marketable securities.
65
<PAGE>
Berkshire Bank's investment securities policy divides investments into two
categories, fixed income and equity portfolios. The primary objectives of the
fixed income portfolio are to: (1) maintain an adequate source of liquidity
sufficient to meet regulatory and operating requirements, including funding for
loans; (2) safeguard against deposit outflows, reduced loan amortization and
increased loan demand; and (3) manage interest rate risk. The fixed income
securities portfolio primarily consists of debt issues, including corporate and
municipal bonds, U.S. Government and agency obligations and mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations and real
estate mortgage investments conduits. A collateralized mortgage obligation is a
mortgage-backed bond that separates mortgage pools into different maturities
called "tranches." Tranches pay different rates of interest and can mature in a
few months, or a few years. In return for a lower yield, collateralized
mortgage obligations provide increased security about the life of the
investment. However, in a lowering interest rate risk environment,
collateralized mortgage obligations tend to be repaid before their expected
maturities as prepayments increase. This may result in Berkshire Bank having to
reinvest the funds at a lower interest rate. Real estate mortgage investments
conduits, a type of collateralized mortgage obligation, are similar in that
securities representing an undivided interest in such mortgages are issued.
However, real estate mortgage investments conduits have more flexibility than
other types of collateralized mortgage obligations as issuers can separate
mortgage pools not only into different maturity classes but also into different
risk classes. Approximately 71.2% of Berkshire Bank's mortgage-backed
securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. Government, which
carry lower credit risk than mortgage-backed securities of a private issuer.
Other types of asset-backed securities in which Berkshire Bank invests are
typically collateralized by the cash flow from a pool of auto loans, credit card
receivables, consumer loans and other similar obligations. Both mortgage-backed
and asset-backed securities carry market risk, the risk that increases in market
interest rates may cause a decrease in market value.
The marketable equity securities portfolio is currently managed to produce
capital gains through price appreciation and lowering taxable income through
deductions permitted for a portion of dividends received. The total book value
of the marketable equity securities portfolio is currently limited by the
investment policy to 100% of total capital. At December 31, 1999, the cost of
the marketable equity securities portfolio, including restricted equity
securities, totaled $16.3 million or 18.5% of its authorized limit and consisted
primarily of bank, utility and industrial stocks. At December 31, 1999, the
gross unrealized gains associated with the marketable equity securities
portfolio were $28.4 million and the gross unrealized losses were $501,000. The
market equity securities portfolio carries equity price risk in that, if equity
prices decline due to unfavorable market conditions or other factors, Berkshire
Bank's capital would decrease.
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," requires that investments be categorized as "held to maturity,"
"trading securities" or "available for sale," based on management's intent as to
the ultimate disposition of each security. SFAS No. 115 allows debt securities
to be classified as "held to maturity" and reported in financial statements at
amortized cost only if the reporting entity has the positive intent and ability
to hold those securities to maturity. Securities that might be sold in response
to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security's prepayment risk,
increases in loan demand, or other similar factors cannot be classified as "held
to maturity." Debt and equity securities held for current resale are classified
as "trading securities." These securities are reported at fair value, and
unrealized gains and losses on the securities would be included in earnings.
Berkshire Bank does not currently use or maintain a trading account. Debt and
equity securities not classified as either "held to maturity" or "trading
securities" are classified as "available for sale." These securities are
reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the securities are
excluded from earnings and included in accumulated other comprehensive income,
net of taxes.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for
developing and reviewing Berkshire Bank's investment policy, which is designed
to complement Berkshire Bank's lending activities, improve liquidity and earn a
reasonable return through interest, dividend and capital gain income while
minimizing Berkshire Bank's federal tax liability through deductions available
on corporate dividends. Investment decisions are made in accordance with
Berkshire Bank's investment policy and are based upon the quality of a
particular investment, its inherent risks, Berkshire Bank's liquidity needs,
prospects for yield and/or appreciation and the potential tax consequences.
While general investment strategies are developed and authorized by the
Executive Committee, the execution of specific investment actions and the day-
to-day oversight of Berkshire Bank's investment portfolio rests with the
Chairman, President and Treasurer. These officers are authorized to execute
investment transactions up to specified limits based on the type of security
without the prior approval of the Executive Committee. However,
66
<PAGE>
such purchases require the ratification of the Executive Committee at their next
scheduled meeting. The Board of Directors receives a monthly report of all
securities transactions made during the previous month.
Berkshire Bank's investment policy allows the use of certain hedging
strategies, including the purchase of options in an effort to increase the
return and decrease the risk on the securities portfolio. However, Berkshire
Bank has not engaged in such practices to date and does not currently intend to
do so in the future. If circumstances warrant the use of such derivative
instruments in the future, Berkshire Bank's current investment securities policy
would be amended to specifically authorize such transactions and provide
limitations on such investments.
The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of Berkshire
Bank's available for sale securities, by type of security, at the dates
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------------------- ------------------- --------------------
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value
------------ ------- ---------- ------- ---------- --------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment securities:
Obligations of U.S. Treasury and
U.S. Government agencies................ $10,986 $10,711 $12,243 $12,286 $21,310 $21,257
Corporate bonds and notes.................. 31,177 30,634 18,054 18,073 1,078 1,083
Asset-backed securities.................... 3,253 3,207 2,639 2,604 2,191 2,209
Marketable equity securities............... 10,454 38,399 10,538 39,786 11,096 33,526
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total investment securities............. 55,870 82,951 43,474 72,749 35,675 58,075
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Mortgage-backed securities:
Freddie Mac................................ 2,469 2,493 3,591 3,654 3,448 3,539
Fannie Mae................................. 1,604 1,618 2,124 2,188 3,951 4,020
Private label REMICs....................... 5,878 5,841 14,877 14,886 5,651 5,648
Ginnie Mae................................. 180 181 293 297 487 496
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total mortgage-backed securities........ 10,131 10,133 20,885 21,025 13,537 13,703
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total available-for-sale securities..... $66,001 $93,084 $64,359 $93,774 $49,212 $71,778
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of Berkshire
Bank's held for maturity securities, by type of security, at the dates
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---------------------- -------------------- --------------------
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
Cost Value Cost Value Cost Value
------------ -------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(In thousands)
Investment securities:
Obligations of U.S. Treasury and
U.S. Government agencies......... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 2,000 $ 2,001
Municipal notes..................... 6,720 6,720 6,997 6,997 3,464 3,464
Other bonds and notes............... -- -- -- -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total investment securities.......... 6,720 6,720 6,997 6,997 5,464 5,465
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Mortgage-backed securities:
Freddie Mac............................. 5,368 5,334 8,642 8,643 11,679 11,668
Fannie Mae.............................. 4,352 4,303 7,306 7,288 15,962 15,940
Ginnie Mae.............................. 574 565 835 828 1,570 1,566
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total mortgage-backed securities..... 10,294 10,202 16,783 16,759 29,211 29,174
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total held-to-maturity securities.... $17,014 $16,922 $23,780 $23,756 $34,675 $34,639
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
67
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank did not own any investment or
mortgage-backed securities of a single issuer, other than U.S. Government and
agency securities, which had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of
Berkshire Bank's capital at that date.
The following presents the activity in the investment securities and
mortgage-backed securities portfolios for the years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
--------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment securities:
Investment securities, beginning of year........................... $ 79,746 $ 63,539 $ 79,256
-------- -------- --------
Purchases.......................................................... 34,636 56,472 13,566
Sales.............................................................. (2,440) (16,554) (11,219)
Maturities and calls............................................... (16,646) (27,220) (26,568)
Net (premium)/discount............................................. (3,426) (3,373) 2,297
(Decrease)/increase in unrealized gain............................. (2,199) 6,882 6,207
-------- -------- --------
Net (decrease)/increase in investment securities................ 9,925 16,207 (15,717)
-------- -------- --------
Investment securities, end of year........................... 89,671 79,746 63,539
-------- -------- --------
Mortgage-backed securities:
Mortgage-backed securities, beginning of year...................... 37,808 42,914 36,809
-------- -------- --------
Purchases.......................................................... 18,256 58,638 42,045
Sales.............................................................. -- -- (346)
Repayments and prepayments......................................... (36,246) (62,592) (30,559)
Net (premium)/discount............................................. 742 (1,122) (5,140)
(Decrease)/increase in unrealized gain............................. (133) (30) 105
-------- -------- --------
Net (decrease)/increase in mortgage-backed securities........... (17,381) (5,106) 6,105
-------- -------- --------
Mortgage-backed securities, end of year...................... 20,427 37,808 42,914
-------- -------- --------
Total securities, end of year............................. $110,098 $117,554 $106,453
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table presents certain information regarding the amortized
cost, weighted average yields and estimated maturities or periods to repricing
of Berkshire Bank's debt securities at December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More than One More than Five
One Year or Less Year to Five Years Years to Ten Years More than Ten Years Total
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
Amortized Average Amortized Average Amortized Average Amortized Average Amortized Average
Cost Yield Cost Yield Cost Yield Cost Yield Cost Yield
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment securities:
Obligations of U.S.
Treasury and U.S.
Government agencies...... $ 2,349 5.15% $ 7,639 5.81% $ 998 5.82% $ -- --% $10,986 5.69%
Mortgage-backed securities.. 13,073 6.37 6,957 6.47 334 6.76 61 6.29 20,425 6.41
Municipals.................. 5,888 3.85 221 5.62 -- -- 611 4.99 6,720 4.01
Corporate bonds and notes... 8,590 6.30 20,742 6.40 1,002 6.35 843 7.99 31,177 6.41
Asset-backed securities (1). 2,599 6.45 623 6.60 31 8.27 -- -- 3,253 6.50
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Total................. $32,499 5.81% $36,182 6.29% $2,365 6.25% $1,515 6.68% $72,561 6.09%
======= ======= ====== ====== =======
</TABLE>
_________________________
(1) Includes small business administration securities with a fair value of
$800,000 at December 31, 1999.
68
<PAGE>
Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds
General. Deposits are the major external source of funds for Berkshire
Bank's lending and other investment activities. In addition, Berkshire Bank also
generates funds internally from loan principal repayments and prepayments and
maturing investment securities. Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively
stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments
are influenced significantly by general interest rates and money market
conditions. Berkshire Bank may use borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Boston as a source of funding for loan and securities investment activity. To a
lesser extent, Berkshire Bank also utilizes retail repurchase agreements as a
source of funds.
Deposit Accounts. Substantially all of Berkshire Bank's deposits are
generated from the areas surrounding its branch offices. Berkshire Bank offers a
wide variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms.
Berkshire Bank's deposit accounts consist of interest-bearing checking,
noninterest-bearing checking, regular savings, money market savings and
certificates of deposit. The maturities of Berkshire Bank's certificate of
deposit accounts range from three months to ten years. In addition, Berkshire
Bank offers retirement accounts, including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Simple
IRAs, Self-Directed IRAs and Keogh accounts, simplified employee pension plan,
profit-sharing qualified plan and money purchase pension plan accounts.
Berkshire Bank also offers commercial business products to small businesses
operating within its primary market area. Deposit account terms vary with the
principal differences being the minimum balance deposit, early withdrawal
penalties, limits on the number of transactions and the interest rate.
Berkshire Bank reviews its deposit mix and pricing on a weekly basis.
Berkshire Bank also offers a variety of deposit accounts designed for the
businesses operating in its market area. Berkshire Bank's business banking
deposit products include a commercial checking account which provides an
earnings credit to offset monthly service charges and a checking account
specifically designed for small business. Additionally, Berkshire Bank offers
sweep accounts and money market accounts for businesses and IOLTA interest
checking and escrow accounts. Berkshire Bank has sought to increase its
commercial deposits through the offering of these products, particularly to its
commercial borrowers and to the municipalities that participate in its
government banking program.
Berkshire Bank believes it offers competitive interest rates on its deposit
products. Berkshire Bank determines the rates paid based on a number of
factors, including rates paid by competitors, Berkshire Bank's need for funds
and cost of funds, borrowing costs, Berkshire Bank's current asset/liability
structure, the amount of maturing deposits and movements of market interest
rates. Berkshire Bank currently does not utilize brokers to obtain deposits but
may choose to do so in the future. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had no
brokered deposits. All Massachusetts savings banks are required to be members
of the Depositors Insurance Fund and as such must pay its assessments. The
Depositors Insurance Fund is a private deposit insurer which insures all
deposits in member banks in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
deposit insurance limits. See "Regulation and Supervision--Massachusetts
Banking Laws and Supervision."
In the unlikely event Berkshire Bank is liquidated after the conversion,
depositors will be entitled to full payment of their deposit accounts before any
payment is made to Berkshire Hills as the sole stockholder of Berkshire Bank.
The following table presents the deposit activity of Berkshire Bank for the
years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(In thousands)
Increase/(decrease) before interest credited...... $ 9,797 $ 85,460 $(18,008)
Interest credited................................. 23,848 22,601 21,564
------- -------- --------
Net increase................................ $33,645 $108,061 $ 3,556
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
69
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had certificate of deposit accounts in
amounts of $100,000 or more maturing as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Maturity Period Amount Rate
- --------------- ----------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Three months or less................. $16,550 5.11%
Over 3 months through 6 months....... 15,645 5.22
Over 6 months through 12 months...... 18,947 5.54
Over 12 months....................... 31,623 6.10
-------
Total.......................... $82,765 5.61%
=======
</TABLE>
The following table presents information concerning average balances and
weighted average interest rates on Berkshire Bank's deposit accounts for the
years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Percent Percent Percent
of Total Weighted of Total Weighted of Total Weighted
Average Average Average Average Average Average Average Average Average
Balance Deposits Rate Balance Deposits Rate Balance Deposits Rate
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Money market accounts.... $ 84,971 12.88% 3.73% $ 62,043 10.72% 3.50% $ 49,159 9.23% 3.33%
NOW accounts............. 73,615 11.16 1.13 60,039 10.37 1.94 50,696 9.52 1.97
Savings (1).............. 142,193 21.55 3.07 129,020 22.30 3.04 125,020 23.48 3.00
Certificates of deposit.. 291,344 44.16 5.34 271,959 47.00 5.64 262,379 49.28 5.78
Demand accounts.......... 67,563 10.25 -- 55,585 9.61 -- 45,218 8.49 --
-------- ------ -------- ------ -------- ------
Total.............. $659,686 100.00% 3.62% $578,646 100.00% 3.91% $532,472 100.00% 4.05%
======== ====== ======== ====== ======== ======
</TABLE>
_________________________
(1) Includes mortgagors' escrow accounts.
Certificates of Deposit by Rates and Maturities. The following table
presents the amount of certificate accounts categorized by rates and maturities,
for the periods and years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period to Maturity from December 31, 1999
------------------------------------------
Less than One to Two to Over Total at December 31,
One Two Three Three ------------------------------
Year Years Years Years 1999 1998 1997
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(Dollars in thousands)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
0.00-4.00%.......... $ 851 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 851 $ 1,095 $ 698
4.01-5.00%.......... 103,577 4,093 184 183 108,037 61,510 6,110
5.01-6.00%.......... 90,224 46,615 8,253 9,769 154,861 188,280 195,356
6.01-7.00%.......... 11,163 2,709 932 7,438 22,242 27,626 41,413
7.01% and above..... 741 14 7,206 1,351 9,312 12,146 17,016
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total....... $206,556 $53,431 $16,575 $18,741 $295,303 $290,657 $260,593
======== ======= ======= ======= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
70
<PAGE>
Borrowings. Berkshire Bank utilizes advances from the Federal Home Loan
Bank of Boston to supplement its supply of lendable funds and to meet deposit
withdrawal requirements. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston functions as a
central reserve bank providing credit for savings banks and certain other member
financial institutions. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston,
Berkshire Bank is required to own capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Boston and is authorized to apply for advances on the security of the capital
stock and certain of its mortgage loans and other assets, principally securities
that are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government or its agencies,
provided certain creditworthiness standards have been met. Advances are made
under several different credit programs. Each credit program has its own
interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on
the amount of advances are based on the financial condition of the member
institution and the adequacy of collateral pledged to secure the credit. At
December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had the ability to borrow a total of
approximately $209.2 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. At that
date, Berkshire Bank had outstanding advances of $58.9 million. In addition,
Berkshire Bank had a $2.0 million repurchase agreement line of credit to be
secured by securities or other assets of Berkshire Bank with the Depositors
Insurance Fund. Berkshire Bank only intends to use this line of credit on an
emergency basis to solve a funding problem. At December 31, 1999 Berkshire Bank
had no outstanding borrowings against this agreement.
Berkshire Bank offers retail repurchase agreements to selected higher
balance customers and certain municipalities. These agreements are direct
obligations of Berkshire Bank, which are then transferred to the customer, to
repay at maturity or on demand the purchase price of an undivided interest in a
U.S. Government or agency security owned by Berkshire Bank. Since these
agreements are not deposits, they are not insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation. At December 31, 1999, such retail repurchase agreement
borrowings totaled $1.1 million.
The following tables present certain information regarding Berkshire Bank's
Federal Home Loan Bank advances during the periods and at the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -----
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum amount of advances
outstanding at any month end..... $76,861 $42,892 $9,972
Approximate average advances
outstanding..................... 50,951 23,941 7,001
Approximate weighted average rate
paid on advances................. 5.49% 5.07% 5.63%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At December 31,
----------------------------
1999 1998 1997
-------- -------- -------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance outstanding at end of year.... $58,928 $29,590 $6,880
Weighted average rate on advances..... 5.64% 4.52% 6.20%
</TABLE>
Trust Services
Berkshire Bank maintains the Asset Management/Trust Department Group as a
department within Berkshire Bank which primarily provides trust and investment
services to individuals, partnerships, corporations and institutions and also
acts as a fiduciary of estates and conservatorships as a trustee under various
wills, trusts and other plans. Berkshire Bank believes that the trust
department allows it to provide investment opportunities and fiduciary services
to both current and prospective customers. Consistent with Berkshire Bank's
operating strategy, Berkshire Bank will continue to emphasize the growth of its
trust service operations to grow assets and increase fee-based income.
Berkshire Bank has implemented several policies governing the practices and
procedures of the trust department, including policies relating to maintaining
confidentiality of trust records, investment of trust property, handling
conflicts of interest, and maintaining impartiality. At December 31, 1999, the
trust department managed 622 accounts with aggregate assets of $242.8 million,
of which the largest relationship totaled $4.5 million, or 1.9% of the trust
department's total assets, at December 31, 1999. For 1999, trust services
generated $1.7 million of fees and service income compared to $1.2 million for
1998, an increase of 49.9%.
71
<PAGE>
Government Banking
In 1998, Berkshire Bank began offering full-service government banking
for cities, towns and municipal school districts in western Massachusetts,
eastern New York, northern Connecticut and southern Vermont. Berkshire Bank
offers municipalities all aspects of financial advisory services for the sale of
notes and bonds, actively working with bond counsel, rating agencies, consulting
agencies and bond buyers. Additionally, Berkshire Bank offers a wide range of
commercial deposit products and checking accounts, as well as the origination of
payroll accounts. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank was working with
approximately 25 municipalities. For 1999, government banking generated $94,500
of net fee income compared to $53,900 for 1998.
Subsidiary Activities
The following are descriptions of Berkshire Bank's wholly owned active
subsidiaries, which will be indirectly owned by Berkshire Hills following the
conversion.
G.B.S.B., Inc. G.B.S.B., Inc. was established in August 1990 to acquire
and hold investment securities of a type that are permissible for banks to hold
under applicable law. G.B.S.B. was qualified as a "securities
corporation" for Massachusetts income tax purposes. Income earned by a
qualifying securities corporation is generally entitled to special tax treatment
from Massachusetts income tax. As of December 31, 1999, G.B.S.B., Inc. had
assets totaling $44.9 million, consisting primarily of state and municipal bonds
and bank, utility and industrial stocks.
North Street Securities Corporation. North Street, originally named GBSB
Leasing Corporation, was established in January 1984 to acquire and hold
investment securities of a type that are permissible for banks to hold under
applicable law. North Street was qualified as a "securities corporation" for
Massachusetts income tax purposes. Income earned by a qualifying securities
corporation is generally entitled to special tax treatment from Massachusetts
income tax. As of December 31, 1999, North Street had assets totaling $31.6
million, consisting primarily of corporate and private label REMICs.
Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc.
In 1997, Berkshire Bank established a private charitable foundation,
Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. This foundation, which is not a subsidiary of
Berkshire Bank, provides grants to public charities that are operated for
charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, within the communities
that Berkshire Bank serves. In 1997, Berkshire Bank contributed marketable
equity securities with a cost basis and fair market value of $97,000 and $2.5
million, respectively, at the date of contribution and transfer. At December
31, 1999, the foundation had assets of approximately $2.1 million. The
foundation's current six member Board of Directors consists of current directors
of Berkshire Bank. After the conversion, Berkshire Bank will continue to
maintain the foundation. However, Berkshire Bank does not expect to make any
further contributions to the foundation. The existence of Berkshire Bank's
current foundation is not expected to impact the business and affairs of
Berkshire Hills Foundation which is being established in connection with
Berkshire Bank's conversion. See "The Conversion--Establishment of the
Charitable Foundation."
72
<PAGE>
73
<PAGE>
Properties
Berkshire Bank currently conducts its business through its main office
located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and 12 other full-service banking offices
and other facility listed below. Berkshire Hills believes that Berkshire Bank's
facilities will be adequate to meet the present and immediately foreseeable
needs of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Book Value
of Property
Lease Original Year or Leasehold
or Leased Date of Lease Improvements at
Location Own or Acquired Expiration December 31, 1999
- -------- ----- --------------- --------------- -----------------
(In thousands)
Main Office:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
24 North Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Own 1898 -- $1,184
Banking Offices:
244 Main St.
Great Barrington, Massachusetts.. Own 1950 -- 1,347
Main Street
Sheffield, Massachusetts......... Own 1966 -- 240
Old Town Hall
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Lease 1969 2030 50
Allendale Shopping Center
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Lease 1970 2001 66
2 Depot Street
W. Stockbridge, Massachusetts.... Own 1975 -- 123
165 Elm Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Own 1977 -- 329
255 Stockbridge Road
Great Barrington, Massachusetts.. Own 1985 -- 296
37 Main Street
North Adams, Massachusetts....... Lease 1985 2005/(1)/ 95
1 Park Street
Lee, Massachusetts............... Own 1991 -- 261
32 Main Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts....... Own 1991 -- 297
39 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Lease 1998 2002/(2)/ 5
66 West Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Lease 1998 2015/(1)/ 71
Other Office:
66 Allen Street (3)
Pittsfield, Massachusetts........ Own 1999 -- 2,421
</TABLE>
_______________________________
(1) Berkshire Bank has two options to renew this lease, each for an additional
five-year period.
(2) Berkshire Bank has an option to renew this lease for an additional ten-year
period.
(3) This facility houses Berkshire Bank's Commercial Lending Division, Asset
Management/Trust Department and Government Banking Program.
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<PAGE>
Personnel
As of December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had 255 full-time employees and 32
part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining
unit. Berkshire Bank believes its relationship with its employees is good.
Legal Proceedings
Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving
Berkshire Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on
properties in which Berkshire Bank holds security interests, claims involving
the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to
Berkshire Bank's business. Berkshire Bank is not a party to any pending legal
proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or operations of Berkshire Bank.
MANAGEMENT OF BERKSHIRE HILLS
Directors are elected by the stockholders of Berkshire Hills for staggered
three-year terms, or until their successors are elected and qualified. Berkshire
Hills' Board of Directors consists of 18 persons divided into three classes,
each of which contains approximately one-third of the Board. One class,
consisting of Messrs. Henry D. Granger, Edward G. McCormick, Raymond B. Murray,
III, Robert A. Wells, Ms. Ann H. Trabulsi and Ms. Anne Everest Wojtkowski, has a
term of office expiring at the first annual meeting of stockholders; a second
class, consisting of Messrs. Thomas O. Andrews, A. Allen Gray, Michael G.
Miller, Louis J. Oggiani, William E. Williams and Ms. Catherine B. Miller, has a
term of office expiring at the second annual meeting of stockholders; and a
third class, consisting of Messrs. James A. Cunningham, Jr., Thomas R. Dawson,
John Kittredge, Peter J. Lafayette, Robert S. Raser and Corydon L. Thurston, has
a term of office expiring at the third annual meeting of stockholders. Berkshire
Hills anticipates that its first annual meeting of stockholders will be held in
December 2000.
The executive officers of Berkshire Hills are elected annually and serve at
the Board's discretion. The executive officers of Berkshire Hills are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position
- ---- --------
<S> <C>
Robert A. Wells .............. Chairman of the Board
James A. Cunningham, Jr. ..... President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael P. Daly .............. Executive Vice President
Charles F. Plungis, Jr. ...... Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Susan M. Santora ............. Executive Vice President
</TABLE>
75
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF BERKSHIRE BANK
Directors and Executive Officers
The Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank is presently composed of 18
members who are elected annually as required by the Bylaws of Berkshire Bank.
The executive officers of Berkshire Bank are appointed annually by the Board of
Directors and hold office until their respective successors are chosen and
qualified, or until their death, earlier resignation or removal from office. The
following table presents information with respect to the directors and executive
officers of Berkshire Bank.
Directors
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director Term
Name Age (1) Position Held With Berkshire Bank (2) Since (3) Expires
- ---- -------- -------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas O. Andrews ................. 61 Director 1980 2000
James A. Cunningham, Jr. .......... 49 President, Chief Executive Officer and 1990 2000
Director
Thomas R. Dawson .................. 52 Director 1993 2000
Henry D. Granger .................. 63 Director 1985 2000
A. Allen Gray ..................... 55 Director 1996 2000
John Kittredge .................... 71 Director 1974 2000
Peter J. Lafayette ................ 52 Director 1996 2000
Edward G. McCormick ............... 52 Director 1994 2000
Catherine B. Miller ............... 58 Director 1983 2000
Michael G. Miller ................. 57 Director 1989 2000
Raymond B. Murray, III ............ 53 Director 1991 2000
Louis J. Oggiani .................. 48 Director 1995 2000
Robert S. Raser ................... 43 Director 1996 2000
Corydon L. Thurston ............... 47 Director 1988 2000
Ann H. Trabulsi ................... 64 Director 1976 2000
Robert A. Wells ................... 60 Chairman of the Board 1976 2000
William E. Williams ............... 48 Director 1992 2000
Anne Everest Wojtkowski ........... 64 Director 1973 2000
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors
Name Age (1) Position Held With Berkshire Bank
- ---- --------- ---------------------------------
Michael P. Daly ................... 38 Executive Vice President - Senior Loan Officer
Charles F. Plungis, Jr. ........... 48 Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Susan M. Santora .................. 46 Executive Vice President - Retail Banking
</TABLE>
_________________
(1) As of December 31, 1999.
(2) All of the directors are also trustees of Berkshire Bancorp.
(3) Includes term of service as a trustee of either Great Barrington Savings
Bank or Berkshire County Savings Bank.
Biographical Information
Below is certain information regarding the directors and executive officers
of Berkshire Bank. Unless otherwise stated, each director and executive officer
has held his or her current occupation for the last five years. There are no
family relationships among or between the directors or executive officers except
as set forth below.
Thomas O. Andrews is the President and Chief Executive Officer of H.S.
Andrews Insurance Agency in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
76
<PAGE>
James A. Cunningham, Jr. serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Berkshire Bank and President and Chief Operating Officer of Berkshire Bancorp.
Mr. Cunningham was President and Chief Executive Officer of Great Barrington
Savings Bank prior to its merger with Berkshire County Savings Bank in May 1997.
Thomas R. Dawson is a self-employed certified public accountant.
Henry D. Granger is the owner of Northeast Technical Associates, Inc., a
real estate appraisal firm, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
A. Allen Gray is a vice president and general counsel of General Dynamics
Defense Systems, Inc., a government contractor located in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts.
John Kittredge is a former vice president of Crane and Company, Inc., a
paper manufacturer located in Dalton, Massachusetts. Mr. Kittredge serves as
the clerk of Berkshire Bank.
Peter J. Lafayette is President of Berkshire Housing Development
Corporation, a non-profit housing organization located in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts.
Edward G. McCormick is a partner in the law firm of McCormick, Murtagh,
Marcus & Smith, located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Catherine B. Miller is a former partner and vice president of Wheeler &
Taylor, Inc., an insurance agency with offices in Stockbridge, Great Barrington
and Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Michael G. Miller has served as the President of South Mountain Products, a
food importer located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts since 1997. Mr. Miller was
retired from 1995 until 1997. Mr. Miller served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of EPC Holding, a newspaper publishing company located in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts prior to his two-year retirement.
Raymond B. Murray, III is vice president and co-owner of Ray Murray, Inc.,
a regional wholesale equipment distributor for propane, natural and industrial
gas markets located in Lee, Massachusetts.
Louis J. Oggiani is an attorney with a private office in Great Barrington,
Massachusetts.
Robert S. Raser is the former President of Carr Brothers Hardware Co, Inc.
located in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Corydon L. Thurston serves as executive vice president of Berkshire
Broadcasting, Inc., which owns and operates three radio stations in North Adams
and Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Ann H. Trabulsi is a community volunteer serving on various not-for-profit
boards, including Berkshire Medical Center and Berkshire Health Systems.
Robert A. Wells is Chairman of the Board of Berkshire Bank and Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Bancorp. Mr. Wells served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire County Savings Bank prior to
its merger with Great Barrington Savings Bank in May 1997.
William E. Williams is the President of W.E. Williams Paving, Inc., a
company located in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, providing all types of
excavating and paving services throughout Berkshire County and surrounding
areas.
Anne Everest Wojtkowski is a professor of engineering at Berkshire
Community College.
77
<PAGE>
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors
Michael P. Daly was named Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer
in December 1999. Before being named to these positions, Mr. Daly served as
Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking. Prior to the merger of Berkshire
County Savings Bank and Great Barrington Savings Bank, Mr. Daly was in charge of
commercial lending, consumer lending and operations.
Charles F. Plungis, Jr. has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer
with both Great Barrington Savings Bank and Berkshire Bank. Mr. Plungis was
additionally named Chief Financial Officer in December 1999.
Susan M. Santora served as Senior Vice President in charge of branch
administration before being named Executive Vice President of Retail Banking in
December 1999. Prior to the merger, Ms. Santora was a vice president of Great
Barrington Savings Bank.
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank and
Berkshire Hills
The business of Berkshire Bank is conducted through meetings and activities
of the Board of Directors and its committees. During the year ended December 31,
1999 the Board of Directors held 12 regular meetings and three special meetings.
The Board of Directors has established the following committees:
The Auditing Committee consists of Messrs. Dawson, Gray, Raser and
Williams. This committee reviews Berkshire Bancorp's consolidated financial
statements, supervises the internal auditor and engages the external auditors.
The committee meets quarterly and met four times in 1999.
The Compensation Committee, which consists of Ms. Miller, Ms. Trabulsi and
Messrs. Murray and Thurston, is responsible for all matters regarding
compensation and fringe benefits for executive officers. This committee meets
as needed. The Committee was established by the Board of Directors in December
1999.
The CRA Committee, which consists of Messrs. Granger, Lafayette, McCormick
and Ms. Wojtkowski, monitors Berkshire Bank's compliance with both the state and
federal Community Reinvestment Acts, ensures that Berkshire Bank serves the
various credit needs of individuals and businesses in its delineated market area
and reviews Berkshire Bank's CRA examinations. The Committee meets quarterly
and met four times in 1999.
The Executive Committee, which consists of Messrs. Cunningham, Murray,
Thurston, Wells, Ms. Miller and Ms. Trabulsi, reviews and approves certain loans
and evaluates issues of major importance between regularly scheduled board
meetings. The Committee meets bi-monthly and as necessary, and met 24 times in
1999.
The Trust Committee, which consists of Messrs. Andrews, Kittredge, Miller,
Oggiani and Wells, oversees Berkshire Bank's Asset Management/Trust Department
activities. Such oversight includes the review and approval of the department's
policies, the coordination of the annual audit and review of the department's
examination reports. The Committee meets monthly and met 12 times in 1999.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills has established the following
committees: the Audit Committee consisting of Messrs. Dawson, Gray, Raser and
Williams; the Pricing Committee consisting of the entire Board of Directors of
Berkshire Hills; the Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Murray and
Thurston, Ms. Miller and Ms. Trabulsi; the Nominating Committee and the
Executive Committee, both consisting of Messrs. Cunningham, Murray, Thurston,
Wells, Ms. Miller and Ms. Trabulsi.
Directors' Compensation
Fees. Non-employee directors of Berkshire Bank currently receive an annual
retainer of $3,000 for membership on the Board of Directors and $5,000 for
membership on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. The Clerk of
Berkshire Bank receives an annual retainer of $500. In addition, non-employee
directors each receive $500 for each board meeting attended, $250 for each
Trust, Audit or CRA Committee meeting
78
<PAGE>
attended, and $500 for each Executive Committee meeting attended. The meeting
fee for attendance at Executive Committee meetings is $250 if it immediately
precedes a Board of Directors' meeting. Following the conversion, non-employee
directors of Berkshire Bank will each receive an annual retainer of $7,500, and
members of the Executive Committee will receive an additional $1,500. In
addition, non-employee directors will receive $500 for each board meeting
attended, $750 for each Executive Committee meeting attended, $500 for each CRA
or Audit Committee meeting attended and $250 for each Trust Committee meeting
attended.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following information is furnished for the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the four other highest paid executive
officers of Berkshire Bank who received a salary and bonus of $100,000 or more
during the year ended December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation (1) All Other
----------------------------------
Name and Position Year (2) Salary (3) Bonus Compensation
- ----------------- -------- ---------- -------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James A. Cunningham, Jr.......................... 1999 $260,400 $52,080 $266,699/(4)/
President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert A. Wells.................................. 1999 248,750 45,000 81,674/(4)/
Chairman of the Board
Susan M. Santora................................. 1999 109,140 32,742 15,543/(5)/
Executive Vice President-Retail Banking
Michael P. Daly.................................. 1999 116,601 23,320 12,582/(5)/
Executive Vice President-Senior Loan Officer
Charles F. Plungis, Jr........................... 1999 110,775 22,155 16,197/(5)/
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
_________________________
(1) Does not include the aggregate amount of perquisites and other benefits,
which was less than $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus
reported.
(2) Compensation information for the 1998 and 1997 fiscal years has been omitted
because Berkshire Bank was neither a public company nor a subsidiary of a
public company at that time.
(3) Includes $23,750 of directors' fees for Mr. Wells.
(4) Consists of employer contributions to Berkshire Bank's 401(k) plan of
$4,800. Also consists of employer contributions of $261,899 and $76,874 to
Berkshire Bank's supplemental executive retirement plan for Messrs.
Cunningham and Wells, respectively.
(5) Consists of employer contributions of $3,274, $3,498 and $3,323 to Berkshire
Bank's 401(k) plan and employer service costs of $12,269, $9,084 and $12,874
to Berkshire Bank's defined benefit plan for Ms. Santora, Mr. Daly and Mr.
Plungis, respectively.
Employment Agreements. Berkshire Bank currently has employment agreements
with Messrs. Wells and Cunningham. However, upon the completion of the
conversion, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills each intend to enter into new
employment agreements with Messrs. Wells and Cunningham, as well as with Messrs.
Daly, Plungis and Ms. Santora. The employment agreements are intended to ensure
that Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills will be able to maintain a stable and
competent management base after the conversion. The continued success of
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills depends to a significant degree on the skills
and competence of officers.
The employment agreements will provide for a three-year term. The term of
the employment agreements will automatically extend on a daily basis unless
written notice of non-renewal is given by the Board of Directors of Berkshire
Hills or Berkshire Bank or by the executive. The employment agreements provide
that each executive's base salary will be reviewed annually. The base salaries
which will be effective for such employment agreements for Messrs. Cunningham,
Wells, Daly, and Plungis and Ms. Santora will be $320,000, $250,000, $139,250,
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<PAGE>
$140,750 and $125,510, respectively. In addition to the base salary, the
employment agreements provide for, among other things, participation in stock
and employee benefits plans and fringe benefits applicable to executive
personnel. The employment agreements provide for termination by Berkshire Bank
or Berkshire Hills for cause, as defined in the employment agreements, at any
time. If Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills chooses to terminate an executive's
employment for reasons other than for cause, or if an executive resigns from
Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills after specified circumstances that would
constitute constructive termination, the executive or, if the executive dies,
his/her beneficiary, would be entitled to receive an amount equal to the
remaining base salary and incentive compensation payments due to the executive
for the remaining term of the employment agreement and the contributions that
would have been made on the executive's behalf to any employee benefit plans of
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills during the remaining term of the employment
agreement. Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills would also continue and/or pay
for the executive's life, health, dental and disability coverage for the
remaining term of the employment agreement. Upon termination of the executive
for reasons other than a change in control, the executive must adhere to a one
year non-competition restriction.
Under the employment agreements, if voluntary (upon circumstances discussed
in the agreements) or involuntary termination follows a change in control of
Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills, the executive or, if the executive dies,
his/her beneficiary, would be entitled to a severance payment equal to the
greater of: (1) the payments due for the remaining terms of the agreement; or
(2) three times the average of the executive's compensation (as described in the
agreements) for the five preceding taxable years. Berkshire Bank and Berkshire
Hills would also continue the executive's life, health, and disability coverage
for thirty-six months. Even though both Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills
employment agreements provide for a severance payment if a change in control
occurs, the executive would not receive duplicative payments or benefits under
the agreements. The executive would also be entitled to receive an additional
tax indemnification payment if payments under the employment agreements or any
other payments constituting "excess parachute payments" trigger liability under
the Internal Revenue Code of an excise tax. Under applicable law, the excise
tax is triggered by change in control-related payments which equal or exceed
three times the executive's average annual compensation over the five taxable
years preceding the change in control. The excise tax equals 20% of the amount
of the payment in excess of one times the executive's average compensation over
that preceding five-year period. If a change in control of Berkshire Bank and
Berkshire Hills occurred, the total amount of payments due under the Agreements,
based solely on the 1999 cash compensation (and without regard to future base
salary adjustments or bonuses and excluding any benefits under any employee
benefit plan which may be payable) would be approximately $3.0 million.
Payments to the executive under Berkshire Bank's employment agreement will
be guaranteed by Berkshire Hills if payments or benefits are not paid by
Berkshire Bank. Payment under Berkshire Hills' employment agreement would be
made by Berkshire Hills. All reasonable costs and legal fees paid or incurred
by the executive in any dispute or question of interpretation relating to the
employment agreements will be paid by Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills,
respectively, if the executive is successful on the merits in a legal judgment,
arbitration or settlement. The employment agreements also provide that
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills will indemnify the executive to the fullest
extent legally allowable.
Change in Control Agreements. Upon conversion, Berkshire Bank and
Berkshire Hills intend to enter into change in control agreements with six
senior officers who will not be covered by an employment agreement. Each change
in control agreement will be renewable on an annual basis. The change in
control agreements will have terms of three years. The change in control
agreements will provide that if voluntary (upon the occurrence of circumstances
discussed in the agreements) or involuntary termination follows a change in
control of Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills, the officers would be entitled to
receive a severance payment equal three times their average annual compensation
(as described in the agreements) for the five most recent taxable years.
Berkshire Bank would also continue to pay for the officers' life, health and
disability coverage for 36 months following termination. If a change in control
of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills occurred, the total payments that would be
due under the change in control agreements, based solely on the current annual
compensation paid to the officers covered by the change in control agreements
and excluding any benefits under any employee benefit plan which may be payable,
would equal approximately $2.1 million.
Benefits
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<PAGE>
General. Berkshire Bank currently pays 75% of the total costs of the
medical and health benefits for newly eligible employees and former employees of
Berkshire County Savings Bank. A greater portion is paid for grand-fathered
employees of Great Barrington Savings Bank. Berkshire Bank also pays 100% of
the total costs of dental insurance plans and 100% of premiums for life and
disability benefits for full-time employees.
Pension Plan. Berkshire Bank maintains a pension plan for its eligible
employees. Generally, employees of Berkshire Bank begin participation in the
pension plan once they reach age 21 and complete 1,000 hours of service in a
consecutive 12-month period. Participants in the pension plan become vested in
their accrued benefit under the pension plan upon the earlier of the: (1)
attainment of their "normal retirement age" (as described in the pension plan)
while employed at Berkshire Bank; (2) completion of three vesting years of
service with Berkshire Bank; or (3) death or disability of the participant.
Participants are generally credited with a vesting year of service for each year
in which they complete at least 1,000 hours of service.
A participant's normal benefit under the pension plan equals the sum of (1)
1.35% of the participant's average compensation (generally defined as the
average taxable compensation for the three consecutive limitation years that
produce the highest average) by the number of years of service the participant
has under the plan up to 25 years of service, plus (2) 0.6% of the excess of the
participant's average compensation over the participant's covered compensation
(the social security taxable wage base for the 35 years ending in the year the
participant becomes eligible for non-reduced social security benefits) for each
year of service under the plan up to 25 years of service. Participants may
retire at or after age 65 and receive their full benefit under the plan.
Participants may also retire early at age 62 or at age 55 with ten years of
service or at age 50 with 15 years of service under the plan and receive a
reduced retirement benefit. Pension benefits are payable in equal monthly
installments for life, or for married persons, as a joint survivor annuity over
the lives of the participant and spouse. Participants may also elect a lump sum
payment with the consent of their spouse. If a participant dies while employed
by Berkshire Bank, a death benefit will be payable to either his or her spouse
or estate, or named beneficiary, equal to the entire amount of the participant's
accrued benefit in the plan.
The following table indicates the annual employer-provided retirement
benefits that would be payable under the pension plan upon retirement at age 65
to a participant electing to receive his pension benefit in the standard form of
benefit, assuming various specified levels of plan compensation and various
specified years of credited service. Under the Internal Revenue Code, maximum
annual benefits under the pension plan are limited to $135,000 per year and
annual compensation for benefit calculation purposes is limited to $170,000 per
year for the 2000 calendar year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years of Service
Average Annual ------------------------------------------------------------
Compensation 10 15 20 25 30 35+
- -------------- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 25,000 $ 3,375 $ 5,063 $ 6,750 $ 8,438 $ 8,438 $ 8,438
50,000 7,766 11,649 15,532 19,415 19,415 19,415
75,000 12,641 18,962 25,282 31,603 31,603 31,603
100,000 17,516 26,274 35,032 43,790 43,790 43,790
125,000 22,391 33,587 44,782 55,978 55,978 55,978
150,000 27,266 40,899 54,532 68,165 68,165 68,165
175,000 29,216 43,824 58,432 73,040 73,040 73,040
200,000 29,216 43,824 58,432 73,040 73,040 73,040
250,000 29,216 43,824 58,432 73,040 73,040 73,040
300,000 29,216 43,824 58,432 73,040 73,040 73,040
350,000 29,216 43,824 58,432 73,040 73,040 73,040
</TABLE>
At October 31, 1999, which is the date of the most recent pension plan
statement, the pension plan's assets exceeded the benefit obligation by
approximately $1.6 million. The benefits listed on the table above, for the
pension plan are not subject to a deduction for Social Security benefits or any
other offset amount. As of January 1,
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<PAGE>
2000, Messrs. Cunningham, Wells, Daly, Plungis and Ms. Santora had 27, 39, 14,
25 and 14 years of service, respectively, for purposes of the pension plan.
Other Retirement Arrangements. Berkshire Bank has entered into a split-
dollar life insurance arrangement with Mr. Cunningham primarily to provide a
specified level of benefits upon Mr. Cunningham's retirement from Berkshire
Bank. Berkshire Bank has also entered into a separate agreement with Mr. Wells
to provide similar benefits. The arrangements were designed to provide Messrs.
Wells and Cunningham with an annual retirement benefit at age 60 equal to 70% of
the average of the three consecutive years during which each of the executive's
compensation is the highest. The determination of the total expected retirement
benefit consideration of the benefits the executives would receive under the
pension plan, the 401(k) plan, social security and certain life insurance
arrangements. Upon the executive's death, Berkshire Bank expects to recover all
of the premium payments it made with respect to the life insurance policies
purchased in connection with such arrangements.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Upon conversion, Berkshire Bank
intends to implement a supplemental executive retirement plan to provide for
supplemental retirement benefits with respect to the 401(k) plan and the
employee stock ownership plan; specifically benefits otherwise limited by other
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or the terms of the employee stock
ownership plan loan (see below). Specifically, the plan will provide benefits
to eligible individuals (those designated by the Board of Directors of Berkshire
Bank or its affiliates) that cannot be provided under the 401(k) Plan and/or the
employee stock ownership plan as a result of the limitations imposed by the
Internal Revenue Code, but that would have been provided under the 401(k) Plan
and/or the employee stock ownership plan but for such limitations. In addition
to providing for benefits lost under tax-qualified plans as a result of
limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, the new plan will also provide
supplemental benefits to designated individuals upon a change of control before
the complete scheduled repayment of the employee stock ownership plan loan.
Generally, upon such an event, the supplemental executive retirement plan will
provide the individual with a benefit equal to what the individual would have
received under the employee stock ownership plan had he remained employed
throughout the term of the employee stock ownership plan loan less the benefits
actually provided under the employee stock ownership plan on behalf of such
individual. An individual's benefits under the supplemental executive
retirement plan will generally become payable upon the change in control of
Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills. The Board of Directors intends to designate
Messrs. Cunningham and Wells as participants in the supplemental executive
retirement plan.
Berkshire Bank may utilize a grantor trust in connection with the
supplemental executive retirement plan in order to set funds aside with which to
ultimately pay benefits under the plan. The assets of the grantor trust would
be subject to the claims of Berkshire Bank's general creditors in the event of
Berkshire Bank's insolvency until paid to the individual according to the terms
of the supplemental executive retirement plans.
401(k) Plan. Berkshire Bank has implemented a 401(k) plan (the "401(k)
Plan"), a tax-qualified profit sharing plan with a qualified cash or deferred
arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of
its eligible employees. The 401(k) Plan currently provides participants with
savings and retirement benefits based on employee deferrals of compensation, as
well as matching contributions made by Berkshire Bank. Eligible employees may
begin participating in the 401(k) Plan upon the completion of one year of
service (generally the completion of 1,000 hours of service during a twelve
consecutive month period) and attainment of age 21. Participants currently may
make pre-tax salary deferrals to the 401(k) Plan in amounts from 1% to 15% of
their total compensation, within a legally permissible limit ($10,500 for 2000).
Berkshire Bank makes a regular matching contribution equal to 100% of the
elective deferrals made by each participant up to 3% of a participant's eligible
compensation. This match is discretionary and may increase or decrease as
determined by Berkshire Bank. A participant is always 100% vested in his or her
account under the 401(k) Plan.
Currently, participants may invest their accounts under the 401(k) Plan in
eight investment vehicles with varying investment characteristics. Berkshire
Bank intends to add, as an investment option, an employer stock fund in which
participants may invest a portion of their account balances primarily in
Berkshire Hills common stock within the limitations set forth in the 401(k) Plan
document. However, a participant's ability to acquire common stock in the
conversion will be based on his or her status as an eligible account holder.
Regardless of the source of funds, no eligible account holders may elect to
invest more than $250,000 in common stock.
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<PAGE>
Generally, distributions from the 401(k) Plan may commence upon a
participant's separation from service for any reason. However, participants may
request in-service distributions from the 401(k) Plan in the form of hardship
withdrawals and loans. Distributions from the 401(k) Plan generally must comply
with federal and state income taxes and distributions made before a participant
attains the required minimum age also may be subject to a federal excise tax.
Incentive Compensation Program. The Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank
has approved an incentive compensation program for employees of Berkshire Bank
based on the Board's evaluation of the fiscal year's operating results. The
size of the available incentive compensation pool may not exceed 10% of the
monthly net operating income of Berkshire Bank. The maximum bonus under the
program is generally limited to either 10%, 15%, or 20% of a participant's base
salary, depending on the individual's job classifications; however, greater
bonuses may be paid under special circumstances.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Berkshire Bank's Board of Directors has
authorized the adoption of an employee stock ownership plan for employees of
Berkshire Bank to be effective upon the completion of the conversion. Eligible
employees who are age 21 and employed by Berkshire Bank on the conversion
effective date participate in the plan immediately. Thereafter, new employees
of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank who have been credited with at least one
year of service and attain age 21 will be eligible to participate in the
employee stock ownership plan.
The employee stock ownership plan expects to acquire 8% of the shares
issued in the conversion or between 530,971 shares, assuming 6,637,140 shares
are issued in the conversion, and 718,372 shares assuming 8,979,660 shares are
issued in the conversion. If the number of shares to be issued in the conversion
is increased to 10,326,609 shares, the employee stock ownership plan expects to
acquire 826,128 shares. It is anticipated that the employee stock ownership
plan will borrow funds from a subsidiary to be established in connection with
the conversion or from a third-party lender to purchase the stock. The loan will
equal 100% of the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The loan to the
employee stock ownership plan will be repaid from Berkshire Bank's contributions
to the employee stock ownership plan and, to a lesser extent, from dividends
payable on Berkshire Hills common stock held by the employee stock ownership
plan over the anticipated 15-year term of the loan. The interest rate for the
employee stock ownership plan loan is expected to be the prime rate as published
in The Wall Street Journal on the closing date of the conversion. See "Pro Forma
Data." If the employee stock ownership plan is unable to acquire 8% of the
common stock issued in the conversion through the offering, it is anticipated
that these additional shares will be acquired following the conversion through
open market purchases.
In any plan year, Berkshire Bank may make additional discretionary
contributions to the employee stock ownership plan for the benefit of plan
participants in either cash or shares of Berkshire Hills common stock, which may
be acquired through the purchase of outstanding shares in the market or from
individual stockholders or which constitute authorized but unissued shares or
shares held in treasury by Berkshire Hills. The timing, amount, and manner of
discretionary contributions will be affected by several factors, including
applicable regulatory policies, the requirements of applicable laws and
regulations, and market conditions.
Shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan with the proceeds of
the loan will be held in a suspense account and released on a pro rata basis as
the loan is repaid. Discretionary contributions to the employee stock ownership
plan and shares released from the suspense account will be allocated among
participants on the basis of each participant's proportional share of total
compensation. Any forfeitures will be reallocated among the remaining plan
participants.
Participants will vest in their accrued benefits under the employee stock
ownership plan upon the completion of five years of service with credit given
for prior service with Berkshire Bank. A participant is fully vested at
retirement, upon death or disability or upon termination of the employee stock
ownership plan. Benefits are distributable upon a participant's retirement,
death, disability, or termination of employment. Berkshire Bank's contributions
to the employee stock ownership plan are not fixed, so benefits payable under
the employee stock ownership plan cannot be estimated.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank expects to appoint an independent
trustee for the employee stock ownership plan. The trustee votes all allocated
shares held in the employee stock ownership plan as instructed by the
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plan participants and unallocated shares and allocated shares for which no
instructions are received are generally voted by the trustee in the same ratio
on any matter as those shares for which instructions are given.
Under applicable accounting requirements, compensation expense for a
leveraged employee stock ownership plan is recorded at the fair market value of
the employee stock ownership plan shares when committed to be released to
participants' accounts. See "Pro Forma Data."
The employee stock ownership plan must meet the requirements of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations
of the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Labor. Berkshire Bank
intends to request a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service
regarding the tax-qualified status of the employee stock ownership plan.
Berkshire Bank expects to receive a favorable determination letter, but cannot
guarantee it.
Employee Severance Compensation Plan. Berkshire Bank's Board of Directors
intends to adopt the Berkshire Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan to
provide benefits to eligible employees upon a change in control of Berkshire
Hills or Berkshire Bank. Eligible employees are those with a minimum of one year
of service with Berkshire Bank. Generally, all eligible employees, other than
officers who will enter into separate employment or change in control agreements
with Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, will be eligible to participate in the
severance plan. Under the severance plan, if a change in control of Berkshire
Hills or Berkshire Bank occurs, eligible employees who are terminated or who
terminate employment, but only upon the occurrence of events specified in the
severance plan, within 24 months of the effective date of a change in control
will be entitled to a payment equal to one month's compensation for each year of
service with Berkshire Bank with a maximum payment equal to 24 months of
compensation. Assuming that a change in control had occurred at December 31,
1999, and all eligible employees were terminated, the maximum aggregate payment
due under the severance plan would be approximately $12.0 million.
Stock-Based Incentive Plan. Following the conversion, the Board of
Directors of Berkshire Hills intends to adopt a stock-based incentive plan which
will provide for the granting of options to purchase common stock and restricted
stock awards, to eligible officers, employees, and directors of Berkshire Hills
and Berkshire Bank. If the stock-based incentive plan is adopted within one
year after conversion, applicable regulations require such plan to be approved
by a majority of Berkshire Hills' stockholders at a meeting of stockholders to
be held no earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion.
Under the stock-based incentive plan, Berkshire Hills intends to grant
stock options in an amount equal to 10% of the shares of common stock issued in
the conversion. The amount granted would range from 663,714 shares, assuming
6,637,140 shares are issued in the conversion to 897,966 shares, assuming
8,979,660 shares are issued in the conversion. If the number of shares to be
issued in the conversion is increased to 10,326,609, shares, the amount of
options granted would equal 1,032,660 shares. Additionally, Berkshire Hills
intends to grant stock awards in an amount equal to 4% of the shares of common
stock issued in the conversion. The amount granted would range from 265,485
shares, assuming 6,637,140 shares are issued in the conversion to 359,186
shares, assuming 8,979,660 shares are issued in the conversion. If the number
of shares to be issued in the conversion is increased to 10,326,609 shares, the
amount of awards granted would equal 413,064 shares. Any common stock awarded
under the stock-based incentive plan will be awarded at no cost to the
recipients. The plan may be funded through the purchase of common stock by a
trust established in connection with the stock-based incentive plan or from
authorized but unissued shares. Berkshire Hills intends to appoint an
independent fiduciary to serve as trustee of a trust to be established in
connection with the stock-based incentive plan. If additional authorized but
unissued shares are acquired by the stock-based incentive plan after the
conversion, the interests of existing shareholders would be diluted. See "Pro
Forma Data."
The grants of stock options and stock awards will be designed to attract
and retain qualified personnel in key positions, provide officers and key
employees with a proprietary interest in Berkshire Hills as an incentive to
contribute to the success of Berkshire Hills and reward key employees for
outstanding performance. All employees of Berkshire Hills and its subsidiaries,
including Berkshire Bank, will be eligible to participate in the stock-based
incentive plan. It is expected that the committee administering the plan will
determine the terms of awards granted to officers and employees. The committee
will also determine whether stock options will be incentive or non-statutory
stock options, as defined below, the number of shares available for each stock
option and stock award,
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the exercise price of each non-statutory stock option, whether stock options may
be exercised by delivering other shares of common stock, and when stock options
become exercisable or stock awards vest. Only employees may receive grants of
incentive stock options. Therefore, under the stock-based incentive plan,
directors may receive only grants of non-statutory stock options. If such plan
is adopted within one year after conversion, applicable regulations provide that
no individual officer or employee of Berkshire Bank may receive more than 25% of
the stock options available under the stock-based incentive plan (or any
separate plan for officers and employees) and non-employee directors may not
receive more than 5% individually, or 30% in the aggregate, of the stock options
available under the stock-based incentive plan (or any separate plan for
directors). Federal regulations also provide that no individual officer or
employee of Berkshire Bank may receive more than 25% of the restricted stock
awards available under the stock-based incentive plan (or any separate plan for
officers and employees) and non-employee directors may not receive more than 5%
individually, or 30% in the aggregate, of the restricted stock awards available
under the stock-based incentive plan (or any separate plan for directors).
The stock-based incentive plan will provide for the grant of: (1) stock
options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code ("Incentive Stock Options"); and (2) stock options that do
not so qualify ("Non-Statutory Stock Options"). It is anticipated that all
stock options granted contemporaneously with stockholder approval of the stock-
based incentive plan will qualify as Incentive Stock Options to the extent
permitted under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Unless sooner
terminated, the stock-based incentive plan will be in effect for a period of ten
years from the earlier of adoption by the Berkshire Hills Board of Directors or
approval by Berkshire Hills stockholders. If the stockholders approve the Plan,
Berkshire Hills intends to grant stock options under the plan at an exercise
price equal to at least the fair market value of the underlying common stock on
the date of grant.
An individual will not be deemed to have received taxable income upon the
grant or exercise of any Incentive Stock Option, provided that such shares
received through the exercise of such option are not disposed of by the employee
for at least one year after the date the stock is received in connection with
the stock option exercise and two years after the date of grant of the stock
option (a "disqualifying disposition"). No compensation deduction will be
available to Berkshire Hills as a result of the grant or exercise of Incentive
Stock Options unless there has been a disqualifying disposition. In the case of
a Non-Statutory Stock Option and in the case of a disqualifying disposition of
an Incentive Stock Option, an individual will realize ordinary income upon
exercise of the stock option (or upon the disqualifying disposition) in an
amount equal to the amount by which the fair market value on the date of
exercise exceeds the exercise price of the option. The amount of any ordinary
income realized by an optionee upon the exercise of a Non-Statutory Stock Option
or due to a disqualifying disposition of an Incentive Stock Option will be a
deductible expense to Berkshire Hills for income tax purposes.
The stock-based incentive plan will provide for the granting of stock
awards. Grants of stock awards to officers and employees may be made in the
form of base grants and/or performance grants (the vesting of which would be
contingent upon performance goals established by the committee administering the
plan). In establishing any performance goals, the committee may utilize the
annual financial results of Berkshire Bank, actual performance of Berkshire Bank
as compared to targeted goals such as the ratio of Berkshire Bank's net worth to
total assets, Berkshire Bank's return on average assets, or such other
performance standards as determined by the committee with the approval of the
Berkshire Hills Board of Directors.
When a participant becomes vested with respect to stock awards, the
participant will realize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the
common stock at the time of vesting (unless the participant made an election
under Section 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code). The amount of income
recognized by the participants will be a deductible expense for tax purposes for
Berkshire Hills. When restricted stock awards become vested and shares of
common stock are actually distributed to participants, the participants would
receive amounts equal to any accrued dividends with respect thereto. Before
vesting, recipients of stock awards may direct the voting of the shares awarded
to them. Shares not subject to grants and shares allocated subject to the
achievement of performance goals will be voted by the trustee in proportion to
the directions provided with respect to shares subject to grants. Vested shares
will be distributed to recipients as soon as practicable following the day on
which they vest.
The vesting periods for awards under the stock-based incentive plan will be
determined by the committee administering the plan. If the stock-based
incentive plan is adopted within one year after conversion, awards would become
vested and exercisable within the limits of applicable regulations, which such
regulations require that any
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awards begin vesting no earlier than one year from the date of shareholder
approval of the plan and, thereafter, vest at a rate of no more than 20% per
year and may not be accelerated except in the case of death or disability. Stock
options could be exercisable for three months following the date on which the
employee or director ceases to perform services for Berkshire Bank or Berkshire
Hills, except that if an employee or director dies or becomes disabled, stock
options accelerate and become fully vested and could be exercisable for up to
one year thereafter or such longer period as determined by Berkshire Hills. In
the case of death or disability, stock options may be exercised for a period of
12 months. However, any Incentive Stock Options exercised more than three months
following the date the employee ceases to perform services as an employee would
be treated as a Non-Statutory Stock Option. If the optionee continues to perform
services as a director or consultant on behalf of Berkshire Bank, Berkshire
Hills or an affiliate after retirement, unvested stock options would continue to
vest in accordance with their original vesting schedule until the optionee
ceases to serve as a consultant or director. If a participant dies, is disabled
or retires, Berkshire Hills, if requested by the optionee, or the optionee's
beneficiary, could elect, in exchange for vested options, to pay the optionee,
or the optionee's beneficiary if the optionee dies, the amount by which the fair
market value of the common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options
on the date of the employee's termination of employment.
Within the limits of any applicable regulatory requirements, the stock-
based incentive plan may be amended after the first anniversary date of the
conversion to provide for accelerated vesting of previously granted stock
options or stock awards if a change in control of Berkshire Hills or Berkshire
Bank occurs. A change in control would generally be considered to occur when a
person or group of persons acting in concert acquires beneficial ownership of
20% or more of any class of equity security of Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank
or if a tender or exchange offer, merger or other form of business combination,
sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Berkshire Hills or Berkshire
Bank or similar transaction occurs or a contested election of directors which
resulted in the replacement of a majority of the Berkshire Hills Board of
Directors by persons not nominated by the directors in office before the
contested election occurs.
Transactions with Related Persons
Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to
executive officers and directors must be made on substantially the same terms,
including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with the general public and must not involve more than
the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. Loans made
to a director or executive officer in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of
Berkshire Bank's capital and surplus (up to a maximum of $500,000) must be
approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of
Directors. In addition, Massachusetts law regulates the granting of loans to
officers and directors of Berkshire Bank.
Berkshire Bank offers full-time non-officer employees who have completed
three months of employment and who satisfy the general underwriting standards of
Berkshire Bank, personal loans with interest rates of 1% below the current
interest rates in effect. If the individual leaves the employ of Berkshire
Bank, the loan rate increases to Berkshire Bank's current rate then in effect.
All other loans and all loans made to Berkshire Bank's officers and directors
are made on the same terms and conditions offered to the general public.
Berkshire Bank's policy provides that all loans made by Berkshire Bank to its
executive officers and directors be made in the ordinary course of business, on
substantially the same terms, including collateral, as those prevailing at the
time for comparable transactions with other persons and may not involve more
than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.
As of December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank's executive officers and directors had
loans with outstanding balances totaling $3.9 million in the aggregate. All
such loans were made by Berkshire Bank in the ordinary course of business, with
no favorable terms and such loans do not involve more than the normal risk of
collectibility or present unfavorable features.
Berkshire Hills intends that all transactions in the future between it and
its executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any
class of its common stock and affiliates thereof, will contain terms no less
favorable to Berkshire Hills than could have been obtained by it in arm's length
negotiations with unaffiliated persons and will be approved by a majority of
independent outside directors of Berkshire Hills not having any interest in the
transactions.
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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
General
As a savings bank chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Berkshire
Bank is extensively regulated under state law with respect to many aspects of
its banking activities; this state regulation is administered by the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. In addition, as a bank whose deposits are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation through the Bank Insurance
Fund, Berkshire Bank must pay deposit insurance assessments and is examined and
supervised by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These laws and
regulations have been established primarily for the protection of depositors,
customers and borrowers of Berkshire Bank, not bank stockholders.
Berkshire Hills will also be required to file reports with, and otherwise
comply with the rules and regulations of, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the federal securities laws. The following discussion of the laws and
regulations material to the operations of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank is
a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such laws and
regulations.
Berkshire Bank is and Berkshire Hills, as a savings and loan holding
company, will be extensively regulated and supervised. Regulations, which
affect Berkshire Bank on a daily basis, may be changed at any time, and the
interpretation of the relevant law and regulations may also change because of
new interpretations by the authorities who interpret those laws and regulations.
Any change in the regulatory structure or the applicable statutes or
regulations, whether by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner, the State of
Massachusetts, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or the Congress, could have a material impact on Berkshire Hills,
Berkshire Bank, its operations or the conversion.
Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision
Massachusetts savings banks are regulated and supervised by the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. The Massachusetts Banking Commissioner is
required to regularly examine each state-chartered bank. The approval of the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner is required to establish or close branches,
to merge with another bank, to form a holding company, to issue stock or to
undertake many other activities. Any Massachusetts bank that does not operate in
accordance with the regulations, policies and directives of the Massachusetts
Banking Commissioner may be sanctioned. The Massachusetts Banking Commissioner
may suspend or remove directors, trustees or officers of a bank who have
violated the law, conducted a bank's business in a manner which is unsafe,
unsound or contrary to the depositors' interests, or been negligent in the
performance of their duties.
All Massachusetts-chartered savings banks are required to be members of the
Depositors Insurance Fund and as such must pay its assessments. The Deposit
Insurance Fund is a private deposit insurer which insures all deposits in member
banks in excess of FDIC deposit insurance limits. In addition, the Mutual
Savings Central Fund, Inc. acts as a source of liquidity to its members in
supplying them with low-cost funds, and purchasing qualifying obligations from
them.
The powers which Massachusetts-chartered savings banks can exercise under
these laws are summarized below.
Lending Activities. A Massachusetts-chartered savings bank may make a wide
variety of mortgage loans. Fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate loans, variable-
rate loans, participation loans, graduated payment loans, construction and
development loans, condominium and co-operative loans, second mortgage loans and
other types of loans may be made in accordance with applicable regulations.
Commercial loans may be made to corporations and other commercial enterprises
with or without security. Consumer and personal loans may also be made with or
without security. Loans to individual borrowers generally must be limited to 20%
of the total of a bank's capital accounts and stockholders' equity.
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Investments Authorized. Massachusetts-chartered savings banks have broad
investment powers under Massachusetts law, including so-called "leeway"
authority for investments that are not otherwise specifically authorized. The
investment powers authorized under Massachusetts law are restricted by federal
law to permit, in general, only investments of the kinds that would be permitted
for national banks. Berkshire Bank has authority to invest in all of the classes
of loans and investments that are permitted by its existing loan and investment
policies.
Payment of Dividends. A savings bank may only pay dividends on its capital
stock if such payment would not impair the bank's capital stock and surplus
account. No dividends may be paid to stockholders of a bank if such dividends
would reduce stockholders' equity of the bank below the amount of the
liquidation account required by Massachusetts conversion regulations.
Parity Regulation. The Massachusetts regulation on parity with national
banks establishes procedures allowing state-chartered banks to exercise
additional or more flexible parallel powers granted to national banks under
federal law which are not otherwise permitted under state law. The procedures
and requirements for engaging in such activities range from an application
process, expedited review and notice process to activities requiring no
application or notice whatsoever. The applicable procedures and requirements
vary according to the nature of the activity to be engaged in and the
capitalization of the bank. As of the date of this prospectus, Berkshire Bank
was eligible to engage in certain of the above-referenced activities, within the
limits of the applicable procedure and requirements of Massachusetts regulation.
Federal Regulations
Capital Requirements. Under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
regulations, federally insured state-chartered banks that are not members of the
Federal Reserve System ("state non-member banks"), such as Berkshire Bank, are
required to comply with minimum leverage capital requirements. For an
institution determined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to not be
anticipating or experiencing significant growth and to be in general a strong
banking organization, rated composite 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions
Ranking System (the rating system) established by the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council, the minimum capital leverage requirement is a
ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 3%. For all other institutions, the
minimum leverage capital ratio is not less than 4%. Tier 1 capital is the sum of
common stockholders' equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (including
any related surplus) and minority investments in certain subsidiaries, less
intangible assets (except for certain servicing rights and credit card
relationships).
Berkshire Bank must also comply with the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation risk-based capital guidelines. The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation guidelines require state non-member banks to maintain certain levels
of regulatory capital in relation to regulatory risk-weighted assets. The ratio
of regulatory capital to regulatory risk-weighted assets is referred to as
Berkshire Bank's "risk-based capital ratio." Risk-based capital ratios are
determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet items to four
risk-weighted categories ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher levels of capital
being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk. For
example, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's risk-weighting
system, cash and securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government are given a 0% risk weight, loans secured by one- to four-family
residential properties generally have a 50% risk weight and commercial loans
have a risk weighting of 100%.
State non-member banks must maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to
risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, of which at least one-half must be Tier 1
capital. Total capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 or supplementary
capital items, which include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to
1.25% of risk-weighted assets, cumulative preferred stock, a portion of the net
unrealized gain on equity securities and other capital instruments. The
includable amount of Tier 2 capital cannot exceed the amount of the
institution's Tier 1 capital.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act required each
federal banking agency to revise its risk-based capital standards for insured
institutions to ensure that those standards take adequate account of interest-
rate risk, concentration of credit risk, and the risk of nontraditional
activities, as well as to reflect the actual performance and expected risk of
loss on multi-family residential loans. The Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, along with the other federal banking agencies, has adopted a
regulation providing that the agencies
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will take into account the exposure of a bank's capital and economic value to
changes in interest rate risk in assessing a bank's capital adequacy. See
"Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance."
As a savings and loan holding company regulated by the Office of Thrift
Supervision, Berkshire Hills will not, under current law, be subject to any
separate regulatory capital requirements.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. As required by statute, the federal
banking agencies adopted final regulations and Interagency Guidelines
Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement safety and
soundness standards. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness
standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems
at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The
guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit
system, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate risk exposure,
asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, and fees and benefits.
If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails
to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the
institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance
with the standard.
Investment Activities
Since the enactment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act, all state-chartered Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
insured banks, including savings banks, have generally been limited to
activities as principal and equity investments of the type and in the amount
authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law. The Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation Improvement Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation permit exceptions to these limitations. For example, state
chartered banks, such as Berkshire Bank, may, with Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation approval, continue to exercise state authority to invest in common
or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq
National Market and in the shares of an investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In addition, the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation is authorized to permit such institutions to engage in
state authorized activities or investments that do not meet this standard (other
than non-subsidiary equity investments) for institutions that meet all
applicable capital requirements if it is determined that such activities or
investments do not pose a significant risk to the Bank Insurance Fund. The
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has recently adopted revisions to its
regulations governing the procedures for institutions seeking approval to engage
in such activities or investments. These revisions, among other things,
streamline the application procedures for healthy banks and impose quantitative
and qualitative restrictions on a bank's dealings with its subsidiaries engaged
in activities not permitted for national bank subsidiaries. All non-subsidiary
equity investments, unless otherwise authorized or approved by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, must have been divested by December 19, 1996,
under a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-approved divestiture plan, unless
such investments were grandfathered by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation. Berkshire Bank received grandfathered authority from the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation in February 1993 to invest in listed stocks and/or
registered shares. However, the maximum permissible investment is 100% of Tier 1
capital, as specified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's
regulations, or the maximum amount permitted by Massachusetts law, whichever is
less. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation also required that Berkshire
Bank provide prior notice to the agency if it increases the holdings of listed
stock and/or registered shares as a percentage of Tier 1 equity capital by 25%.
Such grandfathered authority may be terminated upon the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation's determination that such investments pose a safety and
soundness risk to Berkshire Bank or if Berkshire Bank converts its charter,
other than a mutual to stock conversion, or undergoes a change in control. As
of December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had securities with a market value of $44.3
million which were held under such grandfathering authority. See "Business of
Berkshire Bank--Investment Securities Activities."
Interstate Banking and Branching
As a savings and loan holding company, Berkshire Hills will be limited
under the Home Owners' Loan Act with respect to its acquisition of a savings
association located in a state other than Massachusetts. In general, a savings
and loan holding company may not acquire an additional savings association
subsidiary that is located in a state other than the home state of its first
savings association subsidiary unless such an interstate acquisition is
permitted by the statutes of such other state. Many states permit such
interstate acquisitions if the statutes of the
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home state of the acquiring savings and loan holding company satisfy various
reciprocity conditions. Massachusetts is one of a number of states that permit,
subject to the reciprocity conditions of the Massachusetts Banking Law, out-of-
state bank and savings and loan holding companies to acquire Massachusetts
savings associations.
In contrast, bank holding companies are generally authorized to acquire
banking subsidiaries in more than one state irrespective of any state law
restrictions on such acquisitions. The Interstate Banking Act, which was
enacted on September 29, 1994, permits approval under the Bank Holding Company
Act of the acquisition of a bank located outside of the holding company's home
state regardless of whether the acquisition is permitted under the law of the
state of the acquired bank. The Federal Reserve Board may not approve an
acquisition under the Bank Holding Company Act that would result in the
acquiring holding company controlling more than 10% of the deposits in the
United States or more than 30% of the deposits in any particular state.
Until recently, branching across state lines was generally not available to
a state bank such as Berkshire Bank. Out-of-state branches of banking
institutions are authorized under the Massachusetts Banking Law, but similar
authority did not exist generally under the laws of most other states.
Beginning June 1, 1997, the Interstate Banking Act permitted the responsible
federal banking agencies to approve merger transactions between banks located in
different states, regardless of whether the merger would be prohibited under the
law of the two states. The Interstate Banking Act also permitted a state to "opt
in" to the provisions of the Interstate Banking Act before June 1, 1997, and
permitted a state to "opt out" of the provisions of the Interstate Banking Act
by adopting appropriate legislation before that date. Accordingly, beginning
June 1, 1997, the Interstate Banking Act permitted a bank, such as Berkshire
Bank, to acquire an institution by merger in a state other than Massachusetts
unless the other state had opted out of the Interstate Banking Act. The
Interstate Banking Act also authorizes de novo branching into another state if
the host state enacts a law expressly permitting out of state banks to establish
such branches within its borders.
Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action
Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory
authorities take "prompt corrective action" with respect to banks that do not
meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the law establishes five
capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized,
significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted regulations to
implement the prompt corrective action legislation. An institution is deemed to
be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or
greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater and a leverage ratio
of 5% or greater. An institution is "adequately capitalized" if it has a total
risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of
4% or greater, and generally a leverage ratio of 4% or greater. An institution
is "undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than
8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, or generally a leverage
ratio of less than 4%. An institution is deemed to be "significantly
undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%, or a leverage ratio of less
than 3%. An institution is considered to be "critically undercapitalized" if it
has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets
that is equal to or less than 2%. As of December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank was a
"well capitalized" institution and immediately upon completion of the Conversion
expects to remain a "well capitalized" institution.
"Undercapitalized" banks must adhere to growth, capital distribution
(including dividend) and other limitations and are required to submit a capital
restoration plan. A bank's compliance with such plan is required to be
guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an
amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the institution's total assets when deemed
undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately
capitalized. If an "undercapitalized" bank fails to submit an acceptable plan,
it is treated as if it is "significantly undercapitalized." "Significantly
undercapitalized" banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional
restrictions, including but not limited to an order by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately
capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cease receipt of deposits
from correspondent banks or dismiss directors or officers, and restrictions on
interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital
distributions by the parent holding company. "Critically
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undercapitalized" institutions must comply with additional sanctions including,
subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator
within 270 days after it obtains such status.
Transactions with Affiliates
Under current federal law, transactions between depository institutions and
their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve
Act. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of
a savings bank and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding
company are affiliates of the savings bank. Generally, Section 23A limits the
extent to which the savings bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered
transactions" with any one affiliate to 10% of such savings bank's capital stock
and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all
affiliates to 20% of capital stock and surplus. The term "covered transaction"
includes, among other things, the making of loans or other extensions of credit
to an affiliate and the purchase of assets from an affiliate. Section 23A also
establishes specific collateral requirements for loans or extensions of credit
to, or guarantees, acceptances on letters of credit issued on behalf of an
affiliate. Section 23B requires that covered transactions and a broad list of
other specified transactions be on terms substantially the same, or no less
favorable, to the savings bank or its subsidiary as similar transactions with
nonaffiliates.
Further, Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act restricts an institution
with respect to loans to directors, executive officers, and principal
stockholders ("insiders"). Under Section 22(h), loans to insiders and their
related interests may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to
such persons and affiliated entities, the institution's total capital and
surplus. Loans to insiders above specified amounts must receive the prior
approval of the board of directors. Further, under Section 22(h), loans to
directors, executive officers and principal shareholders must be made on terms
substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons,
except that such insiders may receive preferential loans made under a benefit or
compensation program that is widely available to Berkshire Bank's employees and
does not give preference to the insider over the employees. Section 22(g) of
the Federal Reserve Act places additional limitations on loans to executive
officers.
Enforcement
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has extensive enforcement
authority over insured savings banks, including Berkshire Bank. This
enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil
money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and
officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to
violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has authority under Federal law
to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank under limited
circumstances. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is required, with
certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state
non-member bank if that bank was "critically undercapitalized" on average during
the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution
became "critically undercapitalized." See "--Prompt Corrective Regulatory
Action." The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may also appoint itself as
conservator or receiver for an insured state non-member institution under
specific circumstances on the basis of the institution's financial condition or
upon the occurrence of other events, including: (1) insolvency; (2) substantial
dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound
practices; (3) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business;
and (4) insufficient capital, or the incurring of losses that will deplete
substantially all of the institution's capital with no reasonable prospect of
replenishment without federal assistance.
Insurance of Deposit Accounts
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted a risk-based
insurance assessment system. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assigns
an institution to one of three capital categories based on the institution's
financial information consisting of (1) well capitalized, (2) adequately
capitalized or (3) undercapitalized, and one of three supervisory subcategories
within each capital group. The supervisory subgroup to which an institution is
assigned is based on a supervisory evaluation provided to the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation by the institution's primary federal regulator and
information which the Federal Deposit
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Insurance Corporation determines to be relevant to the institution's financial
condition and the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds. An institution's
assessment rate depends on the capital category and supervisory category to
which it is assigned. Assessment rates for insurance fund deposits currently
range from 0 basis points for the strongest institution to 27 basis points for
the weakest. Bank Insurance Fund members are also required to assist in the
repayment of bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the late 1980's to
recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Bank Insurance
Fund members had been assessed about 1.2 basis points, which is generally 20% of
the amount charged Savings Association Insurance Fund members. Effective January
1, 2000, full pro rata sharing of the payments between Bank Insurance Fund and
Savings Association Insurance Fund members commenced. The Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation is authorized to raise the assessment rates. The Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation has exercised this authority several times in the
past and may raise insurance premiums in the future. If such action is taken by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, it could have an adverse effect on
the earnings of Berkshire Bank.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may terminate insurance of
deposits if it finds that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition
to continue operations, has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, or has
violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The management of Berkshire Bank does
not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination
of deposit insurance.
Berkshire Bank, as a member of the Depositor Insurance Fund, is also
subject to its assessments. See "Regulation and Supervision - Massachusetts
Banking Laws and Supervision."
Federal Reserve System
The Federal Reserve Board regulations require depository institutions to
maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts
(primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The Federal Reserve Board
regulations currently require that reserves be maintained against aggregate
transaction accounts as follows: for that portion of transaction accounts
aggregating $44.3 million or less (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve
Board) the reserve requirement is 3%; and for accounts greater than $44.3
million, the reserve requirement is $1.33 million plus 10% (which may be
adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board between 8% and 14%) against that portion
of total transaction accounts in excess of $44.3 million. The first $5.0
million of otherwise reservable balances (which may be adjusted by the Federal
Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. Berkshire Bank is in
compliance with these requirements.
Community Reinvestment Act
Under the Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation regulations, a state non-member bank has a continuing and
affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet
the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income
neighborhoods. The Community Reinvestment Act neither establishes specific
lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor limits an
institution's discretion to develop the types of products and services that it
believes are best suited to its particular community. The Community
Reinvestment Act requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in
connection with its examination of an institution, to assess the institution's
record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to consider such record
when it evaluates applications made by such institution. The Community
Reinvestment Act requires public disclosure of an institution's Community
Reinvestment Act rating. Berkshire Bank's latest Community Reinvestment Act
rating received from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was
"Outstanding."
Berkshire Bank is also subject to similar obligations under Massachusetts
law which has an additional CRA rating category. The Massachusetts Community
Reinvestment Act requires the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner to consider a
bank's Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act rating when reviewing a bank's
application to engage in certain transactions, including mergers, asset
purchases and the establishment of branch offices or automated teller machines,
and provides that such assessment may serve as a basis for the denial of such
application. Berkshire Bank's latest Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act
received from the Massachusetts Division of Banks was "Outstanding."
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Federal Home Loan Bank System
Berkshire Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which
consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank
provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. Berkshire
Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, is required to
acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
in an amount at least equal to 1% of the aggregate principal amount of its
unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of
each year, or 1/20 of its advances (borrowings) from the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Boston, whichever is greater. Berkshire Bank was in compliance with this
requirement with an investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock at
December 31, 1999 of $3.8 million. At December 31, 1999, Berkshire Bank had
$58.9 million in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances.
The Federal Home Loan Banks are required to provide funds for certain
purposes including contributing funds for affordable housing programs. These
requirements could reduce the amount of dividends that the Federal Home Loan
Banks pay to their members and result in the Federal Home Loan Banks imposing a
higher rate of interest on advances to their members. For the years ended 1999,
1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995, cash dividends from the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Boston to Berkshire Bank amounted to approximately $180,900, $163,600, $155,000,
$155,600 and $180,100, respectively. Further, there can be no assurance that
the impact of recent or future legislation on the Federal Home Loan Banks will
not also cause a decrease in the value of the Federal Home Loan Bank stock held
by Berkshire Bank.
Holding Company Regulation
Federal law allows a state savings bank that qualifies as a "Qualified
Thrift Lender," discussed below, to elect to be treated as a savings association
for purposes of the savings and loan holding company provisions of the Home
Owners' Loan Act. Such election allows its holding company to be regulated as a
savings and loan holding company by the Office of Thrift Supervision rather than
as a bank holding company by the Federal Reserve Board. Berkshire Bank has made
such election and expects Berkshire Hills to receive approval from the Office of
Thrift Supervision to become a savings and loan holding company. Berkshire
Hills will be regulated as a savings and loan holding company within the meaning
of the Home Owners' Loan Act. As such, Berkshire Hills will be required to
register with the Office of Thrift Supervision and will have to adhere to the
Office of Thrift Supervision's regulations and reporting requirements. In
addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision may examine and supervise Berkshire
Hills and the Office of Thrift Supervision has enforcement authority over
Berkshire Hills and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other
things, this authority permits the Office of Thrift Supervision to restrict or
prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary
savings institution. Additionally, Berkshire Bank will be required to notify the
Office of Thrift Supervision at least 30 days before declaring any dividend to
Berkshire Hills. By regulation, the Office of Thrift Supervision may restrict
or prohibit Berkshire Bank from paying dividends.
Berkshire Hills will be a unitary savings and loan holding company under
federal law because Berkshire Bank will be its only insured subsidiary
immediately after the conversion. Formerly, a unitary savings and loan holding
company was not restricted as to the types of business activities in which it
could engage, provided that its subsidiary savings association continued to be a
qualified thrift lender. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, however, restricts
unitary savings and loan holding companies not existing or applied for before
May 4, 1999 to activities permissible for a financial holding company as defined
under the legislation, including insurance and securities activities, and those
permitted for a multiple savings and loan holding company as described below.
Berkshire Hills will be subject to these activities restrictions. Upon any non-
supervisory acquisition by Berkshire Hills of another savings association as a
separate subsidiary, Berkshire Hills would become a multiple savings and loan
holding company. The Home Owners' Loan Act limits the activities of a multiple
savings and loan holding company and its non-insured institution subsidiaries
primarily to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section
4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, provided the prior approval of the
Office of Thrift Supervision is obtained, and to other activities authorized by
Office of Thrift Supervision regulation. Multiple savings and loan holding
companies are generally prohibited from acquiring or retaining more than 5% of a
non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by the
Home Owners' Loan Act. See "Risk
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Factors--Banking reform legislation restricts the activities in which Berkshire
Hills may engage compared to existing unitary holding companies."
The Home Owners' Loan Act prohibits a savings and loan holding company
from, directly or indirectly, acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of
another savings association or savings and loan holding company or from
acquiring such an institution or company by merger, consolidation or purchase of
its assets, without prior written approval of the Office of Thrift Supervision.
In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations,
the Office of Thrift Supervision considers the financial and managerial
resources and future prospects of Berkshire Hills and the institution involved,
the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the
convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
The Office of Thrift Supervision is prohibited from approving any
acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company
controlling savings institutions in more than one state, except: (1) interstate
supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and (2) the
acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state
of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions.
To be regulated as a savings and loan holding company by the Office of
Thrift Supervision (rather than as a bank holding company by the Federal Reserve
Board), Berkshire Bank must qualify as a Qualified Thrift Lender. To qualify as
a Qualified Thrift Lender, Berkshire Bank must maintain compliance with the test
for a "domestic building and loan association," as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code, or with a Qualified Thrift Lender Test. Under the Qualified Thrift
Lender Test, a savings institution is required to maintain at least 65% of its
"portfolio assets" (total assets less: (1) specified liquid assets up to 20% of
total assets; (2) intangibles, including goodwill; and (3) the value of property
used to conduct business) in certain "qualified thrift investments" (primarily
residential mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed
and related securities) in at least 9 months out of each 12 month period. As of
December 31, 1999 Berkshire Bank maintained in excess of 75% of its portfolio
assets in qualified thrift investments.
Massachusetts Holding Company Regulation. In addition to the federal
holding company regulations, a bank holding company organized or doing business
in Massachusetts must comply with any regulation under the Massachusetts law.
The term "bank holding company," for the purposes of Massachusetts law, is
defined generally to include any company which, directly or indirectly, owns,
controls or holds with power to vote more than 25% of the voting stock of each
of two or more banking institutions, including commercial banks and state co-
operative banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations and national
banks, federal savings banks and federal savings and loan associations. In
general, a holding company controlling, directly or indirectly, only one banking
institution will not be deemed to be a bank holding company for the purposes of
Massachusetts law. Under Massachusetts law, the prior approval of the Board of
Bank Incorporation is required before: any company may become a bank holding
company; any bank holding company acquires direct or indirect ownership or
control of more than 5% of the voting stock of, or all or substantially all of
the assets of, a banking institution; or any bank holding company merges with
another bank holding company. Although Berkshire Hills will not be a bank
holding company for purposes of Massachusetts law upon the Effective Date of the
Conversion, any future acquisition of ownership, control, or the power to vote
25% or more of the voting stock of another banking institution or bank holding
company would cause it to become such. Berkshire Hills has no current plan or
arrangement to acquire ownership or control, directly or indirectly, of 25% or
more of the voting stock of another banking institution.
Federal Securities Laws
Berkshire Hills has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a
registration statement under the Securities Act for the registration of the
common stock to be issued in the conversion. Upon completion of the conversion,
Berkshire Hills' common stock will be registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act. Berkshire Hills will then have to
observe the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and
other requirements under the Exchange Act.
The registration under the Securities Act of shares of the common stock to
be issued in the conversion does not cover the resale of such shares. Shares of
the common stock purchased by persons who are not affiliates of
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Berkshire Hills may be resold without registration. The resale restrictions of
Rule 144 under the Securities Act govern shares purchased by an affiliate of
Berkshire Hills. If Berkshire Hills meets the current public information
requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, each affiliate of Berkshire
Hills who complies with the other conditions of Rule 144 (including those that
require the affiliate's sale to be aggregated with those of other persons) would
be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares
not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of (1) 1% of the
outstanding shares of Berkshire Hills or (2) the average weekly volume of
trading in such shares during the preceding four calendar weeks. Provision may
be made in the future by Berkshire Hills to permit affiliates to have their
shares registered for sale under the Securities Act under specific
circumstances.
FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION ON INCOME
Federal Income Taxation
General. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank intend to report their income
on a calendar year basis using the accrual method of accounting. The federal
income tax laws apply to Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank in the same manner
as to other corporations with some exceptions, including particularly Berkshire
Bank's reserve for bad debts discussed below. The following discussion of tax
matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive
description of the tax rules applicable to Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills.
Berkshire Bank's federal income tax returns have been either audited or closed
under the statute of limitations through tax year 1995. For its 1998 tax year,
Berkshire Bank's maximum federal income tax rate was 35%.
Bad Debt Reserves. For fiscal years beginning before December 31, 1995,
thrift institutions which qualified under certain definitional tests and other
conditions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, were permitted to
use certain favorable provisions to calculate their deductions from taxable
income for annual additions to their bad debt reserve. A reserve could be
established for bad debts on qualifying real property loans, generally secured
by interests in real property improved or to be improved, under the percentage
of taxable income method or the experience method. The reserve for
nonqualifying loans was computed using the experience method.
Federal legislation enacted in 1996 repealed the reserve method of
accounting for bad debts and the percentage of taxable income method for tax
years beginning after 1995 and require savings institutions to recapture or take
into income certain portions of their accumulated bad debt reserves.
Approximately $844,000 of Berkshire Bank accumulated bad debt reserves would not
be recaptured into taxable income unless Berkshire Bank makes a "non-dividend
distribution" to Berkshire Hills as described below.
Distributions. If Berkshire Bank makes "non-dividend distributions" to
Berkshire Hills, they will be considered to have been made from Berkshire Bank's
unrecaptured tax bad debt reserves, including the balance of its reserves as of
December 31, 1987, to the extent of the "non-dividend distributions," and then
from Berkshire Bank's supplemental reserve for losses on loans, to the extent of
those reserves, and an amount based on the amount distributed, but not more than
the amount of those reserves, will be included in Berkshire Bank's taxable
income. Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of Berkshire
Bank's current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal
income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock, and distributions in
partial or complete liquidation. Dividends paid out of Berkshire Bank's current
or accumulated earnings and profits will not be so included in Berkshire Bank's
taxable income.
The amount of additional taxable income triggered by a non-dividend is an
amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the
amount of the distribution. Therefore, if Berkshire Bank makes a non-dividend
distribution to Berkshire Hills, approximately one and one-half times the amount
of the distribution not in excess of the amount of the reserves would be
includable in income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 35% federal
corporate income tax rate. Berkshire Bank does not intend to pay dividends that
would result in a recapture of any portion of its bad debt reserves.
State Taxation
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Massachusetts Taxation. Before July 1995, Massachusetts savings banks had
to pay an annual Massachusetts excise (income) tax equal to 12.54% of its pre-
tax income. In 1995, legislation was enacted to reduce the Massachusetts bank
excise (income) tax rate and to allow Massachusetts-based financial institutions
to apportion income earned in other states. Further, this legislation expands
the applicability of the tax to non-bank entities and out-of-state financial
institutions. The Massachusetts excise tax rate for savings banks is currently
10.5% of federal taxable income, adjusted for certain items. Taxable income
includes gross income as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, plus interest
from bonds, notes and evidences of indebtedness of any state, including
Massachusetts, less deductions, but not the credits, allowable under the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Carryforwards and carrybacks of net
operating losses are not allowed.
A financial institution or business corporation is generally entitled to
special tax treatment as a "security corporation," provided that: (a) its
activities are limited to buying, selling, dealing in or holding securities on
its own behalf and not as a broker; and (b) it has applied for, and received,
classification as a "security corporation" by the Commissioner of the
Massachusetts Department of Revenue. A security corporation that is also a bank
holding company under the Code must pay a tax equal to 0.33% of its gross
income. A security corporation that is not a bank holding company under the
Code must pay a tax equal to 1.32% of its gross income. Berkshire Bank has
received an opinion from Wolf & Company, P.C. that Berkshire Hills' ownership of
100% of the stock the subsidiary established to lend funds to the employee stock
ownership plan by Berkshire Hills will not prevent Berkshire Hills from
qualifying as a security corporation, provided that Berkshire Hills: (a) applies
for, and receives, security corporation classification by the Massachusetts
Department of Revenue; and (b) does not conduct any activities deemed
impermissible under the governing statutes and the various regulations,
directives, letter rulings and administrative pronouncements issued by the
Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Delaware State Taxation. As a Delaware holding company not earning income
in Delaware, Berkshire Hills is exempted from Delaware Corporate income tax but
is required to file an annual report with and pay an annual franchise tax to the
State of Delaware.
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SHARES TO BE PURCHASED BY
MANAGEMENT WITH SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
The following table presents certain information as to the approximate
purchases of common stock by each director and executive officer of Berkshire
Bank, including their associates, as defined by applicable regulations. No
individual has entered into a binding agreement to purchase these shares and,
therefore, actual purchases could be more or less than indicated. Directors and
executive officers and their associates may not purchase more than 30% of the
shares sold in the conversion. For purposes of the following table, sufficient
shares are assumed to be available to satisfy subscriptions in all categories.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of Percent of
Anticipated Anticipated Shares at Shares at
Number of Dollar Minimum Maximum
Shares to be Amount to be of Estimated of Estimated
Name Purchased (1) Purchased (1) Valuation Range Valuation Range
- ---- ------------- ------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas O. Andrews .................... 25,000 $ 250,000/(2)/ 0.41% 0.30%
James A. Cunningham, Jr. ............. 25,000 250,000/(2)/ 0.41 0.30
Thomas R. Dawson ..................... 6,500 65,000 0.11 0.08
Henry D. Granger ..................... 5,000 50,000 0.08 0.06
A. Allen Gray ........................ 15,000 150,000 0.24 0.18
John Kittredge ....................... 2,000 20,000 0.03 0.02
Peter J. Lafayette ................... 6,000 60,000 0.10 0.07
Edward G. McCormick .................. 10,000 100,000 0.16 0.12
Catherine B. Miller .................. 10,000 100,000 0.16 0.12
Michael G. Miller .................... 25,000 250,000/(2)/ 0.41 0.30
Raymond B. Murray, III ............... 12,500 125,000 0.20 0.15
Louis J. Oggiani ..................... 2,500 25,000 0.04 0.03
Robert S. Raser ...................... 1,500 15,000 0.02 0.02
Corydon L. Thurston .................. 5,000 50,000 0.08 0.06
Ann H. Trabulsi ...................... 10,000 100,000 0.16 0.12
Robert A. Wells ...................... 25,000 250,000/(2)/ 0.41 0.30
William E. Williams .................. 7,000 70,000 0.11 0.08
Anne Everest Wojtkowski .............. 2,000 20,000 0.03 0.02
Michael P. Daly ...................... 10,000 100,000 0.16 0.12
Charles F. Plungis, Jr. .............. 2,000 20,000 0.03 0.02
Susan M. Santora ..................... 1,500 15,000 0.02 0.02
------- ---------- ---- ----
All Directors and Executive Officers
as a group (21 persons) (3) ....... 208,500 $2,085,000 3.37% 2.49%
======= ========== ==== ====
</TABLE>
(1) Includes proposed purchases with funds contained in the individual's 401(k)
plan account. Does not include shares to be awarded under the employee
stock ownership plan and stock-based incentive plan or options to acquire
shares under the stock-based incentive plan.
(2) Such amount represents the maximum allowable purchase for such individual.
(3) Including the effect of shares issued to Berkshire Hills Foundation, the
aggregate beneficial ownership of all directors and executive officers as a
group would be 3.14% and 2.32% at the minimum and maximum of the estimated
valuation range, respectively.
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THE CONVERSION
The Board of Trustees of Berkshire Bancorp, the Board of Directors of
Berkshire Bank, the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and Berkshire Bancorp's
corporators have approved the plan of conversion and establishment of Berkshire
Hills Foundation subject to the satisfaction of certain other conditions.
However, the approval by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner is not a
recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion.
General
On October 22, 1999, the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Bancorp and the
Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank unanimously adopted and subsequently
amended the plan of conversion under which Berkshire Bancorp will convert from
the mutual holding company to the stock holding company form. Following the
conversion, Berkshire Bank will be held as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Berkshire Hills, a recently formed Delaware corporation. The following
discussion of the plan of conversion contains all material terms about the
conversion. Nevertheless, readers are urged to carefully read the plan of
conversion, which is available upon request. The plan of conversion is also
filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that Berkshire Hills has filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Where You Can Find More
Information." The Massachusetts Banking Commissioner has approved the plan of
conversion, subject to certain conditions. Additionally, Berkshire Hills'
corporators approved the plan of conversion at a meeting called for that purpose
on April 19, 2000.
In connection with the conversion, Berkshire Bancorp will adopt Amended and
Restated Articles of Organization and Bylaws. As part of the conversion,
Berkshire Bank's capital stock will be owned by Berkshire Hills in exchange for
50% of the net proceeds from the sale of common stock by Berkshire Hills in
connection with the conversion. Berkshire Hills expects to receive approval
from the Office of Thrift Supervision to become a savings and loan holding
company and to acquire all of Berkshire Bank's capital stock issued in the
conversion.
The plan of conversion provides that the Board of Trustees of Berkshire
Bancorp and the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank, at any time before the
completion of the conversion, may decide not to use the holding company form of
organization in implementing the conversion. This decision may be made to avoid
possible delays resulting from overlapping regulatory processing, or policies or
conditions, which could hurt the ability of Berkshire Bank's, Berkshire
Bancorp's or Berkshire Hills' to complete the conversion and transact their
business after the conversion as is contemplated and in accordance with
Berkshire Bank's operating policies. If such a decision is made, Berkshire
Hills will withdraw its registration statement from the Securities and Exchange
Commission and Berkshire Bank will take all steps necessary to complete the
conversion without Berkshire Hills, including filing any necessary documents.
In such event, if Berkshire Bank determines to complete the conversion, if
permitted by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner, Berkshire Bank will issue
and sell its common stock and subscribers will be notified of the elimination of
Berkshire Hills and be permitted to affirm, modify or rescind their orders.
Subscribers will need to reconfirm their subscriptions before the end of the
resolicitation offering or their funds will be refunded with interest. The
following description of the plan of conversion assumes that a holding company
form of organization will be used in the conversion. If a holding company form
of organization is not used, all other pertinent terms of the plan of conversion
as described below will apply to the sale of Berkshire Bank's common stock.
The plan of conversion provides generally that Berkshire Bancorp will merge
with and into Berkshire Bank, with Berkshire Bank being the surviving entity.
The shares of Berkshire Bank's common stock currently held by Berkshire Bancorp
will be extinguished. Berkshire Hills has been organized for the purpose of
acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Berkshire Bank. The common stock of
Berkshire Hills will be offered in the subscription offering to persons having
subscription rights. If necessary, shares of common stock not subscribed for in
the subscription offering will be offered in a direct community offering to
certain members of the general public, with preference given to natural persons
residing in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and then to certain members of the
general public in a syndicated community offering through a syndicate of
registered broker-dealers under selected dealer agreements. Berkshire Hills
will purchase all of the capital stock of Berkshire Bank to be issued in the
conversion.
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As part of the conversion, Berkshire Hills is offering its common stock in
a subscription offering to holders of subscription rights in the following order
of priority to: (1) holders of deposit accounts with $50 or more on deposit as
of September 30, 1998; (2) holders of deposit accounts of Berkshire Bank with
$50 or more on deposit as of September 30, 1999, except officers, directors,
trustees and corporators of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bancorp and their
associates; (3) Berkshire Bank's employee stock ownership plan; and (4)
directors, trustees, officers and employees of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire
Bancorp without a higher subscription priority.
Shares of common stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering are
expected to be offered for sale in a direct community offering. A direct
community offering, if one is held, may begin either at the same time as, during
or after the subscription offering. Shares of common stock not sold in the
subscription and direct community offerings may be offered in the syndicated
community offering which may occur either at the same time as, during or after
the subscription offering or direct community offering. Regulations require
that the direct community and syndicated community offerings be completed within
45 days after completion of the fully extended subscription offering unless
extended by Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills with the approval of all
applicable regulatory authorities. If a syndicated community offering is not
feasible, the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank will consult with the
regulatory authorities to determine an appropriate alternative method for
selling the unsubscribed shares of common stock, which may include a firm
commitment public offering. The plan of conversion provides that the conversion
must be completed within 24 months after the date of the approval of the plan of
conversion by the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Bancorp and the Board of
Directors of Berkshire Bank.
The completion of the offering, however, depends on market conditions and
other factors beyond Berkshire Bank's control. No assurance can be given as to
the length of time that will be required to complete the sale of the common
stock. If delays are experienced, significant changes may occur in the estimated
pro forma market value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted,
together with corresponding changes in the net proceeds realized by Berkshire
Hills from the sale of the common stock. If the conversion is terminated,
Berkshire Bank would be required to charge all conversion expenses against
current income.
Orders for shares of common stock will not be filled until at least
6,145,500 shares of common stock have been subscribed for, the Massachusetts
Banking Commissioner and any other applicable bank regulatory authority approves
the final valuation and the conversion closes. Furthermore, the closing of the
stock offering and the completion of the conversion is subject to the receipt by
Berkshire Bank of approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation of its
merger with Berkshire Bancorp and to the receipt by Berkshire Hills of approval
from the Office of Thrift Supervision to acquire all of the stock of Berkshire
Bank. If the conversion is not completed within 45 days after the last day of
the fully extended subscription offering and the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner and any other applicable bank regulatory authority consents to an
extension of time to complete the conversion, subscribers will be given the
right to increase, decrease or rescind their subscriptions. Unless an
affirmative indication is received from subscribers that they wish to continue
to subscribe for shares, the funds will be returned promptly, together with
accrued interest at Berkshire Bank's passbook rate from the date payment is
received until the funds are returned to the subscriber. If the period is not
extended, or, in any event, if the conversion is not completed, all withdrawal
authorizations will be terminated and all funds held will be promptly returned
together with accrued interest at Berkshire Bank's passbook rate from the date
payment is received until the conversion is terminated.
Establishment of the Charitable Foundation
General. In furtherance of Berkshire Bank's commitment to its local
community, the plan of conversion provides for the establishment of a charitable
foundation in connection with the conversion. The plan of conversion provides
that Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills will establish Berkshire Hills
Foundation and will fund it with Berkshire Hills common stock, as further
described below. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank believe that the funding of
Berkshire Hills Foundation with Berkshire Hills common stock is a means of
establishing a common bond between Berkshire Bank and its community and thereby
enables Berkshire Bank's community to share in the potential growth and success
of Berkshire Hills over the long-term. By further enhancing Berkshire Bank's
visibility and reputation in its local community, Berkshire Bank believes that
the foundation will enhance the long-term value of Berkshire Bank's community
banking franchise.
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Purpose of Berkshire Hills Foundation. Berkshire Bank emphasizes community
lending and community activities. In 1997, Berkshire Bank formed Greater
Berkshire Foundation, Inc., a foundation that provides grants to public
charities that are operated for charitable, scientific, literary or educational
purposes, within the communities in which Berkshire Bank serves. See "Business
of Berkshire Bank--Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc."
Berkshire Hills Foundation is being formed to complement, not to replace
Berkshire Bank's existing community activities and its existing foundation's
activities. Berkshire Bank intends to continue to emphasize community lending
and community activities following the conversion. However, such activities are
not Berkshire Bank's sole corporate purpose. Berkshire Hills Foundation,
conversely, will be completely dedicated to community activities and the
promotion of charitable causes, and may be able to support such activities in
manners that are not presently available to Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank
believes that Berkshire Hills Foundation will enable Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank to assist the communities within Berkshire County, Massachusetts
in areas beyond community development and lending and will enhance its current
activities under the CRA. Berkshire Bank received an "Outstanding" CRA rating
in its last CRA examination by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the
Massachusetts Division of Banks.
The Board of Directors believes the establishment of Berkshire Hills
Foundation is consistent with Berkshire Bank's commitment to community service.
The Board further believes that the funding of Berkshire Hills Foundation with
Berkshire Hills common stock will allow Berkshire Bank's community to share in
the potential growth and success of Berkshire Hills long after the conversion.
Berkshire Hills Foundation will accomplish that goal by providing for continued
ties between it and Berkshire Bank, thereby forming a partnership within the
communities in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Berkshire Bank, however, does not expect the contribution to Berkshire
Hills Foundation to take the place of Berkshire Bank's traditional community
lending and charitable activities. For the year ended 1999, Berkshire Bank and
Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. contributed $310,000 to community
organizations. Berkshire Bank and Greater Berkshire Foundation, Inc. expect to
continue making charitable contributions within its communities. Upon
conversion, Berkshire Hills intends to contribute to Berkshire Hills Foundation
shares of its common stock equal to 8% of the common stock sold in the
conversion, or stock valued at between approximately $4.9 million based on the
purchase price of $10.00 per share, if 6,145,500 shares are sold in the
conversion and approximately $6.7 million, based on the purchase price of $10.00
per share if 8,314,500 shares are sold in the conversion. If the number of
shares sold in the conversion is increased to 9,561,675 shares, the foundation
would be funded with common stock valued at $7.6 million. The conversion
presents Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills with a unique opportunity to provide
a substantial and continuing benefit to the communities in Berkshire County,
Massachusetts, and to receive the associated tax benefits, without any
significant cash outlay by Berkshire Bank and without any significant adverse
impact to the depositors of Berkshire Bank.
Structure of Berkshire Hills Foundation. Berkshire Hills Foundation will
be incorporated under Delaware law as a non-stock corporation. Under its
Bylaws, Berkshire Hills Foundation's Board of Directors will be comprised of
individuals that are existing or former directors or officers of Berkshire Hills
or Berkshire Bank. The Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills
Foundation will provide that the corporation is organized exclusively for
charitable purposes as set forth in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code. Berkshire Hills Foundation's Certificate of Incorporation will further
provide that no part of the net earnings of the foundation will inure to the
benefit of, or be distributable to, its directors, officers or members.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills Foundation will be responsible
for establishing its grant and donation policies, consistent with the purposes
for which it was established. As directors of a nonprofit corporation,
directors of Berkshire Hills Foundation will at all times be bound by their
fiduciary duty to advance Berkshire Hills Foundation's charitable goals, to
protect its assets and to act in a manner consistent with the charitable
purposes for which Berkshire Hills Foundation is established. The directors of
Berkshire Hills Foundation will also be responsible for directing the activities
of the foundation, including the management and voting of the common stock of
Berkshire Hills held by Berkshire Hills Foundation. However, all shares of
common stock held by Berkshire Hills Foundation must be voted in the same ratio
as all other shares of the common stock on all proposals considered by
stockholders of Berkshire Hills.
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Berkshire Hills Foundation's place of business will be located at Berkshire
Hills' administrative offices. The Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills
Foundation will appoint such officers and employees as may be necessary to
manage its operations.
Berkshire Hills Foundation will receive working capital from: (1) any
dividends that may be paid on Berkshire Hills' common stock in the future; (2)
within the limits of applicable federal and state laws, loans collateralized by
the common stock; or (3) from the proceeds of the sale of any of the common
stock in the open market from time to time. As a private foundation under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Berkshire Hills Foundation will
be required to distribute annually in grants or donations, a minimum of 5% of
the average fair market value of its net investment assets. One of the
conditions imposed on the gift of common stock by Berkshire Hills is that the
amount of common stock that may be sold by Berkshire Hills Foundation in any one
year shall not exceed 5% of the average market value of the assets held by
Berkshire Hills Foundation, except where the Board of Directors of Berkshire
Hills Foundation determines that the failure to sell an amount of common stock
greater than such amount would result in a long-term reduction of the value of
its assets and/or would otherwise jeopardize its capacity to carry out its
charitable purposes. Upon completion of the conversion and the contribution of
shares to Berkshire Hills Foundation immediately following the conversion,
Berkshire Hills would have 6,637,140 and 8,979,660 shares issued and outstanding
at the minimum and maximum of the estimated valuation range. Because of the
gift of common stock to Berkshire Hills Foundation, Berkshire Hills will have an
increased number of shares outstanding and, therefore, the voting and ownership
interests of stockholders in Berkshire Hills will be diluted by 7.4%, compared
to their interests in Berkshire Hills if Berkshire Hills Foundation were not
established. For additional discussion of the dilutive effect, see "Pro Forma
Data."
Tax Considerations. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank have been advised
by their independent tax advisors that an organization created for the above
purposes should qualify as a Section 501(c)(3) exempt organization under the
Internal Revenue Code and should be classified as a private foundation.
Berkshire Hills Foundation will submit a request to the Internal Revenue Service
to be recognized as an exempt organization. As long as Berkshire Hills
Foundation files its application for tax-exempt status within 15 months from the
date of its organization, and provided the Internal Revenue Service approves the
application, its effective date as a Section 501(c)(3) organization will be the
date of its organization. Berkshire Hills' independent tax advisors, however,
have not rendered any advice on whether Berkshire Hills Foundation's tax exempt
status will be affected by the requirement of the regulatory authorities that
all shares of common stock of Berkshire Hills held by Berkshire Hills Foundation
must be voted in the same ratio as all other outstanding shares of common stock
of Berkshire Hills on all proposals considered by stockholders of Berkshire
Hills. See "--Regulatory Conditions Imposed on Berkshire Hills Foundation."
Under Delaware law, Berkshire Hills is authorized by statute to make
charitable contributions and case law has recognized the benefits of such
contributions to a Delaware corporation. Delaware case law provides that a
charitable gift must be within reasonable limits as to amount and purpose to be
valid. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank believe that the conversion presents
a unique opportunity to establish and fund a charitable foundation given the
substantial amount of additional capital being raised. In making such a
determination, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank considered the dilutive impact
of the contribution of common stock to Berkshire Hills Foundation on the amount
of common stock to be sold in the conversion. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire
Bank believe that the contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation in excess of
the 10% annual limitation on charitable deductions described below is justified
given Berkshire Bank's capital position and its earnings, the substantial
additional capital being raised in the conversion and the potential benefits of
Berkshire Hills Foundation within Berkshire County, Massachusetts. See
"Capitalization," "Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance," and
"Comparison of Independent Valuation and Pro Forma Financial Information With
and Without the Foundation." The amount of the contribution will not adversely
impact the financial condition of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank. Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank therefore believe that the amount of the charitable
contribution is reasonable given Berkshire Hills' and Berkshire Bank's pro forma
capital positions and does not raise safety and soundness concerns.
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank have received an opinion from their
independent tax advisors that Berkshire Hills' contribution of its stock to
Berkshire Hills Foundation should not constitute an act of self-dealing and that
Berkshire Hills should be entitled to a deduction in the amount of the fair
market value of the stock at the time of the contribution less the nominal
amount that Berkshire Hills Foundation is required to pay Berkshire Hills
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for such stock. Berkshire Hills is only permitted to deduct an amount equal to
10% of its annual taxable income in any one year. Berkshire Hills is permitted
under the Internal Revenue Code to carry the excess contribution over the five
year period following the contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation. Berkshire
Hills estimates that substantially all of the contribution should be deductible
over the six-year period. However, Berkshire Hills does not have any assurance
that the Internal Revenue Service will grant tax-exempt status to the
foundation. Furthermore, even if the contribution is deductible, Berkshire Hills
may not have sufficient earnings to be able to use the deduction in full.
Neither Berkshire Hills nor Berkshire Bank expect to make any further
contributions to Berkshire Hills Foundation or to Greater Berkshire Foundation,
Inc. within the first five years following the initial contribution, unless such
contributions would be deductible under the Internal Revenue Code. Any such
decisions would be based on an assessment of, among other factors, the financial
condition of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank at that time, the interests of
stockholders and depositors of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, and the
financial condition and operations of the foundations.
Although Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank have received an opinion from
their independent tax advisors that Berkshire Hills should be entitled to a
deduction for the charitable contribution, there can be no assurances that the
Internal Revenue Service will recognize Berkshire Hills Foundation as a Section
501(c)(3) exempt organization or that the deduction will be permitted. In such
event, Berkshire Hills' contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation would be
expensed without tax benefit, resulting in a reduction in earnings in the year
in which the Internal Revenue Service makes such a determination. See "Risk
Factors--Contribution to Berkshire Hills Foundation may not be tax deductible
which could hurt Berkshire Hills' profits."
As a private foundation, earnings and gains, if any, from the sale of
common stock or other assets are exempt from federal and state income taxation.
However, investment income, such as interest, dividends and capital gains, is
generally taxed at a rate of 2.0%. Berkshire Hills Foundation will be required
to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service within four and
one-half months after the close of its fiscal year. Berkshire Hills Foundation
will be required to make its annual information return available for public
inspection for a three-year period. The information return for a private
foundation must include, among other things, an itemized list of all grants made
or approved, showing the amount of each grant, the recipient, any relationship
between a grant recipient and the foundation's managers and a concise statement
of the purpose of each grant.
Regulatory Conditions Imposed on Berkshire Hills Foundation. Establishment
of Berkshire Hills Foundation is expected to be subject to the following
conditions to be agreed to by Berkshire Hills Foundation as a condition to
receiving the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner's approval to the conversion:
1. the Massachusetts Division of Banks can examine the foundation;
2. the foundation must comply with all supervisory directives or regulatory
bulletins imposed by the Massachusetts Division of Banks;
3. the foundation will operate according to written policies adopted by its
board of directors, including a business plan and a conflict of interest
policy;
4. the foundation will give a proposed operating plan to the Massachusetts
Division of Banks before the completion of the conversion;
5. the foundation will provide annual reports to the Massachusetts Division
of Banks describing the grants made and the grant recipients;
6. the foundation shall not engage in self-dealing and shall comply with
all laws necessary to maintain its tax-exempt status under the
Internal Revenue Code; and
7. the foundation must vote its shares in the same ratio as all other
holders of shares.
Additionally, the establishment and funding of Berkshire Hills Foundation
had to be approved by: (1) a majority vote of Berkshire Bancorp's corporators
present and voting at a meeting called for such purpose; and (2) the majority
vote of all "independent" corporators (who shall not constitute less than sixty
percent (60%) of all
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corporators eligible to vote) present and voting at a meeting called for such
purpose, which such approval occurred on April 19, 2000.
Reasons for the Conversion
The Board of Directors and management believe that the conversion is in the
best interests of Berkshire Bank, its customers, employees and the communities
it serves. By converting to the stock holding company form of organization,
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank will be structured in the form used by
holding companies of commercial banks, most business entities and by a growing
number of savings institutions. Management of Berkshire Bank believes that the
conversion offers a number of advantages which will be important to the future
growth and performance of Berkshire Bank. The capital raised in the conversion
is intended to support Berkshire Bank's future lending and operational growth,
and to increase its ability to render services to the communities it serves.
The capital raised may also support possible future branching activities and the
acquisition of other financial institutions or financial service companies or
their assets. With the exception of an insurance agency which Berkshire Bank is
currently in the process of establishing, there are no current specific plans,
arrangements or understandings, written or oral, regarding these activities.
The conversion is also expected to afford Berkshire Bank's management,
depositors and others the opportunity to become stockholders of Berkshire Hills
and participate more directly in, and contribute to, any future growth of
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank. The conversion will also enable Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank to raise additional capital in the public equity or
debt markets should the need arise, although there are no current specific
plans, arrangements or understandings, written or oral, to do so.
Effects of Conversion to Stock Form
General. Each depositor in Berkshire Bank has both a deposit account in
the institution and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of the
institution through Berkshire Bancorp, based upon the balance in his or her
account, which interest may only be realized if the institution is liquidated.
However, this ownership interest is tied to the depositor's account and has no
value separate from such deposit account. Any depositor who opens a deposit
account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of the
institution without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A
depositor who reduces or closes his account receives a portion or all of the
balance in the deposit account but nothing for his ownership interest in the net
worth of the institution, which is reduced or lost to the extent that the
balance in the account is reduced.
Consequently, Berkshire Bank's depositors would realize the value of their
ownership interest only in the unlikely event that the bank is liquidated. In
such event, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would be able to
share in any residual surplus and reserves after the payment of creditors'
claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are
paid.
When a mutual holding company converts to stock form, depositors lose all
rights to the net worth of the bank, except that eligible and supplemental
eligible account holders at the time of conversion obtain the right to claim a
pro rata share of funds representing the liquidation account established in
connection with the conversion. Additionally, nonwithdrawable common stock is
created and offered to depositors which represents the ownership of the
institution's net worth. The common stock is separate and apart from deposit
accounts and cannot be and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Depositors Insurance Fund or any other governmental agency.
Certificates are issued to evidence ownership of the common stock. The stock
certificates are transferable, and therefore the stock may be sold or traded if
a purchaser is available with no effect on any deposit account the seller may
hold in the institution.
No assets of Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bancorp or Berkshire Bank will be
distributed in connection with the conversion other than the payment of those
expenses incurred in connection with the conversion.
Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, the normal
business of Berkshire Bank will continue without interruption, including being
regulated by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation. After conversion, Berkshire Bank will continue to
provide services for depositors and borrowers under current policies by its
present management and staff.
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The Directors of Berkshire Bank at the time of conversion will serve as
Directors of Berkshire Bank after the conversion. The Directors of Berkshire
Hills will be solely composed of individuals who served on the Board of
Directors of Berkshire Bank. All officers of Berkshire Bank at the time of
conversion will retain their positions after the conversion.
Savings Accounts and Loans. Berkshire Bank's savings accounts, account
balances and existing Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Depositors
Insurance Fund insurance coverage of savings accounts will not be affected by
the conversion. Furthermore, the conversion will not affect the loan accounts,
loan balances or obligations of borrowers under their individual contractual
arrangements with Berkshire Bank.
Effect on Voting Rights of Corporators. Berkshire Bancorp presently
maintains a governing board of 74 corporators. Generally, corporators consist
of depositors of Berkshire Bank who are residents of the communities served by
Berkshire Bank. Corporators are nominated by Berkshire Bancorp's nominating
committee and elected by ballot at corporators' meetings. Generally,
corporators promote the goodwill of Berkshire Bank and, therefore, are
individuals who are successful in their occupations and respected in their
communities. Corporators also possess certain voting rights in Berkshire
Bancorp. Upon conversion, Berkshire Bancorp and its governing body of
corporators will no longer exist. Instead, Berkshire Hills, as the sole
stockholder of Berkshire Bank, will possess all voting rights in Berkshire Bank.
The holders of the common stock of Berkshire Hills will possess all voting
rights in Berkshire Hills.
Tax Effects. The conversion will be effected through a series of
contemporaneous transactions which result in Berkshire Bank becoming a wholly
owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hills. To facilitate the conversion, Berkshire
Bancorp will merge with and into Berkshire Bank. In connection with the merger,
shares of Berkshire Bank common stock previously held by Berkshire Bancorp will
be canceled. Berkshire Hills will then contribute 50% of the net offering
proceeds to Berkshire Bank in exchange for 100% of its common stock.
Berkshire Bank has received an opinion from Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP,
Washington, D.C., that addresses the material federal income tax consequences of
the conversion. The opinion, which relies upon standard factual representations
given by Berkshire Bank, concludes, as follows:
1. The merger of Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank will constitute a
tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code.
2. The exchange, as a result of the merger, of the equity interests of
the eligible and supplemental eligible account holders in Berkshire Bancorp for
interests in the liquidation account established by Berkshire Bank in the merger
will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.308-1(b) of the
Treasury Regulations.
3. Berkshire Bancorp will not recognize any gain or loss on the transfer
of its assets to Berkshire Bank as a consequence of its merger with Berkshire
Bank in exchange for an interest in a liquidation account established in
Berkshire Bank for the benefit of eligible and supplemental eligible account
holders who hold a liquidation interest in Berkshire Bancorp and who remain
depositors of Berkshire Bank.
4. No gain or loss will be recognized by Berkshire Bank upon the receipt
of the assets of Berkshire Bancorp as a consequence of its merger with Berkshire
Bank in exchange for the transfer to the eligible and supplemental eligible
account holders who hold a liquidation interest in Berkshire Bancorp of an
interest in the liquidation account.
5. The basis of the assets of Berkshire Bancorp to be received by
Berkshire Bank as a consequence of its merger with Berkshire Bank will be the
same as the basis of such assets in the hands of Berkshire Bancorp immediately
prior to the transfer.
6. The holding period of the assets of Berkshire Bancorp to be received
by Berkshire Bank in connection with its merger with Berkshire Bank will include
the holding period of those assets in the hands of Berkshire Bancorp.
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7. An eligible or supplemental eligible account holder will recognize no
gain or loss upon the receipt of an interest in the liquidation account in
Berkshire Bank in exchange for the eligible and supplemental eligible account
holder's liquidation interest in Berkshire Bancorp.
8. Berkshire Hills will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of
cash in exchange for shares of common stock of Berkshire Hills issued in the
conversion offering.
9. Berkshire Hills will recognize no gain or loss upon the transfer of a
portion of the net offering proceeds to Berkshire Bank in exchange for common
stock of Berkshire Bank.
10. Berkshire Bank will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of a
portion of the net offering proceeds from Berkshire Hills in exchange for common
stock of Berkshire Bank.
11. Assuming that the subscription rights have no value, no gain or loss
will be recognized by Berkshire Hills or by eligible or supplemental eligible
account holders or other persons described in the plan of conversion who will
receive subscription rights as a result of the distribution of subscription
rights to purchase shares of common stock. Additionally, eligible or
supplemental eligible account holders or other persons shall not recognize gain
or loss upon the exercise of subscription rights to purchase shares of common
stock, provided that the amount to be paid for the common stock is equal to the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of purchase.
Unlike a private letter ruling issued by the Internal Revenue Service, an
opinion of counsel is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service and the
Internal Revenue Service could disagree with the conclusions reached in the
opinion. If there is a disagreement, no assurance can be given that the
conclusions reached in an opinion of counsel would be sustained by a court if
contested by the Internal Revenue Service.
The opinions regarding the tax consequences of the receipt of subscription
rights are based upon past rulings of the Internal Revenue Service and the
conclusion of FinPro that such subscription rights have no fair market value.
FinPro, whose findings are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service, has
issued a letter indicating that the subscription rights do not have any value,
based on the fact that the rights are acquired by the recipients without cost,
are nontransferable and of short duration and afford the recipients the right
only to purchase shares of the common stock at a price equal to its estimated
fair market value, which will be the same price paid by purchasers in the direct
community offering for unsubscribed shares of common stock. If the subscription
rights are determined to have value, the receipt of the rights may only be
taxable to those persons who exercise their subscription rights. In such event,
Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank could also recognize a gain on the
distribution of subscription rights. Holders of subscription rights are
encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences if
the subscription rights are deemed to have any value.
Berkshire Bank has also received an opinion from Wolf & Company, P.C.,
Boston, Massachusetts, that, assuming the conversion does not result in any
federal income tax liability to Berkshire Bank, its account holders, Berkshire
Bancorp or Berkshire Hills, implementation of the plan of conversion will not
result in any Massachusetts income tax liability to those entities or persons.
The opinions of Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP and Wolf & Company, P.C.,
and the opinion from FinPro relating to the value of the subscription rights,
are filed as exhibits to the registration statement that Berkshire Hills has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Where You Can Find More
Information."
Prospective investors are urged to consult with their own tax advisors
regarding the tax consequences of the conversion particular to them.
Liquidation Account. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of
Berkshire Bancorp before the conversion, each depositor in Berkshire Bank would
receive a pro rata share of any assets of Berkshire Bank remaining after payment
of claims of all creditors, including the claims of all depositors up to the
withdrawal value of their accounts. Each depositor's pro rata share of the
remaining assets would be in the same proportion as the
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value of his or her deposit account to the total value of all deposit accounts
in Berkshire Bank at the time of liquidation.
After the conversion, holders of withdrawable deposit(s) in Berkshire Bank,
including certificates of deposit, will not be entitled to share in any residual
assets upon liquidation of Berkshire Bank. However, under the Massachusetts
conversion regulations, Berkshire Bank will, at the time of the conversion
establish a liquidation account in an amount equal to the amount of its net
worth as set forth in its latest statement of financial condition contained in
this prospectus.
The liquidation account will be maintained by Berkshire Bank for the
benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders
who retain their deposit accounts in Berkshire Bank. Each eligible account
holder and supplemental eligible account holder will, with respect to each
deposit account held, have a related inchoate interest in a sub-account portion
of the liquidation account balance.
The initial subaccount balance for a deposit account held by an eligible
account holder or a supplemental eligible account holder will be determined by
multiplying the opening balance in the liquidation account by a fraction of
which the numerator is the amount of the holder's "qualifying deposit" in the
deposit account and the denominator is the total amount of the "qualifying
deposits" of all eligible or supplemental eligible account holders. The initial
subaccount balance shall not be increased, and it will be decreased as provided
below.
If the deposit balance in any deposit account of an eligible account holder
or supplemental eligible account holder at the close of business on any annual
closing day of Berkshire Bank after September 30, 1998 or September 30, 1999, is
less than the lesser of the deposit balance in such deposit account at the close
of business on any other annual fiscal year closing date after September 30,
1998 or September 30, 1999 or the amount of the "qualifying deposit" in such
deposit account on September 30, 1998 or September 30, 1999, then the subaccount
balance for such deposit account shall be adjusted by reducing the subaccount
balance in an amount proportionate to the reduction in the deposit balance. Once
reduced, the subaccount balance shall not be subsequently increased,
notwithstanding any increase in the deposit balance of the related deposit
account. If any deposit account is closed, the related subaccount balance shall
be reduced to zero.
Only upon a complete liquidation of Berkshire Bank, each eligible account
holder and supplemental eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a
liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in the amount of the then
current adjusted subaccount balance(s) for deposit account(s) held by the holder
before any liquidation distribution may be made to stockholders. No merger,
consolidation, bulk purchase of assets with assumptions of deposit account and
other liabilities or similar transactions in which Berkshire Bank is not the
surviving institution will be considered to be a complete liquidation. In any of
these transactions, the liquidation account will be assumed by the surviving
institution.
In the unlikely event Berkshire Bank is liquidated after the conversion,
depositors will be entitled to full payment of their deposit accounts before any
payment is made to Berkshire Hills as the sole stockholder of Berkshire Bank.
The liquidation account will be a memorandum account on the books of
Berkshire Bank and will not be reflected in the audited or unaudited
consolidated financial statements of Berkshire Hills or in Berkshire Bank's
regulatory reports.
The Subscription, Direct Community and Syndicated Community Offerings
Subscription Offering. Under the plan of conversion, nontransferable
subscription rights to purchase the common stock in a subscription offering have
been issued to certain persons and entities. The amount of the common stock
which these parties may purchase will depend on the availability of the common
stock. Subscription priorities have been established for the allocation of stock
that may be available. These priorities are as follows:
Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each depositor with a deposit
account of $50 or more on deposit at Berkshire Bank as of September 30, 1998
will receive nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for
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up to the greater of: (1) $250,000 of common stock (such amount may be increased
to 5.0% of the common stock offered or decreased to 0.10% of the common stock
offered without the further approval of the corporators or resolicitation of
subscribers); (2) one-tenth of one percent (0.10%) of the total offering of
shares of common stock; or (3) fifteen times the product (rounded down to the
next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common
stock to be issued by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the
holder's "qualifying deposit" and the denominator is the total amount of
"qualifying deposits" of all eligible account holders ($643,709,810).
Nontransferable subscription rights received by directors, trustees, corporators
or officers of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bancorp and their associates in this
priority based on any increased deposits in Berkshire Bank in the one-year
period preceding September 30, 1998 will be subordinated to all other
subscription rights of eligible account holders.
If the exercise of subscription rights in this priority results in an
oversubscription, shares of common stock will be allocated among subscribing
eligible account holders so as to permit each one, if possible, to purchase a
number of shares sufficient to make the person's total allocation equal 100
shares or the number of shares actually subscribed for, whichever is less.
After that, unallocated shares will be allocated proportionately, based on the
amount of the eligible account holder's qualifying deposits compared to the
total qualifying deposits of all subscribing eligible account holders whose
subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount so allocated exceeds the amount
subscribed for by any one or more eligible account holders, the excess shall be
reallocated, one or more times as necessary, among those eligible account
holders whose subscriptions are still not fully satisfied on the same principle
until all shares have been allocated or all subscriptions satisfied.
Priority 2: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent there
are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfying the
subscriptions of eligible account holders, each depositor with a deposit account
of $50 or more on deposit at Berkshire Bank as of September 30, 1999, will
receive nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for up to the greater
of: (1) $250,000 of common stock (such amount may be increased to 5.0% of the
common stock offered or decreased to 0.10% of the common stock offered without
the further approval of the corporators or resolicitation of subscribers); (2)
one tenth of one percent (0.10%) of the total offering of shares of common
stock; or (3) fifteen times the product (rounded down to the next whole number)
obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of common stock to be issued
by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the holder's "qualifying
deposit" and the denominator is the total amount of "qualifying deposits" of all
supplemental eligible account holders ($679,453,099).
If the exercise of subscription rights in this priority results in an
oversubscription, shares of common stock will be allocated among subscribing
supplemental eligible account holders so as to permit each supplemental eligible
account holder, if possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make
his or her total allocation equal 100 shares or the number of shares actually
subscribed for, whichever is less. After that, unallocated shares will be
allocated among subscribing supplemental eligible account holders
proportionately, based on the amount of their respective qualifying deposits
compared to the total qualifying deposits of all subscribing supplemental
eligible account holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount
so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more supplemental
eligible account holders, the excess shall be reallocated, one or more times as
necessary, among those supplemental eligible account holders whose subscriptions
are still not fully satisfied on the same principle until all shares have been
allocated or all subscriptions satisfied.
Priority 3: Employee Stock Ownership Plan. To the extent that there are
sufficient shares remaining after satisfying the subscriptions of eligible and
supplemental eligible account holders, the employee stock ownership plan will
receive nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to 8% of common stock
issued in the conversion, or 530,971 and 718,372 shares at the minimum and
maximum of the estimated valuation range. If the plan's subscription is not
filled in its entirety, the employee stock ownership plan may purchase shares in
the open market or may purchase shares directly from Berkshire Hills. The
employee stock ownership plan shall not be deemed to be an associate or
affiliate of, or a person acting in concert with, any trustee, corporator,
director or officer of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills.
Subscriptions by the employee stock ownership plan will not be combined with any
other participants in the subscription and direct community offerings, including
purchases made by any of the trustees, directors, corporators, officers,
employees or associates of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills.
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Priority 4: Directors, Trustees, Officers and Employees. To the extent
that shares are available after satisfying the subscriptions of eligible account
holders, supplemental eligible account holders and the employee stock ownership
plan, directors, trustees, officers and employees of Berkshire Bank and
Berkshire Bancorp shall be entitled to purchase up to 30% of the total offering
of shares of common stock. The shares shall be allocated among directors,
trustees, officers and employees on a fair basis such as by giving weight to the
period of service, compensation and position of the individual. Directors,
trustees, officers and employees of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bancorp shall
not be deemed to be associates or persons acting in concert solely as a result
of their board membership or employment.
Subscription rights are nontransferable. Persons selling or otherwise
transferring their rights to subscribe for common stock in the subscription
offering or subscribing for common stock on behalf of another person may forfeit
those rights and may face possible further sanctions and penalties imposed by
the Massachusetts Division of Banks, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
or another agency of the U.S. Government. Stock purchased in the subscription
offering must be registered in the name(s) of the registered account holder(s)
and failure to do so will result in the rejection of the order. Joint
registrations will be allowed only if the qualifying account is so registered.
Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he
or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she
has no agreement or understanding with any other person for the sale or transfer
of the shares. Once tendered, subscription orders cannot be revoked without the
consent of Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills.
Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank will make reasonable
attempts to provide a prospectus and related offering materials to holders of
subscription rights. However, the subscription offering and all subscription
rights under the plan of conversion will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on
June 12, 2000, whether or not Berkshire Bank has been able to locate each person
entitled to subscription rights. Orders for common stock in the subscription
offering received in hand by Berkshire Bank after that time will not be
accepted. The subscription offering may be extended by Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank up to July 3, 2000 without regulatory approval. The Massachusetts
conversion regulations require that Berkshire Hills complete the sale of common
stock within 45 days after the close of the subscription offering, unless
extended with the approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and any
other applicable bank regulatory authority. If the direct community offering
and the syndicated community offerings are not completed within that period all
funds received will be promptly returned with interest at Berkshire Bank's
passbook rate and all withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. If regulatory
approval of an extension of the time period has been granted, all subscribers
will be notified of the extension and of the duration of any extension that has
been granted, and will be given the right to increase, decrease or rescind their
orders. If an affirmative response to any resolicitation is not received by
Berkshire Hills from a subscriber, the subscriber's order will be rescinded and
all funds received will be promptly returned with interest, or withdrawal
authorizations will be canceled. No extensions may be granted beyond October 22,
2001.
Direct Community Offering. Any shares of common stock which remain
unsubscribed for in the subscription offering will be offered by Berkshire Hills
to certain members of the general public in a direct community offering, with
preference given to natural persons residing in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Purchasers in the direct community offering are eligible to purchase up to
$250,000 of common stock, which equals 25,000 shares. This amount may be
increased up to 5% of the total offering of shares without further approval of
Berkshire Bancorp's corporators or a resolicitation of subscribers unless
required by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other applicable bank
regulatory authority. If the purchase limit is increased to 5% of the total
offering of shares, orders accepted in the direct community offering shall be
filled up to a maximum of 2% of the total offering and thereafter shall be
allocated on a pro rata basis per order until all orders have been filled or all
of the remaining shares have been allocated. The direct community offering, if
held, may commence concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription
offering. The direct community offering may terminate on or at any time after
4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on June 12, 2000, but no later than 45 days after the
close of the subscription offering, unless extended by Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank, with the approval of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and
any other applicable bank regulatory authority. If regulatory approval of an
extension of the time period has been granted, all subscribers will be notified
of the extension and of the duration of any extension that has been granted, and
will be given the right to increase, decrease or rescind their orders. If an
affirmative response to any resolicitation is not received by Berkshire Hills
from a subscriber, the subscriber's order will be rescinded and all funds
received will be promptly returned with interest. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire
Bank have the absolute right to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders
to purchase shares in the direct community offering. If an
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order is rejected in part, the purchaser does not have the right to cancel the
remainder of the order. Berkshire Hills presently intends to terminate the
direct community offering as soon as it has received orders for all shares
available for purchase in the conversion.
If all of the common stock offered in the subscription offering is
subscribed for, no common stock will be available for purchase in the direct
community offering.
Syndicated Community Offering. The plan of conversion provides that, if
necessary, all shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering
and direct community offering, if any, may be offered for sale to certain
members of the general public in a syndicated community offering through a
syndicate of registered broker-dealers to be formed and managed by Sandler
O'Neill acting as agent of Berkshire Hills. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank
have the right to reject orders, in whole or part, in their sole discretion in
the syndicated community offering. Neither Sandler O'Neill nor any registered
broker-dealer have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common
stock in the syndicated community offering; however, Sandler O'Neill has agreed
to use its best efforts in the sale of shares in the syndicated community
offering.
Stock sold in the syndicated community offering also will be sold at the
$10.00 purchase price. See "--Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued."
No person will be permitted to subscribe in the syndicated community offering
for more than $250,000 of common stock, which equals 25,000 shares. This amount
may be increased up to 5% of the total offering of shares without further
approval of Berkshire Bancorp's corporators or a resolicitation of subscribers
unless required by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other
applicable bank regulatory authority. If the purchase limit is increased to 5%
of the total offering of shares, orders accepted in the syndicated community
offering shall be filed up to a maximum of 2% of the total offering and
thereafter shall be allocated on a pro rata basis per order until all orders
have been filled or all of the remaining shares have been allocated. See "--
Plan of Distribution for the Subscription, Direct Community and Syndicated
Community Offerings" for a description of the commission to be paid to the
selected dealers and to Sandler O'Neill.
Sandler O'Neill may enter into agreements with selected dealers to assist
in the sale of shares in the syndicated community offering. During the
syndicated community offering, selected dealers may only solicit indications of
interest from their customers to place orders with Berkshire Hills as of a
certain date for the purchase of shares. When and if Sandler O'Neill and
Berkshire Hills believe that enough indications of interest and orders have been
received in the subscription offering, the direct community offering and the
syndicated community offering to consummate the conversion, Sandler O'Neill will
request, as of that certain date, selected dealers to submit orders to purchase
shares for which they have received indications of interest from their
customers. Selected dealers will send confirmations to customers on the next
business day after that certain date. Selected dealers may settle the trade by
debiting the accounts of their customers on a date which will be three business
days from that certain date. Customers who authorize selected dealers to debit
their brokerage accounts are required to have the funds for payment in their
account on but not before the settlement date. On the settlement date, selected
dealers will remit funds to the account that Berkshire Hills established for
each selected dealer. Each customer's funds so forwarded to Berkshire Hills,
along with all other accounts held in the same title, will be insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the applicable $100,000 legal limit.
After payment has been received by Berkshire Hills from selected dealers, funds
will earn interest at Berkshire Bank's passbook rate until the completion of the
offering. At the completion of the conversion, the funds received will be used
to purchase the shares of common stock ordered. The shares issued in the
conversion cannot and will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, the Depositors Insurance Fund or any other government agency. If
the conversion is not completed, funds with interest will be returned promptly
to the selected dealers, who, in turn, will promptly credit their customers'
brokerage accounts.
The syndicated community offering may terminate no more than 45 days after
the expiration of the subscription offering, unless extended by Berkshire Hills
and Berkshire Bank, with approval of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and
any other applicable bank regulatory authority.
If Berkshire Bank is unable to find purchasers from the general public for
all unsubscribed shares, other purchase arrangements will be made by the Board
of Directors of Berkshire Bank, if feasible. Any other arrangements must be
approved by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other applicable bank
regulatory authority.
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Persons in Non-Qualified States. Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank will
make reasonable efforts to comply with the securities laws of all states in the
United States in which persons entitled to subscribe for stock under the plan of
conversion reside. However, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank are not required
to offer stock in the subscription offering to any person who resides in a
foreign country or who resides in a state of the United States to which both of
the following apply: (a) less than 100 persons eligible to subscribe for shares
reside; and (b) the granting of subscription rights or the offer or sale of
shares to these persons would require Berkshire Hills or its employees under the
securities laws of the state to register as a broker, dealer or agent, or to
register or otherwise qualify the shares for sale in the state and registering
or qualifying would be impractical for reasons of cost or otherwise. Neither
Berkshire Hills nor Berkshire Bank will make any payments to persons residing in
these states in lieu of granting subscription rights to them.
Plan of Distribution for the Subscription, Direct Community and Syndicated
Community Offerings
Berkshire Bank has retained Sandler O'Neill to consult with and advise
Berkshire Bank and to assist Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills, on a best
efforts basis, in the distribution of shares in the offering. Sandler O'Neill is
a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Sandler O'Neill
will: (1) consult as to the securities marketing implications of the
conversion; (2) review with the Board of Directors the independent appraisal of
the common stock; (3) review all offering documents; (4) assist in the design
and implementation of a marketing strategy; (5) assist in obtaining all
requisite regulatory approvals; (6) assist Berkshire Bank management in
scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and broker-
dealers; and (7) provide such other general advice and assistance as may be
requested to promote the successful completion of the conversion.
Based on negotiations between Sandler O'Neill and Berkshire Bank concerning
the fee structure, Sandler O'Neill will receive a fee equal to 1.50% of the
aggregate dollar amount of all common stock sold in the offerings. Such amount
does not include any shares sold to the employee stock ownership plan,
directors, officers and employees of Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills or
members of their immediate families or any shares contributed to Berkshire Hills
Foundation. Such fee will be paid upon completion of the conversion. Sandler
O'Neill will also be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
including legal fees. In addition, Sandler O'Neill will perform conversion
agent services and records management services for Berkshire Bank in the
conversion and will receive a fee for these services of $45,000.
Sandler O'Neill has not prepared any report or opinion constituting a
recommendation or advice to Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank or to persons who
subscribe for stock, nor has it prepared an opinion as to the fairness to
Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank of the purchase price or the terms of the
common stock to be sold. Sandler O'Neill expresses no opinion as to the prices
at which the common stock to be issued may trade. Total marketing fees to
Sandler O'Neill are expected to be $811,000 to $1.1 million at the minimum and
maximum of the estimated valuation range, respectively. See "Pro Forma Data"
for the assumptions used to arrive at these estimates. Sandler O'Neill and
selected dealers participating in the syndicated community offering will receive
a commission for any common stock sold in the syndicated community offering in a
maximum amount to be agreed upon by Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank to
reflect market requirements at the time of the allocation of shares in the
syndicated community offering but in no event will such amount exceed 6% of the
aggregate dollar amount of any common stock sold in the syndicated community
offering. In addition, Sandler O'Neill will be paid a management fee of 1.50%
of the aggregate dollar amount of any common stock sold in the syndicated
community offering.
With certain limitations, Berkshire Bank has also agreed to indemnify
Sandler O'Neill against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred
in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon
untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering material for the common
stock or with regard to allocations of shares if there is an oversubscription,
or determinations of eligibility to purchase shares.
Description of Sales Activities
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The common stock will be offered in the subscription offering and direct
community offering principally by the distribution of this prospectus and
through activities conducted at Berkshire Hill's conversion center. The
conversion center is expected to operate during normal business hours throughout
the subscription offering and direct community offering. It is expected that at
any particular time one or more Sandler O'Neill employees will be working at the
conversion center. Employees of Sandler O'Neill will be responsible for mailing
materials relating to the offering, responding to questions regarding the
conversion and the offering and processing stock orders.
Sales of common stock will be made by registered representatives affiliated
with Sandler O'Neill or by the selected dealers managed by Sandler O'Neill. The
management and employees of Berkshire Bank may participate in the offering in
clerical capacities, providing administrative support in effecting sales
transactions or, when permitted by state securities laws, answering questions of
a mechanical nature relating to the proper execution of the order form.
Management of Berkshire Bank may answer questions regarding the business of
Berkshire Bank when permitted by state securities laws. Other questions of
prospective purchasers, including questions as to the advisability or nature of
the investment, will be directed to registered representatives. The management
and employees of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank have been instructed not to
solicit offers to purchase common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase
of common stock.
No officer, director, trustee or employee of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire
Bank or Berkshire Hills will be compensated, directly or indirectly, for any
activities in connection with the offer or sale of securities issued in the
conversion.
None of Berkshire Bank's personnel participating in the offering is
registered or licensed as a broker or dealer or an agent of a broker or dealer.
Berkshire Bank's personnel will assist in the above-described sales activities
under an exemption from registration as a broker or dealer provided by Rule 3a4-
1 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Rule 3a4-1
generally provides that an "associated person of an issuer" of securities shall
not be deemed a broker solely by reason of participation in the sale of
securities of the issuer if the associated person meets certain conditions.
These conditions include, but are not limited to, that the associated person
participating in the sale of an issuer's securities not be compensated in
connection therewith at the time of participation, that the person not be
associated with a broker or dealer and that the person observe certain
limitations on his or her participation in the sale of securities. For purposes
of this exemption, "associated person of an issuer" is defined to include any
person who is a director, officer or employee of the issuer or a company that
controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the issuer.
Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Direct Community
Offerings
To purchase shares in the subscription offering, an executed order form
with the required full payment for each share subscribed for, or with
appropriate authorization indicated on the stock order form for withdrawal of
full payment from the subscriber's deposit account with Berkshire Bank, must be
received by Berkshire Bank by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on June 12, 2000.
Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Hills are not required to accept
order forms that are not received by that time or are executed defectively, or
are received without full payment or without appropriate withdrawal
instructions. In addition, Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire
Hills are not obligated to accept orders submitted on photocopied or telecopied
stock order forms and will not accept stock order forms without an accompanying
executed certification form. Nevertheless, Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Bancorp
and Berkshire Hills shall have the right, each in their sole discretion, to
permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with a
legally binding commitment for payment and to pay for the shares of common stock
for which they subscribe at any time up to 48 hours before the completion of the
conversion. Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank have the
right to waive or permit a subscriber to correct an incomplete or improperly
executed order form, but do not represent that they will do so. Under the plan
of conversion, the interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of
conversion and of the order form by the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Bancorp
and the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank will be final subject to the
authority of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other applicable
bank regulatory authority.
In order to purchase shares in the direct community offering, the order
form, accompanied by the required payment for each share subscribed for, must be
received by Berkshire Bank before the direct community offering terminates,
which may be concurrently with or after the end of the subscription offering.
Once received, an
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executed order form may not be modified, amended or rescinded without the
consent of Berkshire Bank, unless the conversion has not been completed within
45 days after the end of the subscription offering.
In order to ensure that persons with subscription rights are properly
identified as to their stock purchase priorities, all accounts must be listed on
the order form giving all names on each account and the account number. Failure
to list an account could result in no shares or fewer shares being allocated to
a subscribing member.
Full payment for subscriptions may be made by check, bank draft or money
order, or by authorization of withdrawal from deposit accounts maintained with
Berkshire Bank. Appropriate means by which withdrawals may be authorized are
provided on the order form. No wire transfers will be accepted. Interest will
be paid on payments made by cash, check, bank draft or money order at Berkshire
Bank's passbook rate from the date payment is received until the completion or
termination of the conversion. If payment is made by authorization of
withdrawal from deposit accounts, the funds authorized to be withdrawn from a
deposit account will continue to accrue interest at the contractual rates until
completion or termination of the conversion, unless the certificate matures
after the date of receipt of the order form but before closing, in which case
funds will earn interest at the passbook rate from the date of maturity until
the conversion is completed or terminated, but a hold will be placed on the
funds, making them unavailable to the depositor until completion or termination
of the conversion. When the conversion is completed, the funds received in the
offering will be used to purchase the shares of common stock ordered. The shares
of common stock issued in the conversion cannot and will not be insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Depositors Insurance Fund or any
other government agency. If the conversion is not consummated for any reason,
all funds submitted will be promptly refunded with interest as described above.
If a subscriber authorizes Berkshire Bank to withdraw the amount of the
purchase price from his or her deposit account, Berkshire Bank will do so as of
the effective date of conversion, though the account must contain the full
amount necessary for payment at the time the subscription order is received.
Berkshire Bank will waive any applicable penalties for early withdrawal from
certificate accounts. If the remaining balance in a certificate account is
reduced below the applicable minimum balance requirement at the time funds are
actually transferred under the authorization the certificate will be canceled at
the time of the withdrawal, without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn
interest at the rate provided for in the certificates in the event of
cancellation.
The employee stock ownership plan will not be required to pay for the
shares subscribed for at the time it subscribes, but rather may pay for shares
of common stock subscribed for at the $10.00 purchase price upon the completion
of the subscription and direct community offerings, if all shares are sold, or
upon the completion of the syndicated community offering; provided that there is
in force from the time of its subscription until that time, a loan commitment
from an unrelated financial institution, Berkshire Hills or a subsidiary
established to lend to the employee stock ownership plan, at that time, the
aggregate purchase price of the shares for which it subscribed.
Individual retirement accounts maintained at Berkshire Bank do not permit
investment in the common stock. A depositor interested in using his or her
individual retirement account funds to purchase common stock must do so through
a self-directed individual retirement account. Depositors interested in using
funds in an individual retirement account at Berkshire Bank to purchase common
stock should contact the conversion center as soon as possible for assistance.
In addition, federal laws and regulations require that officers, directors and
10% shareholders who use self-directed individual retirement account funds to
purchase shares of common stock in the subscription offering, make purchases for
the exclusive benefit of individual retirement accounts.
Certificates representing shares of common stock purchased, and any refund
due, will be mailed to purchasers at the address specified on the order form or
to the last address of the persons appearing on the records of Berkshire Bank as
soon as practicable following the sale of all shares of common stock. Any
certificates returned as undeliverable will be disposed of as required by
applicable law. Purchasers may not be able to sell the shares of common stock
which they purchased until certificates for the common stock are available and
delivered to them, even though trading of the common stock may have begun.
To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours
before the end of the offering as required by Rule 15c2-8 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, no prospectus will be mailed any later than
five days before that date or hand delivered any later than two days before that
date. Execution of the order form will confirm receipt or delivery under Rule
15c2-8. Order forms will only be distributed with a
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prospectus. By executing and returning the regulatory mandated certification
form, you will be certifying that you received this prospectus and acknowledging
that the common stock is not a deposit account and is not insured or guaranteed
by any federal or state governmental agency. You will also be acknowledging that
you received disclosure concerning the risks involved in this stock offering.
The certification form could be used as support to show that you understand the
nature of your investment.
Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued
The plan of conversion requires that the aggregate purchase price of the
securities sold in connection with the conversion be based upon an estimated pro
forma value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted, as determined
by an independent appraisal. Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills have retained
FinPro, which is experienced in the evaluation and appraisal of business
entities, to prepare an appraisal of the pro forma market value of Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted, as well as a business plan. FinPro will
receive a fee expected to total approximately $39,500 for its appraisal services
and assistance in the preparation of a business plan, plus reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses incurred in connection with the appraisal. Berkshire Bank has
agreed to indemnify FinPro, its directors, officers, agents and employees under
certain circumstances against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees,
arising out of, related to, or based upon the conversion, except where FinPro's
liability results from its own negligence or willful misconduct.
FinPro has prepared an appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted. For its analysis, FinPro
undertook substantial investigations to learn about Berkshire Bank's business
and operations. Management supplied financial information, including annual
financial statements and information on the composition of assets and
liabilities. In addition to this information, FinPro reviewed Berkshire
Bancorp's conversion application as filed with the Massachusetts Division of
Banks and Berkshire Hills' registration statement as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, FinPro visited Berkshire Bank's facilities
and had discussions with Berkshire Bank's management and its special conversion
legal counsel, Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP.
FinPro's analysis utilized three selected valuation procedures, the
Price/Book method, the Price/Earnings method, and Price/Assets method, all of
which are described in its report. FinPro placed the greatest emphasis on the
Price/Earnings and Price/Book methods in estimating pro forma market value. In
applying these procedures, FinPro reviewed, among other factors, the economic
make-up of Berkshire Bank's primary market area, Berkshire Bank's financial
performance and condition in relation to publicly traded institutions that
FinPro deemed comparable to Berkshire Bank, the specific terms of the offering
of Berkshire Hills' common stock, the pro forma impact of the additional capital
raised in the conversion, the conditions of securities markets in general and
for thrift institution common stock in particular. FinPro's analysis provides
an approximation of the pro forma market value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire
Bank, as converted, based on the valuation methods applied and certain
assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of Berkshire Hills after the
conversion, including estimated expenses and an assumed after-tax rate of return
on the net conversion proceeds as described under "Pro Forma Data," purchases by
the employee stock ownership plan of an amount equal to 8% of the common stock
issued in the conversion and purchases in the open market by the stock-based
incentive plan of a number of shares equal to 4% of the common stock issued in
the conversion at the $10.00 purchase price. See "Pro Forma Data" for
additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different
assumptions may yield different results.
On the basis of the foregoing, FinPro has advised Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank that, in its opinion, as of March 8, 2000, the estimated pro
forma market value of the common stock to be sold in connection with the
conversion is within the valuation range of $61.5 million to $83.1 million with
a midpoint of $72.3 million. After reviewing the methodology and the
assumptions used by FinPro in the preparation of the appraisal, the Board of
Directors established an estimated valuation range of $61.5 million to $83.1
million with a midpoint of $72.3 million. Assuming that the shares are sold at
$10.00 per share in the conversion, the estimated number of shares sold would be
between 6,145,500 and 8,314,500 with a midpoint of 7,230,000. The purchase price
of $10.00 was determined after discussion among the Boards of Directors of
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills and Sandler O'Neill, taking into account,
among other factors, the desire that the common stock be offered in a manner
that will achieve the widest distribution of the stock and the desired liquidity
in the common stock after the conversion. Since the outcome of the offering
relates in large measure to market conditions at the time of sale, it is not
possible to determine the exact number of shares that will be issued by
Berkshire Hills at this time. The estimated valuation
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range may be amended, with the approval of the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner and any other applicable bank regulatory authority, if necessitated
by developments following the date of the appraisal, such as changes in market
conditions, the financial condition or operating results of Berkshire Bank,
regulatory guidelines or national or local economic conditions. FinPro's
appraisal report was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that
Berkshire Hills filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Where
You Can Find More Information."
If, upon completion of the subscription offering, at least the minimum
number of shares are subscribed for, FinPro, after taking into account factors
similar to those involved in its prior appraisal, will determine its estimate of
the pro forma market value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted,
as of the close of the subscription offering. No shares will be sold unless
FinPro confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and judgment, nothing of a
material nature has occurred that would cause it to conclude that the actual
total purchase price on an aggregate basis was materially incompatible with its
estimate of the total pro forma market value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire
Bank, as converted, at the time of the sale. If, however, the facts do not
justify that statement, the offering may be canceled, a new estimated valuation
range and price per share set and new subscription, direct community and
syndicated community offerings held. Under those circumstances, subscribers
would have the right to modify or rescind their subscriptions and to have their
subscription funds returned promptly with interest and holds on funds authorized
for withdrawal from deposit accounts would be released or reduced.
Depending upon market or financial conditions following the commencement of
the subscription and direct community offerings, the total number of shares to
be sold in the conversion may be increased or decreased without a resolicitation
of subscribers, provided that the product of the total number of shares times
the price per share is not below the minimum of the estimated valuation range or
more than 15% above the maximum of the estimated valuation range. Based on a
purchase price of $10.00 per share and FinPro's estimate of the pro forma market
value of the common stock ranging from a minimum of $61.5 million to a maximum,
as increased by 15%, of $95.6 million, the number of shares of common stock
expected to be sold is between a minimum of 6,145,500 shares and a maximum, as
adjusted by 15%, of 9,561,675 shares. The actual number of shares issued
between this range will depend on a number of factors and shall be determined by
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills.
If market or financial conditions change so as to cause the aggregate
purchase price of the shares to be below the minimum of the estimated valuation
range or more than 15% above the maximum of the estimated valuation range, if
the plan of conversion is not terminated by Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank
after consultation with the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other
applicable bank regulatory authority, purchasers will be resolicited, in which
case they will need to reconfirm, rescind, or modify their subscriptions. Any
change of more than 15% above the estimated valuation range must be approved by
the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and any other applicable bank regulatory
authority. If the number of shares issued in the conversion is increased to 15%
above the maximum of the estimated valuation range to reflect changes in market
or financial conditions, persons who subscribed for the maximum number of shares
will not be given the opportunity to subscribe for an adjusted maximum number of
shares. See "--Limitations on Purchases of Shares."
An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the conversion as a
result of an increase in the estimated pro forma market value would decrease
both a subscriber's ownership interest and Berkshire Hills' pro forma net
earnings and stockholders' equity on a per share basis while increasing pro
forma net earnings and stockholders' equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease
in the number of shares to be issued in the conversion would increase both a
subscriber's ownership interest and Berkshire Hills' pro forma net earnings and
stockholders' equity on a per share basis while decreasing pro forma net
earnings and stockholder's equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of
the effects of such changes, see "Pro Forma Data."
The number of shares to be issued and outstanding as a result of the sale
of common stock in the conversion will be increased by the number of shares
contributed to Berkshire Hills Foundation, which is expected to be 8% of the
common stock sold in the conversion. Assuming the sale of shares at the maximum
of the estimated valuation range, Berkshire Hills will issue 665,160 shares of
its common stock from authorized but unissued shares to Berkshire Hills
Foundation immediately following the completion of the conversion. In that
event, Berkshire Hills will have total shares of common stock outstanding of
8,979,660 shares. Of that amount, Berkshire Hills Foundation will own 7.4%.
Funding Berkshire Hills Foundation with authorized but unissued shares will have
the effect of diluting the ownership and voting interests of persons purchasing
shares in the conversion by 7.4% since a
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greater number of shares will be outstanding upon completion of the conversion
than would be if Berkshire Hills Foundation were not established. See "Pro Forma
Data."
In formulating its appraisal, FinPro relied upon the truthfulness, accuracy
and completeness of all documents Berkshire Bank furnished to it. FinPro also
considered financial and other information from regulatory agencies, other
financial institutions, and other public sources, as appropriate. While FinPro
believes this information to be reliable, FinPro does not guarantee the accuracy
or completeness of the information and did not independently verify the
financial statements and other data provided by Berkshire Bank and Berkshire
Hills or independently value the assets or liabilities of Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank. The appraisal is not intended to be, and must not be interpreted
as, a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of
common stock. Moreover, because the appraisal must be based on many factors
which change periodically, there is no assurance that purchasers of shares in
the conversion will be able to sell shares after the conversion at prices at or
above the purchase price.
Copies of the appraisal report of FinPro including any amendments thereto,
and the detailed memorandum of the appraiser setting forth the method and
assumptions for such appraisal are available for inspection at the main office
of Berkshire Bank and the other locations specified under "Where You Can Find
More Information."
Limitations on Purchases of Shares
The plan of conversion provides for certain limitations to be placed upon
the purchase of common stock in the conversion. Each subscriber must subscribe
for a minimum of 25 shares. The plan of conversion provides for the following
purchase limitations:
1. The maximum purchase in the subscription offering by any person or group
of persons through a single deposit account or similarly titled deposit
accounts is $250,000, which equals 25,000 shares or such greater amount
determined by such person's subscription right. See "--Subscription
Offering--Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders" and "--Priority 2:
Supplemental Eligible Account Holders." Where more than one account is
titled or held in the name of the same individual(s) or entity, such
accounts will be treated as one account giving the holder(s) an
aggregate subscription right to purchase up to $250,000 or 25,000
shares;
2. No person, related persons or persons acting in concert may purchase
more than $250,000, which equals 25,000 shares, in the direct community
offering;
3. The employee stock ownership plan may purchase, in the aggregate, up to
8% of the shares of common stock issued in the conversion;
4. Directors, trustees, corporators and officers of Berkshire Bank,
Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Hills and their associates may not
purchase more than 30% of the total number of shares offered in the
aggregate;
5. Persons purchasing shares of common stock in the syndicated community
offering, together with associates of and persons acting in concert with
such persons, may purchase up to $250,000 of common stock; and
6. The maximum number of shares of common stock which may be subscribed for
or purchased in all categories of the conversion by any person, together
with associates of and groups of persons acting in concert with such
persons, except for the employee stock ownership plan, shall not exceed
1.0% of the shares of common stock offered for sale in the conversion.
For purposes of the plan of conversion, directors, trustees, corporators,
officers and employees are not deemed to be associates or a group affiliated
with each other or acting in concert solely by reason of their being directors,
trustees, corporators, officers or employees of Berkshire Bank, Berkshire
Bancorp or Berkshire Hills. Pro rata reductions within each subscription rights
category will be made in accordance with the procedures outlined in the plan of
conversion.
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Subject to any required regulatory approval and the requirements of
applicable laws and regulations, but without further approval of the corporators
or subscribers for common stock, unless required by the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner or any applicable bank regulatory authority, both the individual
amount permitted to be subscribed for and the overall maximum purchase
limitation may be increased to up to a maximum of 5% of the common stock to be
issued at the sole discretion of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank. If such
amount is increased, subscribers for the maximum amount will be, and certain
other large subscribers in the sole discretion of Berkshire Bank may be, given
the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the then applicable limit.
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills do not intend to increase the maximum
purchase limitation unless market conditions warrant that an increase in the
maximum purchase limitation is necessary to sell a number of shares in excess of
the minimum of the estimated valuation range.
The plan of conversion defines "acting in concert" to include: (1) knowing
participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action
towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or (2) a
combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an
issuer for a common purpose under any contract, understanding, relationship,
agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. In general, a
person who acts in concert with another party shall also be deemed to be acting
in concert with any person who is also acting in concert with that other party.
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank may presume that certain persons are acting
in concert based upon, among other things, joint account relationships and the
fact that persons have filed joint Schedules 13D with the Securities and
Exchange Commission with respect to other companies.
The plan of conversion defines "associate," when used to indicate a
relationship with any person, to mean: (1) any corporation or organization
(other than Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bank or a majority-
owned subsidiary of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank) of
which a person is an officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the
beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities; (2) any trust
or other estate in which a person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to
which a person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (3) any
relative or spouse of a person, or any relative of a spouse, who either has the
same home as a person or who is a director, trustee or officer of Berkshire
Bancorp, Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank or any of its parents or
subsidiaries. The term "associate," however, does not include, for purposes of
the stock purchase limitations in the conversion, any stock benefit plan of
Berkshire Bank in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or
serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and, for purposes of
determining the total shares that may be held by officers and directors of
Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, does not include any tax-qualified employee
stock benefit plan of Berkshire Bank. For example, a corporation of which a
person serves as an officer would be an associate of a person and, therefore,
all shares purchased by such corporation would be included with the number of
shares which such person could purchase individually under the above
limitations.
The plan of conversion defines "officer" to mean the Chairman of the Board,
President, any officer of the level of Vice President or above, Clerk, Treasurer
and any other person performing similar functions of Berkshire Bancorp,
Berkshire Bank or Berkshire Hills.
Common stock purchased in the conversion will be freely transferable,
except for shares purchased by directors, trustees and officers of Berkshire
Bancorp, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Hills and by NASD members. See "--
Restrictions on Transferability by Corporators, Directors, Trustees and Officers
and NASD Members."
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Restrictions on Transferability by Corporators, Directors, Trustees, Officers
and NASD Members
Shares of common stock purchased by directors, trustees, corporators and
officers of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, and their
associates, either directly from Berkshire Hills or from an underwriter, may not
be sold for a period of one year following the conversion, except upon the death
or substantial disability of the director, trustee, corporator or officer, or
unless approved by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. Any stock purchased
after the conversion is free of this restriction. Accordingly, shares of common
stock issued by Berkshire Hills to directors, trustees, corporators and officers
of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, and their associates,
shall bear a legend giving appropriate notice of the restriction and, in
addition, Berkshire Hills will give appropriate instructions to the transfer
agent for Berkshire Hills' common stock with respect to the restriction on
transfers. Any shares issued to directors, trustees, corporators and officers of
Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, and their associates, as
a stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to restricted common
stock shall also be restricted.
Purchases of outstanding shares of common stock of Berkshire Hills by
directors, trustees, corporators and officers of Berkshire Bancorp, Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank, or any person who was an executive officer or director
of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank after adoption of the plan of conversion,
and their associates during the three-year period following the conversion may
be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Massachusetts
Banking Commissioner. This restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated
transactions involving more than 1% of Berkshire Hills' outstanding common stock
or to the purchase of stock under the stock-based incentive plan.
Berkshire Hills has filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the
registration of the common stock to be issued in the conversion. This
registration does not cover the resale of the shares. Shares of common stock
purchased by persons who are not affiliates of Berkshire Hills may be resold
without registration. Shares purchased by an affiliate of Berkshire Hills will
have resale restrictions under Rule 144 of the Securities Act, as amended. If
Berkshire Hills meets the current public information requirements of Rule 144,
each affiliate of Berkshire Hills who complies with the other conditions of Rule
144, including those that require the affiliate's sale to be aggregated with
those of certain other persons, would be able to sell in the public market,
without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month
period, the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of Berkshire Hills or the
average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four
calendar weeks. Provisions may be made in the future by Berkshire Hills to
permit affiliates to have their shares registered for sale under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, under certain circumstances.
Under the guidelines of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
members of that organization and their associates face certain restrictions on
the transfer of securities purchased with subscription rights and to certain
reporting requirements upon purchase of the securities.
Interpretation, Amendment and Termination
To the extent permitted by law, all interpretations of the plan of
conversion by Berkshire Bancorp and Berkshire Bank will be final; however, such
interpretations have no binding effect on the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner
and any other applicable bank regulatory authority. The plan of conversion
provides that, if deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Trustees of
Berkshire Bancorp and the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank, the plan of
conversion may be substantively amended by the Board of Trustees of Berkshire
Bancorp and the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank as a result of comments
from regulatory authorities or otherwise, without the further approval of
Berkshire Bank's corporators, unless required by the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner.
Completion of the conversion requires the sale of all shares of the common
stock within 24 months following approval of the plan of conversion by Berkshire
Bancorp's Board of Trustees and Berkshire Bank's Board of Directors. If this
condition is not satisfied, the plan of conversion will be terminated and
Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bancorp will continue their business in their
current forms of organization. The plan of conversion may be terminated by the
Board of Trustees of Berkshire Bancorp and the Board of Directors of Berkshire
Bank at any time prior to the approval of the plan by the Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner and any time thereafter with the concurrence of the Commissioner.
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RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF BERKSHIRE HILLS
AND BERKSHIRE BANK
General
The plan of conversion provides for the conversion of Berkshire Bancorp's
legal form of organization from a mutual holding company to a stock holding
company and, in connection with the conversion, the adoption by Berkshire
Bancorp's corporators of Amended and Restated Articles of Organization and
Bylaws of Berkshire Bank. See "The Conversion--General." As described below
and elsewhere in this prospectus, certain provisions in Berkshire Hills'
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and in its management compensation plans
adopted in connection with the conversion, together with provisions of Delaware
corporate law, may have anti-takeover effects. In addition, Berkshire Bank's
Amended and Restated Articles of Organization and Bylaws and management
compensation plans adopted in connection with the conversion may also have anti-
takeover effects. Finally, regulatory restrictions may make it difficult for
persons or companies to acquire control of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank.
Restrictions in Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
General. The following discussion is a general summary of the material
provisions of Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and other
statutory and regulatory provisions relating to stock ownership and transfers,
the Board of Directors and business combinations, which might be deemed to have
a potential anti-takeover effect. These provisions may have the effect of
discouraging a future takeover attempt which is not approved by the Board of
Directors but which individual stockholders may deem to be in their best
interests. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a
transaction may not have an opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also
render the removal of the current Board of Directors or management of Berkshire
Hills more difficult. The following summary is general and reference should be
made to the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. See "Where You Can Find
More Information" as to how to obtain a copy of these documents.
Limitation on Voting Rights. The Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire
Hills provides that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding common
stock which is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who
beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then outstanding shares of common
stock be entitled or permitted to any vote in respect of the shares held in
excess of such limit. Beneficial ownership is determined by Rule 13d-3 of the
General Rules and Regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and includes shares beneficially owned by that person or any of his
affiliates, shares which that person or his affiliates have the right to acquire
under any agreement, arrangement or understanding or upon the exercise of
conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants or options or otherwise and shares
as to which that person and his affiliates have sole or shared voting or
investment power. Beneficial ownership does not include shares under a publicly
solicited revocable proxy or shares that are not otherwise deemed to be
beneficially owned by such person and his affiliates. No director or officer (or
any affiliate thereof) of Berkshire Hills shall, solely by reason of any or all
of such directors or officers acting in their capacities as such, be deemed to
beneficially own any shares beneficially owned by any other director or officer
(or affiliate thereof) nor will the employee stock ownership plan or any similar
plan of Berkshire Hills or Berkshire Bank or any director with respect thereto
(solely by reason of such director's capacity) be deemed to beneficially own any
shares held under any such plan. The Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire
Hills further provides that the provisions limiting voting rights may only be
amended upon the vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all
then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon after giving
effect to the provision limiting voting rights.
Board of Directors. The Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills is divided
into three classes, each of which contains approximately one-third of the whole
number of the members of the Board. Each class serves a staggered term, with
approximately one-third of the total number of Directors being elected each
year. Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that the
size of the Board shall be determined by a majority of the whole Board of
Directors. The Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws provide that any
vacancy occurring in the Board, including a vacancy created by an increase in
the number of Directors or resulting from death, resignation, retirement,
disqualification, removal from office or other cause, shall be filled for the
remainder of the unexpired term only by a majority vote of the Directors then in
office. The classified Board is intended to
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provide for continuity of the Board of Directors and to make it more difficult
and time consuming for a stockholder group to fully use its voting power to gain
control of the Board of Directors without the consent of the incumbent Board of
Directors of Berkshire Hills. Directors may be removed by the stockholders only
for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting
power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote after
giving effect to the voting limitation applicable to stockholders owning more
than 10% of the outstanding shares.
In the absence of these provisions, the vote of the holders of a majority
of the shares could remove any director or the entire Board, with or without
cause and replace it with persons of such holders choice.
Director Qualifications. Berkshire Hills' Bylaws contain qualifications
for individuals to be eligible for election or appointment to the Board of
Directors. These qualifications include the requirement that an individual: (1)
not have been the subject of certain enumerated regulatory actions by a
financial regulatory agency within the last ten years; (2) not have been
convicted of or be currently charged in any crime involving dishonesty or breach
of trust which is punishable for a term exceeding one year; (3) be a resident
for at least one year of a county in which Berkshire Bank maintains a banking
office, or of a county contiguous to such county or have significant ties to
such communities; and (4) not be a director or officer of another state or
federally chartered financial institution that engages in business activities in
the same market area as Berkshire Hills or any of its subsidiaries.
Additionally, no person shall be eligible for election to the Board of Directors
if such person is the representative or nominee of a person or acting in concert
with a person who is ineligible for election to the Board of Directors. This
provision will limit the individuals that can be nominated for election or serve
on the Board of Directors.
Cumulative Voting, Special Meetings and Action by Written Consent. The
Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting for any
purpose. Moreover, special meetings of stockholders of Berkshire Hills may be
called only by a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board of
Directors of Berkshire Hills. The Certificate of Incorporation also provides
that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of
Berkshire Hills may be taken only at an annual or special meeting and prohibits
stockholder action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Authorized Shares. The Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the
issuance of 26,000,000 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred
stock. The shares of common stock and preferred stock were authorized in an
amount greater than that to be issued in the conversion to provide Berkshire
Hills' Board of Directors with as much flexibility as possible to effect, among
other transactions, financings, acquisitions, stock dividends, stock splits and
employee stock options. However, these additional authorized shares may also be
used by the Board of Directors consistent with its fiduciary duty to deter
future attempts to gain control of Berkshire Hills. The Board of Directors also
has sole authority to determine the terms of any one or more series of preferred
stock, including voting rights, conversion rates, and liquidation preferences.
As a result of the ability to fix voting rights for a series of preferred stock,
the Board has the power, to the extent consistent with its fiduciary duty, to
issue a series of preferred stock to persons friendly to management to attempt
to block a post-tender offer merger or other transaction by which a third party
seeks control, and thereby assist management to retain its position. Berkshire
Hills' Board currently has no plans for the issuance of additional shares, other
than the issuance of shares in the conversion, including shares contributed to
Berkshire Hills Foundation, and the potential issuance of additional shares upon
exercise of stock options.
Stockholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Interested
Stockholders. The Certificate of Incorporation requires the approval of the
holders of at least 80% of Berkshire Hills' outstanding shares of voting stock
entitled to vote to approve certain "Business Combinations" with an "Interested
Stockholder," and related transactions (subject to the limitations on voting).
Under Delaware law, absent this provision, business combinations, including
mergers, consolidations and sales of all or substantially all of the assets of a
corporation must be approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of common
stock of Berkshire Hills and any other affected class of stock. Under Berkshire
Hills' Certificate of Incorporation, the approval of at least 80% of the shares
of capital stock entitled to vote is required for any business combination
involving an Interested Stockholder (as defined below) except: (1) in cases
where the proposed transaction has been approved by a majority of those members
of Berkshire Hills' Board of Directors who are unaffiliated with the Interested
Stockholder and were directors before the time when the Interested Stockholder
became an Interested Stockholder;
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or (2) if the proposed transaction meets certain conditions which are designed
to afford the stockholders a fair price in consideration for their shares. Under
each exception, the approval of only a majority of the outstanding shares of
voting stock is sufficient. The term "Interested Stockholder" is defined to
include, among others, any individual, a group acting in concert, corporation,
partnership, association or other entity (other than Berkshire Hills or its
subsidiary) who or which is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10%
or more of the outstanding shares of voting stock of Berkshire Hills.
This provision of the Certificate of Incorporation applies to any "Business
Combination," which is defined to include:
1. any merger or consolidation of Berkshire Hills or any of its
subsidiaries with any Interested Stockholder or affiliate of an
Interested Stockholder or any corporation which is, or after such merger
or consolidation would be, an affiliate of an Interested Stockholder;
2. any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other
disposition to or with any Interested Stockholder or affiliate of assets
of Berkshire Hills or its subsidiaries the value of which equals or
exceeds 25% of the combined assets of Berkshire Hills and its
subsidiaries;
3. the issuance or transfer to any Interested Stockholder or its affiliate
by Berkshire Hills (or any subsidiary) of any securities of Berkshire
Hills (or any subsidiary) in exchange for any cash, securities or other
property, the value of which equals or exceeds 25% of the fair market
value of the common stock of Berkshire Hills;
4. the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of Berkshire
Hills proposed by or on behalf of any Interested Stockholder or
affiliate thereof; and
5. any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or
consolidation of Berkshire Hills with any of its subsidiaries which has
the effect of increasing the proportionate share of common stock or any
class of equity or convertible securities of Berkshire Hills or
subsidiary owned directly or indirectly, by an Interested Stockholder or
affiliate thereof.
The directors and executive officers of Berkshire Bank are purchasing
approximately 2.51% of the shares of the common stock to be sold in the
conversion based on the maximum of the estimated valuation range. In addition,
the employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase 8% of the common stock
issued in connection with the conversion, including shares issued to Berkshire
Hills Foundation. Additionally, if stockholders approve the proposed stock-
based incentive plan, Berkshire Hills expects to acquire 4% of the common stock
issued in connection with the conversion, including shares issued to Berkshire
Hills Foundation, and expects to issue options to purchase up to 10% of the
common stock issued in connection with the conversion, including shares issued
to Berkshire Hills Foundation, to directors and executive officers. As a
result, directors, executive officers and employees may control the voting of
approximately 21.3% of Berkshire Hills' common stock on a diluted basis at the
maximum of the estimated valuation range, thereby enabling them to prevent the
approval of the transactions requiring the approval of at least 80% of Berkshire
Hills' outstanding shares of voting stock described above. Furthermore, the
ability of directors, executive officers and employees to prevent the approval
of transactions requiring the approval of at least 80% of the outstanding shares
of voting stock of Berkshire Hills will be enhanced by the regulatory condition
imposed on Berkshire Hills Foundation that any shares held by it must be voted
in the same ratio as all other shares of Berkshire Hills common stock voted on
each and every proposal considered by stockholders.
Evaluation of Offers. The Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills
further provides that the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills, when evaluating
an offer, to (1) make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of
Berkshire Hills, (2) merge or consolidate Berkshire Hills with another
corporation or entity or (3) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially
all of the properties and assets of Berkshire Hills, may, in connection with the
exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best interest of
Berkshire Hills and its stockholders, give consideration to all relevant
factors, including those factors that directors of any subsidiary (including
Berkshire Bank) may consider in evaluating any action that may result in a
change or potential change of control of such subsidiary, and the social and
economic effects of acceptance of such offer on: Berkshire Hills'
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present and future customers and employees and those of its subsidiaries
(including Berkshire Bank); the communities in which Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank operate or are located; the ability of Berkshire Hills to fulfill
its corporate objectives as a savings and loan holding company; and the ability
of Berkshire Bank to fulfill the objectives of a stock savings bank under
applicable statutes and regulations. By having these standards in the
Certificate of Incorporation of Berkshire Hills, the Board of Directors may be
in a stronger position to oppose such a transaction if the Board concludes that
the transaction would not be in the best interest of Berkshire Hills, even if
the price offered is significantly greater than the then market price of any
equity security of Berkshire Hills.
Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws. Amendments to
Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation must be approved by a majority of
its Board of Directors and also by a majority of the outstanding shares of its
voting stock, provided, however, that an affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 80% of the outstanding voting stock entitled to vote (after giving effect
to the provision limiting voting rights) is required to amend or repeal specific
provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, including the provision limiting
voting rights, the provisions relating to approval of certain business
combinations, calling special meetings, the number and classification of
directors, director and officer indemnification by Berkshire Hills and the
provisions allowing for the amendment of Berkshire Hills' Bylaws and Certificate
of Incorporation.
Berkshire Hills' Bylaws may be amended by a majority of the whole Board of
Directors or by a vote of the holders of at least 80% (after giving effect to
the provision limiting voting rights) of the total votes eligible to be voted at
a duly constituted meeting of stockholders.
Advance Notice Provisions. The Bylaws of Berkshire Hills also require a
stockholder who intends to nominate a candidate for election to the Board of
Directors, or to raise new business at an annual stockholder meeting to give at
least 90 days' advance notice to the Secretary of Berkshire Hills, provided
Berkshire Hills gives at least 100 days' notice of the meeting. The notice
provision requires a stockholder who desires to raise new business to provide
information to Berkshire Hills concerning the nature of the new business, the
stockholder and the stockholder's interest in the business matter. Similarly, a
stockholder wishing to nominate any person for election as a director must
provide Berkshire Hills with information concerning the nominee and the
proposing stockholder.
Anti-Takeover Effects of Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws and Management Remuneration Adopted in Conversion
The provisions described above are intended to reduce Berkshire Hills'
vulnerability to takeover attempts and other transactions which have not been
negotiated with and approved by members of its Board of Directors. Additionally,
provisions of the stock-based incentive plan may provide for accelerated
benefits to participants if a change in control of Berkshire Hills or Berkshire
Bank occurs or a tender or exchange offer for their stock is made. See
"Management of Berkshire Bank--Benefits--Stock-Based Incentive Plan." Berkshire
Hills and Berkshire Bank have also entered into agreements with key officers and
intends to establish the Employee Severance Compensation Plan which will provide
such officers and eligible employees with additional payments and benefits on
the officer's termination in connection with a change in control of Berkshire
Hills or Berkshire Bank. See "Management of Berkshire Bank--Executive
Compensation--Employment Agreements," and "--Benefits--Employee Severance
Compensation Plan." The foregoing provisions and limitations may make it more
difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of Berkshire Hills.
Additionally, the provisions could deter offers to acquire the outstanding
shares of Berkshire Hills which might be viewed by stockholders to be in their
best interests.
Berkshire Hills' Board of Directors believes that the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws are in the best interest of Berkshire
Hills and its stockholders. An unsolicited non-negotiated takeover proposal can
seriously disrupt the business and management of a corporation and cause it
great expense. Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes it is in the best
interests of Berkshire Hills and its stockholders to encourage potential
acquirors to negotiate directly with management and that these provisions will
encourage such negotiations and discourage non-negotiated takeover attempts.
Delaware Corporate Law
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The State of Delaware has a statute designed to provide Delaware
corporations with additional protection against hostile takeovers. The Delaware
takeover statute is intended to discourage certain takeover practices by
impeding the ability of a hostile acquiror to engage in certain transactions
with the target company.
In general, the statute provides that a "Person" who owns 15% or more of
the outstanding voting stock of a Delaware corporation (an "Interested
Stockholder") may not consummate a merger or other business combination
transaction with such corporation at any time during the three-year period
following the date such "Person" became an Interested Stockholder. The term
"business combination" is defined broadly to cover a wide range of corporate
transactions including mergers, sales of assets, issuances of stock,
transactions with subsidiaries and the receipt of disproportionate financial
benefits.
The statute exempts the following transactions from the requirements of the
statute:
1. any business combination if, before the date a person became an
Interested Stockholder, the board of directors approved either the
business combination or the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder;
2. any business combination involving a person who acquired at least 85% of
the outstanding voting stock in the transaction in which he became an
Interested Stockholder, excluding, for purposes of determining the
number of shares outstanding, shares owned (a) by the corporation's
directors who are also officers and (b) specific employee stock plans;
3. any business combination with an Interested Stockholder that is approved
by the board of directors and by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding
voting stock not owned by the Interested Stockholder; and
4. certain business combinations that are proposed after the corporation
had received other acquisition proposals and which are approved or not
opposed by a majority of certain continuing members of the board of
directors.
A corporation may exempt itself from the requirements of the statute by
adopting an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or bylaws electing not
to be governed by Section 203. Berkshire Hills' Certificate of Incorporation
and Bylaws do not currently contain such provision and, at the present time, the
Board of Directors does not intend to propose any such amendment.
Restrictions in Berkshire Bank's Amended and Restated Articles of Organization
and Bylaws
Although the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank is not aware of any
effort that might be made to obtain control of Berkshire Bank after the
conversion, the Board of Directors believes that it is appropriate to adopt
provisions permitted by Massachusetts law to protect the interests of the
converted bank and its stockholders from any hostile takeover. Such provisions
may, indirectly, inhibit a change in control of Berkshire Hills, as Berkshire
Bank's sole stockholder. See "Risk Factors--Various factors could make takeover
attempts that you want to occur more difficult to achieve."
Berkshire Bank's Amended and Restated Articles of Organization will contain
a provision whereby the acquisition of beneficial ownership of more than 10% of
the issued and outstanding shares of any class of equity securities of Berkshire
Bank by any person (i.e., any individual, corporation, group acting in concert,
trust, partnership, joint stock company or similar organization), either
directly or through an affiliate thereof, will be prohibited for a period of
three years following the date of completion of the conversion without the prior
written notice to Berkshire Bank and the prior written approval of the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. If shares are acquired in violation of this
provision, all shares beneficially owned by any person in excess of the 10%
limit shall be considered "excess shares" and shall not be counted as shares
entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting
shares in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote.
These limitations shall not apply to any transaction in which Berkshire Bank
forms a holding company without a change in
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the respective beneficial ownership interests of its stockholders other than by
the exercise of any dissenter or appraisal rights. If holders of revocable
proxies for more than 10% of the shares of the common stock of Berkshire Hills
seek, among other things, to elect one-third or more of Berkshire Hills' Board
of Directors, to cause Berkshire Hills' stockholders to approve the acquisition
or corporate reorganization of Berkshire Hills or to exert a continuing
influence on a material aspect of the business operations of Berkshire Hills,
which actions could indirectly result in a change in control of Berkshire Bank,
the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank will be able to assert this provision
of Berkshire Bank's Amended and Restated Articles of Organization against such
holders. Although the Board of Directors of Berkshire Bank is not currently able
to determine when and if it would assert this provision, the Board, in
exercising its fiduciary duty, may assert this provision if it were deemed to be
in the best interests of Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Hills and its stockholders.
It is unclear, however, whether this provision, if asserted, would be successful
against such persons in a proxy contest which could result in a change in
control of Berkshire Bank indirectly through a change in control of Berkshire
Hills. In addition, stockholders are not be permitted to cumulate their votes in
the election of Directors.
Finally, the Amended and Restated Articles of Organization provides for the
issuance of shares of preferred stock on such terms, including conversion and
voting rights, as may be determined by Berkshire Bank's Board of Directors
without stockholder approval. Although Berkshire Bank has no arrangements,
understandings or plans at the present time for the issuance or use of
undesignated preferred stock, the Board believes that the availability of such
shares will provide Berkshire Bank with increased flexibility in structuring
possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other corporate needs
which may arise. If a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain
control of Berkshire Bank occurs which management does not approve, the Board
can authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock with rights
and preferences which could impede the completion of such a transaction. An
effect of the possible issuance of such preferred stock, therefore, may be to
deter a future takeover attempt. The Board does not intend to issue any
preferred stock except on terms which the Board deems to be in the best interest
of Berkshire Bank and its then existing stockholders.
Regulatory Restrictions
Massachusetts Conversion Regulations. Regulations issued by the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner provide that for a period of three years
following the date of the completion of the conversion, no person, acting singly
or together with associates in a group of persons acting in concert, shall
directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of
more than ten percent (10%) of any class of any equity security of Berkshire
Hills without the prior written notice to Berkshire Hills and the prior written
approval of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. Where any person, directly
or indirectly, acquires beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of
any class of any equity security of Berkshire Hills without the prior written
approval of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner, the securities beneficially
owned by such person in excess of ten percent (10%) shall not be voted by any
person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matter submitted to
the stockholders for a vote, and shall not be counted as outstanding for
purposes of determining the affirmative vote necessary to approve any matter
submitted to the stockholders for a vote. The Massachusetts Banking
Commissioner may take further action to enforce these regulatory restrictions.
Change in Bank Control Act. The acquisition of ten percent (10%) or more
of the common stock outstanding may trigger the provisions of the Change in Bank
Control Act. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has also adopted a
regulation under the Change in Bank Control Act which generally requires persons
who at any time intend to acquire control of a Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation-insured state-chartered non-member bank, including a savings bank
such as Berkshire Bank, to provide at least 60 days prior written notice and
certain financial and other information to the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
The 60-day notice period does not commence until the information is deemed
to be substantially complete. Control for the purpose of this Act exists in
situations in which the acquiring party has voting control of at least twenty-
five percent (25%) of any class of Berkshire Bank's voting stock or the power to
direct the management or policies of Berkshire Bank. However, under Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation regulations, control is presumed to exist where
the acquiring party has voting control of at least ten percent (10%) of any
class of Berkshire Bank's voting securities if: (1) Berkshire Bank has a class
of voting securities which is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act;
or (2) the acquiring party would be the largest holder of a class of voting
shares of
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Berkshire Bank. The statute and underlying regulations authorize the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation to disapprove a proposed acquisition on certain
specified grounds. In some circumstances, similar findings with the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner may be required under the Massachusetts
Change in Bank Control Act.
Federal Reserve Board Regulations. If Berkshire Bank does not maintain its
qualification as a qualified thrift lender, attempts to acquire control of
Berkshire Bank will trigger the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board under
the Change in Bank Control Act.
Massachusetts Banking Law. Massachusetts banking law also prohibits any
"company," defined to include banking institutions as well as corporations, from
directly or indirectly controlling the voting power of twenty-five percent (25%)
or more of the voting stock of two or more banking institutions without the
prior approval of the Board of Bank Incorporation. Additionally, an out-of-
state company which already directly or indirectly controls voting power of
twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the voting stock of two or more banking
institutions may not also acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of
more than five percent (5%) of the voting stock of a Massachusetts banking
institution without the prior approval of the Board of Bank Incorporation.
Finally, for a period of three years following completion of a conversion to
stock form, no person may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire
beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of any class of equity
security of a converting mutual savings bank without prior written approval of
the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner.
Prior approval of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner is also required
before any action is taken that causes any stock banking institution to acquire
all of the capital stock of any other stock banking institution. The
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner will approve such a plan of acquisition,
following approval by a majority vote of the boards of directors of the acquiror
and the acquiree and a two-thirds approval of the stockholders of the acquiree,
provided the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner finds that competition among
banking institutions will not be unreasonably affected and that public
convenience and advantage will be promoted. Any such company shall engage
directly or indirectly only in such activities as are now or may hereafter be
proper activities for bank holding companies under the Bank Holding Company Act.
DESCRIPTION OF BERKSHIRE HILLS STOCK
General
Berkshire Hills is authorized to issue 26,000,000 shares of common stock
having a par value of $.01 per share and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock
having a par value of $.01 per share. Berkshire Hills currently expects to issue
up to 10,326,609 shares of common stock at the maximum of the estimated
valuation range, as adjusted by 15% and including shares issued to Berkshire
Hills Foundation. Berkshire Hills will not issue any shares of preferred stock
in the conversion. Each share of Berkshire Hills' common stock will have the
same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects with, each other
share of common stock. Upon payment of the purchase price for the common stock,
as required by the plan of conversion, all stock will be duly authorized, fully
paid and nonassessable.
The common stock of Berkshire Hills will represent nonwithdrawable capital,
will not be an account of any type, and will not be insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Depositors Insurance Fund or any other
government agency.
Common Stock
Dividends. Berkshire Hills can pay dividends out of statutory surplus or
from certain net profits if, and when declared by its Board of Directors. The
payment of dividends by Berkshire Hills is limited by law and applicable
regulation. See "Dividend Policy" and "Regulation and Supervision." The holders
of common stock of Berkshire Hills will be entitled to receive and share equally
in any dividends declared by the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills. If
Berkshire Hills issues preferred stock, the holders of preferred stock may have
a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.
Voting Rights. After the conversion, the holders of common stock of
Berkshire Hills will possess exclusive voting rights in Berkshire Hills. They
will elect Berkshire Hills' Board of Directors and act on other
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matters as are required to be presented to them under Delaware law or as are
otherwise presented to them by the Board of Directors. Except as discussed in
"Restrictions on Acquisition of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank," each holder
of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any
right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. If Berkshire Hills issues
preferred stock, holders of Berkshire Hills preferred stock may also possess
voting rights. Certain matters require a vote of 80% of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote. See "Restrictions on Acquisition of Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank."
As a subsidiary of a Massachusetts mutual holding company, corporate powers
and control of Berkshire Bank are indirectly vested in the corporators of
Berkshire Bancorp, who elect Berkshire Bancorp's trustees, and who, in turn,
elect the directors of Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank's directors then appoint
the officers of Berkshire Bank. After the conversion, voting rights will be
vested exclusively in Berkshire Hills, which will own all of the outstanding
capital stock of Berkshire Bank, and will be voted at the direction of Berkshire
Hills' Board of Directors. Consequently, the holders of the common stock of
Berkshire Hills will not have direct control of Berkshire Bank.
Liquidation. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Berkshire
Hills, the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive all of the
assets of Berkshire Hills available for distribution after payment or provision
for payment of all its debts and liabilities. If Berkshire Hills issues
preferred stock, the preferred stock holders may have a priority over the
holders of the common stock upon liquidation or dissolution.
Indemnification and Limit on Liability. Berkshire Hills' Certificate of
Incorporation contains provisions which limit the liability of and indemnify its
directors, officers and employees. Such provisions provide that each person who
was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise
involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was
a director or officer of Berkshire Hills shall be indemnified and held harmless
by Berkshire Hills to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware General
Corporation Law against all expense, liability and loss reasonably incurred.
Under certain circumstances, the right to indemnification shall include the
right to be paid by Berkshire Hills the expenses incurred in defending any such
proceeding in advance of its final disposition. In addition, a director of
Berkshire Hills shall not be personally liable to Berkshire Hills or its
stockholders for monetary damages except for liability for any breach of the
duty of loyalty, for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, under Section 174 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, or for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
Preemptive Rights; Redemption. Holders of the common stock of Berkshire
Hills will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that
may be issued. The common stock cannot be redeemed.
Preferred Stock
Berkshire Hills will not issue any preferred stock in the conversion and it
has no current plans to issue any preferred stock after the conversion.
Preferred stock may be issued with designations, powers, preferences and rights
as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of
Directors can, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting,
dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting
strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in
impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.
Restrictions on Acquisition
Acquisitions of Berkshire Hills are restricted by provisions in its
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and by rules and regulations of various
regulatory agencies. See "Regulation and Supervision" and "Restrictions on
Acquisition of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank."
DESCRIPTION OF BERKSHIRE BANK STOCK
General
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If the stock holding company form of organization is not utilized in
connection with the conversion, Berkshire Bank may offer shares of its common
stock in connection with the conversion. The following is a discussion of its
stock.
The Amended and Restated Articles of Organization of Berkshire Bank, to be
effective upon the conversion, authorize the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of
common stock, having a par value of $1.00 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, having a par value of $1.00 per share. The preferred stock may
be issued in series and classes having such rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions as the Board of Directors may determine. Each share of common
stock of Berkshire Bank will have the same relative rights as, and will be
identical in all respects with, each other share of common stock. After the
conversion, the Board of Directors will be authorized to approve the issuance of
common stock up to the amount authorized by the Amended and Restated Articles of
Organization without the approval of Berkshire Bank's stockholders. Assuming
that the stock holding company form of organization is utilized, all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of Berkshire Bank will be held by Berkshire
Hills. Berkshire Bank stock will represent non-withdrawable capital, will not
be an account of an insurable type and will not be insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Depositors Insurance Fund.
Common Stock
Dividends. The holders of Berkshire Bank's common stock will be entitled
to receive and to share equally in any dividends as may be declared by the Board
of Directors of Berkshire Bank. See "Dividend Policy" for certain restrictions
on the payment of dividends and "Federal and State Taxation on Income--Federal
Income Taxation" for a discussion of the consequences of the payment of cash
dividends from income appropriated to bad debt reserves.
Voting Rights. Immediately after the conversion, the holders of Berkshire
Bank's common stock will possess exclusive voting rights in Berkshire Bank.
Each holder of shares of common stock will be entitled to one vote for each
share held. Stockholders are not be entitled to cumulate their votes for the
election of directors. See "Restrictions on Acquisition of Berkshire Hills and
Berkshire Bank--Anti-Takeover Effects of Berkshire Hills' Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws and Management Remuneration Adopted in Conversion."
Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up
of Berkshire Bank, the holders of common stock will be entitled to receive,
after payment of all Berkshire Bank's debts and liabilities (including all
deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon), and distribution of the balance
in the special liquidation account to eligible and supplemental eligible account
holders, all assets of Berkshire Bank available for distribution in cash or in
kind. If additional preferred stock is issued after the conversion, the holders
thereof may also have priority over the holders of common stock in the event of
liquidation or dissolution.
Preemptive Rights; Redemption. Holders of Berkshire Bank's common stock
will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares of
Berkshire Bank which may be issued. Upon receipt by Berkshire Bank of the full
specified purchase price therefor, the common stock will be fully paid and
nonassessable.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is Registrar and
Transfer Company, Cranford, New Jersey.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Berkshire Hills has registered the common stock with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, and will not deregister its common stock for a period of at least
three years following the conversion. As a result of registration, the proxy and
tender offer rules, insider trading reporting and restrictions, annual and
periodic reporting and other requirements of that statute will apply.
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LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONS
The legality of the common stock has been passed upon for Berkshire Hills
by Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP, Washington, D.C. The federal tax consequences
of the conversion have been opined upon by Muldoon, Murphy & Faucette LLP and
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tax consequences of the conversion have been
opined upon by Wolf & Company, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts. Muldoon, Murphy &
Faucette LLP and Wolf & Company, P.C. have consented to the references to their
opinions in this prospectus. Certain legal matters in connection with this
offering will be passed upon for Sandler O'Neill by Silver, Freedman & Taff,
L.L.P., Washington, D.C.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Berkshire Bancorp as of December
31, 1999 and 1998 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1999 included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement have been audited by Wolf & Company, P.C., independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included
herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said
reports.
FinPro has consented to the summary in this prospectus of its report to
Berkshire Bank setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market
value of Berkshire Hills and Berkshire Bank, as converted, and its letter with
respect to subscription rights, and to the use of its name and statements with
respect to it appearing in this prospectus.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Berkshire Hills has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-32146) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock offered in the conversion.
This prospectus does not contain all the information contained in the
registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted as permitted by the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. This
information may be inspected at the public reference facilities maintained by
the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Room 1024,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at its regional offices at 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048. Copies may be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public
Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation
of the Public Reference Room by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission
at 1-800-SEC-0330. The registration statement also is available through the
Securities and Exchange Commission's World Wide Web site on the Internet at
http://www.sec.gov.
Following the conversion, Berkshire Hills will file annual, quarterly and
current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, all of which can be inspected and copied at the Securities
Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room. Copies of these materials can also
be obtained, upon payment of a copying fee, by writing to the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Berkshire Bancorp has filed an application for approval of conversion with
the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and has provided copies of the conversion
application to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Federal Reserve
Bank of Boston. This prospectus omits certain information contained in that
application. The conversion application may be examined at the Office of the
Massachusetts Banking Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Banks, 1 South
Station, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110 or at Berkshire Bank's main office, 24
North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts 01201. Copies of the conversion
application may also be examined at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's
offices at 15 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 100, Braintree, Massachusetts
02184 and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's offices at 600 Atlantic
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02106.
Berkshire Hills has filed an application to become the holding company for
Berkshire Bank with the Office of Thrift Supervision. This prospectus omits
certain information contained in that application. The application may
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be inspected, without charge, at the offices of the Office of Thrift
Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20552 and at the offices of the
Regional Director of the Office of Thrift Supervision at the Northeast Regional
Office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 10 Exchange Place, 18/th/ Floor,
Jersey City, New Jersey 07302.
A copy of the plan of conversion, Berkshire Hills' Certificate of
Incorporation and Bylaws and Berkshire Bank's Amended and Restated Articles of
Organization and Bylaws are available without charge from Berkshire Bank by
contacting the conversion center at (800) 220-6956.
A copy of FinPro's appraisal report is available for inspection at
Berkshire Bank's administrative offices located at 24 North Street, Pittsfield,
Massachusetts.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BERKSHIRE BANCORP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report ................................................................. F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 ................................. F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ....... 34
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Retained Earnings for the Years Ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ........................................................ F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 ... F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................................. F-7
</TABLE>
***
All schedules are omitted as the required information either is not
applicable or is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related
Notes.
Separate financial statements for Berkshire Hills have not been included in
this prospectus because Berkshire Hills, which has engaged only in
organizational activities to date, has no significant assets, contingent or
other liabilities, revenues or expenses.
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Audit Committee
Berkshire Bancorp
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkshire
Bancorp and subsidiary as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in retained earnings and cash flows
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1999. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkshire Bancorp
and subsidiary as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1999 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
WOLF & COMPANY, P.C. /s/ WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.
Boston, Massachusetts
March 10,200O
F-2
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1999 and 1998
ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and due from banks $ 23,301 $ 19,554
Short-term investments 1,341 7,121
--------- --------
Total cash and cash equivalents 24,642 26,675
Securities available for sale, at fair value 93,084 93,774
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost 17,014 23,780
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost 3,843 2,547
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $8,534,000 in
1999 and $7,589,000 in 1998 665,554 599,171
Foreclosed real estate 220 398
Banking premises and equipment, net 11,531 9,695
Accrued interest receivable 4,910 4,458
Savings Bank Life Insurance stock 2,043 2,043
Goodwill 6,809 7,358
Other assets 12,001 10,390
--------- --------
$841,651 $780,289
========= ========
LIABILITIES AND RETAINED EARNINGS
Deposits $679,985 $646,500
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 58,928 29,590
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,120 7,000
Mortgagors' escrow accounts 782 622
Net deferred tax liability 6,073 7,252
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 6,411 5,124
--------- --------
Total liabilities 753,299 696,088
--------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Retained earnings 70,679 65,056
Accumulated other comprehensive income 17,673 19,145
--------- --------
Total retained earnings 88,352 84,201
--------- --------
$841,651 $780,289
========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN RETAINED EARNINGS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Other Total
Retained Comprehensive Retained
Earnings Income Earnings
---------- --------------- ----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996 $ 58,129 $ 10,584 $ 68,713
--------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 2,503 -- 2,503
Change in net unrealized gain on
securities available for sale, net
of reclassification adjustment and
tax effects -- 4,101 4,101
--------
Total comprehensive income 6,604
--------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1997 60,632 14,685 75,317
--------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 4,424 -- 4,424
Change in net unrealized gain on
securities available for sale, net
of reclassification adjustment and
tax effects -- 4,460 4,460
--------
Total comprehensive income 8,884
--------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1998 65,056 19,145 84,201
--------
Comprehensive income:
Net income 5,623 -- 5,623
Change in net unrealized gain on
securities available for sale, net
of reclassification adjustment and
tax effects -- (1,472) (1,472)
--------
Total comprehensive income 4,151
--------- --------- --------
Balance at December 31, 1999 $ 70,679 $ 17,673 $ 88,352
========= ========= ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> (In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
<C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 5,623 $ 4,424 $ 2,503
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses 3,030 2,055 1,477
Net amortization of securities 400 158 11
Charitable contribution in the form of equity
securities -- -- 2,457
Depreciation and amortization expense 1,860 1,735 1,737
Amortization of goodwill 549 259 286
Gain on sales and dispositions of securities, net (491) (425) (2,653)
Gain on sale of other real estate -- (119) --
Losses (gains) on foreclosed real estate, net (18) (5) 477
Loss on sale of equipment 30 -- --
Deferred tax provision (benefit) (319) (850) 320
Net change in loans held for sale (2,425) -- --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable and other assets (2,063) (2,732) (1,575)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 1,287 (283) 37
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities 7,463 4,217 5,077
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
Sales 1,191 5,319 12,279
Maturities 8,468 16,475 17,017
Principal payments 21,589 23,244 8,009
Purchases (32,749) (61,859) (18,163)
Activity in held-to-maturity securities:
Maturities 9,171 8,351 11,978
Principal payments 15,902 41,240 24,554
Purchases (18,357) (38,753) (38,102)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock (1,296) -- (38)
Loan originations, net of principal payments (67,139) (92,872) (34,718)
Additions to banking premises and equipment (3,744) (2,278) (2,827)
Prods from sales of foreclosed real estate 347 193 2,604
Proceeds from sale of other real estate -- 119 --
Proceeds from sale of equipment 18 -- --
Cash and cash equivalents received from
acquisition of three branch offices -- 44,843 --
------- ------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities (66,599) (55,978) (17,407)
------- ------- -------
(continued)
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Concluded)
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> (In thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
<C> <C> <C>
Net increase in deposits 33,485 38,226 3,750
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under
agreements to repurchase (5,880) 1,930 (1,270)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances with
maturities in excess of three months 40,000 32,000 2,000
Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances with
maturities in excess of three months (13,662) (9,290) (2,074)
Proceeds (repayments) of borrowings with maturities
of three months or less 3,000 - (778)
Net increase in mortgagors' escrow accounts 160 153 152
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 57,103 63,019 1,780
-------- -------- --------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2,033) 11,258 (10,550)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 26,675 15,417 25,967
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 24,642 $ 26,675 $ 15,417
======== ======== ========
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid on deposits $ 23,834 $ 22,553 $ 21,452
Interest paid on borrowed funds 2,797 1,581 720
Income taxes paid 2,080 2,929 1,680
Transfers from loans to foreclosed real estate 151 222 557
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Bask of presentation and consolidation
Berkshire Bancorp is a mutual holding company formed in 1996. On May 1,
1997, Berkshire Bancorp's wholly-owned subsidiary, Berkshire County Savings
Bank, merged with Great Barrington Savings Bank to form Berkshire Bank
under a transaction accounted for by the pooling-of-interests method of
accounting.
The consolidated financial statements includes the accounts of Berkshire
Bancorp ("Corporation" or "Bancorp"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Berkshire Bank ("Bank") and the Bank's wholly-owned subsidiaries, North
Street Securities Corporation (formerly GBSB Leasing Corporation), GBSB,
Inc. and Woodland Realty, Inc. In addition, Greenland Development
Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Forward Development
Corporation held title to certain loans and were dissolved during 1999.
North Street Securities Corporation and GBSB, Inc. hold title to certain
investment securities. Woodland Realty, Inc. is presently inactive. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Use of estimates
In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly
susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the
determination of the allowance for loan losses, deferred taxes and the
pension liability.
Business and operating segments
The Corporation provides a variety of financial services to individuals and
businesses through its offices in Berkshire County. Its primary deposit
products are savings, checking accounts and term certificate accounts and
its primary lending products are residential and commercial mortgage loans.
In addition, trust services are offered to individuals and small businesses
in the Berkshire County area.
F-7
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Business and operating segments (concluded)
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosures
about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that public business enterprises report information
about operating segments in annual and interim financial statements. It
also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. Generally, financial
information is required to be reported on the basis that it is used
internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources to segments. Management evaluates the Corporation's performance
and allocates resources based on a single segment concept. Accordingly,
there are no separately identified operating segments for which discrete
financial information is available. The Corporation does not derive
revenues from, or have assets located in, foreign countries, nor does it
derive revenues from any single customer that represents 10% or more of the
Corporation's total revenues.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 1998 consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash
equivalents include cash, balances due from banks and short-term
investments, all of which mature within ninety days. The Bank is required
to maintain cash reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank based upon
a percentage of certain deposits. At December 31, 1999, cash and due from
banks included $7,585,000 to satisfy such reserve requirements.
Short-term investments
Short-term investments mature within ninety days and are carried at cost,
which approximates fair value,
Securities
Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold
to maturity are classified as "held to maturity" and reflected at amortized
cost, less principal payments received. Securities classified. "available
for sale" are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income.
F-8
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Securities (concluded)
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLB") stock is reflected at cost.
Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts ("SBLI") stock was
recorded at fair value at acquisition as determined by an appraisal
performed by independent investment consultants retained by SBLI.
Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the
interest method over the terms of the securities. Declines in the fair
value of securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than
temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. Gains and losses on
the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined
using the specific identification method.
Loans
The Bank grants mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A
substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans
in Berkshire County. The ability of the Bank's debtors to honor their loans
is dependent upon the local economy and the local real estate market.
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at
their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the
allowance for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated
loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan
origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and
recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest
method.
Interest on loans is generally not accrued on loans which are ninety days
or more past due and not well secured and in the process of collection.
All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on
nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest
on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method,
until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual
status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are
brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried
at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Fair value
is based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices.
Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance
by charges to income.
F-9
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Allowance for loan losses
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to
have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan
losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the
uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if
any, are credited to the allowance.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management
and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectibility of the
loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan
portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to
repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic
conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires
estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information
becomes available.
A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and
events, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect the
scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the
contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management
in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the
probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when
due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment
shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines
the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case
basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the
loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for
the delay, the borrower's prior payment record, and the amount of the
shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is
measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected
future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the
fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
Substantially all of the Bank's loans which have been identified as
impaired have been measured by the fair value of existing collateral.
Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively
evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Corporation does not separately
identify individual consumer loans or residential mortgage loans for
impairment disclosures.
Foreclosed assets
Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale
and are initially recorded at the lower of the investment in the loan or
fair value less estimated cost to sell at the date of foreclosure,
establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are
periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the
lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and
expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are
included in net expenses from foreclosed assets.
F-10
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Banking premises and equipment
Land is carried at cost. Buildings and improvements and equipment are
carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
It is general practice to charge the cost of maintenance and repairs to
earnings when incurred; major expenditures for betterments are capitalized
and depreciated.
Goodwill
Goodwill is associated with the Corporation's purchase of two branches from
another financial institution in December 1985 and three branches in 1998.
These costs are currently amortized against income on a straight-line basis
over 15 years.
Transfers of financial assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over
the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed
to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the
Corporation, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that
constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the
transferred assets, and (3) the Corporation does not maintain effective
control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them
before their maturity.
Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted
income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets
or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax
laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted
accordingly through the provision for income taxes. The Bank's base amount
of its federal income tax reserve for loan losses is a permanent difference
for which there is no recognition of a deferred tax liability. However, the
loan loss allowance maintained for financial reporting purposes is a
temporary difference with allowable recognition of a related deferred tax
asset, if it is deemed realizable.
Pension plan
The compensation cost of an employee's pension benefit is recognized on the
net periodic pension cost method over the employee's approximate service
period. The aggregate cost method is utilized for funding purposes.
Advertising costs
Advertising costs are charged to earnings when incurred.
F-l1
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Trust assets
Trust assets held in a fiduciary or agent capacity are not included in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets because they are not assets of the
Corporation.
Comprehensive income
Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses,
gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in
assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of
retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheet, such items, along with
net income, are components of comprehensive income.
The components of other comprehensive income, relative to securities
available for sale, and related tax effects are as follows for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Change in net unrealized holding gains on
available-for-sale securities $(1,841) $ 7,276 $ 8,919
Reclassification adjustment for gains
realized in income (491) (425) (2,653)
------- ------ ------
Net change in unrealized gains (2,332) 6,851 6,266
Tax effect 860 (2,391) (2,165)
------- ------ ------
Net-of-tax change $(1,472) $ 4,460 $ 4,101
======= ======= =======
F-12
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (concluded)
Recent accounting pronouncement
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which, as amended by SFAS No. 137, is
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000. This Statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments
and hedging activities, including certain derivative instruments embedded
in other contracts, and requires that an entity recognize all derivatives
as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measure them at fair
value. If certain conditions are met, an entity may elect to designate a
derivative as follows: (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair
value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm
commitment, (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a
forecasted transaction, or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of
an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security, a foreign
currency denominated forecasted transaction, or a net investment in a
foreign operation. The Statement generally provides for matching the timing
of the recognition of the gain or loss on derivatives designated as hedging
instruments with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the
item being hedged. Depending on the type of hedge, such recognition will be
in either net income or other comprehensive income. For a derivative not
designated as a hedging instrument, changes in fair value will be
recognized in net income in the period of change. Management is currently
evaluating the impact of adopting this Statement on the consolidated
financial statements, but does not anticipate that it will have a material
impact.
2. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Short-term investments consist of the following at December 31, 1999 and
1998:
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Federal funds sold $1,000 $ --
FHLB Overnight deposits 341 7,121
------ ------
$1,341 $7,121
====== ======
F-13
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. SECURITIES
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities, with gross
unrealized gains and losses, follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------- ---------- ---------- -----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Securities Available for Sale
- -----------------------------
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury obligations $ 3,049 $ - $ (26) $ 3,023
Federal agency obligations 7,937 - (249) 7,688
Other bonds and obligations 31,177 1 (544) 30,634
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC/FNMA/GNMA 547 2 (4) 545
REMIC's and CMO's 9,584 105 (101) 9,588
Asset-backed securities 3,253 2 (48) 3,207
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total debt securities 55,547 110 (972) 54,685
Mutual funds 947 - (148) 799
Marketable equity securities 9,507 28,446 (353) 37,600
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total securities
available for sale $ 66,001 $ 28,556 $ (1,473) $ 93,084
======== ======== ======== ========
Securities Held to Maturity
- ---------------------------
Debt securities:
Municipal bonds and obligations $ 6,720 $ - $ - $ 6,720
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC/GNMA 1,140 2 (4) 1,138
REMIC's and CMO's 9,154 2 (92) 9,064
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total securities
held to maturity $ 17,014 $ 4 $ (96) $ 16,922
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SECURITIES (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1998
------------------------------------------------------
Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
--------- ---------- ---------- -----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Securities Available for Sale
- -----------------------------
Debt securities:
U.S. Treasury obligations $ 3,098 $ 15 $ - $ 3,113
Federal agency obligations 9,145 29 (1) 9,173
Other bonds and obligations 18,054 107 (88) 18,073
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC/ FNMA/GNMA 406 10 - 416
REMIC's and CMO's 20,479 163 (33) 20,609
Asset-backed securities 2,639 8 (43) 2,604
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total debt securities 53,821 332 (165) 53,988
Mutual funds 947 - (94) 853
Marketable equity securities 9,591 29,540 (198) 38,933
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total securities
available for sale $64,359 $29,872 $ (457) $93,774
======== ======= ======= =======
Securities Held to Maturity
- ---------------------------
Debt securities:
Municipal bonds and obligations $ 6,997 $ - $ - $ 6,997
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC/GNMA 124 1 - 125
REMIC's and CMO's 16,659 40 (65) 16,634
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total securities held
to maturity $23,780 $ 41 $ (65) $23,756
======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SECURITIES (concluded)
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by
contractual maturity at December 31, 1999 is as follows. Expected maturities
will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right
to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Available for Sale Held to Maturity
--------------------------- -----------------------------
Amortized Fair Amortized Fair
Cost Value Cost Value
----------- ------- ----------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Within 1 year $ 9,761 $ 9,701 $ 5,888 $ 5,888
Over 1 year to 5 years 28,215 27,602 221 221
Over 5 years to 10 years 2,349 2,250 -- --
Over 10 years 1,838 1,792 611 611
------- ------- ------- -------
Total bonds and obligations 42,163 41,345 6,720 6,720
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities 13,384 13,340 10,294 10,202
------- ------- ------- -------
Total debt securities $55,547 $54,685 $17,014 $16,922
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Corporation has pledged investment securities
with an amortized cost of $5,396,000 and $11,505,000, respectively, and a fair
value of $5,283,000 and $11,523,000, respectively, to a commercial bank, as
collateral for repurchase agreements, and for its treasury, tax and loan
account.
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, proceeds from the sale of
securities available for sale amounted to $1,191,000, $5,319,000 and
$12,279,000, respectively. Gross realized gains amounted to $685,000, $511,000
and $216,000, respectively. Gross realized losses amounted to $194,000, $86,000
and $20,000, respectively.
During 1997, the Corporation established a private charitable foundation (the
"Foundation") to provide grants to charitable organizations in Berkshire County.
The Foundation, which is not a subsidiary of the Corporation, was funded on May
1, 1997 by a donation from the Bank of marketable equity securities with a cost
basis and a fair value of $97,000 and $2,457,000, respectively, at the date of
transfer. Such securities had been classified as available for sale and,
accordingly, the transfer resulted in the Bank recognizing the unrealized
appreciation of the securities of $2,360,000 in the consolidated statement of
income.
F-16
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. LOANS
A summary of the balances of loans follows at December 31,1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
One- to four-family mortgage loans $ 245,240 $ 220,612
Commercial mortgage loans 46,419 51,598
Multi-family mortgage loans 14,793 15,393
Construction loans 12,534 12,821
Home equity loans 33,168 31,628
Consumer loans 175,568 140,549
Commercial loans 146,196 134,115
--------- ---------
Total loans 673,918 606,716
Allowance for loan losses (8,534) (7,589)
Net deferred loan costs 170 44
--------- ---------
Loans, net $ 665,554 $ 599,171
========= =========
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1999, consumer loans include $2,425,000 of loans which were held
for sale and sold in January, 2000.
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year $ 7,589 $ 6,078 $ 6,303
Provision for loan losses 3,030 2,055 1,477
Loans charged-off (2,353) (812) (2,296)
Recoveries 268 268 594
------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year $ 8,534 $ 7,589 $ 6,078
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
LOANS (concluded)
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired and
non-accrual loans at December 31, 1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Impaired loans with no valuation allowance $1,522 $ 938
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance 50 1,552
------ ------
Total impaired loans $1,572 $2,490
====== ======
Valuation allowance allocated to impaired loans $ 14 $ 304
====== ======
Non-accrual loans $2,841 $3,490
====== ======
No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with
impaired loans.
For the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the average recorded
investment in impaired loans amounted to $2,496,000, $3,015,000 and
$3,840,000, respectively. The Corporation recognized $23,000, $218,000 and
$256,000, respectively, of interest income on impaired loans, during the
period that they were impaired, on the cash basis.
The Bank has sold loans in the secondary market and has retained the
servicing responsibility and receives fees for the services provided.
Mortgage loans sold and serviced for others amounted to $24,963,000 and
$23,124,000 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Consumer loans
sold and serviced for others amounted to $38,359,000 and $10,239,000 at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Substantially all loans serviced
for others were sold without recourse provisions and are not included in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
F-18
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
5. BANKING PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization of
banking premises and equipment and their estimated useful lives follows at
December 31, 1999 and 1998:
Estimated
1999 1998 Useful Lives
------- ------- ------------
(In thousands)
Banking premises:
Land $ 1,558 $ 1,558
Buildings and improvements 15,138 12,996 5-50 years
Equipment 5,639 7,991 2-38 years
Construction in process 323 356
------- -------
22,658 22,901
Accumulated depreciation and
amortization (11,127) (13,206)
------- -------
$11,531 $ 9,695
======= =======
Construction in process in 1999 includes a renovation project at the Bank's
main office. Estimated costs to complete this project amount to
approximately $296,000 at December 31, 1999.
Construction in process in 1998 included renovation projects at one branch
office and the cost of land and buildings purchased for future use as
office space. Estimated costs to complete these projects amounted to
approximately $1,700,000 at December 31, 1998. During 1999 these projects
were completed and costs were transferred to applicable categories.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997 amount to $1,860,000, $1,735,000 and $1,737,000,
respectively.
F-19
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. DEPOSITS
A summary of deposit balances, by type, is as follows at December 31, 1999
and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------- --------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Demand $ 69,034 $ 69,796
NOW 78,223 78,202
Regular 144,704 138,088
Money market 92,721 69,757
-------- --------
Total non-certificate accounts 384,682 355,843
-------- --------
Term certificates less than $100,000 212,538 215,214
Term certificates $100,000 or more 82,765 75,443
-------- --------
Total certificate accounts 295,303 290,657
-------- --------
Total deposits $679,985 $646,500
======== ========
</TABLE>
A summary of certificate accounts by maturity is as follows at December 31,
1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
-------------------------------- --------
Weighted
Average
Amount Rate Amount
------ ---- ------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Within 1 year $206,556 5.13% $207,080
Over 1 year to 3 years 70,006 5.78 63,837
Over 3 years 18,741 5.99 19,740
-------- --------
$295,303 5.34% $290,657
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES
A summary of outstanding advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston,
by maturity, is as follows at December 31,1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
------- --------
(In thousands)
Maturity
--------
Within 1 year $26,352 $ 3,403
Over 1 to 2 years 2,310 2,253
Over 2 to 3 years 2,156 69
Over 3 to 5 years 1,482 5,153
Over 5 years 26,628 18,712
------- -------
$58,928 $29,590
======= =======
Interest rates on the above advances range from 4.18% to 6.50% as of both
December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998.
The Bank maintains a line-of-credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of
Boston which carries interest at a rate that adjusts daily. Borrowings under
the line are limited to 2% of the Bank's total assets. All borrowings from
the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston are secured by a blanket lien on
certain qualified collateral, defined principally as 75% of the carrying
value of certain first mortgage loans on owner-occupied residential property
and 90% of the market value of U.S. Government and federal agency
obligations owned by the Bank.
8. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("repurchase agreements") are
funds borrowed from customers on an overnight basis that are secured by the
Bank's investment portfolio.
A summary of repurchase agreements is as follows at December 31,1999 and
1998:
1999 1998
------ ------
(Dollars in thousands)
Repurchase agreements with customers $1,120 $7,000
====== ======
Interest rate 5.20% 4.75%
====== ======
Fair value of securities underlying the
agreements $1,930 $8,199
====== ======
F-21
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE (concluded)
The Bank also has a repurchase agreement line of credit with the Depositors
Insurance Fund of up to $2,000,000 to be secured by securities or other
assets of the Bank. As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were no
outstanding borrowings against this agreement.
9: INCOME TAXES
Allocation of federal and state income taxes between current and deferred
portions is as follows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Current tax provision:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal $ 2,230 $ 2,842 $ 791
Federal tax credit (487) -- --
State 571 776 581
------- ------- -------
2,314 3,618 1,372
------- ------- -------
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal (75) (727) 355
State 104 171 (35)
------- ------- -------
29 (556) 320
Change in valuation reserve (348) (294) --
------- ------- -------
$ 1,995 $ 2,768 $ 1,692
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax
rate and the effective tax rate is summarized as follows for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory tax rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit 5.2 6.8 8.6
Dividends received deduction (2.9) (3.4) (4.7)
Non-taxable appreciation of securities donated (3.6) (2.2) (2.9)
Rehabilitation tax credit (6.4) - -
Other, net (0.1) 3.3 5.3
---- ---- ----
Effective tax rate 26.2% 38.5% 40.3%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
INCOME TAXES (continued)
The components of the net deferred tax liability are as follows at December 31,
1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Deferred tax liability:
<S> <C> <C>
Federal $ 10,246 $ 11,049
State 704 807
-------- --------
10,950 11,856
-------- --------
Deferred tax asset:
Federal (3,975) (3,895)
State (1,304) (1,459)
-------- --------
(5,279) (5,354)
Valuation reserve 402 750
-------- --------
(4,877) (4,604)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability $ 6,073 $ 7,252
======== ========
</TABLE>
The tax effects of each type of income and expense item that give rise to
deferred taxes are as follows at December 31,1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Investments:
<S> <C> <C>
Net unrealized gain on securities
available for sale $ 9,410 $ 10,270
Other 546 332
Depreciation 308 136
Allowance for loan losses (3,032) (2,447)
Employee benefit plans (1,380) (1,339)
Charitable contribution carryover (196) (468)
Other 15 18
-------- --------
5,671 6,502
Valuation reserve 402 750
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability $ 6,073 $ 7,252
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
INCOME TAXES (concluded)
A summary of the change in the net deferred tax liability is as follows for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year $ 7,252 $ 5,711 $ 3,226
Deferred tax benefit 29 (556) 320
Deferred tax effects of net unrealized gains
on securities available for sale (860) 2,391 2,165
Utilization of valuation reserve (348) (294) -
------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year $ 6,073 $ 7,252 $ 5,711
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
A summary of the change in the valuation reserve application to the deferred tax
assets is as follows for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year $ 750 $1,044 $ 418
Benefits utilized by current year operations (348) (497) -
Increase in charitable contribution carryover - - 626
Change in future income assumptions - 203 -
------ ------ ------
Balance at end of year $ 402 $ 750 $1,044
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
The valuation reserve relates to a state net operating loss carryforward and a
charitable contribution carryover. The net operating loss carryforward has been
used in full at December 31,1999. The charitable contribution carryover remains
and expires in 2002.
The federal income tax reserve for loan losses at the Bank's base year is
approximately $844,000. If any portion of the reserve is used for purposes other
than to absorb the losses for which established, approximately 150% of the
amount actually used (limited to the amount of the reserve) would be subject to
taxation in the fiscal year in which used. As the Bank intends to use the
reserve only to absorb loan losses, a deferred income tax liability of
approximately $346,000 has not been provided.
F-24
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the normal course of business, there are outstanding commitments and
contingencies which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
Loan commitments
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet
risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its
customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit
and standby letters of credit. Such commitments involve, to varying
degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
the other party to the financial instrument is represented by the
contractual amount of these commitments. The Corporation uses the same
credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet
instruments. A summary of financial instruments outstanding whose contract
amounts represent credit risk is as follows at December 31, 1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
------- -------
(In thousands)
Commitments to grant loans $25,153 $26,244
Unused funds on commercial lines-of-credit 49,103 43,668
Unadvanced funds on home equity and reddi-cash
lines of credit 36,429 35,070
Unadvanced funds on construction loans 4,732 5,826
Standby letters of credit 2,026 1,721
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination
clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments for lines of
credit may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment
amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The
Corporation evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case
basis. Funds disbursed for loans and home equity lines of credit are
collateralized by real estate. Commercial lines of credit are generally
secured by business assets and securities. Reddi-cash lines of credit are
unsecured.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of
credit are primarily issued to support borrowing arrangements. The credit
risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that
involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
F-25
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (concluded)
Operating lease commitments
Pursuant to the terms of noncancelable lease agreements in effect at
December 31, 1999, pertaining to banking premises and equipment, future
minimum rent commitments are as follows:
Years Ending
December 31, (In thousands)
--------------
2000 $461
2001 416
2002 399
2003 392
2004 392
Thereafter 1,467
--------
$3,527
========
The leases contain options to extend for periods from ten to thirty years.
The cost of such rentals is not included above. Total rent expense for the
years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 amounted to $448,000, $244,000
and $143,000, respectively.
Employment agreements
The Corporation has entered into employment agreements with certain senior
executives that generally provide for a specified minimum annual
compensation and the continuation of benefits currently received. The
original terms of the agreements are for three years and automatically
extend unless either party gives notice to the contrary. However, such
agreements may be terminated for cause, as defined, without incurring any
continuing obligations.
Other contingencies
Various legal claims also arise from time to time in the normal course of
business which, in the opinion of management, will have no material effect
on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.
F-26
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
The Corporation (on a consolidated basis)and the Bank are subject to
various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking
agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain
mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that,
if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation's and
the Bank's consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy
guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the
Corporation and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain
off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to
qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings,
and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable
to bank holding companies.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Corporation and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios
(set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined
in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1
capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes,
as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, that the Corporation and the Bank meet
all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
F-27
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (continued)
As of December 31, 1999, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well
capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-
based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There
are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes
have changed the Bank's category. The Corporation's and Bank's actual capital
amounts and ratios as of December 31, 1999 and 1998 are also presented in the
table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum
To Be Well
Minimum Capitalized Under
Capital Prompt Corrective
Actual Requirement Action Provisions
-------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
(Dollars in Thousands)
Total capital to risk
weighted assets:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporation $84,652 12.90% $52,516 8.0% N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 84,554 12.88 52,516 8.0 $64,645 10.0%
Tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets:
Corporation 63,870 9.73 26,258 4.0 N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 63,773 9.71 26,258 4.0 39,387 6.0
Tier 1 capital to average
assets:
Corporation 63,870 7.91 32,309 4.0 N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 63,773 7.90 32,305 4.0 40,381 5.0
</TABLE>
F-28
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (concluded)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum
To Be Well
Minimum Capitalized Under
Capital Prompt Corrective
Actual Requirement Action Provisions
-------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
(Dollars in Thousands)
Total capital to risk
weighted assets:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporation $78,449 13.04% $48,140 8.0% N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 78,347 13.02 48,140 8.0 $60,175 10.0%
Tier 1 capital to risk
weighted assets:
Corporation 57,698 9.59 24,070 4.0 N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 57,596 9.57 24,070 4.0 36,105 6.0
Tier 1 capital to average
assets:
Corporation 57,698 7.79 29,610 4.0 N/A N/A
Berkshire Bank 57,596 7.78 29,606 4.0 37,007 5.0
</TABLE>
12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined benefit pension plan
The Corporation provides pension benefits for eligible employees through a
defined benefit pension plan. Each employee reaching the age of 21 and
having completed at least 1,000 hours of service in a twelve-month period,
beginning with such employee's date of employment, automatically becomes a
participant in the pension plan. Participants become fully vested when
credited with three years of service.
F-29
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (continued)
Defined benefit pension plan (continued)
Information pertaining to the activity in the plan is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Plan Years Ended October 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Change in plan assets:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 9,151 $ 7,897 $ 6,825
Actual return on plan assets 1,753 654 1,201
Employer contribution 348 916 493
Benefits paid (205) (316) (622)
-------- -------- --------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,047 9,151 7,897
-------- -------- --------
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 9,518 9,807 8,576
Service cost 519 611 560
Interest cost 642 711 643
Actuarial loss (gain) (982) (1,295) 650
Benefits paid (205) (316) (622)
-------- -------- --------
Benefit obligation at end of year 9,492 9,518 9,807
-------- -------- --------
Funded status 1,555 (367) (1,910)
Unrecognized net actuarial gain (4,286) (2,386) (1,116)
Unrecognized prior service cost 183 194 205
-------- -------- --------
Accrued pension cost $ (2,548) $ (2,559) $ (2,821)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The components of net periodic pension cost are as follows for the plan year
ended October 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost $ 519 $ 611 $ 560
Interest cost 642 711 643
Expected return on plan assets (732) (631) (545)
Amortization of prior service cost 11 11 11
Recognized net actuarial gain (104) (48) (52)
----- ----- -----
$ 336 $ 654 $ 617
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
F-30
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (continued)
Defined benefit pension plan (concluded)
Actuarial assumptions used in accounting were:
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
Discount rate on benefit obligations 6.75% 7.25% 7.50%
Rates of increase in compensation levels 4.50 5.00 5.00
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets 8.00 8.00 8.00
Defined contribution pension plan
The Corporation has a qualified savings plan under Section 401(k)of the
Internal Revenue Code. Each employee reaching the age of 21 and having
completed at least 1,000 hours of service in a twelve-month period,
beginning with such employee's date of employment, automatically becomes a
participant in the 401(k)Plan. Employees may contribute up to 15% of their
compensation subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The
Corporation may choose to make matching contributions equal to 100% of the
first 3% of an employee's compensation contributed to the 401(k)Plan. The
Corporation made matching contributions which amounted to $209,000,
$201,000 and $141,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.
Supplemental employee retirement plan
The Corporation has nonqualified supplemental employee retirement plans for
the benefit of certain senior executives. Benefits generally commence no
earlier than age sixty and continue for the life of the senior executive.
As of December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Corporation has an accrued expense
payable in the amount of $817,000 and $665,000, respectively, representing
the present value of future payments under the supplemental retirement
plans. In some instances, the Corporation has entered into split-dollar
life insurance agreements with senior executives to provide supplemental
retirement benefits.
Incentive plan
The Corporation adopted an incentive plan ("the Plan") whereby all
management and staff members are eligible to receive a bonus, tied to
performance, of up to 10%of net operating income accrued for on a monthly
basis. The structure of the Plan is to be reviewed on an annual basis by
the Executive Committee. The Plan year end is October 31. Incentive
compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
amounted to $1,132,000, $1,007,000 and $411,000, respectively.
F-31
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (concluded)
Other benefits
The Corporation has in the past offered its retirees optional medical
insurance coverage. All participating retirees are required to contribute
in part to the cost of this coverage. The retiree medical plan was
terminated on December 31, 1996. Any retiree participating in the plan at
that time will continue to be covered for life, however, no new retirees
can participate in this plan. At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the
Corporation had an accrued liability in the amount of $626,000 and
$663,000, respectively, for payment of future premiums under this plan.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the ordinary course of business, the Bank has granted loans to trustees
and officers and their affiliates. Such loans which aggregate more than
$60,000 on an individual basis, amounted to $3,909,000 and $3,956,000 at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
14. BRANCH ACQUISITION
On May 1, 1998, the Bank entered into an agreement with another financial
institution in Berkshire County to acquire three branch offices including
loans receivable and deposit liabilities.
The Bank paid $7,463,000 as a premium in assuming the deposit liabilities
and acquiring the assets, and received $44,843,000 in cash from the other
financial institution. The premium paid is recorded as goodwill and is
being amortized over a 15 year period. The cost of the assets acquired and
value of liabilities assumed as of August 21, 1998 (the closing date) were
as follows:
(In thousands)
Assets
------
Cash $44,843
Loans, net 16,833
Goodwill 7,463
Accrued interest receivable and other assets 643
-------
Total $69,782
=======
Liabilities
-----------
Deposits $69,682
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 100
-------
Total $69,782
=======
F-32
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS, LOANS AND ADVANCES
Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on
dividends paid and loans or advances made by the Bank to the Corporation.
The total amount of dividends which may be paid at any date is generally
limited to the retained earnings of the Bank, and loans or advances are
limited to 10% of the Bank's capital stock and surplus on a secured basis.
At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Bank's retained earnings available for
the payment of dividends was $47,393,000 and $41,765,000, respectively, and
funds available for loans or advances amounted to $2,319,000 for both
years.
In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Corporation would be
prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank's capital to be
reduced below applicable minimum regulatory capital requirements.
16. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments,"
requires disclosure of estimated fair values of all financial instruments
where it is practicable to estimate such values. In cases where quoted
market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using
present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are
significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount
rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the derived fair
value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement
of the instrument. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments and
all non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements.
Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent
the underlying value of the Corporation.
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Corporation in
estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of these instruments
-------------------------
approximate fair values.
Securities: Fair values for investment securities, excluding FHLB and
----------
SBLI stock, are based on quoted market prices, where available. If
quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on
quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The carrying value of
FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions
of the Federal Home Loan Bank and SBLI stock was recorded at fair
value at acquisition as determined by an appraisal performed by
independent investment consultants retained by SBLI.
F-33
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
Loans: For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no
-----
significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying
values. Fair values for all other loans are estimated using discounted
cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for
loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.
Deposits: The fair values for non-certificate accounts are, by
--------
definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting
date which is their carrying amounts. Fair values for certificates of
deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that
applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a
schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
Federal Home Loan Bank advances: The fair values of Federal Home Loan
-------------------------------
Bank advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based
on the Bank's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of
borrowing arrangements.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase: The carrying amount of
----------------------------------------------
repurchase agreements approximates fair value. Repurchase agreements
generally mature or "roll over" on a daily basis.
Accrued interest and mortgagors' escrow accounts: The carrying amounts
------------------------------------------------
of these instruments approximate fair value.
Off-balance-sheet instruments: Fair values for off-balance-sheet
-----------------------------
lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into
similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the counterparties' credit standing. The fair values of
off-balance sheet instruments are immaterial.
F-34
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (concluded)
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial
instruments are as follows at December 31,1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
---- ----
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
(In thousands)
Financial assets:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 24,642 $ 24,642 $ 26,675 $ 26,675
Securities available for sale 93,084 93,084 93,774 93,774
Securities held to maturity 17,014 16,922 23,780 23,756
Federal Home Loan Bank stock 3,843 3,843 2,547 2,547
Loans, net 665,554 644,276 599,171 611,297
Accrued interest receivable 4,910 4,910 4,458 4,458
Savings Bank Life Insurance stock 2,043 2,043 2,043 2,043
Financial liabilities:
Deposits 679,985 678,650 646,500 648,995
Federal Home Loan Bank advances 58,928 58,439 29,590 29,664
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase 1,120 1,120 7,000 7,000
Mortgagors' escrow accounts 782 782 622 622
</TABLE>
17. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY
Financial information pertaining only to Berkshire Bancorp is as follows:
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
------------
1999 1998
---- ----
(In thousands)
Assets
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and due from banks $ 16 $ 1
Securities available for sale, at fair value 80 100
Investment in Bank subsidiary 88,255 84,099
Other assets 1 2
------- -------
Total assets $88,352 $84,202
======= =======
Liabilities and Retained Earnings
Accrued expenses $ - $ 1
Retained earnings 88,352 84,201
------- -------
Total liabilities and retained earnings $88,352 $84,202
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-35
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY (concluded)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Income:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest on securities available for sale $ 3 $ 5 $ 5
------- ------- -------
Operating expenses 9 11 -
------- ------- -------
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in
undistributed income of Berkshire Bank (6) (6) 5
Applicable income tax provision (benefit) (1) (1) 2
------- ------- -------
(5) (5) 3
Equity in undistributed income of Berkshire Bank 5,628 4,429 2,500
------- ------- -------
Net income $ 5,623 $ 4,424 $ 2,503
======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
----------------------------------
Years Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ----
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $ 5,623 $ 4,424 $ 2,503
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash used by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed income of Berkshire Bank (5,628) (4,429) (2,500)
Other - (2) 2
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities (5) (7) 5
------- ------- -------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Maturities of securities available for sale 100 - -
Purchases of securities available for sale (80) - -
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by investing 20 - -
------- ------- -------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 15 (7) 5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1 8 3
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 16 $ 1 $ 8
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-36
<PAGE>
BERKSHIRE BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Concluded)
18. PLAN OF CONVERSION (UNAUDITED)
On October 22, 1999, the Board of Trustees of the Corporation approved a
Plan of Conversion for Berkshire Bancorp (the "Plan"). The Plan provides
for the conversion of the Corporation from mutual to stock form. The Plan
is subject to the approval of the Corporation's corporators and various
regulatory agencies.
As part of the Conversion, the Corporation will establish a liquidation
account for the benefit of eligible and supplemental eligible account
holders. The liquidation account will be reduced annually to the extent
that such account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits as of
each anniversary date. Subsequent increases will not restore an account
holder's interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete
liquidation, each eligible and supplemental eligible account holder will be
entitled to receive balances for accounts then held.
Subsequent to the Conversion, the Corporation and the Bank may not declare
or pay dividends on and the Corporation may not repurchase any of its
shares of common stock if the effect thereof would cause stockholders'
equity to be reduced below applicable regulatory capital maintenance
requirements or if such declaration, payment or repurchase would otherwise
violate regulatory requirements.
Conversion costs will be deferred and deducted from the proceeds of the
shares sold. If the Conversion is not completed, all costs will be
expensed. As of December 31, 1999, approximately $150,000 in offering costs
have been deferred and is included in other assets.
19. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
The Bank intends to expand the offering of insurance products to its
customers through the establishment of an insurance agency. On February 24,
2000, Berkshire Bank entered into a Management and Service Agreement with
third party vendors for consulting and management services with respect to
insurance services. The agreement has an initial term of four years with a
management fee in the amount of $325,000 and servicing fees based upon a
percentage of gross commissions/revenue.
F-37
<PAGE>
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. Neither
Berkshire Hills, Berkshire Bancorp nor Berkshire Bank has authorized anyone to
provide you with different information. This prospectus does not constitute an
offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities
offered by this prospectus to any person or in any jurisdiction in which an
offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making an offer
or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is
unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in those jurisdictions. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall under any
circumstances imply that there has been no change in the affairs of Berkshire
Hills, Berkshire Bancorp or Berkshire Bank since any of the dates as of which
information is furnished in this prospectus or since the date of this
prospectus.
[LOGO OF BERKSHIRE HILLS BANCORP(TM)]
(Proposed Holding Company for Berkshire Bank)
8,314,500 Shares of Common Stock
----
Prospectus
----
Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P.
May 12, 2000
DEALER PROSPECTUS DELIVERY OBLIGATION
Until June 14, 2000, all dealers that buy, sell or trade these securities,
whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers' obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold
allotments or subscriptions.
