As filed with the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 25, 2010
Registration No. 333-______

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________

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

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Maryland
 
52-1974638
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
___________________________
  W. Moorhead Vermilye
President and Chief Executive Officer
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601(410) 822-1400
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)
___________________________

Copies to:
Andrew D. Bulgin, Esquire
Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC
The Garrett Building
233 East Redwood Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 576-4280
___________________________

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

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

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. R

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. o _________

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. o _________

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer R
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company o
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
Title of each class of
securities to be registered
 
Amount 
to be 
registered (1)
   
Proposed maximum
offering price
per share (2)
   
Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price
   
Amount of
registration fee (3)
 
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
                       
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share
                               
Debt Securities
                                
Warrants
                               
Units
                               
Total
  $ 75,000,000             $ 75,000,000     $ 5,347.50  
 
(1)
There are being registered hereunder such indeterminate numbers of shares of common stock and preferred stock, such indeterminate principal amount of debt securities, such indeterminable number of warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, and such indeterminate number of units as shall have an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $75,000,000.  If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $75,000,000, less the aggregate dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder.  Any securities registered hereunder may be sold separately or as units with other securities registered hereunder.  Units will be issued under unit agreements and will represent an interest in two or more other securities, which may or may not be separable from one another.  The proposed maximum initial offering price per unit will be determined, from time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the Registrant of the securities registered hereunder.  The securities registered also include such indeterminate number of shares of common stock and preferred stock and amount of debt securities as may be issued upon conversion of or exchange for preferred stock or debt securities that provide for conversion or exchange, upon exercise of warrants or pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of any such securities.  In addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the shares being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of shares of common stock and preferred stock as may be issuable with respect to the shares being registered hereunder as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(2)
The proposed maximum aggregate offering price per class of security will be determined from time to time by the Registrant in connection with the issuance by the Registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of security pursuant to General Instruction II.D. of Form S-3 under the Securities Act.
(3)
Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933 and exclusive of accrued interest and dividends, if any.

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 that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
 
 
 

 

The information contained in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Our selling security holders may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission becomes effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to completion, dated June 25, 2010
Prospectus
 
 
$75,000,000

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Warrants
Units

We may offer and sell from time to time in one or more offerings shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, debt securities, and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock and/or debt securities, and units comprised of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock and warrants in any combination, up to a total public offering price of $75,000,000.  This prospectus provides you with a general description of these securities and the general manner in which we will offer these securities.  Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering.  The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.  You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the headings “INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE” beginning on page 1of this prospectus and “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” beginning on page 2 of this prospectus, before you make your investment decision.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI”.  On June 23, 2010, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $13.59 per share.

Investing in our securities involves certain risks.  See “RISK FACTORS” beginning on page 3 of this prospectus.
________________

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT DEPOSIT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR NON-BANK SUBSIDIARY OF SHORE BANCSHARES, INC., AND THEY ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.
________________
Our principal executive office is located at 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 and our telephone number is (410) 822-1400.

This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

The date of this Prospectus is ______________, 2010

 
 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

We may provide information to you about the securities we are offering in three separate documents that progressively provide more detail:

 
·
this prospectus, which provides general information, some of which may not apply to your securities;

 
·
the accompanying prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of the securities, some of which may not apply to your securities; and

 
·
if necessary, a pricing supplement, which describes the specific terms of your securities.

If the terms of your securities vary among the pricing supplement, the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information in the following order of priority:

 
·
the pricing supplement, if any;

 
·
the prospectus supplement; and

 
·
the prospectus.

We include cross-references in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement to captions in these materials where you can find further related discussions.  The following Table of Contents and the Table of Contents included in the accompanying prospectus supplement provide the pages on which these captions are located.
___________
 
Unless indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we have not taken any action that would permit us to publicly sell these securities in any jurisdiction outside the United States.  If you are an investor outside the United States, you should inform yourself about, and comply with, any restrictions as to the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus.
 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
1
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
2
A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
2
RISK FACTORS
3
ABOUT SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
4
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
4
USE OF PROCEEDS
4
RATIOS WITH RESPECT TO EARNINGS 5
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED
5
Capital Stock
5
Common Stock
6
Preferred Stock
9
Debt Securities
10
Warrants
17
Units
19
Treasury Warrant
19
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
21
INDEMNIFICATION OF OUR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
22
LEGAL MATTERS
23
EXPERTS
23
 
 
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a “shelf” registration process.  Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time offer and sell any combination of the securities described in the registration statement in one or more offerings.  This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer and sell.  Each time we offer securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain more specific information about the terms of that particular offering.  A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus.  You should carefully read both this prospectus, especially the section entitled “RISK FACTORS” beginning on page 3, and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to invest in any of the securities.  You should also carefully read the additional information described below under the headings “INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE” and “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” before making a decision to invest in any of the securities.

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.  No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation.  This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.  You should assume that the information in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any sale of a security.
 
Unless otherwise mentioned or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “Shore Bancshares”, “the Company”, “we”, “us”, “our” and similar terms refer to Shore Bancshares, Inc.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC’s rules allow us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus.  This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document.  Any information referred to in this way is considered part of this prospectus from the date we file the document.  Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and before the date that the offering of the securities by means of this prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the following documents and information filed with the SEC (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules):

 
·
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009;

 
·
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010;

 
·
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2010, March 3, 2010, March 30, 2010, April 21, 2010 and May 3, 2010; and

 
·
Description of our common stock which appears in our Registration Statement on Form 10/A filed on May 30, 1997, or any description of the common stock that appears in any prospectus forming a part of any subsequent registration statement of the Company or in any registration statement filed pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.

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In addition, all documents that we file pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the registration statement to which this prospectus relates and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities to which this prospectus relates will automatically be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.  In no event, however, will any of the information that we “furnish” to the SEC in any Current Report on Form 8-K from time to time be incorporated by reference into, or otherwise be included in, this prospectus.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in a document subsequently filed modifies or supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

We will promptly provide without charge to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered a copy of any or all information that has been incorporated herein by reference (not including exhibits to the information that is incorporated by reference unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such information) upon the written or oral request of such person.  Written requests should be directed to:  Shore Bancshares, Inc. Corporate Secretary, 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601.  Telephone requests should be directed to the Corporate Secretary at (410) 822-1400.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC covering the securities that may be offered and sold under this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.  This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are only a part of that registration statement and do not contain all the information in the registration statement.  Because this prospectus and any prospectus supplement may not contain all the information that you may find important, and because references to contracts and other documents of Shore Bancshares made in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement are only summaries of those contracts and other documents, you should review the full text of the registration statement and the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement.  We have included copies of these contracts and other documents as exhibits to the registration statement that contains this prospectus.

We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, which means we are required to file annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C., located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.  Our SEC filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and from our Internet site at http://www.shbi.net .  However, information found on, or otherwise accessible through, these Internet sites is not incorporated into, and does not constitute a part of, this prospectus or any other document we file with or furnish to the SEC.  You should not rely on any of this information in deciding whether to purchase the securities.

A WARNING ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements contained, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement may include projections, predictions, expectations or statements as to beliefs or future events or results or refer to other matters that are not historical facts.  Such statements constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Those statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements.  The forward-looking statements are based on various factors and were derived using numerous assumptions.  In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words like “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, intend”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, or “continue” or the negative of those words and other comparable words.  You should be aware that those statements reflect only our predictions. If known or unknown risks or uncertainties should materialize, or if underlying assumptions should prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and from those that we anticipate, estimate or project.  You should bear this in mind in reading this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.  Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to:
 
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·
unfavorable business and economic conditions in the markets we serve, which could decrease the demand for loan, deposit and other financial services and increase loan delinquencies and defaults;

 
·
changes in market rates and prices, which may adversely impact the value of securities, loans, deposits and other financial instruments and the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet;

 
·
changes in our assets and liabilities, which could increase our liquidity requirements;

 
·
legislative or regulatory developments, including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, insurance and other aspects of the financial services industry;

 
·
competitive factors among financial services organizations, including product and pricing pressures and our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified banking professionals;

 
·
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and other regulatory agencies; and

 
·
fiscal and governmental policies of the United States federal government and any changes thereto.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic and current reports that we file with the SEC.  Also note that we provide cautionary discussion of risks, uncertainties and possibly inaccurate assumptions relevant to our businesses in our periodic and current reports to the SEC incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in prospectus supplements and other offering materials.  These are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, management believes could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.

We note these factors for investors as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors.  Consequently, you should not consider such disclosures to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves certain risks.  You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties and the risk factors set forth in the documents and reports filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, as well as any risks described in any applicable prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision.  Our business, financial condition and/or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks.  The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.  This prospectus also contains, and any prospectus supplement may also contain, forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks faced by us described below and elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement.

-3-

 
ABOUT SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

Shore Bancshares is a Maryland corporation and the largest independent financial holding company located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  We are the parent company of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland, a Maryland-chartered commercial bank located in Easton, Maryland; The Centreville National Bank of Maryland, a national banking association located in Centreville, Maryland; and The Felton Bank, a Delaware-chartered commercial bank located in Felton, Delaware.  These bank subsidiaries operate 18 full service branches in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester Counties in Maryland and Kent County, Delaware.  We engage in the insurance business through three insurance producer subsidiaries, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC, Elliott Wilson Insurance, LLC and Jack Martin Associates, Inc.; a wholesale insurance company, TSGIA, Inc.; and two insurance premium finance subsidiaries, Mubell Finance, LLC and ESFS, Inc.; and the mortgage broker business through our subsidiary, Wye Mortgage Group, LLC.  A detailed discussion of our business is contained in Item 1 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and any subsequent reports that we file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  See “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” above for information on how to obtain a copy of our annual report and any subsequent reports.

Our principal executive office is located at 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 and our telephone number is (410) 822-1400.  We maintain an Internet site at http://www.shbi.net on which we make available free of charge our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

At March 31, 2010, we had consolidated total assets of approximately $1.15 billion, total loans (net of the allowance for credit losses) of approximately $892.40 million, total deposits of approximately $990.75 million, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $125.11 million.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

We are a financial holding company registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended.  We and our bank subsidiaries are extensively regulated under federal and state laws.  The regulation of financial holding companies and banks is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of security holders.  For a discussion of the material elements of the extensive regulatory framework applicable to us and our bank subsidiaries, please refer to Item 1 of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 under the heading “Supervision and Regulation” and any subsequent reports that we file with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference in this prospects.  See “WHERE YOU CAN FINE MORE INFORMATION” above for information on how to obtain a copy of our Form 10-K and any subsequent reports.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Except as we may indicate otherwise in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we intend to use the proceeds from the sale of the securities for acquisitions, capital expenditures, repayment of indebtedness we may incur in the future, working capital and other general corporate purposes.  Before we use the proceeds for these purposes, we may invest them in short-term investments.  If we decide to use the proceeds from a particular offering of the securities for a specific purpose, we will describe that purpose in the related prospectus supplement.
 
 
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RATIOS WITH RESPECT TO EARNINGS

The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preference dividends, in each case on a historical basis for the periods indicated.  For purposes of this calculation:  (i) “earnings” consists of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest, less interest capitalized; (ii) “fixed charges” consists of the sum of interest expense, interest capitalized, amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, the component of rental expense deemed to represent interest, and preference security dividend requirements of our consolidated subsidiaries; and (iii) “preference security dividends” consists of the amounts of pre-tax earnings that are required to pay the dividends on outstanding preference securities.

   
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
   
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                                   
     Including interest on deposits
    0.22       1.67       1.86       1.89       2.14       2.74  
     Excluding interest on deposits
    (54.44 )     30.73       12.06       9.89       12.16       27.06  
                                                 
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends
                                               
     Including interest on deposits
    (1 )     1.51       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
     Excluding interest on deposits
    (1 )     5.32       (1 )     (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
(1)
We did not have any preferred stock authorized or outstanding during these periods, so the ratios are as set forth under “Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges”.

DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED

This prospectus relates to the offer and sale of shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, debt securities, and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock and/or debt securities, and units comprised of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock and warrants in any combination.   The following is a summary of the general terms of our capital stock, the securities covered by this prospectus, and an outstanding common stock purchase warrant issued to the United States Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury.  The full terms of our capital stock, the securities covered by this prospectus, and the warrant issued to the Treasury are set forth in Exhibit 3.1(i) through Exhibit 4.11, inclusive, to the registration statement that contains this prospectus, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.  Unless expressly stated otherwise, the following summary does not give effect to provisions of applicable statutory or common law.

Capital Stock

We are authorized by our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, or Charter, to issue up to 35,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $.01 per share, all of which are currently classified as shares of common stock.  Our Charter generally permits the Board of Directors of the Company to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of capital stock of any class or series without the approval of our stockholders.  Our Charter also generally permits the Board to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock of any class or series by setting or changing in any one or more respects the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption of the shares of stock.
 
 
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Common Stock

As of May 30, 2010, we had 8,443,436 shares of common stock issued and outstanding held by approximately 1,672 owners of record.  We anticipate that the shares of common stock covered by this prospectus will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI”.

The following section describes the material features and rights of our common stock.  The summary does not purport to be exhaustive and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our Charter, as supplemented, and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and to applicable Maryland law, including the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL.

General

The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.  Holders of shares of common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.  Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratable dividends which are declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for such a purpose.

We are subject to various bank regulatory policies and requirements relating to the payment of dividends, including requirements to maintain adequate capital above regulatory minimums.  Our ability to pay dividends to holders of the common stock is largely dependent upon our receipt of dividends from our bank subsidiaries.  Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of banks to pay dividends.  Federal law prohibits the payment of a dividend by an insured depository institution if the depository institution is considered “undercapitalized” or if the payment of the dividend would make the institution “undercapitalized”.  Maryland state-chartered banks may pay dividends only out of undivided profits or, with the prior approval of the Maryland Commissioner, from surplus in excess of 100% of required capital stock.  If, however, the surplus of a Maryland bank is less than 100% of its required capital stock, then cash dividends may not be paid in excess of 90% of net earnings.  National banking associations are generally limited, subject to certain exceptions, to paying dividends out of undivided profits.  Delaware state-chartered banks may pay dividends only out of net profits, and then only if its surplus fund is equal to or greater than 50% of its required capital stock.  If a Delaware bank’s surplus is less than 100% of capital stock when it declares a dividend, then it must carry 25% of its net profits of the preceding period for which the dividend is paid to its surplus fund until the surplus amounts to 100% of its capital stock.  In addition to these specific restrictions, bank regulatory agencies have the ability to prohibit a proposed dividend by a financial institution that would otherwise be permitted under applicable law if the regulatory body determines that the payment of the dividend would constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

As a general corporate law matter, the MGCL prohibits us from paying dividends on shares of the common stock unless, after giving effect to a proposed dividend, (a) we will be able to pay our debts as they come due in the normal course of business and (b) our total assets will be greater than our total liabilities plus, unless our Charter permits otherwise, the amount that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend.  Currently, we have no authorized class of capital stock with preferential rights upon dissolution that are superior to the common stock.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and liquidation preferences, if any, on any outstanding shares of preferred stock.  Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no rights to convert their common stock into any other securities.  The common stock is not redeemable.  All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

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The Transfer Agent for the common stock is Registrar & Transfer Company.

Anti-Takeover Provisions under Maryland Law, Our Charter and Our Bylaws

The provisions of Maryland law and our Charter and Bylaws we summarize below may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the common stock.

Business Combinations under Maryland Law .  The Maryland Business Combination Act generally prohibits corporations from being involved in any “business combination” (defined as a variety of transactions, including a merger, consolidation, share exchange, asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) with any “interested stockholder” for a period of five years following the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder.  An interested stockholder is defined generally as a person who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock or who is an affiliate or associate of the corporation and was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% percent or more of the voting power of the then outstanding stock of the corporation at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question and after the date on which the corporation had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock.

A business combination that is not prohibited must be recommended by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation, voting together as a single voting group and two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock other than voting stock held by the interested stockholder who will (or whose affiliate will) be a party to the business combination or by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder, voting together as a single voting group, unless, among other things, the corporation’s stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined in the Maryland Business Combination Act for their shares, in cash or in the same form as paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.  These provisions will not apply if the board of directors has exempted the transaction in question or the interested stockholder prior to the time that the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder.  In addition, the board of directors may adopt a resolution approving or exempting specific business combinations, business combinations generally, or generally by type, as to specifically identified or unidentified existing or future stockholders or their affiliates from the business combination provisions of the Maryland Business Combination Act.

Control Share Acquisitions .  The Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act generally provides that “control shares” of a corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by the stockholders at a meeting by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares.  “Control shares” are shares of stock that, if aggregated with all other shares of stock of the corporation previously acquired by a person or in respect of which that person is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power, except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, entitle that person, directly or indirectly, to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of shares of stock of the corporation in the election of directors within any of the following ranges of voting power:  one-tenth or more, but less than one-third of all voting power; one-third or more, but less than a majority of all voting power or a majority or more of all voting power.  “Control share acquisition” means the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.  If voting rights or control shares acquired in a control share acquisition are not approved at a stockholders’ meeting, then, subject to certain conditions, the issuer may redeem any or all of the control shares for fair value.  If voting rights of such control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights.
 
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Our Bylaws contain a provision exempting all shares of our capital stock from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.
 
Preference Stock Authorization .  As noted above under the heading “Capital Stock”, the Charter gives our Board of Directors the authority to, without stockholder approval, create and issue a class or series of capital stock with rights superior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.  As a result, this “blank check” stock, while not intended as a defensive measure against takeovers, could be issued quickly and easily, could adversely affect the rights of holders of common stock and could be issued with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change of control of the Company or make removal of management more difficult.

Advance Notice Procedure for Stockholder Proposals.   Our Charter and Bylaws allow stockholders to submit director nominations and stockholder proposals.  For nominations and proposals to properly come before the meeting, however, the proposing stockholder must have given timely notice in writing to the Secretary of Shore Bancshares.

For an annual meeting, notice of intention to make a director nomination must be delivered or mailed to the Secretary at Shore Bancshares’ principal executive offices not less than 120 days nor more than 180 days prior to the meeting called for the election of directors.  In the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder must be delivered not earlier than the 180th day prior to such annual meeting and no later than close of business on the later of the 120 th day prior to such annual meeting of the 10 th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such annual meeting is first made.  In the case of a special meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, a stockholder’s notice must be given not later than the close of business on the 10 th day following the day on which notice of the date of the special meeting was mailed or public announcement of the meeting was made, which ever occurs first.  Notice to the secretary shall set forth:

 
·
the name and address of each proposed nominee;

 
·
the principal occupation of each proposed nominee;

 
·
the number of shares of capital stock of Shore Bancshares owned by each proposed nominee;

 
·
the name and residence address of the notifying stockholder;

 
·
the number of shares of capital stock of Shore Bancshares owned by the notifying stockholder;

 
·
the consent in writing of the proposed nominee as to the proposed nominee’s name being placed in nomination for director;

 
·
a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and nominee and any other person(s) (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination is made;

 
·
a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to make the nomination; and

 
·
any other information relating to the nominee required to be disclosed in a proxy statement in connection with solicitation of proxies for election of directors by Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-11 promulgated thereunder.

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A stockholder proposal will be timely if it is delivered or mailed and received by the Secretary at Shore Bancshares’ principal executive offices not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting.  If, however, the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then notice by the stockholder must be so delivered not earlier than the 90 th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60 th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.  Notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each proposal:

 
·
a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting;

 
·
the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on Shore Bancshares’ books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made;

 
·
the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of Shore Bancshares owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner;

 
·
a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and any other person(s) (including their names) in connection with the proposal and any material interest of such stockholder in such business; and

 
·
a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to make the proposal.

Classified Board; Removal of Directors.   Our Charter provides that the members of our Board of Directors are divided into three classes as nearly equal as possible.  Each class is elected for a three-year term.  At each annual meeting of stockholders, approximately one-third of the members of the Board are elected for a three-year term and the other directors remain in office until their three-year terms expire.  Our Bylaws provide that no director may be removed without cause, and that any removal for cause requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the entire Board of Directors or at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors.  Thus, control of the Board of Directors cannot be changed in one year without removing the directors for cause as described above; rather, at least two annual meetings must be held before a majority of the members of the Board could be changed.  An amendment or repeal of these provisions requires the approval of at least 80% of the aggregate votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

Preferred Stock

All of our authorized capital stock is currently classified as common stock.  As stated above, however, our Charter gives the Board of Directors the authority to, without stockholder approval, create a class or series of capital stock, such as preferred stock, with rights superior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.  Prior to the issuance of any shares of preferred stock, our Board would authorize such preferred stock by classifying authorized but unissued shares of common stock as one or more classes or series of preferred stock and approve the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions applicable to such class or series of preferred stock, including the dividend rate, the time of payment for dividends, whether such dividends shall be cumulative or non-cumulative, and the date or dates from which any cumulative dividends will begin to accrue, redemption terms (including sinking fund provisions), redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences, the extent of the voting powers, if any, and conversion rights.  The terms of any class or series of preferred stock so created would be set forth in Articles Supplementary, which we would file with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland.  The prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any preferred stock we offer.  To the extent any preferred stock we offer has general voting rights, or voting rights with respect to the election of directors, the anti-takeover provisions discussed above in the “Common Stock” section would apply to such preferred stock.  All of the shares of preferred stock offered by us, when issued and paid for, will be fully paid and not subject to further call or assessment by us.

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Debt Securities

If we issue any debt securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, we will issue them under an indenture to be entered into by the Company and a trustee to be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement, as trustee.  The terms of the debt securities will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture.  We have filed a copy of the proposed form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement that contains this prospectus.  Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the terms of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.  Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will represent direct, unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness, if any.  The following statements relating to the debt securities and the indenture are summaries only.  These summaries are subject in their entirety to the detailed provisions of the indenture. For complete information, we urge you to read the actual documents.

General

We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will describe the particular terms of each series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement relating to that series, which we will file with the SEC. To review the terms of a series of debt securities, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement for the particular series and to the description of debt securities in this prospectus.

The prospectus supplement will set forth the following terms of the debt securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered:

 
·
the title;

 
·
the aggregate principal amount and whether there is any limit on the aggregate principal amount that we may subsequently issue;

 
·
the issue price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof);

 
·
the date or dates on which principal is payable;

 
·
the interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates;

 
·
the date or dates from which the interest, if any, will accrue and the date or dates on which such interest, if any, shall commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable;

 
·
the place or places where principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, is payable or the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;

 
·
the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;

 
·
our obligation, if any, to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of such debt security and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which such debt securities shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;
 
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·
the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase the debt security at the option of the holders of such debt security and other terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;

 
·
the denominations in which the debt securities may be issuable;

 
·
whether the debt securities are to be issuable in the form of certificated debt securities (as described below) or global debt securities (as described below);

 
·
the portion of principal amount that will be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date in the case of debt securities issued at a discount from their face amount;

 
·
the currency of denomination;

 
·
the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, will be made;

 
·
if payments of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than the currency of denomination, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;

 
·
if amounts of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, may be determined (a) by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other than the currency of denomination or designation or (b) by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index, then the manner in which these amounts will be determined;

 
·
the provisions, if any, relating to any security provided for the debt securities;

 
·
any addition to or change in the covenants in the indenture;

 
·
any addition to or change in the events of default and/or the acceleration provisions described in the indenture;

 
·
the terms and conditions for conversion into or exchange for shares of common stock or preferred stock;

 
·
any other terms, which may modify or delete any provision of the indenture insofar as it applies to that series;

 
·
any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents;

 
·
the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the debt securities and any guarantees thereof shall be subordinated in right of payment to our other indebtedness, if any, or other indebtedness of any guarantor;

 
·
any provisions relating to covenant defeasance and legal defeasance; and

 
·
the form and terms of any guarantee of the debt securities.

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We may issue discount debt securities that provide for an amount less than the stated principal amount to be due and payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities in accordance with the terms of the indenture. We may also issue debt securities in bearer form, with or without coupons. If we issue discount securities or debt securities in bearer form, we will describe United States federal income tax considerations and other special considerations that apply to the debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may issue debt securities denominated in or payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units. If we do so, we will describe the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to the issue of debt securities and the foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Exchange and/or Conversion Rights

If we issue debt securities that may be exchanged for or converted into shares of common stock or preferred stock, we will describe the terms of exchange or conversion in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities.

Transfer and Exchange

We may issue debt securities that will be represented by either:

 
·
“book-entry securities”, which means that there will be one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as depository, or a nominee of the depository; or

 
·
“certificated securities”, which means that they will be represented by a certificate issued in definitive registered form.

We will specify in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular offering whether the debt securities offered will be book-entry or certificated securities.

Certificated Debt Securities

If you hold certificated debt securities that have been offered by this prospectus, you may transfer or exchange them at the trustee’s office or at the paying agency in accordance with the terms of the indenture. You  will not be charged a service charge for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but may be required to pay an amount sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and of the right to receive the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on your certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing your certificated debt securities and having us or the trustee issue a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Debt Securities and Book Entry System

If we decide to issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities, then we will register the global securities in the name of the depositary for the global securities or the nominee of the depositary and the global securities will be delivered by the trustee to the depositary for credit to the accounts of the holders of beneficial interests in the debt securities.

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The prospectus supplement or term sheet will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement for debt securities of a series that are issued in global form. None of our company, the trustee, any payment agent or the security registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to these beneficial ownership interests.

No Protection in the Event of Change of Control

The indenture does not provide for a put or increased interest or otherwise that would give holders of debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change of control or a highly leveraged transaction. If we offer this type of provision with respect to any debt securities in the future, we will describe it in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Covenants

Unless otherwise indicated in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not have the benefit of any covenants that limit or restrict our business or operations, the pledging of our assets or the incurrence by us of additional indebtedness.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We will agree in the indenture not to consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer, sell or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person, unless:

 
·
either (a) in the case of a merger or consolidation, we are the surviving person, or (b) the person formed by the consolidation or into or with which we are merged or the person to which our properties and assets are conveyed, transferred, sold or leased, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and such person has expressly assumed all of our obligations, including the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities and the performance of the other covenants under the indenture; and

 
·
immediately before and immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of default, has occurred and is continuing under the indenture.

Events of Default

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following events will be events of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

 
·
we fail to pay any principal or premium, if any, when it becomes due;

 
·
we fail to pay any interest within 30 days after it becomes due;

 
·
we fail to observe or perform any other covenant in the debt securities or the indenture for 90 days after written notice from the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series; and

 
·
certain events occur involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.

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The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the debt securities of any series of any default, except in payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities of that series, if the trustee considers it to be in the interest of the holders of the debt securities of that series to do so.  If an event of default (other than an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) occurs, and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may accelerate the maturity of the debt securities.

If this happens, the entire principal amount of all the outstanding debt securities of that series plus accrued interest to the date of acceleration will be immediately due and payable. At any time after an acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on the acceleration is obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if (a) all events of default (other than nonpayment of accelerated principal, premium or interest) have been cured or waived, (b) all overdue interest and overdue principal has been paid and (c) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.

If an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs, the principal, premium and interest amount with respect to all of the debt securities of any series shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of that series.  Subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series shall have the right to waive any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of a series will have any right to institute any proceeding or pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the debt securities of that series, unless:

 
·
the holder gives to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default;

 
·
the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series make a written request and offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee to pursue the remedy;

 
·
the trustee fails to comply with the request within 60 days of the receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

 
·
the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have not given the trustee a direction inconsistent with such written request during the 60-day period.

However, these limitations do not apply to a suit instituted for payment on debt securities of any series on or after the due dates expressed in the debt securities.

Modification and Waiver

From time to time, we and the trustee may, without the consent of holders of the debt securities of one or more series, amend the indenture or the debt securities of one or more series, or supplement the indenture, for certain specified purposes, including:

 
·
to provide that the surviving entity following a change of control permitted under the indenture shall assume all of our obligations under the indenture and debt securities;

 
·
to provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to certificated debt securities;
 
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·
to comply with any requirements of the SEC under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939;

 
·
to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder;

 
·
to issue and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture; and

 
·
to appoint a successor trustee under the indenture with respect to one or more series.

From time to time, we and the trustee may, with the consent of holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of such series, or waive compliance in a particular instance by us with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities of such series. However, without the consent of each holder affected by the action, we may not modify or supplement the indenture or the debt securities or waive compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities to:

 
·
reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver to the indenture or the debt security;

 
·
reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any debt security;

 
·
reduce the principal or change the stated maturity of any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

 
·
make any debt security payable in money other than that stated in the debt security;

 
·
change the amount or time of any payment required by the debt security or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption of the debt security, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made;

 
·
waive a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any debt security, except as specified in the indenture;

 
·
waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security or change any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any debt security;

 
·
make any changes in the sections of the indenture relating to waiver of past defaults, the rights of holders to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any debt security, or amendments of or supplements to the indenture or any debt security that require the consent of the holders, except as specified in the indenture; or

 
·
take any other action otherwise prohibited by the indenture to be taken without the consent of each holder affected by that action.
 
 
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Defeasance and Discharge of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

The indenture permits us, at any time, to elect to discharge our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities by following certain procedures described in the indenture.  These procedures will allow us either:

 
·
to defease and be discharged from any and all of our obligations with respect to any debt securities except for the following obligations (which discharge is referred to as “legal defeasance”):

(1) 
to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities;
(2) 
to replace temporary or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities;
(3) 
to compensate and indemnify the trustee; or
(4) 
to maintain an office or agency in respect of the debt securities and to hold monies forpayment in trust; or

 
·
to be released from our obligations with respect to the debt securities under certain covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be contained in the applicable prospectus supplement (which release is referred to as “covenant defeasance”).

To exercise either defeasance option, we must deposit with the trustee or other qualifying trustee, in trust for this purpose:

 
·
money;

 
·
U.S. Government Obligations (as described below) or Foreign Government Obligations (as described below) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in accordance with their terms will provide money; or

 
·
a combination of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations sufficient in the written opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent accountants to provide money;

which, in each case, provides a sufficient amount to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the debt securities of a series, on the scheduled due dates or on a selected date of redemption in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

In addition, defeasance may be effected only if, among other things:

 
·
in the case of either legal or covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel, as specified in the indenture, stating that as a result of the defeasance neither the trust nor the trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 
·
in the case of legal defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that, or there has been a change in any applicable federal income tax law with the effect that, and the opinion shall confirm that, the holders of outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes solely as a result of the legal defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if a legal defeasance had not occurred;
 
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·
in the case of covenant defeasance, we deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the outstanding debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if a covenant defeasance had not occurred; and

 
·
certain other conditions described in the indenture are satisfied.

If we fail to comply with our remaining obligations under the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture after a covenant defeasance of the indenture and applicable supplemental indenture, and the debt securities are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any undefeased event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations and/or Foreign Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee could be insufficient to pay amounts due under the debt securities of that series at the time of acceleration. We will, however, remain liable in respect of these payments.

The term “U.S. Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means securities which are direct non-callable obligations of, or non-callable obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged. The term “Foreign Government Obligations” as used in the above discussion means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars (a) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued the currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agent or instrumentality of that government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by that government, which in either case under clauses (a) or (b) are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer.

The Trustee

We will identify the trustee with respect to any series of debt securities in the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities. You should note that if the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 limit the rights of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of certain claims, as security or otherwise. The trustee and its affiliates may engage in, and will be permitted to continue to engage in, other transactions with us and our affiliates. If, however, the trustee acquires any “conflicting interest” within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, it must eliminate the conflict or resign.

Generally, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee, in the exercise of its rights and powers, must use the degree of care and skill of a prudent person in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any of the holders of the debt securities, unless they have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security.

Warrants

We may issue warrants, including warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock or preferred stock or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities offered by this prospectus and may be attached to or separate from the other securities. If warrants are issued, they will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all of which will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to warrants being offered.

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A prospectus supplement relating to any warrants being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering, including a description of any other securities sold together with the warrants. Such terms will include:

 
·
the title of the warrants;

 
·
the aggregate number of the warrants;

 
·
the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

 
·
the currencies in which the price or prices of the warrants may be payable;

 
·
the designation, amount, and terms of the debt securities, common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants and procedures by which those numbers may be adjusted;

 
·
the designation and terms of the other offered securities, if any, with which the warrants are issued and the number of the warrants issued with each security;

 
·
if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the offered securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately transferable;

 
·
the price or prices at which the offered securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be purchased;

 
·
the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and the date on which the right shall expire;

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

 
·
any terms relating to the modification of the warrants, including adjustments in the exercise price;

 
·
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 
·
a discussion of any material federal income tax considerations; and

 
·
any other material terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures, and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange, exercise or redemption of the warrants.

The descriptions of the warrant agreements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the applicable provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the warrants. For more information, please review the form of the relevant agreements, which we will file with the SEC and will be available as described in the heading “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” above.
 
 
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Units

We may issue units comprised of one or more shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, debt securities and warrants in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit.  Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. If units are issued, they will be issued under unit agreements to be entered into between us and a unit agent, as detailed in the prospectus supplement relating to the units being offered. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time or before a specified date. A prospectus supplement relating to any units being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering, including a description of any securities included in each unit.  Such terms will include:

 
·
the designation and terms of the units, and the terms of any of the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock and warrants comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

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

 
·
a description of the provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;

 
·
a discussion of material federal income tax considerations, if applicable; and

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

The descriptions of the units in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the applicable provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. For more information, please review the form of the relevant agreements, which we will file with the SEC and will be available as described in the heading “WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION” above.

Treasury Warrant

On January 9, 2009, we participated in the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program established by the Treasury.  As part of our participation, we issued a warrant to purchase 172,970 shares of our common stock to the Treasury.  This transaction was accomplished pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms dated January 9, 2009.  On June 3, 2009, pursuant to a Letter Agreement dated April 15, 2009, we issued a substitute warrant to the Treasury, which we refer to in this prospectus as the Treasury Warrant.  The following is a brief description of the terms of the Treasury Warrant.  This summary does not purport to be complete in all respects.  This description is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Treasury Warrant, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the registration statement that contains this prospectus and incorporated by reference herein.

Shares of Common Stock Subject to the Treasury Warrant

The Treasury Warrant is initially exercisable for 172,970 shares of our common stock, subject to the adjustments described below under the heading “ Adjustments to the Warrant ”.
 
 
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Exercise of the Treasury Warrant

The initial exercise price applicable to the Treasury Warrant is $21.68 per share of common stock for which the Treasury Warrant may be exercised.  The Treasury Warrant may be exercised at any time on or before January 9, 2019 by surrender of the Treasury Warrant and a completed notice of exercise attached as an annex to the Treasury Warrant and the payment of the exercise price for the shares of common stock for which the Treasury Warrant is being exercised.  The exercise price may be paid either by the withholding by Shore Bancshares of such number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Treasury Warrant equal to the value of the aggregate exercise price of the Treasury Warrant determined by reference to the market price of our common stock on the trading day on which the Treasury Warrant is exercised or, if agreed to by us and the holder of the Treasury Warrant, by the payment of cash equal to the aggregate exercise price.  The exercise price applicable to the Treasury Warrant is subject to the further adjustments described below under the heading “ Adjustments to the Treasury Warrant ”.

Certificates for the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Treasury Warrant will be issued to the holder of the Treasury Warrant upon such exercise.  We will not issue fractional shares upon any exercise of the Treasury Warrant.  Instead, the holder of the Treasury Warrant will be entitled to a cash payment equal to the market price of our common stock on the last day preceding the exercise of the Treasury Warrant (less the pro-rated exercise price of the Treasury Warrant) for any fractional shares that would have otherwise been issuable upon exercise of the Treasury Warrant.  We will at all times reserve the aggregate number of shares of our common stock for which the Treasury Warrant may be exercised.

Rights as a Stockholder

The holder of the Treasury Warrant has no rights or privileges of the holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until (and then only to the extent) the Treasury Warrant has been exercised.

Transferability

The Treasury Warrant, and all rights under the Treasury Warrant, are transferable without restriction.  We filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-157141) with the SEC to register the Treasury Warrant and the shares subject to the Treasury Warrant for resale by the holder of the Treasury Warrant, which was declared effective on July 27, 2009.  We have listed the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Treasury Warrant with the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHBI”.

Adjustments to the Treasury Warrant

Adjustments in Connection with Stock Splits, Subdivisions, Reclassifications and Combinations .  The number of shares for which the Treasury Warrant may be exercised and the exercise price applicable to the Treasury Warrant will be proportionately adjusted in the event we pay dividends of or otherwise make distributions of our common stock, or subdivide, combine or reclassify outstanding shares of our common stock.

Anti-dilution Adjustment .  Until the earlier of January 9, 2012 and the date the Treasury no longer holds any portion of the Treasury Warrant (and other than in certain permitted transactions described below), if we issue any shares of common stock (or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock) for less than 90% of the market price of the common stock on the last trading day prior to pricing such shares, then the number of shares of common stock for which the Treasury Warrant is exercisable and the exercise price will be adjusted.  Permitted transactions include issuances of common stock and/or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock:

 
·
as consideration for or to fund the acquisition of businesses and/or related assets;
 
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·
in connection with employee benefit plans and compensation related arrangements in the ordinary course and consistent with past practice approved by our Board of Directors;

 
·
in connection with public or broadly marketed offerings and sales of common stock or convertible securities for cash conducted by us or our affiliates pursuant to registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or Rule 144A thereunder on a basis consistent with capital-raising transactions by comparable financial institutions (but do not include other private transactions); and

 
·
in connection with the exercise of preemptive rights on terms existing as of January 9, 2009.

Other Distributions .  If we declare any dividends or distributions other than our historical, ordinary cash dividends, then the exercise price of the Treasury Warrant will be adjusted to reflect such distribution.

Certain Repurchases .  If we effect a pro rata repurchase of common stock, then both the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Treasury Warrant and the exercise price will be adjusted.

Business Combinations .  In the event of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction involving Shore Bancshares and requiring stockholder approval, the right of the holder of the Treasury Warrant to receive shares of our common stock upon exercise of the Treasury Warrant shall be converted into the right to exercise the Treasury Warrant for the consideration that would have been payable to that holder with respect to the shares of common stock for which the Treasury Warrant may be exercised, as if the Treasury Warrant had been exercised prior to such merger, consolidation or similar transaction.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities to or through one or more underwriters or dealers, and also may sell the securities directly to other purchasers or through agents. These firms may also act as our agents in the sale of the securities. Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be considered as underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

We may distribute the securities at different times in one or more transactions. We may sell the securities at fixed prices, which may change, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters. Discounts or commissions they receive and any profit on their resale of the securities may be considered underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. We will identify any underwriter or agent, and we will describe any compensation, in the prospectus supplement.

We may agree to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the securities against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

We may authorize dealers or other persons who act as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities from us under contracts which provide for payment and delivery on a future date. We may enter into these contracts with commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others. If we enter into these agreements concerning any series of securities, we will indicate that in the prospectus supplement.

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In connection with an offering of the securities, underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. Specifically, underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a syndicate short position in the securities for their own account. In addition, underwriters may bid for, and purchase, securities in the open market to cover short positions or to stabilize the price of the securities. Finally, underwriters may reclaim selling concessions allowed for distributing the securities in the offering if the underwriters repurchase previously distributed securities in transactions to cover short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

Each series of securities (other than our common stock) offered will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. The securities (other than our common stock) may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given as to the existence of trading markets for any securities offered (other than with respect to our common stock) or the liquidity of any securities offered.

INDEMNIFICATION OF OUR DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Our Charter and Bylaws provide for the elimination of personal liability for directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL.  Under the MGCL, a director or an officer of Shore Bancshares will have no personal liability for monetary damages except:  (a) to the extent that the person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services; or (b) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.  An amendment or repeal of these provisions requires the approval of at least 80% of the aggregate votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

These provisions may have the practical effect in certain cases of eliminating the ability of our stockholders to collect monetary damages from directors and executive officers.  We believe that these provisions are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers.

Our Bylaws obligate us to indemnify and advance expenses to a director or an officer in connection with a proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by and in accordance with the indemnification section of the MGCL.  However, we may not indemnify a director or an officer in connection with a proceeding commenced by such director or officer unless the Board authorized the proceeding.  We may indemnify and advance expenses to employees and agents, other than directors and officers, as determined by and in the discretion of the Board, in connection with a proceeding to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the indemnification section of the MGCL.

MGCL Section 2-418 permits us to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that the person was a director, officer, employee or agent of Shore Bancshares if he or she (a) acted in good faith, (b) reasonably believed her actions to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Shore Bancshares, (c) did not actually receive an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services, and (d) in a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe her conduct was unlawful.

Under MGCL Section 2-418, indemnification may be against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses actually incurred by the director in connection with the proceeding.  Indemnification may not be made unless authorized for a specific proceeding after a determination has been made that the director has met the applicable standard of conduct.  This determination is required to be made:  (a) by the board of directors; (b) by special legal counsel selected by the board of directors or a committee of the board by vote; or (c) by the stockholders.

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We may pay, before final disposition, the expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent in defending a proceeding when the director of officer gives and undertaking to Shore Bancshares to repay the amounts advanced if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.  Shore Bancshares is required to indemnify any director who has been successful on the merits or otherwise, in defense of a proceeding for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

These indemnification and advancement of expenses provisions are not exclusive of any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders, vote of directors or otherwise.

Notwithstanding the above, insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus has been passed upon for us by Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC, Baltimore, Maryland.  If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Stegman & Company, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

* * *

 
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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.                Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table itemizes the expenses incurred by Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the “Corporation”) in connection with the offering of the securities being registered hereby.  All amounts shown are estimates.

Registration Fee - Securities and Exchange Commission
  $ 5,347.50  
Accounting Fees and Expenses
    *  
Legal Fees and Expenses
    *  
Printing Fees and Expenses
    *  
Miscellaneous
    *  
Total
  $ 5,347.50  
* These fees depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances and cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 15.                Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

           The Maryland General Corporation Law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their services in those capacities, unless it is established that:

 
(1)
the act or omission of the director was material to the matter giving rise to such proceeding and

(A)           was committed in bad faith or

(B)           was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;

 
(2)
the director actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or

 
(3)
in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.

Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify a present and former officer to the same extent as a director.

In addition to the foregoing, a court of appropriate jurisdiction:  (1) shall order indemnification of reasonable expenses incurred by a director who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding identified above, or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter in the proceeding; and (2) may under certain circumstances order indemnification of a director or an officer who the court determines is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all of the relevant circumstances, whether or not the director or officer has met the standards of conduct set forth in the preceding paragraph or has been declared liable on the basis that a personal benefit improperly received in a proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the director or the officer, provided, however, that if the proceeding was an action by or in the right of the corporation or involved a determination that the director or officer received an improper personal benefit, no indemnification may be made if the director or officer is adjudged liable to the corporation, except to the extent of expenses approved by a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

II-1

 
The Maryland General Corporation Law also permits a corporation to pay or reimburse, in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding, reasonable expenses incurred by a present or former director or officer made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity, provided that the corporation shall have received:

 
(1)
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and

 
(2)
a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

The Corporation has provided for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents in Section (a)(5) of Article Seventh of its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Charter”).  This provision of the Charter reads as follows:

(5)           The Corporation shall indemnify (A) its directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the full extent required or permitted by the General Laws of the State of Maryland now or hereafter in force, including the advance of expenses under the procedures and to the full extent permitted by law and (B) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors or the Corporation’s Bylaws and be permitted by law.  The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled.  The Board of Directors may take such action as is necessary to carry out these indemnification provisions and is expressly empowered to adopt, approve and amend from time to time such by-laws, resolutions or contracts implementing such provisions or such further indemnification arrangements as may be permitted by law.  No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the right to indemnification provided hereunder with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

The Maryland General Corporation Law authorizes a Maryland corporation to limit by provision in its Articles of Incorporation the liability of directors and officers to the corporation or to its stockholders for money damages except to the extent:

 
(1)
the director or officer actually receives an improper benefit or profit in money, property, or services, for the amount of the benefit or profit actually received, or

 
(2)
a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the director or officer is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the director’s or officer’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.

The Corporation has limited the liability of its directors and officers for money damages in Section (a)(6) of Article Seventh of the Charter.  This provision reads as follows:

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(6)           To the fullest extent permitted by Maryland statutory or decisional law, as amended or interpreted, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages.  No amendment of the Charter of the Corporation or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the limitation on liability provided to directors and officers hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.

As permitted under Section 2-418(k) of the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Corporation has purchased and maintains insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against any liability asserted against such directors and officers in their capacities as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such persons under the provisions of Maryland law governing indemnification.

Section 8(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDI Act”) provides that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) may prohibit or limit, by regulation or order, payments by any insured depository institution or its holding company for the benefit of directors and officers of the insured depository institution, or others who are or were “institution-affiliated parties,” as defined under the FDI Act, to pay or reimburse such person for any liability or legal expense sustained with regard to any administrative or civil enforcement action which results in a final order against the person.  The FDIC has adopted regulations prohibiting, subject to certain exceptions, insured depository institutions, their subsidiaries and affiliated holding companies from indemnifying officers, directors or employees for any civil money penalty or judgment resulting from an administrative or civil enforcement action commenced by any federal banking agency, or for that portion of the costs sustained with regard to such an action that results in a final order or settlement that is adverse to the director, officer or employee.

Item 16.                Exhibits.

The exhibits filed with this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index which immediately follows the signatures hereto and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 17.                Undertakings.

(a)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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

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

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

II-3

 
(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), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2)           That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

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

(4)           N/A;

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

(i)           Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) 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 will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)–(g)    N/A.

(h)           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 question 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.

(i)-(l)       N/A.
 
 
II-5

 
 
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 registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Easton, State of Maryland, on June 24, 2010.

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.:
   
By:
/s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
 
W. Moorhead Vermilye
 
President and CEO
 
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints W. Moorhead Vermilye and Susan E. Leaverton, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

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 June 24, 2010.
 
/s/ Herbert L. Andrew, III   /s/ Blenda W. Armistead  
Herbert L. Andrew, III, Director
 
Blenda W. Armistead, Director
 
       
    /s/ William W. Duncan, Jr.  
Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr., Director
 
William W. Duncan, Jr., Director
 
       
/s/ Neil R. LeCompte   /s/ James A. Judge  
Neil R. LeCompte, Director
 
James A. Judge, Director
 
       
/s/ Christopher F. Spurry   /s/ Jerry F. Pierson  
Christopher F. Spurry, Director
 
Jerry F. Pierson, Director
 
       
    /s/ F. Winfield Trice, Jr.  
 
 
F. Winfield Trice, Jr., Director
 
 
II-6

 
/s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
     
W. Moorhead Vermilye, Director,
 
John H. Wilson, Director
 
President and CEO
     
       
/s/ Susan E. Leaverton
     
Susan E. Leaverton, Treasurer and
     
Principal Accounting Officer
     
 
 
II-7

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
3.1(i)
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2000)
     
3.1(ii)
 
Articles Supplementary filed for record on January 7, 2009 creating the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009)
     
3.1(iii)
 
Articles Supplementary filed for record on June 16, 2009 reclassifying all shares of authorized Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A as shares of common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2009)
     
3.2(i)
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(i) of the Company’s  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007)
     
3.2(ii)
 
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2(ii) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007)
     
4.1
 
Specimen Common Stock Certificate (filed herewith)
     
4.2
 
Form of Articles Supplementary relating to Preferred Stock *
     
4.3
 
Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate*
     
4.4
 
Form of Indenture (filed herewith)
     
4.5
 
Form of Note*
     
4.6
 
Form of Warrant*
     
4.7
 
Form of Warrant Agreement*
     
4.8
 
Form of Unit Agreement*
     
4.9
 
Letter Agreement, including the related Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms, dated January 9, 2009 by and between the Company and the U.S. Department of Treasury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009)
     
4.10
 
Letter Agreement dated as of April 15, 2009 between the Company and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 16, 2009)
 
II-8

 
4.11
 
Substitute Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated January 9, 2009 issued to the U.S. Department of Treasury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2009)
     
5.1
 
Opinion of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC   (filed herewith)
     
12.1
 
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends (filed herewith)
     
23.1
 
Consent of Stegman & Company, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith)
     
23.2
 
Consent of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC (contained in Exhibit 5.1)
     
24.1
 
Power of Attorney (included in the signature page hereto)
     
25.1
  
Statement of Eligibility of Trustee under the Indenture on Form T-1 (to be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939)*
 
———————————————
* To be filed, if necessary, by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
 
II-9

 
 
Exhibit 4.1
 
 
 

 
 

 
Exhibit 4.4
   
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
 
and

______________________, as Trustee

INDENTURE

Dated as of ______________, _____

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

     
Page
ARTICLE 1 – DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
1
1.1
Definitions
 
1
1.2
Other Definitions
 
5
1.3
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
 
6
1.4
Rules of Construction
 
6
       
ARTICLE 2 – THE SECURITIES
 
7
2.1
Issuable in Series
 
7
2.2
Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities
 
7
2.3
Execution and Authentication
 
10
2.4
Registrar and Paying Agent
 
10
2.5
Paying Agent To Hold Assets in Trust
 
11
2.6
Securityholder Lists
 
11
2.7
Transfer and Exchange
 
12
2.8
Replacement Securities
 
13
2.9
Outstanding Securities
 
13
2.10
Treasury Securities
 
13
2.11
Temporary Securities
 
14
2.12
Cancellation
 
14
2.13
Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest; Computation of Interest
 
14
2.14
CUSIP Number
 
15
2.15
Provisions for Global Securities
 
15
2.16
Persons Deemed Owners
 
16
       
ARTICLE 3 – REDEMPTION
 
16
3.1
Notices of Trustee
 
16
3.2
Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed
 
16
3.3
Notice of Redemption
 
17
3.4
Effect of Notice of Redemption
 
18
3.5
Deposit of Redemption Price
 
18
3.6
Securities Redeemed in Part
 
18
       
ARTICLE 4 – COVENANTS
 
18
4.1
Payment of Securities
 
18
4.2
SEC Reports
 
19
4.3
Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws
 
19
4.4
Compliance Certificate
 
19
4.5
Payment of Taxes and Other Claims
 
20
4.6
Corporate Existence
 
20
4.7
Maintenance of Properties
 
20
       
ARTICLE 5 – SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
 
21
5.1
Limitation on Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
 
21

 
i

 

5.2
Successor Person Substituted
 
21
       
ARTICLE 6 – DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
22
6.1
Events of Default
 
22
6.2
Acceleration
 
23
6.3
Other Remedies
 
23
6.4
Waiver of Past Defaults and Events of Default
 
24
6.5
Control by Majority
 
24
6.6
Limitation on Suits
 
24
6.7
Rights of Holders To Receive Payment
 
24
6.8
Collection Suit by Trustee
 
25
6.9
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim
 
25
6.10
Priorities
 
25
6.11
Undertaking for Costs
 
26
       
ARTICLE 7 – TRUSTEE
 
26
7.1
Duties of Trustee
 
26
7.2
Rights of Trustee
 
27
7.3
Individual Rights of Trustee
 
28
7.4
Trustee’s Disclaimer
 
28
7.5
Notice of Default
 
28
7.6
Reports by Trustee to Holders
 
28
7.7
Compensation and Indemnity
 
29
7.8
Replacement of Trustee
 
29
7.9
Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger or Conversion
 
30
7.10
Eligibility; Disqualification
 
30
7.11
Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company
 
30
7.12
Paying Agents
 
30
       
ARTICLE 8 – AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
31
8.1
Without Consent of Holders
 
31
8.2
With Consent of Holders
 
32
8.3
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
 
33
8.4
Revocation and Effect of Consents
 
33
8.5
Notation on or Exchange of Securities
 
33
8.6
Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.
 
34
       
ARTICLE 9 DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE
 
34
9.1
Discharge of Indenture
 
34
9.2
Legal Defeasance
 
34
9.3
Covenant Defeasance
 
35
9.4
Conditions to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance
 
35
9.5
Deposited Money and U.S.  and Foreign Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions
 
36
9.6
Reinstatement
 
37
9.7
Moneys Held by Paying Agent
 
37

 
ii

 

9.8
Moneys Held by Trustee
 
37
       
ARTICLE 10 – MISCELLANEOUS
38
10.1
Trust Indenture Act Controls
 
38
10.2
Notices
 
38
10.3
Communications by Holders with Other Holders
 
39
10.4
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
 
39
10.5
Statement Required in Certificate and Opinion
 
39
10.6
Rules by Trustee and Agents
 
40
10.7
Business Days; Legal Holidays
 
40
10.8
Governing Law
 
40
10.9
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
 
40
10.10
No Recourse Against Others
 
40
10.11
Successors and Assigns
 
40
10.12
Multiple Counterparts
 
41
10.13
Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.
 
41
10.14
Separabilty
 
41
10.15
Securities in a Foreign Currency or in ECU
 
41
10.16
Judgment Currency
 
42
 
 
iii

 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
TIA SECTION
INDENTURE SECTION
310 (a)(1)
7.10
(a)(2)
7.10
(a)(3)
N/A
(a)(4)
N/A
(a)(5)
7.10
(b)
7.8; 7.10; 10.2
(b)(1)
7.10
(b)(9)
7.10
(c)
N/A
311 (a)
7.11
(b)
7.11
(c)
N/A
312 (a)
2.6
(b)
10.3
(c)
10.3
313 (a)
7.6
(b)(1)
7.6
(b)(2)
7.6
(c)
7.6; 10.2
(d)
7.6
314 (a)
4.2; 4.4; 10.2
(b)
N/A
(c)(1)
10.4; 10.5
(c)(2)
10.4; 10.5
(c)(3)
N/A
(d)
N/A
(e)
10.5
(f)
N/A
315 (a)
7.1, 7.2
(b)
7.5; 10.2
(c)
7.1
(d)
6.5; 7.1; 7.2
(e)
6.11
316 (a)(last sentence)
2.10
(a)(1)(A)
6.5
(a)(1)(B)
6.4
(a)(2)
8.2
(b)
6.7
(c)
8.4
317 (a)(1)
6.8
(a)(2)
6.9
(b)
2.5; 7.12
318 (a)
10.1
N/A means not applicable

Note: This Cross-Reference Table shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 
iv

 

THIS INDENTURE (this “Indenture”) is dated as of ______________, ____, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc., a Maryland corporation, as Issuer (the “ Company ”), and ____________________________, a _______________ organized under the laws of ____________, as Trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness to be issued in one or more series (the “ Securities ”), as herein provided, up to such principal amount as may from time to time be authorized in or pursuant to one or more resolutions of the Board of Directors or by supplemental indenture.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company in accordance with its terms have been done, and the execution and delivery thereof have been in all respects duly authorized by the parties hereto.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities issued under this Indenture:

ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

1.1            Definitions .

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person.  For the purposes of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

Agent ” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, co-registrar or agent for service of notices and demands.

Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S.  Code or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors.

Board of Directors ” means the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee authorized to act therefor.

 
 

 

Board Resolution ” means a copy of a resolution certified pursuant to an Officers’ Certificate to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

Capital Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock or any other participation, right or other interest in the nature of an equity interest in such Person or any option, warrant or other security convertible into any of the foregoing.

Company ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture until a successor replaces such party pursuant to Article 5 of this Indenture, and thereafter means the successor and any other primary obligor on the Securities.

Company Order ” means a written order signed in the name of the Company by two Officers, one of whom must be its Chief Executive Officer or its Principal Accounting Officer.

Company Request ” means any written request signed in the name of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, its President, any Vice President, its Principal Accounting Officer or its Treasurer and attested to by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

Corporate Trust Office ” means the office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered.

Custodian ” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

Default ” means any event that is, or with the passing of time or giving of notice or both would be, an Event of Default.

Depositary ” means, with respect to the Securities of any Series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the Person designated as Depositary for such Series by the Company, which Depositary shall be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, until a successor Depositary shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “ Depositary ” shall mean each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, such Persons.

Dollars ” means the currency of the United States of America.

ECU ” means the European Currency Unit as determined by the Commission of the European Union.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Foreign Currency ” means any currency or currency unit issued by a government other than the government of the United States of America.

 
2

 

Foreign Government Obligations ” means with respect to Securities of any Series that are denominated in a Foreign Currency, (i) direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged or (ii) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of such government the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by such government, which, in either case under clauses (i) or (ii), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as in effect in the United States from time to time.

Global Security ” or “ Global Securities ” means a Security or Securities, as the case may be, in the form established pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, evidencing all or part of a Series of Securities issued to the Depositary for such Series or its nominee, registered in the name of such Depositary or nominee, and bearing the legend set forth in Section 2.15(c) hereof (or such legend as may be specified as contemplated by Section 2.2 hereof for such Securities).

Holder ” or “ Securityholder ” means the Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Indebtedness ” means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, any indebtedness at any time outstanding, secured or unsecured, contingent or otherwise, which is for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion thereof), or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (excluding any balances that constitute accounts payable or trade payables, and other accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business) if and to the extent any of the foregoing indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Indenture ” means this Indenture as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.

Interest Payment Date ” means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on Securities of any Series.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or assets of any Person, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement, encumbrance, preference, priority, or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including, without limitation, any capitalized lease obligation, conditional sales, or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

 
3

 

Maturity Date ” when used with respect to any Security or installment of principal thereof, means the date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption, notice of option to elect payment or otherwise.

Officer ” means the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Principal Accounting Officer, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors, as the case may be.

Officers’ Certificate ” means, with respect to any Person, a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, and the Principal Accounting Officer or any Treasurer of such Person that shall comply with applicable provisions of
this Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel which counsel is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government (including any agency or political subdivision thereof).

Redemption Date ” when used with respect to any Security of a Series to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to this Indenture.

Responsible Officer ” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer or officers within the corporate trust department of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and who are responsible for compliance with the obligations of the Trustee as set forth in this Indenture and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter or obligation required of the Trustee as set forth in this Indenture, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as constituted from time to time or any successor performing substantially the same functions.

Securities ” means the securities that are issued under this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time pursuant to this Indenture.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Securityholder ” has the meaning set forth above for the defined term “ Holder ”.

Series ” or “ Series of Securities ” means each series of debentures, notes or other debt instruments of the Company created pursuant to Section 2.1 or Section 2.2 hereof.

Significant Subsidiary ” means (i) any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Company that would be a “significant subsidiary”

 
4

 

as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on the date hereof, or (ii) any group of direct or indirect Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together as a group, would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as such regulation is in effect on the date hereof.

Stated Maturity ” means, (i) when used with respect to any Security of any Series or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable and, (ii) when used with respect to any other Indebtedness, the date specified in the instrument governing such Indebtedness as the fixed date on which the principal of such Indebtedness, or any installment of interest thereon, is due and payable.

Subsidiary ” of any specified Person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, association or other business entity, whether now existing or hereafter organized or acquired, (i) in the case of a corporation, of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors thereof is held, directly or indirectly by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) in the case of a partnership, joint venture, association or other business entity, with respect to which such Person or any of its Subsidiaries has the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such entity by contract or otherwise or if in accordance with GAAP such entity is consolidated with such Person for financial statement purposes.

TIA ” or “ Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.  Code Section 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture (except as provided   in Section 8.3 hereof).

Trustee ” means the party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it pursuant to this Indenture and thereafter means the successor.

U.S.  Government Obligations ” means direct non-callable obligations of, or non-callable obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which obligation or guarantee the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged.

1.2            Other Definitions .  The definitions of the following terms may be found in the sections indicated as follows:

Term
 
Defined in Section
     
Business Day
 
10.7
Covenant Defeasance
 
9.3
Event of Default
 
6.1
Journal
 
10.15
Judgment Currency
 
10.16
Legal Defeasance
 
9.2
Legal Holiday
 
10.7
Market Exchange Rate
 
10.15
New York Banking Day
 
10.16
Paying Agent
 
2.4
Registrar
 
2.4
Required Currency
 
10.16
Service Agent
  
2.4

 
5

 

1.3           Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .  Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the portion of such provision required to be incorporated herein for this Indenture to be qualified under the TIA is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

Commission ” means the SEC.

indenture securities ” means the Securities.

indenture securityholder ” means a Securityholder.

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture.

indenture trustee ” or “ institutional trustee ” means the Trustee.

obligor on the indenture securities ” means the Company or any other obligor on the Securities.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined in the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings therein assigned to them.

1.4           Rules of Construction .  Unless the context otherwise requires:

(1)           a term has the meaning assigned to it herein, whether defined expressly or by reference;

(2)           an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(3)           “ or ” is not exclusive;

(4)           words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular;

(5)           words used herein implying any gender shall apply to each gender; and

(6)           the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other sub-division.

 
6

 

ARTICLE 2
THE SECURITIES

2.1            Issuable in Series .  The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.  The Securities may be issued in one or more Series.  All Securities of a Series shall be identical except as may be set forth in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate detailing the adoption of the terms thereof pursuant to the authority granted under a Board Resolution.  In the case of Securities of a Series to be issued from time to time, the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate may provide for the method by which specified terms (such as interest rate, Stated Maturity, record date or date from which interest shall accrue) are to be determined.  Securities may differ between Series in respect of any matters, provided   that all Series of Securities shall be equally and ratably entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.

2.2            Establishment of Terms of Series of Securities .  At or prior to the issuance of any Securities within a Series, the following shall be established (as to the Series generally, in the case of Section 2.2(1) and either as to such Securities within the Series or as to the Series generally in the case of paragraphs (2) through (25) , inclusive, of Section 2.2 ) by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, in each case, pursuant to authority granted under a Board Resolution:

(1)           the title of the Series (which shall distinguish the Securities of that particular Series from the Securities of any other Series);

(2)           the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) at which the Securities of the Series will be issued;

(3)           any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the Series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the Series pursuant to Section 2.7 , Section 2.8 , Section 2.11 , Section 3.6 or Section 8.5 hereof);

(4)           the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the Series is payable;

(5)           the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or, if applicable, the method used to determine such rate or rates (including, but not limited to, any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the Securities of the Series shall bear interest, if any, the date or dates from which such interest, if any, shall accrue, the date or dates on which such interest, if any, shall commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

 
7

 

(6)           the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series shall be payable, or the method of such payment, if by wire transfer, mail or other means;

(7)           if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which the Securities of the Series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

(8)           the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase the Securities of the Series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the Series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

(9)           the dates, if any, on which and the price or prices at which the Securities of the Series will be repurchased by the Company at the option of the Holders thereof and other detailed terms and provisions of such repurchase obligations;

(10)         if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which the Securities of the Series shall be issuable;

(11)         whether the Securities of the Series will be issued in bearer or fully registered form (and, if in fully registered form, whether the Securities will be issuable as Global Securities);

(12)         if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the Securities of the Series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof;

(13)         the currency of denomination of the Securities of the Series, which may be Dollars or any Foreign Currency, including, but not limited to, the ECU, and if such currency of denomination is a composite currency other than the ECU, the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency;

(14)         the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series will be made;

(15)         if payments of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series are to be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which such Securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to such payments will be determined;

(16)         the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the Series will be determined, if such amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other than the currency of denomination or designation or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index;

 
8

 

(17)         the provisions, if any, relating to any security provided   for the Securities of the Series;

(18)         any addition to or change in the Events of Default which applies to any Securities of the Series and any change in the right of the Trustee or the requisite Holders of such Securities to declare the principal amount thereof due and payable pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof;

(19)         any addition to or change in the covenants set forth in Article 4 or Article 5 hereof which applies to Securities of the Series;

(20)         any other terms of the Securities of the Series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 8.1 hereof, but which may modify or delete any provision of this Indenture insofar as it applies to such Series);

(21)         any depositories, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to Securities of such Series if other than those appointed herein;

(22)         the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the Securities and any guarantees thereof shall be subordinated in right of payment to other indebtedness of the Company or any guarantor;

(23)         the form and terms of any guarantee of the Securities;

(24)         if applicable, that the Securities of the Series, in whole or any specified part, shall be defeasible pursuant to Article 9 hereof; and

(25)         if applicable, that the Securities of the Series, in whole or any specified part, shall be convertible into equity securities of the Company.

All Securities of any one Series need not be issued at the same time and may be issued from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Indenture, if so provided   by or pursuant to the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate referred to above, and the authorized principal amount of any Series may not be increased to provide for issuances of additional Securities of such Series, unless otherwise provided   in such Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate.

 
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2.3            Execution and Authentication .  The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by two Officers of the Company or an Officer and an Assistant Secretary of the Company.  Each such signature may be either manual or facsimile.  The Company’s seal may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or reproduced on the Securities and may be in facsimile form.  If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated, the Security shall nevertheless be valid.  A Security shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.  The Trustee shall at any time, and from time to time, authenticate Securities for original issue in the principal amount provided   in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate, upon receipt by the Trustee of a Company Order.  Such Company Order may authorize authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agent or agents, which oral instructions shall be promptly confirmed in writing.  Each Security shall be dated the date of its authentication unless otherwise provided   by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate.  The aggregate principal amount of Securities of any Series outstanding at any time may not exceed any limit upon the maximum principal amount for such Series set forth in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, except as provided   in Section 2.8 hereof.

Prior to the issuance of Securities of any Series, the Trustee shall have received and (subject to Section 7.2 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying on:  (a) the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate establishing the form of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series and the terms of the Securities of that Series or of Securities within that Series, (b) an Officers’ Certificate complying with Section 10.4 hereof, and (c) an Opinion of Counsel complying with Section 10.4 hereof.

The Trustee shall have the right to decline to authenticate and deliver any Securities of such Series:  (a) if the Trustee, being advised in writing by outside counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken; or (b) if the Trustee in good faith by its board of directors or trustees, executive committee or a trust committee of directors and/or vice-presidents shall reasonably determine that such action would expose the Trustee to personal liability, or cause it to have a conflict of interest with respect to Holders of any then outstanding Series of Securities.

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Company to authenticate Securities.  An authenticating agent may authenticate Securities whenever the Trustee may do so.  Any appointment shall be evidenced by instrument signed by an authorized officer of the Trustee, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Company.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company or an Affiliate of the Company.

2.4            Registrar and Paying Agent .  The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities of any Series may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”), an office or agency where Securities may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”), and an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities and this Indenture may be served (“ Service Agent ”).  The Registrar shall keep a register of the Securities and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency.  If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required office or to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the address of the Trustee as set forth in Section 10.2 hereof.  Neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company may act as Paying Agent.

 
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The Company may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-registrar without notice to any Securityholder.  The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices or agencies where the Securities may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations.  The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture.  The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such Agent.  The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such Agent.  If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, or agent for service of notices and demands, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as such.  The Company hereby appoints the Trustee as the initial Registrar, Paying Agent and Service Agent for each Series unless another Registrar, Paying Agent or Service Agent, as the case may be, is appointed prior to the time Securities of that Series are first issued.  The Company hereby initially designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as such office of the Company.

2.5            Paying Agent To Hold Assets in Trust .  The Trustee as Paying Agent shall, and the Company shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that each Paying Agent shall, hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of any Series of Securities or the Trustee all assets held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Series of Securities (whether such assets have been distributed to it by the Company or any other obligor on such Series of Securities), and the Company and the Paying Agent shall notify the Trustee in writing of any Default by the Company (or any other obligor on such Series of Securities) in making any such payment.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to distribute all assets held by it to the Trustee and account for any assets disbursed, and the Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any payment default with respect to any Series of Securities, upon written request to a Paying Agent, require such Paying Agent to distribute all assets held by it to the Trustee and to account for any assets distributed.  Upon distribution to the Trustee of all assets that shall have been delivered by the Company to the Paying Agent, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for such assets.

2.6            Securityholder Lists .  The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Securityholders of each Series of Securities.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee as of each regular record date for the payment of interest on the Securities of a Series and before each related Interest Payment Date, and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Securityholders of each Series of Securities.

 
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2.7            Transfer and Exchange .  When Securities of a Series are presented to the Registrar with a request to register the transfer thereof, the Registrar shall register the transfer as requested, and when such Securities of a Series are presented to the Registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of other authorized denominations of Securities of the same Series, the Registrar shall make the exchange as requested.  To permit transfers and exchanges, upon surrender of any Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency maintained pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Securities at the Registrar’s request.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.7 , unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for definitive Securities, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

If (i) the Depositary is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as Depositary and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the date the Company is so informed in writing or becomes aware of the same, or (ii) a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Company promptly will execute and deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities, and the Trustee, upon receipt of a Company Request for the authentication and delivery of such definitive

Securities (which the Company will promptly execute and deliver to the Trustee), will authenticate and deliver definitive Securities, without charge, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the outstanding Global Securities, in exchange for and upon surrender of all such Global Securities.

In any exchange provided   for in the preceding paragraph, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver definitive Securities in the authorized denominations provided   by Section 2.3 hereof.  Upon the exchange of a Global Security for definitive Securities, such Global Security shall be canceled by the Trustee.  Definitive Securities issued in exchange for Global Securities pursuant to this Section 2.7 shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.  Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Registrar or a co-Registrar) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar or a co-Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

 
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Any exchange or transfer shall be without charge, except that the Company may require payment by the Holder of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation to a transfer or exchange, but this provision shall not apply to any exchange pursuant to Section 2.11 , Section 3.6 or Section 8.5 hereof.  The Trustee shall not be required to register transfers of Securities of any Series or to exchange Securities of any Series for a period of 15 days before selection for redemption of such Securities.  The Trustee shall not be required to exchange or register transfers of Securities of any Series called or being called for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of such Security being redeemed in part.

2.8            Replacement Securities .  If a mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee or if the Holder of a Security presents evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee that the Security has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Security of the same Series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.  An indemnity bond may be required by the Company or the Trustee that is sufficient in the reasonable judgment of the Company or the Trustee, as the case may be, to protect the Company, the Trustee or any Agent from any loss which any of them may suffer if a Security is replaced.  The Company may charge such Holder for its reasonable, out-of-pocket expenses in replacing a Security, including the fees and expenses of counsel.  Every replacement Security shall constitute an additional obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionally with any and all other Securities of that Series duly issued hereunder.

2.9            Outstanding Securities .  Securities outstanding at any time are all Securities authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, and those described in this Section 2.9 as not outstanding.

If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof (other than a mutilated Security surrendered for replacement), it ceases to be outstanding until the Company and the Trustee receive proof satisfactory to each of them that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.  A mutilated Security ceases to be outstanding upon surrender of such Security and replacement thereof pursuant to Section 2.8 hereof.

If a Paying Agent holds on a Redemption Date or Maturity Date of a Series of Securities money sufficient to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities payable on that date and is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders thereof pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, then on and after that date such Securities cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

Subject to Section 2.10 hereof, a Security does not cease to be outstanding solely because the Company or an Affiliate holds the Security.

2.10          Treasury Securities .  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities of a Series have concurred in any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, Securities of a Series owned by the Company or an Affiliate shall be disregarded, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver only Securities of a Series that the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.

 
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2.11          Temporary Securities .  Until definitive Securities are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Securities.  Temporary Securities shall be substantially in the form, and shall carry all rights, of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities presented to it.

2.12          Cancellation .  The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for transfer, exchange or payment.  At the direction of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent, and no one else, shall cancel and, at the written request of the Company, shall dispose of all Securities surrendered for transfer, exchange, payment or cancellation.  If the Company shall acquire any of the Securities, such acquisition shall not operate as a redemption or satisfaction of the Indebtedness represented by such Securities unless and until the same are surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to this Section 2.12 .

2.13          Payment of Interest; Defaulted Interest; Computation of Interest .  Except as otherwise provided   as contemplated by Section 2.2 hereof with respect to any Series of Securities, interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided   for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest, as provided   in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture hereto or Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of such Series.

At the option of the Company, Holders shall receive payments of interest by check, by transfer to an account maintained by such Holder in the United States or, upon receipt by the Trustee of a written request from a Holder, by wire transfer of immediately available funds.

If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities, it shall pay the defaulted amounts, plus any interest payable on defaulted amounts pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof, to the persons who are Securityholders on a subsequent special record date, which date shall be the fifteenth day next preceding the date fixed by the Company for the payment of defaulted interest or the next succeeding Business Day if such date is not a Business Day.  At least 15 days before the special record date, the Company shall mail or cause to be mailed to each Securityholder, with a copy to the Trustee, a notice that states the special record date, the payment date, and the amount of defaulted interest, and interest payable on such defaulted interest, if any, to be paid.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.2 hereof for Securities of any Series, interest on the Securities of each Series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 
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2.14          CUSIP Number .  The Company in issuing the Securities may use one or more “CUSIP” numbers, and if so, the Trustee shall use the CUSIP number(s) in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders, provided   that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number(s) printed in the notice or on the Securities, and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities.

2.15          Provisions for Global Securities .

(a)           A Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate shall establish whether the Securities of a Series shall be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities and the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities.

(b)           Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary contained in Section 2.7 hereof and in addition thereto, any Global Security shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 2.7 hereof for Securities registered in the names of Holders other than the Depositary for such Security or its nominee only if (i) such Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time such Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, in either case, the Company fails to appoint a successor Depositary within 90 days after such event, (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate to the effect that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable or (iii) a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Securities represented by such Global Security shall have occurred and be continuing.  Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Securities registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct in writing in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Security with like tenor and terms.  Except as provided   in this Section 2.15(b) , a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary with respect to such Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary, by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such a successor Depositary.

(c)           Any Global Security issued hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“This Security is a Global Security within the meaning of the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary.  This Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture, and may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such a successor Depositary.”

 
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(d)           The Depositary, as a Holder, may appoint agents and otherwise authorize participants to give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a Holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture.

(e)           Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Indenture, unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 2.2 hereof, payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Global Security shall be made to the Depositary or its nominee in its capacity as the Holder thereof.

(f)           Except as provided   in Section 2.15(e) hereof, the Company, the Trustee and any Agent shall treat a person as the Holder of such principal amount of outstanding Securities of any Series represented by a Global Security as shall be specified in a written statement of the Depositary (which may be in the form of a participants’ list for such Series) with respect to such Global Security, for purposes of obtaining any consents, declarations, waivers or directions required to be given by the Holders pursuant to this Indenture.

2.16          Persons Deemed Owners .  Prior to due presentment of a Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and any agent of the Company, the Registrar or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Security is registered as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 2.13 hereof) interest, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, and neither the Company, the Trustee, the Registrar nor any agent of the Company, the Registrar or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.
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ARTICLE 3
REDEMPTION

3.1            Notices of Trustee .  The Company may, with respect to any Series of Securities, reserve the right to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or may covenant to redeem and pay the Series of Securities or any part thereof prior to the Stated Maturity thereof at such time and on such terms as provided   for in such Securities or the related Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate.  If a Series of Securities is redeemable and the Company elects to redeem such Securities of a Series, it shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Date and the principal amount of Securities to be redeemed at least 35 days (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date.  Any such notice may be canceled at any time prior to notice of such redemption being mailed to any Holder and shall thereby be void and of no effect.

3.2            Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed .  Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series of Securities by a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture or an Officers’ Certificate, if fewer than all of the Securities of a Series are to be redeemed, the Trustee shall select the Securities of a Series to be redeemed pro rata, by lot or by any other method that the Trustee considers fair and appropriate and, if such Securities are listed on any securities exchange, by a method that complies with the requirements of such exchange.

 
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The Trustee shall make the selection from Securities of a Series outstanding and not previously called for redemption and shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Security selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.  Securities of a Series in denominations of $1,000 may be redeemed only in whole.  The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities of a Series that have denominations larger than $1,000.  Securities of a Series and portions of them it selects shall be in amounts of $1,000 or, with respect to Securities of any Series issuable in other denominations pursuant to Section 2.2(10) hereof, the minimum principal denomination for each Series and integral multiples thereof.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption.

3.3            Notice of Redemption .  Unless otherwise indicated for a particular Series by Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, at least 30 days, and no more than 60 days, before a Redemption Date, the Company shall mail, or cause to be mailed, a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed at his or her last address as the same appears on the registry books maintained by the Registrar.  The notice shall identify the Securities to be redeemed (including the CUSIP number(s) thereof, if any) and shall state:

(1)           the Redemption Date;

(2)           the redemption price;

(3)           if any Security of a Series is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Security of a Series to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date and upon surrender of such Security of a Series, a new Security or Securities in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued;

(4)           the name and address of the Paying Agent;

(5)           that Securities of a Series called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price, and the place or places where each such Security is to be surrendered for such payment;

(6)           that, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption payment, interest on the Securities of a Series called for redemption ceases to accrue on or after the Redemption Date, and the only remaining right of the Holders of such Securities is to receive payment of the redemption price upon surrender to the Paying Agent of the Securities redeemed; and

(7)           if fewer than all the Securities of a Series are to be redeemed, the identification of the particular Securities of a Series (or portion thereof) to be redeemed, as well as the aggregate principal amount of Securities of a Series to be redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Securities of a Series to be outstanding after such partial redemption.

 
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At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at the Company’s sole expense.

3.4            Effect of Notice of Redemption .  Once the notice of redemption described in Section 3.3 hereof is mailed, Securities of a Series called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date and at the redemption price, plus interest, if any, accrued to (but not including) the Redemption Date.  Upon surrender to the Trustee or Paying Agent, such Securities of a Series shall be paid at the redemption price, plus accrued interest, if any, to (but not including) the Redemption Date, provided   that if the Redemption Date is after a regular interest payment record date and on or prior to the next Interest Payment Date, the accrued interest shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Securities registered on the relevant record date, as specified by the Company in the notice to the Trustee pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof.

3.5            Deposit of Redemption Price .  On or prior to the Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest, if any, on all Securities to be redeemed on that date other than Securities or portions thereof called for redemption on that date which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation.

On and after any Redemption Date, if money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on Securities called for redemption shall have been made available in accordance with the preceding paragraph and the Company and the Paying Agent are not prohibited from paying such moneys to Holders, the Securities called for redemption will cease to accrue interest and the only right of the Holders of such Securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price of and, subject to the proviso in Section 3.4 hereof, accrued and unpaid interest on such Securities to the Redemption Date.  If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid, interest will be paid, from the Redemption Date until such redemption payment is made, on the unpaid principal of the Security and any premium or interest, if any, not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case, at the rate and in the manner provided   in the Securities.

3.6            Securities Redeemed in Part .  Upon surrender of a Security of a Series that is redeemed in part, the Trustee shall authenticate for a Holder a new Security of the same Series equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.

ARTICLE 4
COVENANTS

4.1            Payment of Securities .  The Company shall pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on each Series of Securities on the dates and in the manner provided   in such Securities and this Indenture.  An installment of principal or interest shall be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or Paying Agent holds on that date money designated for and sufficient to pay such installment and is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or otherwise.  The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal, and overdue interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate specified in the Series of Securities.

 
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4.2            SEC Reports .  The Company will:

(1)           file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of such Sections, then it will file with the Trustee and the SEC, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;

(2)           file with the Trustee and the SEC, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and

(3)           comply with all other provisions of TIA Section 314(a).

4.3            Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws .  The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that they will not at any time insist upon, or plead (as a defense or otherwise) or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension law, usury law or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and (to the extent that they may lawfully do so) the Company hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

4.4            Compliance Certificate .

(a)           The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, an Officers’ Certificate which complies with TIA Section 314(a)(4) stating that a review of the activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries during such fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officers with a view to determining whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions hereof (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event and what action each is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 
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(b)           (i) If any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) if any Holder seeks to exercise any remedy hereunder with respect to a claimed Default under this Indenture or the Securities, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying such event, notice or other action within five Business Days of its becoming aware of such occurrence and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

4.5            Payment of Taxes and Other Claims .  The Company shall pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged, before the same shall become delinquent, (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges (including withholding taxes and any penalties, interest and additions to taxes) levied or imposed upon it or any of its Significant Subsidiaries or properties of it or any of its Significant Subsidiaries and (ii) all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies that, if unpaid, might by law become a Lien upon the property of it or any of its Significant Subsidiaries; provided, however, that neither the Company nor any of its Significant Subsidiaries shall be required to pay or discharge or cause to be paid or discharged any such tax, assessment, charge or claim if the amount, applicability or validity thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and an adequate reserve has been established therefor to the extent required by GAAP.

4.6            Corporate Existence .  Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, and the corporate or other existence of each Significant Subsidiary, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company and of each Significant Subsidiary, and the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate or other existence of any of its Significant Subsidiaries, if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

4.7            Maintenance of Properties .  The Company will cause all properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4.7 shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary and not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

 
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ARTICLE 5
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

5.1            Limitation on Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets .

(a)           The Company will not, in any transaction or series of transactions, merge or consolidate with or into, or sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets (as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in one transaction or a series of related transactions), to any Person or Persons, unless at the time of and after giving effect thereto (i) either (A) if the transaction or series of transactions is a merger or consolidation, the Company shall be the surviving Person of such merger or consolidation, or (B) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which the properties and assets of the Company are transferred (any such surviving person or transferee Person being the “ Surviving Entity ”) shall be a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company (including, without limitation, the obligation to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities and the performance of the other covenants) under the Securities of each Series and this Indenture, and in each case, this Indenture shall remain in full force and effect; and (ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to such transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of transactions), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

(b)           In connection with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets contemplated by this Section 5.1 , the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and the supplemental indenture in respect thereto comply with this Section 5.1 and that all conditions precedent herein provided   for relating to such transaction or transactions have been complied with.

5.2            Successor Person Substituted .  Upon any consolidation or merger, or any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company in accordance with Section 5.1 hereof, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor corporation had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter (except with respect to any such transfer which is a lease) the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

 
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ARTICLE 6
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

6.1            Events of Default .  “ Events of Default ,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any Series, means any one of the following events, unless in the establishing Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers’ Certificate, it is provided   that such Series shall not have the benefit of said Event of Default:

(1)           there is a default in the payment of any principal of or premium, if any, on the Securities when the same becomes due and payable at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise;

(2)           there is a default in the payment of any interest on any Security of a Series when the same becomes due and payable and the Default continues for a period of 30 days;

(3)           the Company defaults in the observance or performance of any other covenant in the Securities of a Series or this Indenture for 90 days after written notice from the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then outstanding;

(4)           the Company or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(A)           commences a voluntary case,

(B)           consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case,

(C)           consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property,

(D)           makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or

(E)           generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

(5)           a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(A)           is for relief against the Company or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

(B)           appoints a Custodian of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary; or

 
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(C)           orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or

(6)           any other Event of Default provided   with respect to Securities of that Series, which is specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate, in accordance with Section 2.2(18) hereof.

The Trustee may withhold notice of any Default (except in payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities) to the Holders of the Securities of any Series in accordance with Section 7.5 hereof.

6.2            Acceleration .  If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding (other than an Event of Default arising under Section 6.1(4) or Section 6.1(5) hereof) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by written notice to the Company, or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that Series then outstanding may by written notice to the Company and the Trustee declare that the entire principal amount of all the Securities of that Series then outstanding plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of acceleration are immediately due and payable, in which case such amounts shall become immediately due and payable; provided, however, that after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of that Series may rescind and annul such acceleration and its consequences if (i) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated principal (and premium, if any) or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration, have been cured or waived, (ii) to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid and (iii) the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.  No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Default or impair any right consequent thereto.  In case an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(4) or Section 6.1(5) hereof with respect to the Company occurs, such principal (and premium, if any) and interest amount with respect to all of the Securities of that Series shall be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities of that Series.

6.3            Other Remedies .  If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that Series or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Securities of that Series or this Indenture.  The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities of that Series or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy.  All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

 
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6.4            Waiver of Past Defaults and Events of Default .  Subject to Section 6.2 , Section 6.7 and Section 8.2 hereof, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series then outstanding have the right to waive any existing Default or Event of Default with respect to such Series or compliance with any provision of this Indenture (with respect to such Series) or the Securities of such Series.  Upon any such waiver, such Default with respect to such Series shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default with respect to such Series arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereto.

6.5            Control by Majority .  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any Series then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee by this Indenture with respect to such Series.  The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Securityholder or that may involve the Trustee in personal liability; provided   that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

6.6            Limitation on Suits .  Subject to Section 6.7 hereof, a Securityholder may not institute any proceeding or pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Securities of a Series unless:

(1)           the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that Series;

(2)           the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

(3)           such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense to be incurred in compliance with such request;

(4)           the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of indemnity; and

(5)           no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such Series then outstanding.

A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Securityholder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Securityholder.

6.7            Rights of Holders To Receive Payment .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security of a Series to receive payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Security of such Series on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security of such Series, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, is absolute and unconditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.

 
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6.8            Collection Suit by Trustee .  If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium or interest specified in Section 6.1(1) or Section 6.1(2) hereof with respect to Securities of any Series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company (or any other obligor on the Securities of that Series) for the whole amount of unpaid principal and accrued interest remaining unpaid, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest, in each case at the rate then borne by the Securities of that Series, and such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

6.9            Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Securityholders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), any of their respective creditors or any of their respective property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same after deduction of its charges and expenses to the extent that any such charges and expenses are not paid out of the estate in any such proceedings and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Securityholder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Securityholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Securityholder any plan or reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities of a Series or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Securityholder in any such proceedings.

6.10          Priorities .  If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article 6 , it shall pay out the money in the following order:

FIRST:                      to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.7 hereof;

SECOND:                 to Securityholders for amounts then due and unpaid for principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively; and

THIRD:                     to the Company.

 
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The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Securityholders pursuant to this Section 6.10 hereof.

6.11          Undertaking for Costs .  In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of a Series then outstanding.

ARTICLE 7
TRUSTEE

7.1            Duties of Trustee .

(a)           If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the same circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

(b)           Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(1)           The Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no covenants or obligations shall be implied in this Indenture against the Trustee.

(2)           In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture but, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

(c)           The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(1)           This paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.1 .

(2)           The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.

 
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(3)           The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.2 and Section 6.5 hereof.

(d)           No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

(e)           Whether or not therein expressly so provided, paragraphs (a) , (b) , (c) and (d) of this Section 7.1 shall govern every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee.

(f)           The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by the law.

(g)           The Paying Agent, the Registrar and any authenticating agent shall be entitled to the protections, immunities and standard of care set forth in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this Section 7.1 and in Section 7.2 hereof with respect to the Trustee.

7.2            Rights of Trustee .

(a)           Subject to Section 7.1 hereof:

(1)           The Trustee may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.

(2)           Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or both, which shall conform to the provisions of Section 10.5 hereof.  The Trustee shall be protected and shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such certificate or opinion.

(3)           The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed by it with due care.

(4)           The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it reasonably believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers.

(5)           The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

 
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(6)           The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which may be incurred therein or thereby.

(7)           The Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any fact or matter unless such fact or matter is known to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee.

7.3            Individual Rights of Trustee .  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may make loans to, accept deposits from, perform services for or otherwise deal with the Company, or any Affiliate thereof, with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Agent may do the same with like rights.  The Trustee, however, shall be subject to Section 7.10 and Section 7.11 hereof.

7.4            Trustee’s Disclaimer .  The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Securities (except that the Trustee represents that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Indenture and authenticate the Securities and perform its obligations hereunder), it shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the sale of Securities or any money paid to the Company pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and it shall not be responsible for any statement in the Securities other than its certificates of authentication.

7.5            Notice of Default .  If a Default or an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Securities of any Series and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder of the Securities of that Series notice of the Default or the Event of Default, as the case may be, within 30 days after it occurs.  Except in the case of a Default or an Event of Default in payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security of any Series, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Board of Directors of the Trustee, the executive committee or any trust committee of such board and/or its Responsible Officers in good faith determine(s) that withholding the notice is in the interests of the Securityholders of that Series.

7.6            Reports by Trustee to Holders .  If and to the extent required by the TIA, within 60 days after September 1 of each year, commencing the September 1 following the date of this Indenture, the Trustee shall mail to each Securityholder a brief report dated as of such September 1 that complies with TIA Section 313(a).  The Trustee also shall comply with TIA Sections 313(b) and 313(c).  A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Securityholders shall be filed with the SEC and any stock exchange on which the Securities of that Series are listed.  The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Securities of any Series are listed on any stock exchange, and the Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 313(d).

 
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7.7            Compensation and Indemnity .  The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for its services.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable disbursements, expenses and advances incurred or made by it in connection with its duties under this Indenture, including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.  The Company shall indemnify the Trustee for, and hold it harmless against, any and all loss or liability incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or performance of its duties under this Indenture including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.  The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim asserted against the Trustee for which it may seek indemnity.  However, the failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of its obligations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company need not reimburse the Trustee for any expense or indemnify it against any loss or liability incurred by the Trustee through its negligence or bad faith.

To secure the payment obligations of the Company in this Section 7.7 , the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Securities of any Series on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except such money or property held in trust to pay principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on particular Securities of that Series.

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clauses (4) or (5) of Section 6.1 hereof occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

For purposes of this Section 7.7 , the term “ Trustee ” shall include any trustee appointed pursuant to Article 9 hereof.

7.8            Replacement of Trustee .  The Trustee may resign with respect to the Securities of one or more Series by so notifying the Company in writing at least 90 days in advance of such resignation.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of any Series may remove the Trustee with respect to that Series by notifying the removed Trustee in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee with respect to that Series with the written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.  The Company may remove the Trustee with respect to that Series at its election if:

(1)           the Trustee fails to comply with, or ceases to be eligible under, Section 7.10 hereof;

(2)           the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

(3)           a Custodian or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(4)           the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

 
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If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee with respect to any Series of Securities for any reason, the Company shall promptly notify each Holder of such event and shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  If a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of the applicable Series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof, any Securityholder of the applicable Series may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.  A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.

Immediately following such delivery (i) the retiring Trustee with respect to one or more Series shall, subject to its rights under Section 7.7 hereof, transfer all property held by it as Trustee with respect to such Series to the successor Trustee, (ii) the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and (iii) the successor Trustee with respect to such Series shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  A successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series shall mail notice of its succession to each Securityholder of such Series.

7.9            Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger or Conversion .  If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another corporation, subject to Section 7.10 hereof, the successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

7.10          Eligibility; Disqualification .  This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA Sections 310(a)(1), (2) and (5) in every respect.  The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b), including the provision in Section 310(b)(1).  If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 7.10 , it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Article 7 .

7.11          Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company .  The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

7.12          Paying Agents .  The Company shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to it and the Trustee an instrument in which such agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 7.12 :

(1)           that it will hold all sums held by it as agent for the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities (whether such sums have been paid to it by the Company or by any obligor on the Securities) in trust for the benefit of Holders of the Securities or the Trustee;

 
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(2)           that it will at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default, upon written request from the Trustee, deliver to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by it together with a full accounting thereof; and

(3)           that it will give the Trustee written notice within three (3) Business Days of any failure of the Company (or by any obligor on the Securities) in the payment of any installment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities when the same shall be due and payable.
 
ARTICLE 8
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

8.1            Without Consent of Holders .  The Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of one or more Series without notice to or consent of any Securityholder:

(1)           to comply with Section 5.1 hereof;

(2)           to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to certificated Securities;

(3)           to comply with any requirements of the SEC under the TIA;

(4)           to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or to make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder;

(5)           to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of Securities of any Series as permitted by this Indenture; or

(6)           to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more Series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee.

The Trustee is hereby authorized to join with the Company in the execution of any supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by the terms of this Indenture and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any such supplemental indenture which adversely affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture.

 
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8.2            With Consent of Holders .

(a)           The Company, when authorized by a Board Resolution, and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities of one or more Series with the written consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series affected by such amendment or supplement without notice to any Securityholder.  The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of each such Series affected by such amendment or supplement may waive compliance in a particular instance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities of such Series without notice to any Securityholder.  Subject to Section 8.4 hereof, without the consent of each Securityholder affected, however, an amendment, supplement or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.4 hereof, may not:

(1)           reduce the amount of Securities whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver to this Indenture or the Securities;

(2)           reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any Security;

(3)           reduce the principal or change the Stated Maturity of any Security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;

(4)           make any Security payable in money other than that stated in the Security;

(5)           change the amount or time of any payment required by the Securities or reduce the premium payable upon any redemption of the Securities, or change the time before which no such redemption may be made;

(6)           waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security (except a rescission of acceleration of the Securities of any Series by the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such Series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

(7)           waive a redemption payment with respect to any Security or change any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of any Securities;

(8)           make any changes in Section 6.4 or Section 6.7 hereof or this Section 8.2 , except to increase any percentage of Securities the Holders of which must consent to any matter; or

(9)           take any other action otherwise prohibited by this Indenture to be taken without the consent of each Holder affected thereby.

(b)           Upon the request of the Company, accompanied by a Board Resolution authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the receipt by the Trustee of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Securityholders as aforesaid and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 8.6 hereof, the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such supplemental indenture.

 
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(c)           It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

8.3            Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .  Every amendment to or supplement of this Indenture or the Securities shall comply with the TIA as then in effect.

8.4            Revocation and Effect of Consents .  Until an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent conclusive and binding upon such Holder and every subsequent Holder of the same Security or portion thereof, and of any Security issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any such Security.  Any such Holder or subsequent Holder, however, may revoke the consent as to his Security or portion of a Security, if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective.  The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement, or waiver which record date shall be at least 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent.  If a record date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.  No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 90 days after such record date without the applicable amendment, supplement or waiver becoming effective.

After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective, it shall bind every Securityholder, unless it makes a change described in any of clauses (1) through (9) of Section 8.2 hereof.  In that case the amendment, supplement, waiver or other action shall bind each Holder of a Security who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security; provided that any such waiver shall not impair or affect the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on a Security, on or after the respective due dates expressed in such Security, or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates without the consent of such Holder.

8.5            Notation on or Exchange of Securities .  If an amendment, supplement, or waiver changes the terms of a Security of any Series, the Trustee may request the Holder of such Security to deliver it to the Trustee.  In such case, the Trustee shall place an appropriate notation on such Security about the changed terms and return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so determines, the Company in exchange for such Security shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new security that reflects the changed terms.  Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Security shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 
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8.6            Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc .  The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 8 hereof if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  If it does, the Trustee may, but need not, sign it.  In signing such amendment, supplement or waiver the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and, subject to Section 7.1 hereof, shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by this Indenture.  The Company may not sign an amendment or supplement until the Board of Directors of the Company approves it.

ARTICLE 9
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

9.1            Discharge of Indenture .  The Company may terminate its obligations under the Securities of any Series and this Indenture with respect to such Series, except the obligations referred to in the last paragraph of this Section 9.1 , if there shall have been canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation all Securities of such Series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than any Securities of such Series that are asserted to have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that shall have been replaced as provided   in Section 2.8 hereof) and the Company has paid all sums payable by it hereunder or deposited all required sums with the Trustee.  After such delivery the Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Company’s obligations under the Securities of such Series and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified below.  Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company in Section 7.7 , Section 9.5 and Section 9.6 hereof shall survive.

9.2            Legal Defeasance .  The Company may at its option, by Board Resolution, be discharged from its obligations with respect to the Securities of any Series on the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.4 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Legal Defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such Legal Defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the Securities of such Series and to have satisfied all its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall, subject to Section 9.6 hereof, execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of outstanding Securities of such Series to receive solely from the trust funds described in Section 9.4 hereof and as more fully set forth in such section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of such Series when such payments are due, (B) the Company’s obligations with respect to the Securities of such Series under Section 2.4 through Section 2.9 , inclusive, hereof, (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, and immunities of the Trustee hereunder (including claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof) and (D) this Article 9 .  Subject to compliance with this Article 9 , the Company may exercise its option under this Section 9.2 with respect to the Securities of any Series notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 9.3 hereof with respect to the Securities of such Series.

 
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9.3            Covenant Defeasance .  At the option of the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution, the Company shall be released from its obligations under Section 4.2 through Section 4.7 hereof, inclusive, and Section 5.1 hereof, with respect to the outstanding Securities of any Series, on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.4 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “ Covenant Defeasance ”).  For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that the Company may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such specified section or portion thereof, whether directly or indirectly by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such specified Section or portion thereof or by reason of any reference in any such specified section or portion thereof to any other provision herein or in any other document, but the remainder of this Indenture and the Securities of any Series shall be unaffected thereby.

9.4            Conditions to Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance .  The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 9.2 or Section 9.3 hereof to the outstanding Securities of a Series:

(1)           the Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.10 hereof who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article 9 applicable to it) as funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S.  Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the outstanding Securities of such Series at the Stated Maturity of such principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, or on dates for payment and redemption of such principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, selected in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities of such Series;

(2)           no Event of Default or Default with respect to the Securities of such Series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit, or shall have occurred and be continuing at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit or, if longer, ending on the day following the expiration of the longest preference period under any Bankruptcy Law applicable to the Company in respect of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period);

(3)           such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest for purposes of the TIA with respect to any securities of the Company;

(4)           such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute default under any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

 
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(5)           the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that, as a result of such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, neither the trust nor the Trustee will be required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended;

(6)           in the case of an election under Section 9.2 hereof, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that or (ii) there has been a change in any applicable Federal income tax law with the effect that, and such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of the outstanding Securities of such Series or persons in their positions will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes solely as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, including as a result of prepayment, and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(7)           in the case of an election under Section 9.3 hereof, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of the outstanding Securities of such Series will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(8)           the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided   for in this Article 9 relating to either the Legal Defeasance under Section 9.2 hereof or the Covenant Defeasance under Section 9.3 hereof (as the case may be) have been complied with;

(9)           the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit under clause (1) was not made by the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and

(10)         the Company shall have paid or duly provided   for payment under terms mutually satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee all amounts then due to the Trustee pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof.

9.5            Deposited Money and U.S.  and Foreign Government Obligations to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions .  All money, U.S.  Government Obligations and Foreign Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.4 hereof in respect of the outstanding Securities shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities, of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 
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The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the U.S.  Government Obligations and Foreign Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 9.4 hereof or the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of the outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Article 9 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money, U.S.  Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations held by it as provided   in Section 9.4 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

9.6            Reinstatement .  If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money, U.S.  Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.1 , Section 9.2, Section 9.3 or Section 9.4 hereof by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 9 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money, U.S.  Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 9.1 , Section 9.2 , Section 9.3 or Section 9.4 hereof; provided, however, that if the Company has made any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Securities because of the reinstatement of their obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money, U.S.  Government Obligations or Foreign Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

9.7            Moneys Held by Paying Agent .  In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all moneys then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture shall, upon demand of the Company, be paid to the Trustee, or if sufficient moneys have been deposited pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof, to the Company, and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

9.8            Moneys Held by Trustee .  Any moneys deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or then held by the Company in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any Security that are not applied but remain unclaimed by the Holder of such Security for two years after the date upon which the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Security shall have respectively become due and payable shall be repaid to the Company upon Company Request, or if such moneys are then held by the Company in trust, such moneys shall be released from such trust; and the Holder of such Security entitled to receive such payment shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for the payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or any such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may, at the expense of the Company, either mail to each Securityholder affected, at the address shown in the register of the Securities maintained by the Registrar or cause to be published once a week for two successive weeks, in a newspaper published in the English language, customarily published each Business Day and of general circulation in the City of ___________, ____________, a notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such mailing or publication, any unclaimed balance of such moneys then remaining will be repaid to the Company.  After payment to the Company or the release of any money held in trust by the Company, Securityholders entitled to the money must look only to the Company for payment as general creditors unless applicable abandoned property law designates another person.

 
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ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS

10.1          Trust Indenture Act Controls .  If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA, the required provision shall control.  If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the TIA which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

10.2          Notices .  Any notice or communication shall be given in writing and delivered in person, sent by facsimile, delivered by commercial courier service or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to the Company:

 
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
18 East Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Attention: Principal Accounting Officer

Copy to:

If to the Trustee:

 
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The Company or the Trustee by written notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.  Any notice or communication to the Company or the Trustee shall be deemed to have been given or made as of the date so delivered if personally delivered; when answered back, if telexed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and five (5) calendar days after mailing if sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid (except that a notice of change of address shall not be deemed to have been given until actually received by the addressee).

Any notice or communication mailed to a Securityholder shall be mailed to him by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at his address shown on the register kept by the Registrar.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders.  If a notice or communication to a Securityholder is mailed in the manner provided   above, it shall be deemed duly given five (5) calendar days after mailing, whether or not the addressee receives it.  In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it shall be impossible to mail any notice as required by this Indenture, then such method of notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient mailing of such notice.  In the case of Global Securities, notices or communications to be given to Securityholders shall be given to the Depositary, in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time.

10.3          Communications by Holders with Other Holders .  Securityholders of any Series may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Securityholders of that Series or any other Series with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities of that Series or any other Series.  The Company, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

10.4          Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .  Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee:

(1)           an Officers’ Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 10.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided   for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(2)           an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 10.5 hereof) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

10.5          Statement Required in Certificate and Opinion .  Each certificate and opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided   for in this Indenture shall include:

(1)           a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(2)           a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 
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(3)           a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it or he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it or him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(4)           a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with.

10.6          Rules by Trustee and Agents .  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at meetings of Securityholders.  The Registrar and Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

10.7          Business Days; Legal Holidays .  A “ Business Day ” is a day that is not a Legal Holiday.  A “ Legal Holiday ” is a Saturday, a Sunday, a federally recognized holiday or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of ____________.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

10.8          Governing Law .  THIS INDENTURE AND THE SECURITIES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW THAT WOULD APPLY THE LAW OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE OR THE SECURITIES.

10.9         No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .  This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan, security or debt agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof.  No such indenture, loan, security or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture.

10.10        No Recourse Against Others .  A director, officer, employee, stockholder or incorporator, as such, of the Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creations.  Each Securityholder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability.  Such waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Securities.

10.11        Successors and Assigns .  All agreements of the Company in this Indenture and the Securities shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.  All agreements of the Trustee, any additional trustee and any Paying Agents in this Indenture shall bind their respective successors and assigns.

 
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10.12        Multiple Counterparts .  The parties may sign multiple counterparts of this Indenture.  Each signed counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them together represent one and the same agreement.

10.13        Table of Contents, Headings, Etc.  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

10.14        Separabilty .  Each provision of this Indenture shall be considered separable, and if for any reason any provision which is not essential to the effectuation of the basic purpose of this Indenture or the Securities shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

10.15        Securities in a Foreign Currency or in ECU .  Unless otherwise specified in a Board Resolution, a supplemental indenture hereto or an Officers’ Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof with respect to a particular Series of Securities, whenever for purposes of this Indenture any action may be taken by the Holders of a specified percentage in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all Series or all Series affected by a particular action at the time outstanding and, at such time, there are outstanding Securities of any Series which are denominated in a coin or currency other than Dollars (including ECU), then the principal amount of Securities of such Series which shall be deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of taking such action shall be that amount of Dollars that could be obtained for such amount at the Market Exchange Rate at such time.  For purposes of this Section 10.15 , the term “ Market Exchange Rate ” shall mean the noon Dollar buying rate in New York City for cable transfers of that currency as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; provided, however, in the case of ECUs, Market Exchange Rate shall mean the rate of exchange determined by the Commission of the European Union (or any successor thereto) as published in the Official Journal of the European Union (such publication or any successor publication, the “ Journal ”).  If such Market Exchange Rate is not available for any reason with respect to such currency, the Trustee shall use, in its sole discretion and without liability on its part, such quotation of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or, in the case of ECUs, the rate of exchange as published in the Journal, as of the most recent available date, or quotations or, in the case of ECUs, rates of exchange from one or more major banks in The City of New York or in the country of issue of the currency in question or, in the case of ECUs, in Luxembourg or such other quotations or, in the case of ECUs, rates of exchange as the Trustee, upon consultation with the Company, shall deem appropriate.  The provisions of this paragraph shall apply in determining the equivalent principal amount in respect of Securities of a Series denominated in currency other than Dollars in connection with any action taken by Holders of Securities pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.  All decisions and determinations of the Trustee regarding the Market Exchange Rate or any alternative determination provided   for in the preceding paragraph shall be in its sole discretion and shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive to the extent permitted by law for all purposes and irrevocably binding upon the Company and all Holders.

 
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10.16        Judgment Currency .  The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, or other amount on the Securities of any Series (the “ Required Currency ”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “ Judgment Currency ”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered, unless such day is not a New York Banking Day, then, the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the New York Banking Day preceding the day on which final unappealable judgment is entered and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with subsection (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable, and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture.  For purposes of the foregoing, “ New York Banking Day ” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 
SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.
   
 
By:
 
 
Name:  
 
 
Title:
 
   
 
[Name of Trustee]
   
 
By:
 
 
Name:  
 
 
Title:
 
 
 
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Exhibit 5.1

 
   
Attorneys at Law
233 East  Redwood Street
Baltimore, Maryland
21202-3332
410-576-4000
www.gfrlaw.com
 
June 25, 2010
 
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
18 East Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Shore Bancshares, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Registrant”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-3, including the prospectus contained therein (the “Registration Statement”), filed on the date hereof by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of one or more of the following securities with an aggregate offering price of up to $75,000,000:  (i) shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) shares of preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more classes or series (the “Preferred Stock”); (iii) debt securities, in one or more series, which may be convertible into shares of Common Stock or shares of Preferred Stock (the “Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities, or any combination thereof (the “Warrants”); and/or (v) units comprised of one or more shares of Common Stock, shares of Preferred Stock, Debt Securities or Warrants, in any combination (the “Units”).  The Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, the Debt Securities, the Warrants and the Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities” and are sometimes individually referred to as a “Security.”

The Securities may be issued in one or more series and may be offered and sold from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of the offering as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and one or more supplements to the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement (each, a “Prospectus Supplement”).  The Registration Statement provides that:  (i) any Debt Securities will be issued by the Registrant pursuant to one or more indentures in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, as such form may be amended or supplemented from time to time (each, an “Indenture”), to be entered into between the Registrant and a trustee chosen by the Registrant and qualified to act as such under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (each, a “Trustee”); (ii) any Warrants will be issued under one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) to be entered into between the Registrant and a warrant agent chosen by the Registrant (each, a “Warrant Agent”); and (iii) any Units will be issued under one or more unit agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement”) to be entered into between the Registrant and a unit agent chosen by the Registrant (each, a “Unit Agent”).

 
 

 
 
We have examined the Registration Statement and exhibits thereto.  We have also examined and relied upon the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Registrant (the “Board”) relating to the matters referred to herein and provided to us by the Registrant, the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Registrant, each as restated, amended and/or supplemented to date, and such other documents, agreements, instruments and certificates of public officials of the State of Maryland and of officers of the Registrant as we have deemed necessary for purposes of rendering the opinion set forth below (the foregoing documents are collectively referred to herein as the “Documents”).  In rendering this opinion, we have assumed without investigation that any certificate or record of a public authority or other person on which we have relied which was given or obtained and dated earlier than the date of this letter remains accurate as of the date hereof.

In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed, and so far as is known to us there are no facts inconsistent therewith, that all Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, all Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents, all signatures on all such Documents are genuine, all public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete, all statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete, and all signatories to the Documents were legally competent to do so.

To the extent relevant to any opinion below, we have also assumed that at the time of the sale or delivery of any Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement:  (i) the Registration Statement, as amended by any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), will have become effective under the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and such effectiveness will not have been terminated or rescinded, and will comply with all applicable laws; (ii) one or more Prospectus Supplements relating to the Securities being offered will have been prepared and filed in compliance with the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and will comply with all applicable laws; (iii) if the Securities being offered are to be sold pursuant to a purchase, underwriting or similar agreement (an “Underwriting Agreement”), such Underwriting Agreement relating to the Securities being offered, in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment thereto or a Current Report on Form 8-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Registrant and the other parties thereto, and will constitute a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Registrant and the other parties thereto, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms, and any Securities offered and sold pursuant thereto will have been offered and sold in accordance with the terms thereof; (iv) any Indenture relating to the Debt Securities, any Warrant Agreement relating to the Warrants and any Unit Agreement relating to the Units, in each case in the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment thereto or a Current Report on Form 8-K under the Exchange Act, will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Registrant and the other parties thereto, and will constitute a valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Registrant and the other parties thereto, enforceable against each of them in accordance with its terms; (v) the Securities being offered and any related Underwriting Agreement, Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Incorporation, Indenture, Warrant Agreement or Unit Agreement, as applicable, describing such Securities will conform in all material respects to the description thereof in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Securities being offered; (vi) the Securities being offered will have been issued and sold in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and for the consideration set forth in, and otherwise as contemplated by and in conformity with, the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and the Prospectus Supplement relating to the Securities being offered; (vii) any applicable listing or other requirements of any stock exchange on which the Securities being offered may be listed will have been complied with; (viii) the rights, powers, privileges, preferences and other terms, if any, of any Security to be established after the date hereof, and the terms of the issuance, sale and delivery of any Security being offered, (a) will be in conformity with the Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws as then in effect, (b) will not violate any applicable law or result in a breach of or default under any agreement or instrument to which the Registrant is then a party or which is then binding upon the Registrant, and (c) will comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Registrant; (ix) with respect to any shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock being offered, there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock, as applicable, authorized, designated (in the case of Preferred Stock) and available for issuance; (x) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered will have been duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise; and (xi) the Registrant shall be a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland and shall have the necessary power and authority to issue and sell such Securities.

 
 

 
 
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1.           With respect to any shares of Common Stock (including any shares of Common Stock issued upon the exchange or conversion of Preferred Stock or Debt Securities that are exchangeable for or convertible into Common Stock or upon the exercise of Warrants or comprising part of Units) to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of the offering of such shares of Common Stock as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Common Stock (the “Common Stock Authorization”), and (b) certificates representing the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered or uncertificated, valid book-entry notations have been made in the Registrant’s share register, in each case in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as then in effect, either (i) in accordance with the Common Stock Authorization and, if applicable, the Underwriting Agreement relating to the sale of the Common Stock, then upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, or (ii) upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any other Security in accordance with the terms of the Security providing for the conversion, exchange or exercise as approved by the Board, then upon payment of the consideration approved by the Board, such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

2.           With respect to any shares of Preferred Stock (including any shares of Preferred Stock issued upon the exchange or conversion of Debt Securities that are exchangeable for or convertible into Preferred Stock or upon the exercise of Warrants or comprising part of Units) to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (a) Articles Supplementary classifying authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock into a sufficient number of shares of such Preferred Stock to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement and designating the rights, powers, privileges, preferences and other terms thereof, if any, have been duly (i) authorized and approved by the Board in accordance with applicable law and the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as then in effect and (ii) filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland, (b) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the issuance and terms of the offering thereof, in each case under clauses (a) and (b) prior to the issuance of such Preferred Stock, and (c) certificates representing the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered or uncertificated, valid book-entry notations have been made in the Registrant’s share register, in each case in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as then in effect, either (i) in accordance with the Articles Supplementary and the Board’s authorization thereof, and, if applicable, the Underwriting Agreement relating to the sale of the Preferred Stock, then upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, or (ii) upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any other Security in accordance with the terms of the Security providing for the conversion, exchange or exercise as approved by the Board, then upon payment of the consideration approved by the Board, such shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 
 

 
 
3.           With respect to any Debt Securities (including any Debt Securities issued upon the exercise of Warrants or comprising part of Units) to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the Indenture relating to the sale of a particular issue of Debt Securities, and the issuance and terms of such Debt Securities and the terms of the offering thereof as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and any Prospectus Supplement relating to such Debt Securities (the “Debt Securities Authorization”), (b) the terms of such Debt Securities and of their issuance and sale have been duly established in conformity with the Indenture relating thereto, (c) the Trustee is qualified to act as Trustee under the Indenture relating to such Debt Securities and such Indenture and the Trustee have been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and a Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee on a Form T-1 is filed with the SEC with respect to the Trustee, (d) the Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Indenture relating thereto, (e) the Debt Securities have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Indenture relating thereto, and (f) the Registrant has received the consideration provided for in the Debt Securities Authorization and, if applicable, the Underwriting Agreement relating to the sale of the Debt Securities, then such Debt Securities will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Registrant, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms.

4.           With respect to any Warrants (including any Warrants comprising part of Units) to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize and approve the Warrant Agreement relating to the sale of any Warrants, and the issuance, terms and form of such Warrants, including the underlying Securities related thereto, and the terms of the offering thereof as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and the Prospectus Supplement relating to such Warrants (the “Warrant Authorization”), (b) the terms of the Warrants, including the underlying Securities related thereto, and of the offering thereof, have been duly established in conformity with the Warrant Agreement relating thereto, (c) the Warrants have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Registrant in accordance with the Warrant Agreement relating thereto, (d) the Warrants have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Warrant Agreement relating thereto, and (e) the Registrant has received the consideration provided for in the Warrant Authorization and, if applicable, the Underwriting Agreement relating to the sale of the Warrants, then such Warrants will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Registrant, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms.

5.           With respect to any Units to be offered by the Registrant pursuant to the Registration Statement, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the Unit Agreement with respect to the sale of any Units, and to authorize and approve the issuance, terms and form of the Units, including the underlying Securities related thereto, and the terms of the offering thereof as set forth in the Registration Statement, any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and the Prospectus Supplement relating such Units (the “Unit Authorization”), (b) the terms of the Units, including the underlying Securities related thereto, and of the offering thereof, have been duly established in conformity with the Unit Agreement relating thereto, (c) the Units have been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Registrant in accordance with the Unit Agreement relating thereto, (d) the Units have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Unit Agreement relating thereto, and (e) the Registrant has received the consideration provided for in the Unit Authorization and, if applicable, the Underwriting Agreement relating to the sale of the Units, then such Units will be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Registrant, enforceable against it in accordance with their terms.

 
 

 
 
The opinions expressed herein are qualified as follows: (a) the foregoing opinions are limited to (i) the laws of the State of Maryland, the applicable provisions of the Maryland Constitution, the laws of the United State of America, and reported judicial decisions interpreting these laws, and (ii) solely with respect to our opinion in paragraph (3) with respect to Debt Securities issued under an Indenture governed by the laws of the State of New York, the laws of the State of New York, and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law; (b) our opinions are subject to and may be limited by (i) the effect of applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent transfer, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally; (ii) the application of principles of equity, whether in a proceeding at law or in equity; (iii) judicial discretion inherent in the forum addressing enforceability; (iv) limitations based upon public policy restricting the right to waive the benefit of statutory or common law provisions or rights or the rights of parties to obtain remedies; (v) the obligation of a party to act in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner in the performance of its obligations and the enforcement of its rights; (vi) the unenforceability under certain circumstances of provisions providing for the indemnification of, or contribution to, a party with respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary to public policy; (vii) requirements that a claim with respect to any Debt Securities denominated other than in United States dollars (or a judgment denominated other than in United States dollars with respect to such a claim) be converted into United States dollars at a rate of exchange prevailing on a date determined pursuant to applicable law; and (viii) governmental authority to limit, delay or prohibit the making of payments outside the United States or in foreign currency or composite currency; and (c) we express no opinion with respect to (i) any waiver of rights or defenses with respect to any stay, extension or usury laws, or other law which would prohibit or forgive the Registrant from paying all or any portion of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities; (ii) whether acceleration of any Debt Securities may affect the ability to collect any portion of the stated principal amount thereof which might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon; (iii) any choice of law provision or any provision providing for a party’s submission to the jurisdiction of any court; (iv) any requirement that any amendment or waiver must be in writing; (v) any provisions that make any person’s determinations conclusive; or (vi) any provisions stating that all provisions in an agreement are severable or that purport to provide, where provisions of an agreement are unenforceable, for the enforceability of the remainder, if the unenforceable provisions are an essential element of the original consideration.

This opinion letter is rendered to you and is solely for your benefit in connection with the above transactions.  The Securities being registered under the Registration Statement may be offered from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis; however, this opinion letter is rendered as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of changes which may hereafter be brought to our attention.

We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus which is filed as part of the Registration Statement, and to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.  The giving of this consent, however, does not constitute an admission that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Very truly yours,
 
/s/ Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman,
Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC
 
GORDON, FEINBLATT, ROTHMAN,
HOFFBERGER & HOLLANDER, LLC
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 12.1
 
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
Statement Regarding Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
and of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Including interest on deposits
   
Three months ended
       
   
March 31,
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                                     
Earnings:
                                   
  Add:
                                   
    Pretax (loss) income
  $ (2,661 )   $ 11,685     $ 18,562     $ 21,452     $ 21,708     $ 20,742  
    Fixed charges
    3,433       17,411       21,555       24,105       19,074       11,899  
    Amortization of capitalized interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Subtract:
                                               
    Capitalized interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total earnings
  $ 772     $ 29,096     $ 40,117     $ 45,557     $ 40,782     $ 32,641  
                                                 
Fixed charges:
                                               
  Interest expense
  $ 3,433     $ 17,411     $ 21,555     $ 24,105     $ 19,074     $ 11,899  
  Interest capitalized
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Debt premium/discounts
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Estimated interest with rent expense
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Subsidiary preferred dividend requirements
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total fixed charges
  $ 3,433     $ 17,411     $ 21,555     $ 24,105     $ 19,074     $ 11,899  
                                                 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
    0.22       1.67       1.86       1.89       2.14       2.74  
                                                 
Preference Dividends
  $ -     $ 1,876     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                 
Combined fixed charges and preference dividends
  $ 3,433     $ 19,287     $ 21,555     $ 24,105     $ 19,074     $ 11,899  
                                                 
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
                                               
  and preference dividends
    0.22       1.51       1.86       1.89       2.14       2.74  
 
Excluding interest on deposits
   
Three months ended
       
   
March 31,
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                                     
Earnings:
                                   
  Add:
                                   
    Pretax income
  $ (2,661 )   $ 11,685     $ 18,562     $ 21,452     $ 21,708     $ 20,742  
    Fixed charges
    48       393       1,678       2,412       1,946       796  
    Amortization of capitalized interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Subtract:
                                               
    Capitalized interest
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total earnings
  $ (2,613 )   $ 12,078     $ 20,240     $ 23,864     $ 23,654     $ 21,538  
                                                 
Fixed charges:
                                               
  Interest expense
  $ 3,433     $ 17,411     $ 21,555     $ 24,105     $ 19,074     $ 11,899  
  Less: deposit interest
    (3,385 )     (17,018 )     (19,877 )     (21,693 )     (17,128 )     (11,103 )
  Interest capitalized
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Debt premium/discounts
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
  Estimated interest with rent expense
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
 Subsidiary preferred dividend requirements
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total fixed charges
  $ 48     $ 393     $ 1,678     $ 2,412     $ 1,946     $ 796  
                                                 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    (54.44 )     30.73       12.06       9.89       12.16       27.06  
                                                 
Preference Dividends
  $ -     $ 1,876     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                                 
Combined fixed charges and preference dividends
  $ 48     $ 2,269     $ 1,678     $ 2,412     $ 1,946     $ 796  
                                                 
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges
                                               
  and preference dividends
    (54.44 )     5.32       12.06       9.89       12.16       27.06  
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 12, 2010 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Shore Bancshares, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2009.  We also hereby consent to the reference of our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
 
/s/ Stegman & Company

Baltimore, Maryland
June 24, 2010