PEOPLES HERITAGE FINANCIAL GROUP INC
S-3, 1998-11-25
STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS
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<PAGE>   1

    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 25, 1998
                                                       Registration No. 333-___

                                   ==========  

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                     PEOPLES HERITAGE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

          Maine                         6120                     01-0437984  
- ------------------------      -------------------------      -------------------
 (State or other juris-           (Primary Standard           (I.R.S. Employer
diction of incorporation      Industrial Classification      Identification No.)
    or organization)                  Code No.)

                                  P.O. Box 9540
                               One Portland Square
                           Portland, Maine 04112-9540
                                 (207) 761-8500
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Address, including zip code and telephone number, including area code,
                  of Registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 William J. Ryan
                 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
                     Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
                                  P.O. Box 9540
                               One Portland Square
                           Portland, Maine 04112-9540
                                 (207) 761-8500
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                     of agent for service) with a copy to:

                             Gerard L. Hawkins, Esq.
                      Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick L.L.P.
                              734 15th Street, N.W.
                             Washington, D.C. 20005
                                 (202) 347-0300

         Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As
soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective and the
registrant's pending acquisition of A.D. Davis, Incorporated is consummated.

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

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

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

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

         If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box. [ ]


                         Calculation of Registration Fee

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================
                                            Proposed Maximum       
       Title of Each Class of              Aggregate Offering         Amount of
    Securities to be Registered                 Price(1)          Registration Fee          
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                   <C>      
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share         $3,815,000            $1,060.57
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock purchase rights(2)                 N/A                  N/A
==================================================================================
</TABLE>


(1)  Pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
     proposed maximum aggregate offering price is estimated solely for purposes
     of calculating the registration fee.

(2)  Preferred Stock purchase rights will be distributed without charge with
     respect to each share of Common Stock of the Registrant registered hereby.

                                   ----------

         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


EXPLANATORY NOTE

         This Registration Statement on Form S-3 registers for resale shares of
common stock of the Registrant which are to be issued pursuant to an exemption
from the registration requirements contained in Section 5 of the Securities Act
of 1933 in connection with its pending acquisition of A.D. Davis, Incorporated,
which has been approved by the stockholders of A.D. Davis, Incorporated and is
anticipated to be consummated on or before December 31, 1998. Because the number
of shares to be issued in connection with this transaction is dependent on the
average market price of the Registrant's common stock during a specified period
prior to closing, such number of shares is not determinable at this time.
Information as to the number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock covered
hereby and to be reflected in the Prospectus contained herein will be set forth
in a pre-effective amendment to this Registration Statement on Form S-3 or in a
final Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933.




<PAGE>   3


INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. 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 JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO THE
REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH
JURISDICTION.

                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1998
PROSPECTUS
                                 _______ SHARES

                     PEOPLES HERITAGE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

                                  COMMON STOCK

         This Prospectus relates to the public offering, which is not being
underwritten, of up to ________ shares (the "Offered Stock") of Common Stock,
par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of Peoples Heritage Financial
Group, Inc. (the "Company") which may be offered from time to time for the
account of the selling stockholders named herein (the "Selling Stockholders").
The shares of Offered Stock will be issued to the Selling Stockholders in
connection with the Company's acquisition of A.D. Davis, Incorporated ("A.D.
Davis") pursuant to the exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), provided by Section
4(2) thereof. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
shares of Offered Stock by the Selling Stockholders.

         The shares of Offered Stock may be offered and sold from time to time
by the Selling Stockholders directly or through broker-dealers who may act
solely as agents, or who may acquire shares as principals. The distribution of
the shares of Offered Stock may be effected in one or more transactions that may
take place through the Nasdaq Stock Market, including block trades or ordinary
broker's transactions, or through privately-negotiated transactions, or in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or through a combination of
any such method of sale, at market prices or at negotiated prices. Usual and
customary or negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may be paid by the Selling
Stockholders in connection with such sales. The Selling Stockholders and any
dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of the Offered Stock may
be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any
profit on the sale of the Offered Stock by them and any commissions received by
any such dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution."

         The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market
under the symbol "PHBK." On November 24, 1998, the last sale price of the Common
Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market was $20.88.

         SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE FOUR FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN
FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS IN THE
COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.

                                   ----------

         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 SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AND
ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.

              The date of this Prospectus is ___________ ___, 199_.



<PAGE>   4


                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

         The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy
statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). You may read and copy any reports, proxy statements or other
information filed by the Company at the Commission's public reference rooms in
Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. You can request
copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the
Commission. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information
on the operation of the Commission's public reference rooms. The Company's
filings with the Commission are also available to the public from document
retrieval services and at the Commission Internet website (http://www.sec.gov).

         The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits, the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
and the rules and regulations thereunder. This Prospectus is a part of the
Registration Statement. As permitted by the Securities Act, this Prospectus does
not contain all of the information you can find in the Registration Statement.
The Registration Statement is available for inspection and copying as set forth
above.

         The Commission allows the Company to "incorporate by reference" into
this Prospectus, which means that the Company can disclose important information
to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the
Commission. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part
of this Prospectus, except for any information superseded by information
contained in later-filed documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
The Company incorporates by reference the documents filed by it with the
Commission listed below and any future filings made by it with the Commission
prior to the termination of the offering made hereby under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act").


Company Filings (File No. 0-16947)                   Period/Date
- ----------------------------------                   -----------

  Annual Report on Form 10-K               Year ended December 31, 1997

  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q            Quarters ended March 31, 1998; 
                                           June 30, 1998 and September 30, 1998

  Current Reports on Form 8-K              Filed on April 22,
                                           April 28, July 20, as amended 
                                           on July 24, and July 23, 1998

         You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or
telephoning the Company at the following address:




                                        2


<PAGE>   5



                     Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
                     P.O. Box 9540
                     One Portland Square
                     Portland, Maine 04112-9540
                     Attention: Brian Arsenault
                     (207) 761-8517


         YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS. THE COMPANY HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE ELSE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM THAT WHICH IS CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS. MOREOVER, NO OFFER OF THE COMMON STOCK IS BEING MADE IN ANY
STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SPEAKS ONLY AS OF ITS DATE UNLESS THE INFORMATION SPECIFICALLY
INDICATES THAT ANOTHER DATE APPLIES.




                                        3


<PAGE>   6
                                  RISK FACTORS


         Prospective investors should consider carefully the following factors
in addition to the other information included or incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus before making an investment in the Common Stock. Certain
statements contained or incorporated by reference herein are not based on
historical facts and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These
forward-looking statements, which are based on various assumptions (some of
which are beyond the Company's control), may be identified by reference to a
future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as
"anticipate," "believe," "commitment," "consider," "continue," "could,"
"encourage," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "present,"
"propose," "prospect," "will," future or conditional verb tenses, similar terms,
variations on such terms or negatives of such terms. Although the Company
believes that the anticipated results or other expectations reflected in such
forward- looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no
assurance that those results or expectations will be attained. Actual results
could differ materially from those indicated in such statements due to risks,
uncertainties and changes with respect to a variety of factors, including, but
not limited to, those described below and other factors generally affecting the
banking industry. Some, but not all, of these risks are summarized below as well
as in the Company's reports and filings with the Commission, including its
periodic reports under the Exchange Act. The Company does not undertake, and
specifically disclaims any obligation, to publicly release the results of any
revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the
occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the
date of such statements.

Risks Related to Certain Lending Activities

         The Company's lending activities include loans secured by existing
multi-family residential and commercial real estate. In addition, from time to
time the Company originates loans for the construction of multi-family
residential real estate and land acquisition and development loans. Multi-family
residential, commercial real estate and construction lending generally is
considered to involve a higher degree of risk than single-family residential
lending due to a variety of factors, including generally larger loan balances,
the dependency on successful completion or operation of the project for
repayment, the difficulties in estimating construction costs and loan terms
which often do not require full amortization of the loan over its term and,
instead, provide for a balloon payment at stated maturity. There can be no
assurance that the Company's multi-family residential, commercial real estate
and construction lending activities will not be adversely affected by these and
the other risks related to such activities.

         The Company's lending activities also include commercial business loans
and leases to small to medium businesses, which generally are secured by various
equipment, machinery and other corporate assets, and a wide variety of consumer
loans, including home improvement loans, home equity loans, education loans and
loans secured by automobiles, boats, mobile homes, recreational vehicles and
other personal property. Although commercial business loans and leases and
consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interests rates than
mortgage loans, they generally



                                        4


<PAGE>   7


involve more risk than mortgage loans because of the nature of, or in certain
cases the absence of, the collateral which secures such loans.

Effects of Changes in Interests Rates

         The Company's operating results depend to a large extent on its net
interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on
its interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred in connection with
its interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in the general level of interest rates
can affect the Company's net interest income by affecting the spread between the
Company's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as,
among other things, the ability of the Company to originate loans; the value of
the Company's interest-earning assets and its ability to realize gains from the
sale of such assets; the average life of the Company's interest-earning assets;
the value of the Company's mortgage servicing rights; and the Company's ability
to obtain deposits in competition with other available investment alternatives.
Interests rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental
monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions
and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Although management
believes that the estimated maturities of the Company's interest-earning assets
currently are well balanced in relation to the estimated maturities of its
interest-bearing liabilities (which involves various estimates as to how changes
in the general level of interest rates will impact such assets and liabilities),
there can be no assurance that the profitability of the Company would not be
adversely affected during any period of changes in interest rates.

Dependence upon Economic Conditions

         The Company's profitability is primarily dependent on the profitability
of its banking subsidiaries, which derive substantially all of their loans,
deposits and other business from Maine, New Hampshire and north-central
Massachusetts. The banking industry in northern New England is affected by
general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment and other
factors beyond the Company's control. During the late 1980s and early 1990s,
severely depressed real estate prices materially and adversely affected the
northern New England economies, causing a severe recession and significant
unemployment in the region. Although these economies have improved considerably
more recently, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
withstand adverse economic changes in the northern New England economies should
they occur, or that adverse developments in general economic conditions in the
national economy will not adversely affect the Company's financial condition or
results of operations. Accordingly, the Company will remain subject to risks
associated with prolonged declines in either local or national economies.

Restrictions on Paying Dividends

         The Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders depends to a
large extent upon the dividends the Company receives from its banking
subsidiaries. Dividends paid by the Company's banking subsidiaries are subject
to restrictions under various federal and state banking laws. In addition, the
Company and each of its banking subsidiaries must maintain certain capital
levels,




                                        5


<PAGE>   8


which may restrict the ability of such banking subsidiaries to pay dividends to
the Company and the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders.

Preemptive Rights Denied and Dilution

         The Company's Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended (the "Articles"), do not provide shareholders with a preemptive right to
subscribe for additional shares of Common Stock upon any increase thereof. Thus,
upon the issuance of any additional shares of Common Stock or other voting
securities of the Company or securities convertible into Common Stock or other
voting securities of the Company, persons who receive shares of Common Stock in
transactions with the Company may be unable to maintain their pro rata voting or
ownership interest in the Company.

Anti-Takeover Provisions

         The Articles authorize the Board of Directors of the Company to issue
shares of preferred stock of the Company ("Preferred Stock") without shareholder
approval and upon such terms as the Board of Directors may determine. The rights
of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected
by, the rights of the holders of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the
future. The issuance of Preferred Stock, while providing desirable flexibility
in connection with possible acquisitions, financings and other corporate
purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to
acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, a controlling interest
in the Company.

         The Articles and the Bylaws of the Company contain a number of other
provisions which may be deemed to have the effect of discouraging or delaying
attempts to gain control of the Company, including provisions in the Articles:
(i) classifying the Board of Directors of the Company into three classes to
serve for three years with one class being elected annually; (ii) authorizing
the Board of Directors of the Company to fix the size of the Board between three
and 25 directors; (iii) authorizing directors to fill vacancies in the Board;
(iv) increasing the vote for removal of directors by shareholders; (v)
increasing the amount of stock required to be held by shareholders seeking to
call a special meeting of shareholders; and (vi) requiring an increased vote of
shareholders to approve certain business combinations unless certain price and
procedural requirements are met or the Board of Directors of the Company
approves the business combination in the manner provided therein. The provisions
in the Bylaws of the Company include specific conditions under which (i) persons
may be nominated for election as directors of the Company at an annual meeting
of shareholders; and (ii) business may be transacted at an annual meeting of
shareholders.

         In addition to the foregoing, the Company has adopted a shareholder
rights plan which generally would cause substantial dilution to a person or
group of persons that acquires 20% or more of the outstanding Common Stock if a
Triggering Event (as defined) thereafter occurs without the rights issued
pursuant to such plan having been redeemed by the Board of Directors of the
Company. Sections 611-A and 910 of the Maine Business Corporation Act also may
have anti-takeover effects.



                                        6


<PAGE>   9


         The foregoing provisions and instruments may discourage potential proxy
contests and other takeover attempts, particularly those which have not been
negotiated with the Board of Directors of the Company. Accordingly, holders of
Common Stock may be deprived of an opportunity to sell their shares of Common
Stock at a substantial premium over the market price of such shares. In
addition, federal law also requires the approval of the Federal Reserve Board
prior to the acquisition of "control" of a bank holding company.

Governmental Regulation

         The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to extensive federal and
state governmental supervision and regulation, which are intended primarily for
the protection of depositors. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries are
subject to changes in federal and state laws, as well as changes in regulations,
governmental policies and accounting principles. The effects of any such
potential changes cannot be predicted but could adversely affect the business
and operations of the Company and its subsidiaries in the future.

Competition

         The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to vigorous competition in
all aspects and areas of their business from banks and other financial
institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance
companies, credit unions and other providers of financial services, such as
money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies and
insurance companies. The Company also competes with non-financial institutions,
including retail stores that maintain their own credit programs and governmental
agencies that make available low cost or guaranteed loans to certain borrowers.
Certain of the Company's competitors are larger financial institutions with
substantially greater resources, lending limits, larger branch systems and a
wider array of commercial banking services.

         The Company generally has been able to compete effectively with other
financial institutions by emphasizing customer service, including local
decision-making, by establishing long-term customer relationships and building
customer loyalty and by providing products and services designed to address the
specific needs of its customers. No assurance can be given, however, that the
Company will continue to be able to compete effectively with other financial
institutions in the future.

         The financial services industry is likely to become even more
competitive as further technological advances enable more companies to provide
financial services. These technical advances may diminish the importance of
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries in the transfer of
funds between parties.

Year 2000

         The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written
using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the
Company's programs that have time-sensitive



                                        7


<PAGE>   10


software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year
2000. If not corrected, many computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. The Company's Year 2000 project is
monitored by a Year 2000 senior management committee, which reports to the
Company's Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The Company has completed its
assessment of Year 2000 issues, developed a plan and arranged for the required
resources to complete the necessary remediation efforts. The Company will
utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram, or replace, and test
the software and hardware for Year 2000 modification.

         The Company is in the process of remediating, testing and returning to
production all of its critical applications. The Company expects to have
substantially completed the remediation of all critical applications by the end
of 1998. The Company has established a separate test environment to accommodate
its Year 2000 specific testing activity and the anticipated need to test with
its customers and other third parties during 1999.

         The Company's Year 2000 project management has contacted all critical
service providers to discuss and assess their Year 2000 readiness. In addition,
the Company is receiving written and verbal verification from its significant
third party service providers and vendors as to their Year 2000 readiness. The
Company will begin Year 2000 testing with several of these key vendors in the
fourth quarter of 1998 and plans to complete testing with service providers by
the end of the first quarter of 1999.

         Although the Company continues to discuss these matters with, obtain
written certification from and test the systems of such other companies as to
the Year 2000 compliance, there can be no assurance that any potential impact
associated with incompatible systems after December 31, 1999 would not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition or
results of operations. The Company anticipates that the incremental cost of the
Year 2000 project will not exceed $2.6 million. The Company has incurred $1.1
million of expenses in connection with this project in 1998. For additional
information in this regard, see the Company's most recent reports under the
Exchange Act, which may be obtained in the manner set forth under "Where You Can
Find More Information."

Acquisitions

         Acquisitions have been, and are expected to continue to be, an
important part of the expansion of the Company's business. As of September 30,
1998, the Company has completed three acquisitions which have been accounted for
under the pooling-of-interests method and seven acquisitions accounted for under
the purchase method since January 1, 1994. PHFG continually evaluates
acquisition opportunities and frequently conducts due diligence in connection
with possible acquisitions. As a result, acquisition discussions and, in some
cases, negotiations frequently take place and future acquisitions involving
cash, debt or equity securities can be expected. Acquisitions typically involve
the payment of a premium over book and market values, and therefore, some
dilution of PHFG's book value and net income per common share may occur in
connection with any future transactions.



                                        8


<PAGE>   11


                                   THE COMPANY

         The Company is a multi-bank and financial services holding company
which is incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine. The Company conducts
business from its executive offices in Portland, Maine and, as of September 30,
1998, 188 banking offices located throughout Maine, New Hampshire and northern
Massachusetts. At September 30, 1998, the Company had consolidated assets of
$9.9 billion and consolidated shareholders' equity of $750.7 million. Based on
total assets at September 30, 1998, the Company is the largest independent bank
holding company headquartered in northern New England and the fifth largest
independent bank holding company headquartered in New England.

         The Company offers a broad range of commercial and consumer banking
services and products and trust and investment advisory services through three
wholly-owned banking subsidiaries: Peoples Heritage Bank, Bank of New Hampshire
and Family Bank, FSB. Peoples Heritage Bank is a Maine-chartered bank, which
operates offices throughout Maine and, through subsidiaries, engages in mortgage
banking, financial planning, equipment leasing, securities brokerage and
insurance brokerage activities. At September 30, 1998, Peoples Heritage Bank had
consolidated assets of $4.2 billion and consolidated shareholder's equity of
$315.3 million. Bank of New Hampshire is a New Hampshire-chartered commercial
bank which operates offices throughout New Hampshire. At September 30, 1998,
Bank of New Hampshire had consolidated assets of $4.3 billion and consolidated
shareholder's equity of $332.3 million. Family Bank, FSB is a
federally-chartered savings bank which operates offices in the Merrimack Valley
area of Greater Haverhill and Greater Lowell, Massachusetts and in southern New
Hampshire. At September 30, 1998, Family Bank, FSB had consolidated assets of
$1.6 billion and consolidated shareholder's equity of $143.1 million.

         The Company's pending acquisition of SIS Bancorp, Inc., a multibank
holding company headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts which had $1.9
billion of assets at September 30, 1998, is scheduled to be completed by the end
of 1998 and will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.

         The executive offices of the Company are located at One Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04112-9540, and its telephone number is (207) 761-8500.




                                        9


<PAGE>   12


                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                  (Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)


         The following selected consolidated financial data for the five years
ended December 31, 1997 is derived in part from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company which give retroactive effect to the
Company's acquisition of CFX Corporation under the pooling-of-interests method
of accounting on April 10, 1998. The following selected consolidated financial
data at September 30, 1998 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 and
1997 is derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company,
which include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which
the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
position and results of operations at such date and for such periods. Operating
results for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or
the entire year ending December 31, 1998. The selected consolidated financial
data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its
entirety by, consolidated financial statements of the Company, including the
related notes, incorporated herein by reference. See "Where You Can Find More
Information."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       December 31,
                                    September 30,  --------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                     1998          1997         1996        1995          1994        1993
                                    ------------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>       

Total assets                         $9,882,729    $9,668,242   $7,767,655   $6,168,281   $5,673,436   $5,494,810
Debt and equity securities, net       1,881,830     1,830,942    1,564,647    1,307,767    1,305,269    1,356,368
Total loans and leases, net(1)        6,337,560     6,434,238    5,161,179    4,024,307    3,740,024    3,420,416
Goodwill and other intangibles          119,440       127,416       80,884       32,676       31,189       33,879
Deposits                              6,882,172     6,747,419    5,936,430    4,834,969    4,426,847    4,457,219
Borrowings                            2,046,135     1,982,190    1,042,312      674,694      670,829      450,637
Shareholders' equity                    750,654       720,783      676,847      586,500      515,423      495,522
Nonperforming assets                     65,693        69,427       62,266       67,394       89,295      145,651
Book value per share                       8.55          8.23         7.71         7.24         6.45         6.25
Tangible book value per share              7.19          6.79         6.78         6.84         6.08         5.83



<CAPTION>

                                      Nine Months Ended
                                        September 30,                        Year Ended December 31,
                                    --------------------      --------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONS DATA:                      1998        1997          1997        1996        1995        1994        1993
                                    --------    --------      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>     

Interest and dividend income        $535,306    $464,247      $641,751    $509,477    $454,657    $383,393    $369,388
Interest expense                     261,328     211,382       297,275     230,182     202,760     159,656     165,306
                                    --------    --------      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net interest income                  273,978     252,865       344,476     279,295     251,897     223,737     204,082
Provision for loan and 
 lease losses                          9,702       3,385         4,548       5,185       8,044       6,996      28,077
                                    --------    --------      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net interest income
 after provision for loan 
 and lease losses                    264,276     249,480       339,928     274,110     243,853     216,741     176,005
Net securities gains                   3,506       1,372         2,697       3,287       2,499         401       1,183
Other noninterest income              74,010      55,117        79,783      57,423      46,656      41,625      42,871
Noninterest expense (excluding
 special charges)                    207,098     189,439       261,965     209,716     188,573     186,287     181,071
Special charges(2)                    35,374      11,031        18,591       9,627       4,958         559         300
                                    --------    --------      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Income before income
 tax expense                          99,320     105,499       141,852     115,477      99,477      71,921      38,688
Income tax expense                    31,324      37,105        49,517      39,444      33,437      21,136       3,372
                                    --------    --------      --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Net income                          $ 67,996    $ 68,394      $ 92,335    $ 76,033    $ 66,040    $ 50,785    $ 35,316
                                    ========    ========      ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Net income per share(3):
    Basic                           $   0.77    $   0.79      $   1.06    $   0.94    $   0.82    $   0.64    $   0.46
    Diluted                             0.76        0.77          1.04        0.92        0.80        0.63        0.46
Dividends per share                     0.33        0.28          0.46        0.34        0.29        0.18        0.11

</TABLE>



                                       10


<PAGE>   13

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           At or For the
                                         Nine Months Ended
                                           September 30,            At or For the Year Ended December 31,
                                         ------------------     ------------------------------------------------
OTHER DATA:                               1998        1997       1997       1996      1995       1994      1993
                                         ------      ------     ------     ------    ------     ------    ------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>  

Return on average assets                   0.93%      1.12%      1.09%      1.15%     1.13%      0.92%     0.67%
Return on average equity(4)               12.50      13.28      13.29      12.69     12.04       9.97      7.56
Average equity to average
  assets(4)                                7.40       8.47       8.23       9.05      9.35       9.19      8.83
Interest rate spread(4)                    3.58       3.90       3.86       3.98      4.06       3.96      *
Net interest margin(4)                     4.13       4.50       4.45       4.56      4.64       4.40      4.21
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio
  at end of period                         7.49       8.51       7.51       8.56      9.14       8.93      8.77
Dividend payout ratio                     41.23      41.35      43.63      38.75     35.69      28.49     24.14
Efficiency ratio(5)                       57.56      59.54      59.78      62.28     63.16      70.20     73.32
Nonperforming assets as a percent
  of total assets at end of
  period                                   0.66       0.70       0.72       0.80      1.09       1.57      2.65

</TABLE>

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

(1)      Does not include loans held for sale.

(2)      Special charges consist of merger-related expenses and, in 1997, a $7.2
million pre-tax charge relating to CFX Funding.

(3)      Excluding special charges, PHFG's basic income per share would have
been $1.05, $0.86, $1.20, $1.03, $0.86, $0.65 and $0.46 for the nine months
ended September 30, 1998 and 1997 and the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, and PHFG's diluted income per share would
have been $1.03, $0.85, $1.18, $1.01, $0.85, $0.64 and $0.46 for the same
respective periods.

(4)      Excludes the effect of unrealized gains or losses on securities
available for sale.

(5)      The efficiency ratio represents operating expenses, excluding
distributions on securities of subsidiary trust and special charges, as a
percentage of net interest income and noninterest income, excluding net
securities gains.

*  Information is not available.




                                       11


<PAGE>   14


                     COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION

     The Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market.
The following table sets forth the high and low prices of the Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market and the dividends declared
per share of Common Stock for the periods indicated. The prices and dividends
per share have been retroactively adjusted to reflect a two-for-one split of the
Common Stock effective May 18, 1998.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Market Price
                                              ------------------     Dividends Declared 
                                               High        Low           Per Share      
                                              ------      ------     ------------------  
<S>                                           <C>         <C>              <C>   
                                                                         
                 1998
- ------------------------------------
First Quarter                                 $24.66      $18.69           $ 0.11
Second Quarter                                 26.75       21.56             0.11
Third Quarter                                  26.25       15.69             0.11
Fourth Quarter (through November 24)           20.94       12.81             0.11

                 1997
- ------------------------------------
First Quarter                                  16.25       12.94             0.09
Second Quarter                                 19.00       13.00             0.09
Third Quarter                                  21.56       18.00            0.095
Fourth Quarter                                 23.81       18.94            0.105

                 1996
- ------------------------------------
First Quarter                                  11.38        9.50             0.08
Second Quarter                                 11.13        9.69            0.085
Third Quarter                                  11.81        9.50            0.085
Fourth Quarter                                 14.31       11.25            0.085

</TABLE>


         As of September 30, 1998, there were 87,783,810 shares of Common Stock
outstanding which were held by approximately 12,000 holders of record. Such
number of record holders does not reflect the number of persons or entities
holding stock in nominee name through banks, brokerage firms and other nominees.

         The Company has historically paid quarterly dividends on the Common
Stock and currently intends to continue to do so in the foreseeable future. The
Company's ability to pay dividends depends on a number of factors, however,
including restrictions on the ability of its banking subsidiaries to pay
dividends under federal and state banking laws, and as a result there can be no
assurance that dividends will be paid in the future.




                                       12


<PAGE>   15


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

         The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from sales of Offered
Stock. See "Selling Stockholders" for a list of those persons who will receive
the proceeds from such sales.

                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

         This Prospectus covers the offer and sale by each of the Selling
Stockholders of the Common Stock to be issued to them in connection with the
Company's acquisition of A.D. Davis. The Selling Stockholders will receive an
aggregate of             shares of Common Stock pursuant to this acquisition. 
The Company has agreed that it will cause to be registered under the Securities
Act the resale of the Common Stock received by the Selling Stockholders. In
addition, the Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders against
certain liabilities arising out of any actual or alleged material misstatements
or omissions in the Registration Statement, other than liabilities arising from
information supplied by the Selling Stockholders for use in the Registration
Statement. Each Selling Stockholder, severally but not jointly, has agreed to
indemnify the Company against liabilities arising out of any actual or alleged
material misstatements or omissions in the Registration Statement insofar as
such misstatements or omissions were made in reliance upon written information
furnished to the Company by such Selling Stockholder expressly for use in the
Registration Statement.

         The table below sets forth each Selling Stockholder's name, the number
of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Selling Stockholder prior
to the Offering, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock offered hereby by
such Selling Stockholder and the number of shares of Common Stock to be held by
such Selling Stockholder after the Offering.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Maximum Number       Number of
                           of Shares to be     Shares Owned    Number of Shares
                             Sold in the       Prior to the     Owned After the
      Name(1)                Offering(2)         Offering         Offering(3)
- ------------------         ---------------     ------------    ----------------
<S>                                       <C>

Robert J. Murphy
Terrence P. Abbott
Charles H. Hamlin
                                           [to be completed]

</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)      Selling Stockholders include the approximately __ participants in the
A.D. Davis, Incorporated Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which will be terminated
promptly following the Company's acquisition of A.D. Davis.




                                       13


<PAGE>   16


(2)      Represents the number of shares of Common Stock received by each
Selling Stockholder upon consummation of the acquisition of A.D. Davis by the
Company.

(3)      Because the Selling Stockholders may sell all, some or none of the
shares of Offered Stock offered hereby, there can be no assurance as to the
number of shares of Offered Stock which will be held by each Selling Stockholder
upon completion of the Offering. Even if no shares of Offered Stock are sold,
however, no Selling Stockholder would hold one percent or more of the
outstanding Common Stock upon completion of the Offering (based on the total
number of shares of Common Stock held by the Selling Stockholders as of the date
hereof and to be received upon consummation of the acquisition of A.D. Davis by
the Company).

         The Selling Stockholders may sell up to all of the shares of the Common
Stock shown above under the heading "Number of Shares Owned Prior to the
Offering" pursuant to this Prospectus in one or more transactions from time to
time as described below under "Plan of Distribution."

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

         Each of the Selling Stockholders may sell his, her or its shares of
Offered Stock directly or through broker-dealers who may act solely as agents,
or who may acquire shares as principals. The distribution of the shares of
Offered Stock may be effected in one or more transactions that may take place on
the Nasdaq Stock Market, including block trades or ordinary broker's
transactions, or through privately-negotiated transactions, or in accordance
with Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any other applicable exemption from
registration under the Securities Act), through a combination of any such
methods of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Usual and
customary or negotiated brokerage fees or commissions may be paid by the Selling
Stockholders in connection with such sales. Sales of the Offered Stock may be
effected to cover previous short sales of Common Stock.

         The Selling Stockholders may effect transactions by selling the Offered
Stock directly or through broker-dealers acting either as principal or as agent,
and such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of usual and
customary or negotiated discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling
Stockholders.

         The aggregate proceeds to the Selling Stockholders from the sale of the
Offered Stock will be the purchase price of the Offered Stock sold less the
aggregate agents' commissions, if any, and other expenses of issuance and
distribution not borne by the Company. The Selling Stockholders and any dealers
or agents that participate in the distribution of the Offered Stock may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any
profit on the sale of the Offered Stock by them and any commissions received by
any such dealers or agents might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and
commissions under the Securities Act.

         Each Selling Stockholder and any other person participating in a
distribution of the Offered Stock will be subject to applicable provisions of
the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including without
limitation Regulation M and Rules 101 through 105 thereunder. Regulation M
governs the activities of persons participating in a distribution of securities
and, consequently, may restrict certain activities of, and limit the timing of
purchases and sales of Offered Stock by, Selling Stockholders and other persons
participating in a distribution of Offered Stock.





                                       14


<PAGE>   17


Furthermore, under Regulation M, persons engaged in a distribution of securities
are prohibited from simultaneously engaging in market making and certain other
activities with respect to such securities for a specified period of time prior
to the commencement of such distribution, subject to exceptions or exemptions.
All of the foregoing may affect the marketability of the securities offered
hereby.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

         The validity of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company by the law firm of Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick
L.L.P., Washington, D.C.

                                     EXPERTS

         The financial statements and related financial statement schedules of
the Company incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 23, 1998, and the financial
statements and related financial statement schedules of The Safety Fund
Corporation and of Community Bankshares, Inc. incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 22,
1998, have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such
firm given upon its authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

         The financial statements and related financial statement schedules of
CFX Corporation incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company's
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 22, 1998, have been audited by Wolf &
Company, P.C., independent certified public accountants, as stated in their
report, which is incorporated herein by reference, and has been so incorporated
in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon its authority as experts in
accounting and auditing.

         The financial statements and related financial statement schedules of
Portsmouth Bank Shares, Inc. incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from
the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 22, 1998, have been
audited by Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C., independent certified public
accountants, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm
given upon its authority as experts in accounting and auditing.






                                       15


<PAGE>   18
================================================================================

         No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained in this Prospectus, and,
if given or made, such information and representation 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 a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the
securities offered hereby in any state to any person to whom it is unlawful to
make such offer in such state. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any
sales made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that
the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the
date hereof.



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                   
                                                                           Page
                                                                   
Where You Can Find More Information.....................................     2
Risk Factors............................................................     4
The Company.............................................................     9
Selected Consolidated Financial Data....................................    10
Common Stock and Dividend Information...................................    12
Use of Proceeds.........................................................    13
Selling Stockholders ...................................................    13
Plan of Distribution....................................................    14
Legal Matters...........................................................    15
Experts.................................................................    15


================================================================================


                                     Shares
                         
                         
                         
                         
                                PEOPLES HERITAGE
                              FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                                  Common Stock
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                                  ------------
                                   Prospectus
                                  ------------
                         



================================================================================





<PAGE>   19


                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.


<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>    

SEC registration fee                                            $ 1,061
Nasdaq listing fees                                               4,769
Legal fees and expenses                                           4,000*
Accounting fees and expenses                                      5,000*
Miscellaneous expenses                                            2,170*
                                                                -------
     Total                                                      $17,000*

</TABLE>

- ----------

*  Estimated.


ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

         Section 719 of the Maine Business Corporation Act ("MBCA") sets forth
certain circumstances under which directors, officers, employees and agents may
be indemnified against liability which they may incur in their capacity as such.
Indemnification may be provided against expenses, including attorneys' fees,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred; provided that no indemnification may be provided with respect to any
matter where such person shall have been finally adjudicated (i) not to have
acted honestly or in the reasonable belief that such action was in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders, or (ii)
with respect to any criminal action, to have had reasonable cause to believe
such conduct was unlawful. A corporation may not indemnify a person with respect
to any action or matter by or in the right of the corporation as to which that
person is finally adjudicated to be liable to the corporation unless the court
in which the action was brought determines that, in view of all the
circumstances, that person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for
such amounts as the court deems reasonable. To the extent such person has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of such action, that person
shall be entitled to indemnification. Any indemnification, unless ordered by a
court or required in the corporation's bylaws, shall be made only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination by the board of directors that
indemnification is proper in the circumstances and in the best interests of the
corporation. Expenses incurred in defending an action may be paid by the
corporation in advance of the final disposition of that action upon a
determination made that the person seeking indemnification satisfied the
standard of conduct required for indemnification and receipt by the corporation
of a written undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay that amount if
that person is finally adjudicated to not have met such standard or not be
entitled to such indemnification. In addition, Section 719 of the MBCA provides
that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of directors,
officers, employees and agents against liability whether or not the corporation
would have the power to indemnify such person against liability under such
section. See Title 13-A Maine Revised Statutes Annotated ss.719.




                                      II-1


<PAGE>   20


         Article VI of the Bylaws of the Company provides that the directors,
officers, employees and agents of the Company shall be indemnified to the full
extent permitted by the MBCA. Such indemnity shall extend to expenses, including
attorney's fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in the settlement,
prosecution or defense of the foregoing actions. Directors and officers also may
be indemnified pursuant to the terms of various employee benefit plans of the
Company. In addition, the Company carries a liability insurance policy for its
directors and officers.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

         The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as a part of this
Registration Statement are as follows:

         (a)      List of Exhibits:


Exhibit No.                     Exhibit                                Location
- -----------                     -------                                --------

    3(a)(1) (Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation 
            of the Company                                                (1)

    3(a)(2) (Amendment to the Amended and Restated Articles of 
            Incorporation of the Company                                  (2)

    3(b)    Bylaws of the Company                                         (3)

    4(a)    Specimen Common Stock certificate                             (3)

      5     Opinion of Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick L.L.P.
             regarding legality of securities being registered

   23(a)    Consent of Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick L.L.P. 
            (contained in the opinion included as Exhibit 5)

   23(b)    Consents of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

   23(c)    Consent of Wolf & Company, P.C.

   23(d)    Consent of Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C.

     24     Powers of Attorney (included in the signature page 
            to this Registration Statement)


(1)      Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K report filed by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 3, 1997.

(2)      Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the proxy statement filed by
the Company with the Commission on March 23, 1998.




                                      II-2


<PAGE>   21


(3)      Exhibit is incorporated by reference to the Form S-4 Registration
Statement (No. 33-20243) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on February 22, 1988.

         (b)      Financial Statement Schedules.

         No financial statement schedules are filed because the required
information is not applicable or is included in the consolidated financial
statements or related notes.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

         (a)      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows:

                  (1)      To file, during any period in which offers or sales
         are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration
         statement:

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

                           (ii)     To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
                                    events arising after the effective date of
                                    the registration statement (or the most
                                    recent post-effective amendment thereof)
                                    which, individually or in the aggregate,
                                    represent a fundamental change in the
                                    information set forth in the registration
                                    statement; and

                           (iii)    To include any material information with
                                    respect to the plan of distribution not
                                    previously disclosed in the registration
                                    statement or any material change to such
                                    information in the registration statement;

                           Provided, however, that paragraphs (a) (1) (i) and
                  (a) (1) (ii) do not apply if the information required to be
                  included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
                  contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant
                  to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
                  of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration
                  statement.

                  (2)      That, for purposes of determining any liability under
         the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual
         report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee
         benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in
         the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration
         statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering
         of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
         fide offering thereof.

                  (3)      That, for the purpose of determining any liability
          under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that
         contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to





                                      II-3


<PAGE>   22


         be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
         therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
         deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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

                  (5)      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising
         under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,
         officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
         foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised
         that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
         indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
         is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
         indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
         registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
         controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
         action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
         controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
         the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
         has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
         appropriate jurisdiction the questions whether such indemnification by
         it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
         governed by the final adjudication of such issue.




                                      II-4


<PAGE>   23


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Portland,
State of Maine on the 2nd day of November 1998.


PEOPLES HERITAGE FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.



By: /s/ William J. Ryan                       
    -----------------------------------------------
    William J. Ryan
    Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated. Each of the directors and/or officers of
Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. whose signature appears below hereby
appoints William J. Ryan and Peter J. Verrill, and each of them severally, as
his or her attorney-in-fact to sign in his or her name and behalf, in any and
all capacities stated below and to file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this
Registration Statement on Form S-3, making such changes in the Registration
Statement as appropriate, and generally to do all such things in their behalf in
their capacities as directors and/or officers to enable Peoples Heritage
Financial Group, Inc. to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of
1933, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.




/s/ Robert P. Bahre                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ---------------------------------------
Robert P. Bahre
Director




/s/ Peter J. Baxter                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ---------------------------------------
Peter J. Baxter
Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer






                                      II-5


<PAGE>   24





/s/ P. Kevin Condron                                     Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
P. Kevin Condron
Director




/s/ Everett W. Gray                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Everett W. Gray
Director




/s/ Andrew W. Greene                                     Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Andrew W. Greene
Director



/s/ Katherine M. Greenleaf                               Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Katherine M. Greenleaf
Director



/s/ Douglas S. Hatfield                                  Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Douglas S. Hatfield
Director



/s/ Dana S. Levenson                                     Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Dana S. Levenson
Director






                                      II-6


<PAGE>   25






/s/ Robert A. Marden, Sr.                                Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
Robert A. Marden, Sr.
Vice Chairman



/s/ Philip A. Mason                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
Philip A. Mason
Director



/s/ Malcolm W. Philbrook, Jr.                            Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
Malcolm W. Philbrook, Jr.
Director



/s/ Pamela P. Plumb                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
Pamela P. Plumb
Vice Chairman



/s/ Seth Resnicoff                                       Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
Seth Resnicoff
Director



/s/ William J. Ryan                                      Date: November 2, 1998
- ----------------------------------
William J. Ryan
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)





                                      II-7


<PAGE>   26






/s/ Curtis M. Scribner                                   Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Curtis M. Scribner
Director



/s/ Paul R. Shea                                         Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Paul R. Shea
Director



/s/ John E. Veasey                                       Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
John E. Veasey
Director



/s/ Peter J. Verrill                                     Date: November 2, 1998
- ------------------------------------
Peter J. Verrill
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer
(principal financial and accounting 
officer)






                                      II-8



<PAGE>   1


                                                                       EXHIBIT 5

                                   Law Offices
                      ELIAS, MATZ, TIERNAN & HERRICK L.L.P.
                                   12th Floor
                              734 15th Street, N.W.
                             Washington, D.C. 20005
                            Telephone (202) 347-0300

                                November 25, 1998


Board of Directors
Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
One Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04112-9540

Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-3


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as special counsel to Peoples Heritage Financial Group,
Inc. (the "Company") in connection with the preparation and filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"), of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") which registers $3,815,000 of the Company's common
stock, $.01 par value per share (the actual number of shares to be issued
pursuant to such dollar amount, the "Shares"), for resale by stockholders of
A.D. Davis, Incorporated ("A.D. Davis"), who will acquire the Shares pursuant to
an exemption from the registration requirements contained in Section 5 of the
Securities Act in connection with the Company's acquisition of A.D. Davis
pursuant to a Stock Acquisition Agreement, dated as of November 24,1998, among
the Company, Peoples Heritage Bank and the four stockholders of A.D. Davis. As
such counsel, we have made such legal and factual examinations and inquiries as
we deemed advisable for the purpose of rendering this opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares, when
issued pursuant to the Agreement, will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus constituting a part thereof.




                                        ELIAS, MATZ, TIERNAN & HERRICK L.L.P.



                                        By: /s/ Gerard L. Hawkins    
                                            ----------------------------------
                                            Gerard L. Hawkins, a Partner






<PAGE>   1




                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(b)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. of (i) our report, dated
January 14, 1998, incorporated by reference in the December 31, 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. and (ii) our
report, dated July 3, 1998, incorporated by reference in the Current Report on
Form 8-K of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. filed on July 23, 1998, and
to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus
contained in such Registration Statement.



                                                  /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
November 23, 1998



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. of our report, dated January
22, 1996, relating to the consolidated statement of operations of The Safety
Fund Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1995, which report appears in
the December 31, 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of The Safety Fund
Corporation and in the December 31, 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K of CFX
Corporation and is incorporated by reference in the Current Report on Form 8-K
of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. filed on April 22, 1998 and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus contained in
such Registration Statement.


                                                  /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP



Boston, Massachusetts
November 23, 1998





<PAGE>   2


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. of our report, dated January
22, 1997, relating to the consolidated balance sheet of Community Bankshares,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the
year ended December 31, 1996, the six months ended December 31, 1995 and the
year ended June 30, 1995, which report appears in the December 31, 1996 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Community Bankshares, Inc. and in the December 31, 1997
Annual Report on Form 10-K of CFX Corporation and is incorporated by reference
in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
filed on April 22, 1998 and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement.



                                                  /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
November 23, 1998





<PAGE>   1


                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(c)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. of our report, dated January
30, 1998, except for Note W as to which the date is February 9, 1998, on the
consolidated balance sheets of CFX Corporation and subsidiaries as of December
31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, which report appears in the December 31, 1997
Annual Report on Form 10-K of CFX Corporation and is incorporated by reference
in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
filed on April 22, 1998 and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement.




                                                  /s/ Wolf & Company, P.C.


Boston, Massachusetts
November 23, 1998






<PAGE>   1


                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(d)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-3 of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc. of our report, dated January
13, 1997, except for Note 20 as to which the date is February 13, 1997, relating
to Portsmouth Bank Shares, Inc. and subsidiary, included in the December 31,
1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K of CFX Corporation and incorporated by reference
in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Peoples Heritage Financial Group, Inc.
filed on April 22, 1998 and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the Prospectus contained in such Registration Statement.




                                        /s/ Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C.


West Peabody, Massachusetts
November 23, 1998





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