MEDITRUST
S-3/A, 1995-10-13
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>   1
   
              AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              ON OCTOBER 13, 1995
    
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-62293
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                ---------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                                ---------------

                                   MEDITRUST
        (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN GOVERNING INSTRUMENTS)
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
          MASSACHUSETTS                                      04-6532031
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                 (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
                                197 FIRST AVENUE
                      NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, MASSACHUSETTS 02194
                                 (617) 433-6000
    (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                  OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                                ---------------

                               ABRAHAM D. GOSMAN
                      CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

                                   MEDITRUST
                                197 FIRST AVENUE
                      NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, MASSACHUSETTS 02194
                                 (617) 433-6000

           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

                          COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
                           MICHAEL J. BOHNEN, ESQUIRE
                            NUTTER, MCCLENNEN & FISH
                            ONE INTERNATIONAL PLACE
                             BOSTON, MA 02110-2699
                                 (617) 439-2000
   
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES 
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE 
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT 
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE 
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME 
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), 
MAY DETERMINE.
    
<PAGE>   2
                    SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED __________
PROSPECTUS
                                   MEDITRUST

                         SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST,
                   DEBT SECURITIES AND/OR SECURITIES WARRANTS

                                ---------------

     Meditrust, a Massachusetts business trust (together with its subsidiaries
unless the context otherwise requires, the "Company"), is a real estate
investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which may 
offer from time to time, in one or more series, its debt securities (the "Debt 
Securities"), warrants to purchase Debt Securities (the "Debt Securities 
Warrants"), shares of beneficial interest, without par value (the "Shares"), 
and warrants to purchase Shares (the "Share Warrants"). The Debt Securities 
Warrants and the Share Warrants are collectively referred to herein as the 
"Securities Warrants." The Debt Securities, Shares and Securities Warrants are 
collectively referred to herein as the "Securities." The Securities will have 
an aggregate offering price of $300,000,000 and will be offered in amounts, at 
prices and on terms to be determined at the time of offering.

     In the case of Debt Securities, the specific title, the aggregate 
principal amount, the purchase price, the maturity, the rate and time of 
payment of any interest, any redemption or sinking fund provisions, any 
conversion provisions and any other specific term of the Debt Securities will 
be set forth in an accompanying supplement to this Prospectus (the "Prospectus 
Supplement"). In the case of Shares, the specific number of Shares and issuance 
price per Share will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. In 
the case of Securities Warrants, the duration, offering price, exercise price 
and detachability, if applicable, will be set forth in an accompanying 
Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus Supplement will also disclose whether the 
Securities will be listed on a national securities exchange and if they are not 
to be listed, the possible effects thereof on their marketability.

     The Securities may be sold: (i) directly by the Company; (ii) through 
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters, or by 
one or more underwriters without a syndicate; and (iii) through agents 
designated from time to time. The names of any underwriters or agents of the 
Company involved in the sale of the Securities in respect of which this 
Prospectus is being delivered and any applicable commissions or discounts will 
be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of 
Distribution." The net proceeds to the Company from such sale also will be set 
forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
   
     The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the 
symbol "MT." On October 12, 1995, the closing sale price of the Shares on the 
New York Stock Exchange was $34.75.
    
                                ---------------

    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
       AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
         THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
            COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
               PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
                              A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                                ---------------

       THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK HAS NOT PASSED ON OR
          ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                           THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.

                                ---------------

     This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Securities unless 
accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.

                                ---------------
   
                THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS OCTOBER 13, 1995.
    
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY 
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES 
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE 
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES 
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR 
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>   3
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the 
Securies Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in 
accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy 
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public 
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024 of the offices 
of the Commission, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20549, or at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World 
Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and Suite 1400, Northwestern 
Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such 
material can be obtained from the principal offices of the Commission at 
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, at prescribed 
rates. Reports, proxy materials and other information concerning the Company 
can also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad 
Street, Room 1102, New York, New York 10005.

        The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on 
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration 
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities 
Act"). This Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement do not 
contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain 
parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the 
Commission. For further information, reference is made to the Registration 
Statement, copies of which may be obtained upon payment of a fee prescribed by 
the Commission, or may be examined free of charge at the principal office of 
the Commission in Washington, D.C.

        Statements made in this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus 
Supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are 
not necessarily complete, and reference is made to the copy of such contract or 
other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such 
statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The Company hereby incorporates by reference into this Prospectus its 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, its 
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 1995 and 
June 30, 1995 and its Current Reports on form 8-K dated August 8, 1995,
July 27, 1995, July 13, 1995 and March 8, 1995, which shall be deemed to be a 
part hereof. The discussion of Federal income tax treatment of the Company and 
its shareholders which is contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K 
dated March 4, 1992, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of 
updating such discussion, is hereby incorporated by reference into this 
Prospectus and shall be deemed to be a part hereof.


                                       2
<PAGE>   4
     All documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to 
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(3) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date 
hereof and prior to the termination of the offering of the Securities offered 
hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and 
to be a part hereof from the date of filing such documents. Any statement 
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by 
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of 
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in a 
subsequently filed document, as the case may be, which also is or is deemed to 
be incorporated by reference herein, modifies or supersedes such statement. Any 
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so 
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.

     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this 
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a 
copy (without exhibits) of any or all documents incorporated by reference into 
this Prospectus. Requests for such copies should be directed to Lisa P. 
McAlister, Vice President and Treasurer, Meditrust, 197 First Avenue, Needham 
Heights, Massachusetts 02194, telephone (617) 433-6000.

                                ---------------

     THE DECLARATION OF TRUST ESTABLISHING THE COMPANY, DATED AUGUST 6, 1985, 
AS AMENDED (THE "DECLARATION"), A COPY OF WHICH IS DULY FILED IN THE OFFICE OF 
THE SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, PROVIDES THAT THE 
NAME "MEDITRUST" REFERS TO THE TRUSTEES UNDER THE DECLARATION COLLECTIVELY AS 
TRUSTEES, BUT NOT INDIVIDUALLY OR PERSONALLY; AND THAT NO TRUSTEE, OFFICER, 
SHAREHOLDER, EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF THE COMPANY SHALL BE HELD TO ANY PERSONAL 
LIABILITY, JOINTLY OR SEVERALLY, FOR ANY OBLIGATION OF, OR CLAIM AGAINST, THE 
COMPANY. ALL PERSONS DEALING WITH THE COMPANY, IN ANY WAY, SHALL LOOK ONLY TO 
THE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY SUM OR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY 
OBLIGATION.


                                       3

<PAGE>   5
                                  THE COMPANY

     Meditrust is the largest dedicated health care real estate investment 
trust in the United States, based on its gross real estate investments of $1.7 
billion as of June 30, 1995. The objective of the Company is to enable 
shareholders to participate in the investment in health care related facilities 
held primarily for the production of cash flows to be distributed to 
shareholders. In meeting this objective, the Company invests in high quality 
facilities that are managed by experienced operators and attempts to achieve 
diversity in its property portfolio by sector of the health care industry, 
geographic location, operator and form of investment.

     As of June 30, 1995, the Company had investments in 285 facilities, 
consisting of 240 long-term care facilities, 23 rehabilitation hospitals, six 
psychiatric hospitals, five retirement living facilities, two alcohol and 
substance abuse facilities, eight medical office buildings and one acute care 
hospital. The properties are located in 34 different states and are operated 
by 33 health care companies. Of the 33 different operators, seven are, or are 
owned by, publicly-traded companies (i.e., Sun Healthcare Group, Inc., 
Continental Medical Systems, Inc. (a subsidiary of Horizon Healthcare Corp.), 
Geriatric and Medical Centers, Inc., OrNda Healthcorp., Integrated Health 
Services, Inc., HealthSouth Corporation and Mariner Health Group, Inc.), and 
constitute 44% of the Company's gross real estate investments.

     During the first six months of 1995, the Company committed $243 million to 
new real estate investments, of which $172 million was funded. Of these 
amounts, $126 million was committed and $55 million was funded during the 
quarter ended June 30, 1995.

     The Company's real estate investments are either owned by the Company or 
secured by a mortgage lien. As of June 30, 1995 permanent mortgage loans 
constituted 56%, sale/leaseback transactions constituted 40%, and development 
mortgage financing constituted 4% of the Company's portfolio as measured by 
gross real estate investments. The leases and mortgages provide for rental or 
interest rates which generally range from 9.5% to 13.5% per annum of the 
acquisition price or mortgage amount. The leases and mortgages generally 
provide for an initial term of 10 years, with the leases having one or more 
five-year renewal options. The leases and mortgages also provide for additional 
rent and interest which are generally based upon a percentage of increased 
revenues over specific base period revenues of the related properties. For the 
year ended December 31, 1994, the aggregate amount of additional rent and 
interest was approximately $8.2 million compared to $8.7 million for the year 
ended December 31, 1993.

     In addition, the Company usually obtains guarantees from the parent 
corporation, if any, of the operator or affiliates or individual principals of 
the operator. Most obligations are backed by letters of credit or pledges of 
certificates of deposit which cover from three to twelve months of lease or 
mortgage payments. In addition, permanent mortgage and development mortgage 
loans generally are cross-collateralized with any other mortgage and 
development loans, leases or other agreements between the Company and the same 
operator or any affiliated operators. Leases and mortgage loans generally are 
cross-defaulted with any other leases or mortgages between the Company and the 
same operator or any affiliated operators. With respect to development mortgage 
loans, the Company generally requires guaranteed maximum price construction 
contracts, performance completion bonds or 


                                       4

<PAGE>   6
guarantees and cost overrun guarantees. The Company enters into a development 
mortgage loan when the Company will also be the permanent owner or mortgage 
lender. In making its investment decisions, the Company reviews, among other 
criteria, the operational viability of the facility, the experience and 
competency of the operator and the financial strength of the guarantor.

     In making its investment decisions, the Company reviews, among other 
criteria, the operational viability of the facility, the experience and 
competency of the operator and the financial strength of the guarantor. From 
time to time, the Company enters into transactions with related parties. As of 
June 30, 1995, the Company had total commitments of $101 million, of which $37 
million was funded, to companies in which Abraham D. Gosman, the Company's 
Chief Executive Officer, has an ownership interest. The Company expects to 
enter into additional transactions with related parties in the future. All of 
the terms and conditions of such transactions are subject to approval by the 
independent Trustees of the Company. The Board of Trustees believes that the 
terms of the transactions which the Company has entered into with related 
parties are not less favorable to the Company than those prevailing at the time 
for comparable transactions with unrelated persons.

     The Company was organized to qualify, and intends to continue to operate, 
as a real estate investment trust in accordance with Federal tax laws and 
regulations. So long as the Company so complies, with limited exceptions, the 
Company will not be taxed under Federal income tax laws on that portion of its 
taxable income that it distributes to its shareholders. The Company has 
distributed, and intends to continue to distribute, substantially all of its 
real estate investment trust taxable income to shareholders.

     In order to meet its ongoing capital requirements for additional 
investments, the Company may raise additional equity capital through the sale 
of Shares, Debt Securities, Share Warrants or Debt Securities Warrants or draw 
against its revolving bank lines of credit.

     The Company is a self-administered real estate investment trust, with its 
principal executive offices at 197 First Avenue, Needham Heights, Massachusetts 
02194. Its telephone number is (617) 433-6000.

                       HEALTH CARE REFORM AND REGULATION

     Many of the operators with which the Company does business rely on 
government reimbursement, primarily Medicare and Medicaid, for a significant 
portion of their operating revenues. During a recent session of the United 
States Congress, there was active consideration of various proposals for 
national health care reform, including the administration's proposal to cap 
national health care spending and the future growth of Medicare and Medicaid 
funding. No such legislation was passed during the 1994 session of Congress. 
Such legislation may be reintroduced during current or future sessions of 
Congress, although it is not possible to predict whether and when health care 
reform legislation will be passed by Congress and, if passed, what features 
such legislation will contain or the effect it may have on the nursing home, 
assisted living or rehabilitation care industries, the reimbursements levels 
available to health care providers or on the health care industry in general.


                                       5

<PAGE>   7
        From time to time, Medicaid, Medicare and other governmental payers 
have reviewed the billing practices of many health care facilities operators 
including certain of the operators with which the Company does business. It is 
unclear what impact such reviews may have on these operators. The Company does 
not believe, however, that any adverse findings against these operators would 
materially affect the Company's financial position.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                     Year Ended December 31,                   Six-month
                     -----------------------                  Period Ended   
           1990      1991      1992      1993      1994       June 30, 1995
           ----------------------------------------------------------------    
<S>        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>

Ratio      1.67      1.60      1.88      2.02      2.19           2.63

</TABLE>


        For the purpose of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges 
for the years ended December 31, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1994 and for the 
six-month period ended June 30, 1995, net income has been added to interest 
expense and that sum has been divided by such interest expense.


                                USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement which 
accompanies this Prospectus, the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities 
offered from time to time hereby will be used for general business purposes, 
including the repayment of bank lines of credit, if any, outstanding, and 
investments in health care facilities. As of August 14, 1995, $75,000,000 was 
outstanding under the Company's bank lines of credit. All currently outstanding 
loans under the Company's bank lines of credit mature prior to July 1, 1997 and 
accrue interest at the lenders' respective prime rates or the London Interbank 
Offering Rate plus 1.00%. Pending such uses, the net proceeds will be invested 
in short-term, interest-bearing, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the 
United States, certificates of deposit or accounts, or investment grade 
commercial paper, consistent with the Company's qualification as a real estate 
investment trust, the Company's Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended (the 
"Declaration"), and the Company's agreements with its lenders.


                             DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

        There is no limit on the number of Shares the Company is authorized to 
issue. Shares may be issued by the Board of Trustees without any vote of the 
shareholders. The outstanding Shares are of one class and without par value. 
The following description is qualified in all respects by reference to the 
Declaration and the By-laws of the Company, copies of which are incorporated by 
reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is 
a part.

        Shares of Beneficial Interest. All Shares participate equally in 
dividends and in net assets available for distribution to shareholders on 
liquidation or termination of the Company, have one vote per Share on all 
matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders and do not have 


                                       6


<PAGE>   8
cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees. The Shares offered 
hereby will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable by the Company 
upon issuance.

        Redemption.  For the Company to qualify as a real estate investment 
trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), in any 
taxable year, not more than 50% of its outstanding Shares may be owned by five 
or fewer individuals and Shares must be owned by 100 or more persons during at 
least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of 
a shorter taxable year. In order to meet these requirements, the Trustees have 
the power to redeem or prohibit the transfer of a sufficient number of Shares 
selected in a manner deemed appropriate to maintain or bring the ownership of 
the Shares into conformity with such requirements. In connection with the 
foregoing, if the Trustees shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the 
opinion that direct or indirect ownership of at least 9.9% or more of the 
Shares has or may become concentrated in the hands of one beneficial owner, the 
Trustees shall have the power (i) by lot or other means deemed equitable by 
them to call for the purchase from any shareholder of the Company of a number 
of Shares sufficient, in the opinion of the Trustees, to maintain or bring the 
direct or indirect ownership of Shares of such owner to a level of no more than 
9.9% of the outstanding Shares, and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares 
to any person whose acquisition of such Shares would cause a beneficial holder 
to hold in excess of 9.9% of the outstanding Shares. Further, any transfer of 
Shares that would create a beneficial owner of more than 9.9% of the 
outstanding Shares shall be deemed void and the intended transferee shall be 
deemed never to have had an interest therein. The purchase price for any Shares 
so redeemed shall be equal to the fair market value of the Shares reflected in 
the closing sales price for the Shares, if then listed on a national securities 
exchange, or the average of the closing sales price for the Shares if then 
listed on more than one national securities exchange, or if the Shares are not 
then listed on a national securities exchange, the latest bid quotation for the 
Shares if then traded over-the-counter, on the last business day immediately 
preceeding the day on which notices of such acquisition are sent by the 
Company. From and after the date fixed for purchase by the Trustees, the holder 
of any Shares so called for purchase shall cease to be entitled to 
distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such Shares, 
except the right to payment of the purchase price for the Shares.

        The foregoing provisions may have the effect of discouraging unilateral 
tender offers or other takeover proposals which certain shareholders might deem 
in their interest or in which they might receive a substantial premium. The 
provisions could also have the effect of insulating current management against 
the possibility of removal and could, by possibly reducing temporary 
fluctuations in market price caused by accumulations of Shares, deprive 
shareholders of opportunities to sell at a temporarily higher market price.

        Additional Provisions.  The Declaration provides that annual meetings 
of shareholders are to be held within six months after the end of each fiscal 
year and special meetings of the shareholders may be called by the President of 
the Company, a majority of the Trustees or a majority of the Independent 
Trustees (defined in the Declaration) and shall be called upon the written 
request of the holders of 10% or more of the outstanding Shares.

        Whenever any action is to be taken by the shareholders, it shall, 
except as otherwise clearly indicated in the Declaration of Trust, be 
authorized by holders of a majority of the Shares then outstanding and entitled 
to vote thereon. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at all elections of Trustees, 
voting by shareholders shall be conducted under the non-cumulative method and 
the 


    
                                       7


<PAGE>   9
election of Trustees shall be by the affirmative vote of the holders of Shares 
representing a plurality of the Shares then outstanding which are present in 
person or by proxy at a meeting in which a quorum is present.

        Whenever shareholders are required or permitted to take any action 
(unless a vote at a meeting is specifically required, as with respect to 
termination or amendment of the Declaration), such action may be taken without 
a meeting by written consents setting forth the action so taken, signed by the 
holders of a majority (or such higher percentage as may be specified) of the 
outstanding Shares that would be entitled to vote thereon at a meeting.

        Except with respect to matters on which a shareholders' vote is 
specifically required by the Declaration, no action taken by the shareholders 
at any meeting shall in any way bind the Trustees.

        The Shares have no preemptive, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or 
appraisal rights.

        The Declaration provides that shareholders of the Company shall not be 
subject to any liability for the acts or obligations of the Company and that, 
as far as is practicable, each written agreement of the Company is to contain a 
provision to that effect. No personal liability will attach to the shareholders 
for claims under any contract containing such a provision in writing where 
adequate notice is given of such provision, except possibly in a few 
jurisdictions. With respect to all types of claims in such jurisdictions and 
with respect to tort claims, contract claims where the shareholder liability is 
not disavowed as described above, claims for taxes and certain statutory 
liabilities in other jurisdictions, a shareholder may be held personally liable 
to the extent claims are not satisfied by the Company. However, the Declaration 
provides that, upon payment of any such liability, the shareholder will be 
entitled to reimbursement from the general assets of the Company. The Trustees 
intend to conduct the operations of the Company, with the advice of counsel, in 
such a way as to avoid, as far as is practicable, the ultimate liability of the 
shareholders of the Company. For example, almost all of the real estate and all 
of the mortgages included in the assets of the Company are held by corporate 
subsidiaries. The Trustees do not intend to provide insurance covering such 
risks to shareholders.

        Transfer Agent and Registrar.  Fleet National Bank, Providence, Rhode 
Island, acts as transfer agent and registrar of the Shares.


                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The Prospectus Supplement will describe certain terms of any Debt 
Securities offered hereby, including (i) the title of such Debt Securities; 
(ii) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities and 
their purchase price; (iii) the date or dates on which such Debt Securities 
will mature; (iv) the rate or rates per annum (or manner in which interest is 
to be determined) at which such Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, and 
the date from which such interest, if any, will accrue; (v) the dates on which 
such interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable and the regular 
record dates for such interest payment dates; (vi) any mandatory or optional 
sinking fund or analogous provisions; (vii) additional provisions, if any, for 
the defeasance of such Debt Securities; (viii) the date, if any, after which 
and the price or prices at which such Debt Securities may, pursuant to any 
optional or mandatory redemption


                                       8

<PAGE>   10
election of Trustees shall be by the affirmative vote of the holders of Shares 
representing a plurality of the Shares then outstanding which are present in 
person or by proxy at a meeting in which a quorum is present.

        Whenever shareholders are required or permitted to take any action 
(unless a vote at a meeting is specifically required, as with respect to 
termination or amendment of the Declaration), such action may be taken without 
a meeting by written consents setting forth the action so taken, signed by the 
holders of a majority (or such higher percentage as may be specified) of the 
outstanding Shares that would be entitled to vote thereon at a meeting.

        Except with respect to matters on which a shareholders' vote is 
specifically required by the Declaration, no action taken by the shareholders 
at any meeting shall in any way bind the Trustees.

        The Shares have no preemptive, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or 
appraisal rights.

        The Declaration provides that shareholders of the Company shall not be 
subject to any liability for the acts or obligations of the Company and that, 
as far as is practicable, each written agreement of the Company is to contain a 
provision to that effect. No personal liability will attach to the shareholders 
for claims under any contract containing such a provision in writing where 
adequate notice is given of such provision, except possibly in a few 
jurisdictions. With respect to all types of claims in such jurisdictions and 
with respect to tort claims, contract claims where the shareholder liability is 
not disavowed as described above, claims for taxes and certain statutory 
liabilities in other jurisdictions, a shareholder may be held personally liable 
to the extent claims are not satisfied by the Company. However, the Declaration 
provides that, upon payment of any such liability, the shareholder will be 
entitled to reimbursement from the general assets of the Company. The Trustees 
intend to conduct the operations of the Company, with the advice of counsel, in 
such a way as to avoid, as far as is practicable, the ultimate liability of the 
shareholders of the Company. For example, almost all of the real estate and all 
of the mortgages included in the assets of the Company are held by corporate 
subsidiaries. The Trustees do not intend to provide insurance covering such 
risks to shareholders.

        Transfer Agent and Registrar. Fleet National Bank, Providence, Rhode 
Island, acts as transfer agent and registrar of the Shares.

                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The Prospectus Supplement will describe certain terms of any Debt 
Securities offered hereby, including (i) the title of such Debt Securities;
(ii) any limit on the aggregate principal amount of such Debt Securities and 
their purchase price; (iii) the date or dates on which such Debt Securities 
will mature; (iv) the rate or rates per annum (or manner in which interest is 
to be determined) at which such Debt Securities will bear interest, if any, and 
the date from which such interest, if any, will accrue; (v) the dates on which 
such interest, if any, on such Debt Securities will be payable and the regular 
record dates for such interest payment dates; (vi) any mandatory or optional 
sinking fund or analogous provisions; (vii) additional provisions, if any, for 
the defeasance of such Debt Securities; (viii) the date, if any, after which 
and the price or prices at which such Debt Securities may, pursuant to any 
optional or mandatory redemption


                                       8

<PAGE>   11
or repayment provisions, be redeemed and the other detailed terms and 
provisions of any such optional or mandatory redemption or repayment 
provisions; (ix) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued in whole or in 
part in registered form represented by one or more registered global securities 
(a "Registered Global Security") and, if so, the identity of the depository for 
such Registered Global Security or Securities; (x) certain applicable United 
States Federal income tax consequences; (xi) any provisions relating to 
security for payments due under such Debt Securities; (xii) any provisions 
relating to the conversion or exchange of such Debt Securities into or for 
Shares or Debt Securities of another series; (xiii) any provisions relating to 
the ranking of such Debt Securities in right of payment as compared to other
obligations of the Company; (xiv) the denominations in which such Debt 
Securities are authorized to be issued; (xv) the place or places where 
principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Debt Securities 
will be payable; (xvi) whether such Debt Securities are to be issued pursuant 
to an indenture of trust; and (xvii) any other specific term of such Debt 
Securities, including any additional events of default or covenants provided 
for with respect to such Debt Securities, and any terms that may be required by 
or advisable under applicable laws or regulations.

        The Debt Securities may be issued in one or more series under an 
Indenture to be executed by the Company and a trustee (the "Trustee"), a form 
of which is included as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this 
Prospectus is a part (the "Indenture"). The terms of the Debt Securities may 
include those stated in the Indenture and those made a part of the Indenture 
(before any supplements) by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended.

        The following is a summary of certain provisions of the Indenture and 
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference 
to the detailed provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of 
certain terms therein to which reference is hereby made, for a complete 
statement of such provisions. Wherever particular provisions or sections of the 
Indenture or terms defined therein are referred to herein, such provisions or 
definitions are incorporated herein by reference.

        General. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of 
Debt Securities that may be issued thereunder and provides that Debt Securities 
may be issued from time to time in one or more series.

        Conversion Rights. The terms, if any, on which Debt Securities of any 
series may be converted into Shares or Debt Securities of another series will 
be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. To protect the 
Company's status as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), the holders of 
Debt Securities of any series ("Holders") may not convert any Debt Security, 
and such Debt Security shall not be convertible by any Holder, if as a result 
of such conversion any person would then be deemed to beneficially own, 
directly or indirectly, 9.9% or more of the then outstanding Shares.

        The conversion price will be subject to adjustment under certain 
conditions, including (i) the payment of dividends (and other distributions) in 
Shares on any class of shares of the Company; (ii) subdivisions, combinations 
and reclassifications of Shares; (iii) the issuance to all or substantially all 
holders of Shares of rights or warrants entitling them to subscribe for or 
purchase Shares at a price per Share (or having conversion price per Share) 
less than the then current market price; and (iv) distributions to all or 
substantially all holders of Shares or shares



                                       9

<PAGE>   12
of any other class, or evidences of indebtedness or assets (including 
securities, but excluding those rights, warrants, dividends and distributions 
referred to above and dividends and distributions not prohibited under the 
terms of the Indenture) of the Company, subject to the limitation that all 
adjustments by reason of any of the foregoing would not be made until they 
result in a cumulative change in the conversion price of at least 1%. In the 
event the Company shall effect any capital reorganization or reclassification 
of its Shares or shall consolidate or merge with or into any trust or 
corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the 
surviving entity) or shall sell or transfer substantially all its assets to any 
other trust or corporation, the Holders shall, if entitled to convert such Debt 
Securities at any time after such transaction, receive upon conversion thereof, 
in lieu of each Share into which the Debt Securities of such series would have 
been convertible prior to such transaction, the same kind and amount of stock 
and other securities, cash or property as shall have been issuable or 
distributable in connection with such transaction with respect to each Share.

     A conversion price adjustment made according to the provisions of the Debt 
Securities of any series (or the absence of provision for such an adjustment) 
might result in a constructive distribution to the Holders of Debt Securities 
of such series or holders of Shares that would be subject to taxation as a 
dividend. The Company may, at its option, make such reductions in the 
conversion price, in addition to those set forth above, as the Board of 
Trustees of the Company deems advisable to avoid or diminish any income tax to 
holders of Shares resulting from any dividend or distribution of Shares (or 
rights to acquire Shares) or from any event treated as such for income tax 
purposes or for any other reason. The Board of Trustees will also have the 
power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in the provisions relating 
to the adjustment of the conversion price of the Debt Securities of such series 
and its actions in so doing shall be final and conclusive.

     Fractional Shares will not be issued upon conversion, but, in lieu 
thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based upon market price.

     The Holders of Debt Securities of any series at the close of business on 
an interest payment record date shall be entitled to receive the interest 
payable on such Debt Securities on the corresponding interest payment date 
notwithstanding the conversion thereof. However, Debt Securities surrendered 
for conversion during the period from the close of business on any record date 
for the payment of interest to the opening of business on the corresponding 
interest payment date must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the 
interest payable on such interest payment date. Holders of Debt Securities of 
any series who convert Debt Securities of such series on an interest payment 
date will receive the interest payable by the Company on such date and need not 
include payment in the amount of such interest upon surrender of such Debt 
Securities for conversion. Except as aforesaid, no payment or adjustment is to 
be made on conversion for interest accrued on the Debt Securities of any series 
or for dividends on Shares.

     Optional Redemption. The Debt Securities of any series that are 
convertible into Shares will be subject to redemption, in whole or from time to 
time in part, at any time for certain reasons intended to protect the Company's 
status as a REIT at the option of the Company on at least 30 days' prior notice 
by mail at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus 
interest accrued to the date of redemption. Except as otherwise set forth in 
the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the Company may exercise its redemption 
powers solely 


                                       10

<PAGE>   13
with respect to the securities of the security holder or holders which pose a 
threat to the Company's REIT status and only to the extent deemed necessary by 
the Company's Board of Trustees to preserve such status. (See "Redemption" 
under "Description of Shares".)

     Dividends, Distributions And Acquisitions Of Shares Of Beneficial 
Interest. The Indenture provides that the Company will not (i) declare or pay 
any dividend or make any distribution on its Shares or to holders of its Shares 
(other than dividends or distributions payable in its Shares or other than as 
the Company determines is necessary to maintain its status as a REIT) or (ii) 
purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any of its Shares or 
permit any subsidiary to do so, if at the time of such action an Event of 
Default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing or would 
exist immediately after giving effect to such action.

     Additional Covenants. Any additional covenants of the Company with respect 
to a series of the Debt Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus 
Supplement relative thereto.

     Modification Of The Indenture. Under the Indenture, with certain 
exceptions, the rights and obligations of the Company with respect to any 
series of Debt Securities and the rights of Holders of such series may only be 
modified by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at 
least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such 
series. However, without the consent of each Holder of any Debt Securities 
affected, an amendment, waiver or supplement may not (i) reduce the principal 
of, or rate of interest on, any Debt Securities; (ii) change the stated 
maturity date of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Debt 
Securities; (iii) waive a default in the payment of the principal amount of, or 
the interest on, or any premium payable on redemption of, any Debt 
Securities; (iv) change the currency for payment of the principal of, or 
premium or interest on, any Debt Securities; (v) impair the right to institute 
suit for the enforcement of any such payment when due; (vi) adversely affect 
any right to convert any Debt Securities; (vii) reduce the amount of 
outstanding Debt Securities necessary to consent to an amendment, supplement or 
waiver provided for in the Indenture; or (viii) modify any provisions of the 
Indenture relating to the 


                                       11

<PAGE>   14
modification and amendment of the Indenture or waivers of past defaults, except 
as otherwise specified.

        Events of Default, Notice and Waiver. Except as otherwise set forth in 
the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the following is a summary of certain 
provisions of the Indenture relating to events of default, notice and waiver.

        The following are Events of Default under the Indenture with respect to 
any series of Debt Securities: (i) default in the payment of interest on the 
Debt Securities of such series when due and payable, which continues for 30 
days; (ii) default in the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) on the 
Debt Securities when due, at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise, which 
continues for five Business Days; (iii) failure to perform any other covenant 
of the Company contained in the Indenture or the Debt Securities of such series 
which continues for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture; 
(iv) default under any bond, debenture or other Indebtedness (as defined in the 
Indenture) of the Company or any subsidiary if (a) either (x) such event of 
default results from the failure to pay any such Indebtedness at maturity or 
(y) as a result of such event of default, the maturity of such Indebtedness has 
been accelerated prior to its expressed maturity and such acceleration shall 
not be rescinded or annulled or the accelerated amount paid within ten days 
after notice to the Company of such acceleration, or such Indebtedness having 
been discharged, and (b) the principal amount of such Indebtedness, together 
with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness in default for failure 
to pay principal or interest thereon, or the maturity of which has been so 
accelerated, aggregates $10,000,000 or more; (v) certain events of bankruptcy, 
insolvency or reorganization relating to the Company; and (vi) any other Event 
of Default provided with respect to the Debt Securities of that series.

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the 
Debt Securities of any series, either the Trustee or the Holders of a majority 
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Debt Securities of such series 
may declare the Debt Securities due and payable immediately.

        The Indenture provides that the Trustee will, within 90 days after the 
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Debt 
Securities of any series, give to the Holders of Debt Securities notice of all 
uncured Defaults and Events of Default known to it, but the Trustee will be 
protected in withholding such notice if it in good faith determines that the 
withholding of such notice is in the interest of such Holders, except in the 
case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or 
interest on any of the Debt Securities of such series.

        THE Indenture provides that the Holders of a majority in aggregate 
principal amount of the Debt Securities of any series then outstanding may 
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceedings for any remedy 
available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the 
Trustee with respect to the Debt Securities of such series. The right of a 
Holder to institute a proceeding with respect to the Indenture is subject to 
certain conditions precedent including notice and indemnity to the Trustee, but 
the Holder has an absolute right to receipt of principal of (and premium, if 
any) and interest on such Holder's Debt Securities on or after the respective 
due dates expressed in the Debt Securities, and to institute suite for the 
enforcement of any such payments.

                                     12
 
<PAGE>   15
        The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt 
Securities of any series then outstanding may on behalf of the Holders of all 
Debt Securities of such series waive certain past defaults, except a default in 
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt 
Securities of such series or in respect of certain provisions of the Indenture 
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each 
outstanding Debt Securities of such series affected thereby.

        The Company will be required to furnish to the Trustee annually a 
statement of certain officers of the Company stating whether or not they know 
of any Default or Events of Default (as defined in the Indenture) and, if they 
have knowledge of a Default or Event of Default, a description of the efforts 
to remedy the same.

        Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance. The Indenture provides that 
the Company may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey all or 
substantially all of its assets to, any other trust or corporation, provided 
that (i) either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or the successor 
entity (if other than the Company) shall be an entity organized and existing 
under the laws of the United States or a state thereof or the District of 
Columbia (although it may, in turn, be owned by a foreign entity) and such 
entity shall expressly assume by supplemental indenture all of the obligations 
of the Company under the Debt Securities of any series and the Indenture, (ii) 
immediately after giving effect to such transactions no Default or Event of 
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and (iii) the Company shall have 
delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and opinion of counsel, 
stating that the transaction and supplemental indenture comply with the 
Indenture. The Indenture does not contain any provision requiring the Company 
to repurchase the Debt Securities of any series at the option of the Holders 
thereof in the event of a leveraged buyout, recapitalization or similar 
restructuring of the Company, even though the Company's creditworthiness and 
the market value of the Debt Securities may decline significantly as a result 
of such transaction. The Indenture does not protect Holders of the Debt 
Securities of any series against any decline in credit quality, whether 
resulting from any such transaction or from any other cause.

        Global Securities. The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in 
whole or in part in global form (the "Global Securities"). The Global 
Securities will be deposited with a depository (the "Depository"), or with a 
nominee for a Depository, identified in the Prospectus Supplement. In such 
case, one or more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or 
aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount 
of outstanding Debt Securities of the series to be represented by such Global 
Security or Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part 
for Debt Securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be 
transferred except as a whole by the Depository for such Global Security to a 
nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such 
Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any 
such nominee to a successor for such Depository or a nominee of such successor.

        The specific material terms of the depository arrangement with 
respect to any portion of a series of Debt Securities to be represented 
by a Global Security will be described in the Prospectus Supplement. The 
Company anticipates that the following provision will apply to all depository 
arrangements.


                                        13
 
<PAGE>   16
        The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Debt
Securities of any series then outstanding my on behalf of the Holders of all
Debt Securities of such series waive certain past defaults, except a default in
payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Debt
Securities of such series or in respect of certain provisions of the Indenture
which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
outstanding Debt Securities of such series affected hereby.

        The Company will be required to furnish the Trustee annually a statement
of certain officers of the Company stating whether or not they know of any
Default or Events of Default (as defined in the Indenture) and, if they have
knowledge of a Default or Event of Default, a description of the efforts to
remedy the same.

        Consolidation, Merger, Sale or Conveyance.  The Indenture provides that 
the Company may merge or consolidate with, or sell or convey all or substan-
tially all of its assets to, any other trust or corporation, provided that (i)
either the Company shall be the continuing entity, or successor entity (if other
than the Company) shall be an entity organized and existing under the laws of
the United States or a state thereof or the District of Columbia (although it
may, in turn, be owned by a foreign entity) and such entity shall expressly
assume by supplemental indenture all of the obligations of the Company under the
Debt Securities of any series and the Indenture, (ii) immediately after giving
effect to such transactions no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, and (iii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officer's Certificate and opinion of counsel, stating that the transaction and
supplemental indenture comply with the Indenture. The Indenture does not contain
any provision requiring the Company to repurchase to Debt Securities of any
series of the option of the Holders thereof in the event of a leveraged buyout,
recapitalization or similar restructuring of the Company, even though the
Company's creditworthiness and the market value of the Debt Securities may
decline significantly as a result of such transaction. Indenture does not
protect Holder of the Debt Securities of any series against any decline in
credit quality, whether resulting from any such transaction or from any other
cause.

        Global Securities.  The Debt Securities of a series may be issued in
whole or in part in global form (the "Global Securities"). The Global Securities
will be deposited with a depository (the "Depository"), or with a nominee for a
Depository, identified in the Prospectus Supplement. In such case, one or more
Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations
equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Debt
Securities of the series to be represented by such Global Security or
Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt
Securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be transferred except
as a whole by the Depository for such Global Security to a nominee of such
Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such Depository or another
nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any such nominee to a
successor for such Depository or a nominee of such successor.

        The specific material terms of the depository arrangement with respect 
to any portion of a series of Debt Securities to be represented by a Global 
Security will be described in the Prospectus Supplement. The Company 
anticipates the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.



                                       13

<PAGE>   17
        Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depository for such Global 
Security will credit, on its book entry registration and transfer system, the 
respective principal amounts of the Debt Securities represented by such Global 
Security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such Depository 
("participants"). The accounts to be credited shall be designated by any 
underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of such Debt 
Securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be 
limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through 
participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will 
be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through 
records maintained by the Depository for such Global Security (with respect to 
interests of participants) or by participants or persons that hold through 
participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). So 
long as the Depository for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the registered 
owner of such Global Security, such Depository or such nominee as the case may 
be, will be considered the sole owner or Holder of the Debt Securities 
represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture; 
provided, however, that for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions 
required to be given by the Holders of the Debt Securities, the Company, the 
Trustee and its agents will treat a person as the holder of such principal 
amount of Debt Securities as specified in a written statement of the 
Depository. 

        Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments, if any, on Debt 
Securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a 
Depository or its nominee will be made to such Depository or its nominee, as 
the case may be, as the registered owner of such Global Security. None of the 
Company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent for such Debt Securities will have any 
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or 
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Global 
Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to 
such beneficial ownership interests.

        The Company expects that the Depository for any Debt Securities 
represented by a Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, 
premium, if any, or interest will immediately credit participants' accounts 
with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests 
in the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such 
Depository. The Company also expects that payments by participants will be 
governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case 
with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street 
names," and will be the responsibility of such participants.

        If the Depository for any Debt Securities represented by Global 
Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depository and a 
successor Depository is not appointed by the Company within 90 days, the 
Company will issue each Debt Security in definitive form to the beneficial 
owners thereof in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the Company 
may at any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have any of the 
Debt Securities of a series represented by one or more Global Securities and, 
in such event, will issue Debt Securities of such series in definitive form in 
exchange for all of the Global Security or Securities representing such Debt 
Securities. 

        The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities 
take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may 
impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in Debt Securities 
represented by Global Securities.

                                       14
<PAGE>   18
        Governing Law. The Indenture and the Debt Securities will be governed 
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts.

                DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WARRANTS

        The Company may issue Securities Warrants for the purchase of Debt 
Securities or Shares. Securities Warrants may be issued independently or 
together with Debt Securities or Shares offered  by any Prospectus Supplement 
and may be attached to or separate from such Debt Securities or Shares, Each 
series of Securities Warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement 
(a "Securities Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the Company and a 
bank or trust company, as Securities Warrant agent, all as set forth in the 
Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular issue of offered Securities 
Warrants. The Securities Warrant agent will act solely as an agent of the 
Company in connection with the Securities Warrant certificates relating to the 
Securities Warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of 
agency or trust for or with any holders of Securities Warrant certificates or 
beneficial owners of Securities Warrants. The following summaries of certain 
provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreement and Securities Warrants do not 
purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety 
by reference to, all the provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreement and the 
Securities Warrant certificates relating to each series of Security Warrants 
which will be filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference as an 
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part at or 
prior to the time of the issuance of such series of Security Warrants.

        If Debt Securities Warrants are offered, the applicable Prospectus 
Supplement will describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the 
following where applicable: (i) the offering price, (ii) the denominations and 
terms of the series of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of such 
Securities Warrants, (iii) the designation and terms of any series of Debt 
Securities with which such Securities Warrants are being offered and the number 
of such Securities Warrants being offered with each such Debt Security, (iv) 
the date, if any, on and after which such Securities Warrants and the related 
series of Debt Securities will be transferable separately, (v) the principal 
amount of the series of Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of each such 
Securities Warrant and the price at which such principal amount of Debt 
Securities of such series may be purchased upon such exercise; (vi) the date on 
which the right to exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and the 
date (the "Expiration Date") on which such right shall expire, (vii) whether 
the Securities Warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form, (viii) any 
special United States Federal income tax consequences, (ix) the terms, if any, 
on which the Company may accelerate the Expiration Date and (x) any other terms 
of such Securities Warrants.

        In the case of Share Warrants, the applicable Prospectus Supplement 
will describe the terms of such Securities Warrants, including the following 
where applicable: (i) the offering price, (ii) the aggregate number of Shares 
purchasable upon exercise of such Securities Warrants and the exercise price; 
(iii) the designation and terms of the Securities with which such Securities 
Warrants are being offered, if any, and the number of such Securities Warrants 
being offered with each such Security, (iv) the date, if any, on and after 
which such Securities Warrants and the related series of Debt Securities or 
Shares will be transferable separately, (v) the date on which the right to 
exercise such Securities Warrants shall commence and the Expiration Date,

                                   15

<PAGE>   19
(vi) any special United States Federal income tax consequences and (vii) any 
other terms of such Securities Warrants.

        Securities Warrant certificates may be exchanged for new Securities 
Warrant certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be 
presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate 
trust office of the Securities Warrant agent or any other office indicated in 
the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of any Debt 
Securities Warrants, holders of such Securities Warrants will not have any of 
the rights of holders of the Debt Securities purchasable upon such exercise, 
including the right to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, or 
interest, if any, on such Debt Securities or to enforce covenants in the 
applicable indenture. Prior to the exercise of any Share Warrants, holders of 
such Securities Warrants will not have any rights of holders of such Shares, 
including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on such Shares, 
or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

        Certain Risk Considerations. Any Securities Warrants issued by the 
Company will involve a certain degree of risk, including risks arising from the 
fluctuations in the price of the underlying securities and general risks 
applicable to the stock market (or markets) on which the underlying securities 
are traded.

        Prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should recognize that 
the Securities Warrants may expire worthless and, thus, purchasers should be 
prepared to sustain a total loss of the purchase price of their Securities 
Warrants. This risk reflects the nature of a Securities Warrant as an asset 
which, other factors held constant, tends to decline in value over time and 
which may, depending on the price of the underlying securities, become 
worthless when it expires. The trading price of a Securities Warrant at any 
time is expected to increase as the price, or, if applicable, dividend rate on 
the underlying securities increases. Conversely, the trading price of a 
Securities Warrant is expected to decrease as the time remaining to expiration 
of the Securities Warrant decreases and as the price or, if applicable, 
dividend rate on the underlying securities, decreases. Assuming all other 
factors are held constant, the more a Securities Warrant is "out of the money" 
(i.e., the more the exercise price exceeds the price of the underlying 
securities and the shorter its remaining term to expiration), the greater the 
risk that a purchaser of the Securities Warrant will lose all or part of his or 
her investment. If the price of the underlying securities does not rise before 
the Securities Warrant expires to an extent sufficient to cover a purchaser's 
cost of the Securities Warrant, the purchaser will lose all or part of his or 
her investment in such Securities Warrant upon expiration.

        In addition, prospective purchasers of the Securities Warrants should 
be experienced with respect to options and option transactions and understand 
the risks associated with options and should reach an investment decision only 
after careful consideration, with their financial advisers, of the suitability 
of the Securities Warrants in light of their particular financial 
circumstances and the information discussed herein and, if applicable, the 
Prospectus Supplement. Before purchasing, exercising or selling any Securities 
Warrants, prospective purchasers and holders of Securities Warrants should 
carefully consider, among other things, (i) the trading price of the Securities 
Warrants, (ii) the price of the underlying securities at such time, (iii) the 
time remaining to expiration and (iv) any related transaction costs. Some of 
the factors referred to above are in turn influenced by various political, 
economic and other factors


                                        16
<PAGE>   20
that can affect the trading prices of the underlying securities and should be 
carefully considered prior to making any investment decisions.

        Purchasers of the Securities Warrants should further consider that the 
initial offering price of the Securities Warrants may be in excess of the price 
that a purchaser of options might pay for a comparable option in a private, 
less liquid transaction. In addition it is not possible to predict the price 
at which the Securities Warrants will trade in the secondary market or whether 
any such market will be liquid. The Company may, but is not obligated to, file 
an application to list any Securities Warrants issued on a United States 
national securities exchange. To the extent that any Securities Warrants are 
exercised, the number of Securities Warrants outstanding will decrease, which 
may result in a lessening of the liquidity of the Securities Warrants. Finally, 
the Securities Warrants will constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured 
obligations of the Company and as such will be subject to any changes in the 
perceived creditworthiness of the Company.

        Exercise of Securities Warrants. Each Securities Warrant will entitle 
the holder thereof to purchase such principal amount of Debt Securities or 
number of Shares, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall in each 
case be set forth in, or calculable from, the Prospectus Supplement relating to 
the offered Securities Warrants. After the close of business on the Expiration 
Date (or such later date to which such Expiration Date may be extended by the 
Company), unexercised Securities Warrants will become void.

        Securities Warrants may be exercised by delivering to the Securities 
Warrant agent payment as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement of 
the amount required to purchase the Debt Securities or Shares, as the case may 
be, purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information set forth 
on the reverse side of the Securities Warrant certificate. Securities Warrants 
will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise 
price, subject to the receipt within five Business Days of the Securities 
Warrant certificate evidencing such Securities Warrants. Upon receipt of such 
payment and the Securities Warrant certificate properly completed and duly 
executed at the corporate trust office of the Securities Warrant agent or any 
other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company 
will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the Debt Securities or Shares, 
as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the 
Securities Warrants represented by such Securities Warrant certificate are 
exercised, a new Securities Warrant certificate will be issued for the 
remaining amount of Securities Warrants.

        Amendments and Supplements to Securities Warrant Agreement. The 
Securities Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the 
consent of the holders of the Securities Warrants issued thereunder, to effect 
changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Securities 
Warrants and that do not adversely affect the interest of the holders of the 
Securities Warrants.

        Share Warrant Adjustments. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable 
Prospectus Supplement, the exercise price of and the number of Shares covered 
by a Share Warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including (i) 
payment of a dividend on the Shares payable in Shares and Share splits, 
combinations or reclassification of Shares, (ii) issuance to all holders of 
Shares of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Shares at less than 
their current market price (as defined in the Securities Warrant Agreement for 
such series of Share

                                        17


<PAGE>   21
Warrants) and (iii) certain distributions of evidences of indebtedness or 
assets (including securities but excluding cash, dividends or distributions 
paid out of consolidated earnings or retained earnings or dividends payable in 
Shares of or subscription rights and warrants excluding those referred to
above).

        No adjustments in the exercise price of and the number of Shares 
covered by a Share Warrant will be made for regular quarterly or other 
periodic or recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash dividends or 
distributions to the extent paid from consolidated earnings or retained 
earnings. No adjustment will be required unless such adjustment would require a 
change of at least 1% in the exercise price then in effect. Except as stated 
above, the exercise price of and the number of Shares covered by a Share 
Warrant will not be adjusted for the issuance of Shares or any securities 
convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or carrying the right or option to 
purchase or otherwise acquire the foregoing in exchange for cash, other 
property or services.

        In the event of any (i) consolidation or merger of the Company with or 
into any entity (other than consolidation or a merger that does not result in 
any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding 
Shares), (ii) sale, transfer, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all 
of the assets of the Company or (iii) reclassification, capital reorganization 
or change of the Shares (other than solely a change in par value), then any 
holder of a Share Warrant will be entitled, on or after the occurrence of any 
such event, to receive on exercise of such Share Warrant the kind and amount of 
Shares or other securities, cash or other property (or any combination thereof) 
that the holder would have received had such holder exercised such holder's 
Share Warrant immediately prior to the occurrence of such event. If the 
consideration to be received upon exercise of the Share Warrant following any 
such event consists of common stock (or its equivalent) of the surviving 
entity, then from and after the occurrence of such event, the exercise price of 
such Share Warrant will be subject to the same anti-dilution and other 
adjustments described in the second preceding paragraph, applied as if such 
common stock were Shares.

                            PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

General.

        The Company may sell the Securities in any of three ways: (i) through 
underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters, or by 
one or more underwriters without a syndicate; (ii) through agents designated 
from time to time; and (iii) directly to investors. The names of any 
underwriters or agents of the Company involved in the sale of the Securities in 
respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered and any applicable 
commissions or discounts will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. The 
net proceeds to the Company from such sale will also be set forth in the 
Prospectus Supplement.

        The distribution of the Securities may be effected from time to time in 
one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices (which may be changed from 
time to time), at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices 
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The 
Prospectus Supplement will describe the method of distribution of the
Securities.

                                        18

<PAGE>   22
        In connection with the sale of Securities, underwriters or agents 
acting on the Company's behalf may receive compensation from the Company or 
from purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as agents, in the form of 
discounts, concessions or commissions. The underwriter, dealers and agents that 
participate in the distribution of Securities may be deemed to be underwriters 
under the Securities Act and any discounts or commissions received by them and 
any profit on the resale of Securities by them may be deemed to be underwriting 
discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter will 
be identified and any such compensation will be described in the Prospectus
Supplement.

        Agents and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered into 
with the Company to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, 
including labilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution with respect 
to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect 
thereof. Agents and underwriters may engage in transaction with or perform 
services for the Company in the ordinary course of business.
   
        As of October 13, 1995, the Company was engaged in preliminary
discussions with NatWest Capital Markets Limited, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and
Deutsche Bank with respect to a European offering of the Company's shares of
beneficial interest.
    

Structured Equity Program.

        The Company may also issue and sell Shares from time to time through 
one or more sales agents (to be named in a prospectus supplement hereto, the 
"Agent") in ordinary brokers' transactions on the New York Stock Exchange (the 
"NYSE"). Such sales, if any, will be effected during a series of one or more 
pricing periods (each, a "Pricing Period"), each consisting of five consecutive 
calendar days in duration, unless a shorter period has otherwise been agreed to 
by the Company and the Agent. For each Pricing Period, an Average Market Price 
(as hereinafter defined) will be computed. With respect to any Pricing Period, 
"Average Market Price" shall equal the average of the arithmetic mean of the 
high and low sales prices of the Shares of the Company reported on the NYSE for 
each trading day of such Pricing Period.

        The net proceeds to the Company with respect to sales of Shares in any 
Pricing Period up to a maximum amount agreed to in advance with the Agent (the 
"Average Market Price Shares") will equal a percentage (the "Company's 
Percentage") of the Average Market Price for each Share sold during the Pricing 
Period (subject to adjustment in certain circumstances), plus Excess Proceeds 
(as defined below), if any. The compensation to the Agent for sales of Average 
Market Prices Shares in any Pricing Period will equal the difference between
the aggregate gross sales price at which such sales are actually effected and
the net proceeds to the Company for such sales, but in no event will exceed 10%
of the aggregate gross sales prices of the Average Market Price Shares during
any Pricing Period (the "Maximum Commission"). To the extent that such
aggregate gross sales prices are less than the Average Market Price, the
compensation to the Agent will be correspondingly reduced; to the extent that
such aggregate gross sales prices are greater than the Average Market Price,
the compensation to the Agent will be correspondingly increased (but in no
event will exceed the Maximum Commission). In the event that the average
aggregate gross sales price in any Pricing Period equals the Company's
Percentage of the Average Market Price (or less) for such Pricing Period, all
of the proceeds from such sales will be for the account of the Company and no
compensation will be payable to the Agent. To the extent that the Agent's
compensation under the foregoing formula would otherwise exceed the Maximum
Commission in any Pricing Period, the excess will constitute additional net
proceeds the Company (the "Excess Proceeds").


                                       19

<PAGE>   23
        Any Shares sold by the Agent during the Pricing Period on behalf of the 
Company other than Average Market Price Shares ("Additional Shares") will be at 
a fixed commission rate based on a percentage of the Share price per Share. In 
no event will the compensation to the Agent be in excess of any applicable 
requirements of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

        Settlements of sales of Additional Shares and Average Market Price 
Shares will occur on the third business day following the date on which any 
such sales are made. Purchases of Shares from the Agent, as sales agent for the 
Company, will settle the regular way on the NYSE. Compensation to the Agent 
with respect to sales of Average Market Price Shares will be paid out of the 
proceeds of such settlements. There is no arrangement for funds to be received 
in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

        At the end of each Pricing Period, the Company will file a Prospectus 
Supplement under the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) promulgated under the 
Act, which Prospectus Supplement will set forth the name of the Agent, dates 
included in such Pricing Period, the number of such Shares sold through the 
Agent as sales agent (identifying separately the number of Average Market 
Shares and any Additional Shares), the high and low prices at which Average 
Market Shares were sold during such Pricing Period, the net proceeds to the 
Company, the compensation payable by the Company to the Agent with respect to 
such sales pursuant to the formula set forth above and other relevant 
information. Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supplement, the Agent 
will act as sales agent on a best efforts basis.

        In connection with the sale of the Shares on behalf of the Company, the 
Agent may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities 
Act, and the compensation of the Agent may be deemed to be underwriting 
commissions or discounts. The Company intends to provide indemnification and 
contribution to the Agent against certain civil liabilities, including 
liabilities under the Securities Act. The Agent may engage in transactions 
with, or perform services for, the Company in the ordinary course of business.
   
        In August and September of 1995, the Company engaged in preliminary
discussions and negotiations with PaineWebber Incorporated with respect to a
structured equity program. As of October 13, 1995, the Company was not
committed to implement such a program and does not expect to implement such a
program until after the completion of the European offering described above, if
at all.
    

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the Securities offered hereby will be passed upon for 
the Company by Nutter, McClennen & Fish, Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, 
Nutter, McClennen & Fish will pass upon certain Federal income tax matters 
relating to the Company. The name of any legal counsel that passes on the 
validity of the other Securities offered hereby for any underwriter or agent 
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.

                                    EXPERTS

        The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 1994 
and 1993 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in 
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended December 31, 1994, and the financial statement schedules incorporated by 
reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement, have 
been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, as indicated 
in their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein 
in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and 
auditing. Any financial



                                       20
 
<PAGE>   24
statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by reference in the 
registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part that have been 
audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants will be so 
incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the authority 
of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent covered by 
consents filed with the Commission.













                                       21
<PAGE>   25
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any 
information or to make any representations, other than those herein, in 
connection with this offering and, if given or made, such information or 
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the 
Company or any other person. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to 
sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the Securities in any 
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or 
solicitation in such jurisdiction. The delivery of this Prospectus at any time 
does not imply that the information in the Prospectus is correct as of any time 
subsequent to its date.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Page
   
<S>                                                     <C>
Available Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference . . .     2
The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     4
Health Care Reform and Regulation . . . . . . . . . .     5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges  . . . . . . . . .     6
Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
Description of Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
Description of Debt Securities  . . . . . . . . . . .     8
Description of Securities Warrants  . . . . . . . . .    15 
Plan of Distribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    18
Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20
Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20
    
</TABLE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   MEDITRUST


                                   PROSPECTUS


   
                                October 13, 1995
    

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   26
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
                                   SIGNATURES

   
        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets 
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this 
amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts on October 13, 1995.
    
                                MEDITRUST


                                BY: /S/ ABARAHAM D. GOSMAN*
                                    ------------------------------
                                    Abraham D. Gosman, Chairman of
                                    the Board and Chief Executive Officer

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Signature                       Title                           Date
- ---------                       -----                           ----
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
/s/ Abraham D. Gosman*          Chairman of the
- ----------------------          Board and Chief                    
Abraham D. Gosman               Executive Officer               October 13, 1995
(Principal Executive Officer)                                       

/s/ Lisa P. McAlister*          Treasurer and
- ----------------------          Vice President                     
Lisa P. McAlister (Principal                                    October 13, 1995
 Financial and Accounting                                           
 Officer)

/s/ David F. Benson*            President                          
- ----------------------          and Trustee                     October 13, 1995
David F. Benson                                                     

                                                                   
/s/ Edward W. Brooke*           Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Edward W. Brooke
                                                                   
/s/ Hugh L. Carey*              Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Hugh L. Carey
                                                                   
/s/ Robert Cataldo*             Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Robert Cataldo

</TABLE>


                                      II-1

<PAGE>   27
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Signature                       Title                           Date
- ---------                       -----                           ----
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
                                                                   
/s/ Philip L. Lowe*             Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Philip L. Lowe

                                                                   
                                Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Thomas J. Magovern

                                                                   
/s/ Gerald Tsai, Jr.*           Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Gerald Tsai, Jr.

                                                                   
                                Trustee                         October 13, 1995
- ----------------------                                              
Frederick W. Zuckerman


*By: /s/ Michael J. Bohnen
     ---------------------
     Michael J. Bohnen,
     Attorney-in-Fact

</TABLE>

A power of attorney was filed with the Registration Statement.


                                      II-2



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