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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006   Registration No. 333-[            ]

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 


NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Massachusetts   6035   73-1627673

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard

Classification Code Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Donald A. Williams

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

(413) 572-4212

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 


Copies to:

 

Richard A. Schaberg, Esq.

Matthew Dyckman, Esq.

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

(202) 347-8400

 

Kent M. Krudys, Esq.

Robert Lipsher, Esq.

Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C.

5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Suite 400

Washington, DC 20015

(202) 274-2000

 


Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

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, check the following box   ¨

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

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

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) 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.   ¨

 


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 


Title of each Class of Securities to be Registered   

Amount

to be

Registered(1)

  

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Share

  

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price

  

Amount of

Registration Fee

Common Stock $0.01 par value

   34,411,599    $ 10.00    $ 344,115,990.00    $ 36,820.41

(1) Includes the maximum number of shares that may be issued or exchanged in connection with this offering.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

 



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PROSPECTUS

[LOGO] Westfield Financial, Inc.

(Proposed Holding Company for Westfield Bank)

Up to 17,250,000 Shares of Common Stock

New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, is offering shares of its common stock for sale in connection with the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company from the mutual to the stock form of organization. The shares of common stock we are offering represent the ownership interest in Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, now owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company. The existing shares of Westfield Financial common stock held by the public will be exchanged for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation. The number of shares of Westfield Financial to be exchanged for shares of New Westfield Financial will be based on an exchange ratio and will depend on the number of new shares we sell in our offering. Our common stock will be traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD.” New Westfield Financial will be renamed “Westfield Financial, Inc.” once the conversion and stock offering have been completed.

If you are or were a depositor of Westfield Bank:

 

    You may have priority rights to purchase shares of common stock.

If you are currently a stockholder of Westfield Financial, Inc.:

 

    Each of your shares of common stock will be exchanged for between 2.27378 and 3.07629 shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial.

 

    Your percentage ownership interest will remain equivalent to your current percentage ownership interest in Westfield Financial.

 

    You may have the opportunity to purchase additional shares in the offering after subscription offering orders are filled.

If you do not fit either of the categories above, but you are interested in purchasing shares of our common stock:

 

    You may have the opportunity to purchase shares after subscription offering orders are filled.

We are offering up to 17,250,000 shares of common stock for sale on a best efforts basis, subject to certain conditions. We must sell a minimum of 12,750,000 shares to complete the offering. If, as a result of regulatory considerations, demand for the shares or changes in market conditions or our independent appraiser determines that our market value has increased, we may sell up to 19,837,500 shares without giving you further notice or the opportunity to change or cancel your order. The offering is expected to terminate at 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. We may extend this termination date without notice to you until [Extension Date #1], unless the Office of Thrift Supervision approves a later date, which will not be beyond [Extension Date #2].

The minimum purchase is 25 shares. Once submitted, orders are irrevocable unless the offering is terminated or extended beyond [Extension Date #1]. If the offering is extended beyond [Extension Date #1], subscribers will have their funds promptly returned unless they reconfirm their subscription. Funds received before completion of the offering will be held in an escrow account at Westfield Bank and will earn interest at our statement savings rate, which is currently 0.50% per annum. In addition, if we do not sell the minimum number of shares or if we terminate the offering for any other reason, we will promptly return your funds with interest at our statement savings rate.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. will assist us in selling our common stock on a best efforts basis. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods is not required to purchase any shares of the common stock that are being offered for sale. Purchasers will not pay a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

OFFERING SUMMARY

Price Per Share: $10.00

 

     Minimum    Maximum   

Maximum,

As Adjusted

Number of shares

     12,750,000      17,250,000      19,837,500

Gross offering proceeds

   $ 127,500,000    $ 172,500,000    $ 198,375,000

Estimated offering expenses, except underwriting commissions and expenses

   $ 1,200,000    $ 1,200,000    $ 1,200,000

Underwriting commissions and expenses

   $ 1,213,330    $ 1,645,330    $ 1,893,730

Estimated net proceeds

   $ 125,086,670    $ 169,654,670    $ 195,281,270

Estimated net proceeds per share

   $ 9.81    $ 9.84    $ 9.84

This investment involves a degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Please read “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 20.

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of Thrift Supervision or any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

For assistance, please contact the Stock Information Center at (413) [_].

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

The date of this prospectus is [              ], 2006.


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[Map showing office locations of Westfield Bank appears here.]


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE CONVERSION AND THE OFFERING    1
SUMMARY    5
RISK FACTORS    20
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS    24
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA    25
HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE STOCK OFFERING    28
OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS    29
MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK    30
BANK REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE    31
HOLDING COMPANY CAPITALIZATION    33
PRO FORMA DATA    34
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    40
BUSINESS OF WESTFIELD FINANCIAL AND WESTFIELD BANK    62
BUSINESS OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL    85
REGULATION    86
TAXATION    96
MANAGEMENT    98
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK    115
PROPOSED PURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK BY MANAGEMENT    117
THE CONVERSION AND STOCK OFFERING    118
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL AND WESTFIELD BANK    140
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL    144
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR AND EXCHANGE AGENT    145
LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONS    145
EXPERTS    145
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANTS    146
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS    146
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    146
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    F-1


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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE CONVERSION AND THE OFFERING

The following are answers to frequently asked questions. You should read this entire prospectus, including “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 20. The sections entitled “Summary” and “ The Conversion and Offering ” beginning on page 5 and page 118, respectively, provide detailed information about the offering and placing stock orders.

 

Q: What is the Conversion?

 

A: The conversion is a change in corporate form. In 1995, Westfield Bank reorganized into a mutual holding company structure and formed Westfield Mutual Holding Company. In 2001, Westfield Mutual Holding Company formed a mid-tier stock holding company, Westfield Financial, Inc. Westfield Mutual Holding Company is a mutual (meaning no stock outstanding) holding company, and Westfield Financial, Inc. is a stock holding company. A majority (57.6%) of the outstanding shares of Westfield Financial common stock are owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company, while public stockholders own the remainder. Westfield Financial is the holding company of Westfield Bank.

Pursuant to the terms of our Plan of Conversion, the 57.6% ownership interest of Westfield Mutual Holding Company is being offered for sale through our common stock offering. As a result of the stock offering, we will be 100% owned by public stockholders. In addition to the shares of common stock to be issued to those who purchase shares in the stock offering, public stockholders of Westfield Financial as of the completion of the conversion will receive shares of our common stock in exchange for their existing shares. Upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist. On page 8 of this prospectus, there are charts of our organizational structure before and after the conversion.

 

Q: What are the reasons for the conversion ?

 

A : The primary reasons for the conversion and stock offering are to increase the liquidity of our common stock, to continue programs of dividends or repurchases, to finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time), and to fund other general corporate purposes. Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio, expanding the products and services that it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services), opening or acquiring additional branch offices, and funding other general corporate purposes.

 

Q: Will customers notice any change in Westfield Bank’s day-to-day activities as a result of the conversion?

 

A: No. The conversion is an internal change in corporate structure. There will be no change to Westfield Bank’s management, staff or branches as a result of the conversion.

 

Q: Will the conversion affect customers’ deposit accounts or loans?

 

A: No. The conversion will not affect the balance or terms of deposit accounts or loans, and deposits will continue to be federally-insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to the maximum legal limit. Deposit accounts are not being converted to stock.

 

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Q: How many shares are being offered and at what price?

 

A: We are offering between 12,750,000 and 17,250,000 shares of our common stock at $10.00 per share, subject to an increase to 19,837,500 shares.

 

Q: Who is eligible to purchase stock in the subscription offering and community offering?

 

A: By regulation, non-transferable rights to buy shares of common stock in a subscription offering have been granted in the following order of eligibility priority:

Priority #1 – Westfield Bank’s depositors with a minimum of $50 on deposit on March 31, 2005.

Priority #2 – Our Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Priority #3 – Westfield Bank’s depositors with a minimum of $50 on deposit on September 30, 2006.

Priority #4 – Members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company as of [Record Date].

If all shares are not subscribed in the subscription offering, we may choose to offer the shares in a community offering. The community offering, if any, may commence during the subscription offering or just after the subscription offering concludes. If a community offering is conducted, shares will be offered with a preference given first to Westfield Financial stockholders as of [Record Date], second to residents of Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts, and then to members of the general public.

In the event that orders are received for more shares than are available for sale in the stock offering, shares will be allocated as described elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Q: Is it possible that I will not receive any shares?

 

A: Yes. If we receive orders for more shares than we have available to sell, we will be required to allocate shares in the order of priority outlined under the headings “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Subscription Offering And Subscription Rights ” and “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Community Offering, ” beginning on page 126 and page 128, respectively, of this prospectus. If we are unable to fill your order, or can only fill your order in part, you will receive a refund of the appropriate amount, with interest. If you paid by check or money order, we will issue you a refund check with interest. If you paid by authorizing withdrawal from your Westfield Bank deposit account(s), we will only withdraw the funds necessary to pay for the shares you receive. Unused funds, along with accrued interest, will remain in your account(s).

 

Q: How may I purchase shares in the subscription offering or community offering?

 

A: Shares may only be purchased by completing a stock order form and returning it, with full payment or direct deposit account withdrawal authorization, so that it is received (not postmarked) by the offering deadline, 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. Stock order forms may not be delivered to Westfield Bank’s branch offices. Delivery of a stock order form may only be made by: (1) mail, using the order reply envelope provided, (2) overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address noted on the stock order form, or (3) hand-delivery to the Stock Information Center, located at Westfield Bank’s executive office.

 

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Q: I am eligible to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering. May I register the shares in someone else’s name?

 

A: On your stock order form, you must register the shares only in the name(s) of persons who qualify in your eligibility priority. You may not add names of those without subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower eligibility priority than yours.

 

Q: How may I pay for the shares?

 

A: Payment for shares can be remitted in two ways:

 

  (1) By personal check, bank check, or money order payable directly to Westfield Financial. These will be cashed immediately. Westfield Bank line of credit checks and third party checks made out to another entity and then endorsed to Westfield Financial, however, may not be used as payment for shares.

 

  (2) By authorization to withdraw funds from your Westfield Bank deposit account(s) in the stock order form section entitled “Method of Payment,” which allows you to designate the account number(s) and amount(s) to be withdrawn. The amount(s) authorized by you must be available within the designated account(s) at the time you submit the stock order form. A hold will be placed on the dollar amounts authorized, and the funds will not be available to you. Westfield Bank will waive early withdrawal penalties for certificate of deposit account funds used to purchase shares.

 

Q: Will I earn interest on my funds?

 

A: Yes. If you pay by check or money order, you will earn interest at Westfield Bank’s passbook savings rate from the day we cash your check or money order until the completion of the stock offering, when we will issue you a check for interest earned on these funds. If you pay for the shares by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your Westfield Bank deposit account(s), your funds will continue earning interest at the contractual rate, and the interest will remain in your account(s).

 

Q: Are there limits on how many shares I can order?

 

A: Yes. The minimum order is 25 shares ($250). The maximum number of shares that may be purchased by one person, or persons exercising subscription rights through a qualifying deposit account held jointly, is 50,000 ($500,000). Also, no person, with associates, or with persons acting in concert, may purchase more than 100,000 shares ($1,000,000). More detail on purchase limits, including the definition of “associate” and “acting in concert,” can be found in this Prospectus under the heading “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases ,” beginning on page 130.

 

Q: May I use my Westfield Bank loan or line of credit to pay for shares?

 

A: No. Westfield Bank, by regulation, may not extend a loan or line of credit for the purchase of stock in the stock offering.

 

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Q: May I use my Westfield Bank IRA, or an IRA held elsewhere, to purchase the shares?

 

A: You might be able to use IRA funds; however, you may not authorize direct withdrawal from Westfield Bank IRA deposit accounts. If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your IRA at Westfield Bank, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed IRA account maintained by an independent trustee, such as a brokerage firm. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administration fee may be payable to the independent trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you initiate the process promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [Expiration Date] offering deadline, to discuss the possibility of using your Westfield Bank IRA deposit account or any other retirement account held at Westfield Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds for the purchase of shares in the stock offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

 

Q: Will the stock be insured?

 

A: No. Like any other shares of common stock, our shares of common stock are not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency.

 

Q: Will dividends be paid on the stock?

 

A: As fully described in this prospectus under the heading entitled “ Our Policy Regarding Dividends ,” Westfield Financial has historically paid quarterly dividends and currently intends to continue to do so. The expected annualized dividend to be paid after the completion of the conversion and stock offering is $0.20 per share. Given the $10.00 per share purchase price in the stock offering, this represents an annual dividend yield of 2.0%. No assurances can be given that dividends will be paid or, if paid, will continue.

 

Q: Will a commission be charged for the purchase of shares?

 

A: All shares will be sold at a purchase price of $10.00 per share. No commission or fee will be charged for the purchase of common stock in the stock offering. After the shares begin to trade, if you purchase or sell shares through a brokerage or other firm offering investment services, the firm may charge fees or commissions.

 

Q: How will our shares be traded?

 

A: Upon completion of the stock offering, the newly-issued shares of common stock will replace the existing shares traded on the American Stock Exchange. Our trading symbol will be “WFD.” As soon as possible after completion of the stock offering, investors will be mailed stock certificates. Although the shares of common stock will have begun trading, brokerage firms may require that you have received your certificate(s) prior to selling your shares.

 

Q: Where can I call to get more information?

 

A: A Stock Information Center has been established at Westfield Bank’s executive office. For assistance, you may call the Stock Information Center at (413) [_] from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center is not open on weekends or on bank holidays.

 

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SUMMARY

The following summary highlights selected information from this document and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For additional information, you should read this entire document carefully, including the sections entitled “ Risk Factors ” and “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements before making a decision to invest in our common stock.

In this prospectus, unless we specify otherwise, “New Westfield Financial,” “our company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation. “Westfield Bank” refers to Westfield Bank, a federal stock savings bank and the wholly-owned subsidiary of Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation. “Westfield Financial” refers to Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation.

The Companies

Westfield Mutual Holding Company . Westfield Mutual Holding Company is the federally-chartered mutual holding company of Westfield Financial. Westfield Mutual Holding Company was originally chartered as a Massachusetts-chartered mutual holding company formed in 1995 in connection with Westfield Bank’s reorganization into the mutual holding company structure without a stock offering. On December 27, 2001, Westfield Mutual Holding Company organized Westfield Financial as a mid-tier holding company. On July 23, 2004, concurrently with Westfield Bank’s conversion to a federal savings bank, Westfield Mutual Holding Company also converted to a federal charter. The principal business of Westfield Mutual Holding Company is owning more than a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial. Westfield Mutual Holding Company will no longer exist upon completion of the conversion and stock offering.

Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s executive office is located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086. Its telephone number at this address is (413) 568-1911.

Westfield Financial. Westfield Financial is a Massachusetts corporation and the mid-tier holding company that owns all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Bank. Westfield Financial was formed in connection with the reorganization of Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company into a two-tier mutual holding company structure. In November 2001, Westfield Financial conducted an initial offering of its common stock. As a result of such stock offering, 47% of Westfield Financial’s common stock was sold to the public and 53% of its common stock was issued to Westfield Mutual Holding Company. After this stock issuance, Westfield Financial had 4,972,600 shares of common stock issued and outstanding to public stockholders. In April 2003, Westfield Financial announced a share repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to 529,000 shares of Westfield Financial’s stock. This share repurchase program was completed in the third quarter of 2004. In July 2004, Westfield Financial announced a second share repurchase program of up to 502,550 shares. As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Financial has repurchased 402,688 shares of its common stock under this second share repurchase program. As of June 30, 2006, public stockholders held 42.4% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company owned 57.6% of the outstanding shares of Westfield Financial’s common stock.

 

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At June 30, 2006, Westfield Financial had total consolidated assets of $817.9 million, deposits of $635.7 million and stockholders’ equity of $115.5 million. At the close of business on June 30, 2006, Westfield Financial had 9,727,012 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. Following the conversion and stock offering, the present Westfield Financial will cease to exist and will be succeeded by New Westfield Financial as the sole stockholder of Westfield Bank. This stock offering is being made by New Westfield Financial. New Westfield Financial will be renamed “Westfield Financial, Inc.” once the conversion and stock offering have been completed.

Westfield Financial’s executive office is located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086. Its telephone number at this address is (413) 568-1911.

Westfield Bank. Westfield Bank is a federal stock savings bank and the wholly-owned subsidiary of Westfield Financial. Westfield Bank was formed in 1853 and reorganized into a mutual holding company structure without a stock offering in 1995. Historically, Westfield Bank has been a community-oriented provider of banking products and services to businesses and individuals, including traditional products such as residential and commercial real estate loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products. In recent years, however, Westfield Bank has developed and implemented a lending strategy that focuses less on residential real estate lending and more on servicing commercial customers, including increased emphasis on commercial and industrial lending, commercial real estate lending and deposit relationships, extending its branch network and broadening its product lines and services. Westfield Bank believes that this business strategy is best for its long term success and viability, and complements its existing commitment to high quality customer service. Westfield Bank operates through 10 banking offices in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts. It also has eight free-standing ATM locations in Agawam, Feeding Hills, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts. Westfield Bank’s primary deposit gathering area is concentrated in the communities surrounding these locations, and its primary lending area includes all of Hampden County in western Massachusetts. In addition, Westfield Bank provides online banking services through its website (www.westfieldbank.com).

Westfield Bank’s executive office is located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086. Its telephone number at this address is (413) 568-1911.

New Westfield Financial. We are a newly-formed Massachusetts corporation and currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westfield Bank. We were formed for the purpose of effectuating the conversion and stock offering described in this prospectus and to satisfy a condition imposed by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) as part of the approval granted to Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company for them to convert to federal charters. In connection therewith, we are registering our common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and will be issuing shares of our common stock to new stockholders and, as described in this prospectus, to the existing stockholders of Westfield Financial as they exchange their shares of Westfield Financial common stock for shares of our common stock. As a result of the conversion and stock offering, we will become the holding company of Westfield Bank.

Our executive office is located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086. Our telephone number at this address is (413) 568-1911.

 

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Our Operating Strategy

The following are highlights of our operating strategy:

Community Banking and Customer Service. We strive to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of the local community and to provide quality service to the businesses and individuals in our primary market area. We are focused on expanding our retail banking franchise and increasing the number of households that we serve. Historically, Westfield Bank has been a community-oriented provider of traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including products such as commercial and industrial loans; commercial real estate loans; residential real estate loans, which, based on current market conditions, we currently refer to a third party mortgage company that underwrites, originates and services these loans; and a variety of deposit products. In recent years, Westfield Bank has increased its focus on commercial loans and complementary deposit products.

Continued Growth in Commercial Lending. Westfield Bank offers commercial loan and deposit products primarily within Hampden County, Massachusetts. As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio consisted of 26.7% commercial and industrial loans and 43.3% commercial real estate loans. Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial loans have grown $57.5 million, or 122.3%, to $104.5 million at June 30, 2006 from $47.0 million at December 31, 2001. In addition, Westfield Bank’s commercial real estate loans increased $69.9 million, or 70.3%, to $169.3 million at June 30, 2006 from $99.4 million at December 31, 2001. Westfield Bank also intends to increase commercial deposits, thereby reinforcing the commercial relationship. Commercial checking accounts increased $8.1 million, or 29%, from $27.9 million at December 31, 2001 to $36.0 million at June 30, 2006. Commercial customer repurchase agreements, all of which are linked to commercial checking accounts, were $14.4 million at June 30, 2006, which represents an increase of $8.3 million, or 136%, since December 31, 2001.

Following the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Bank will continue to expand its commercial loans and deposits by targeting commercial businesses in its primary market area and in northern Connecticut. Management believes that the increased emphasis on commercial lending will allow Westfield Bank to increase the yield on and diversify its loan portfolio while continuing to meet the needs of the businesses and individuals that it serves.

Asset Quality. Westfield Bank has a commitment to conservative loan underwriting policies and investing in high grade assets. As a result of these practices, at June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank had $914,000 in nonperforming loans, and its ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.11%. On that same date, its ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.37%.

Capital Strength. Our policy has always been to maintain the financial strength of Westfield Bank through risk management, a sound financial condition and consistent earnings. At June 30, 2006, our ratio of equity to assets was 14.12%, our return on average assets was 0.64% and our return on average equity was 4.52%.

 

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Our Conversion And Stock Offering

Westfield Bank is reorganizing and changing its form of organization from a mutual holding company structure, the mid-tier holding company of which is 42.4% owned by public stockholders, to a stock holding company that will be 100% owned by public stockholders. This reorganization is commonly referred to as a “second-step” conversion. As part of the conversion to a stock holding company, Westfield Bank has formed a Massachusetts corporation as its wholly-owned subsidiary, New Westfield Financial. New Westfield Financial will become the stock holding company for Westfield Bank and will own 100% of the common stock of Westfield Bank. The 57.6% ownership interest of Westfield Mutual Holding Company in Westfield Financial will be offered for sale by New Westfield Financial in the stock offering. At the conclusion of the conversion and stock offering, current stockholders of Westfield Financial will exchange their shares of common stock for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial based on an exchange ratio, and Westfield Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist. Consequently, voting rights in New Westfield Financial will be vested solely in the public stockholders following the conversion. The management and business operations of Westfield Bank will continue after the conversion and stock offering.

The following chart shows our current ownership structure.

LOGO

The following chart shows our new structure after the conversion and the offering.

LOGO

 

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Reasons For The Conversion And Stock Offering

The conversion and stock offering are intended to provide an additional source of capital not currently available to us. The stock offering will allow us to:

 

    increase the liquidity of our common stock;

 

    continue programs of dividends or repurchases;

 

    finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time); and

 

    fund other general corporate purposes.

Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by:

 

    increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio;

 

    expanding the products and services it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services);

 

    opening or acquiring additional branch offices; and

 

    funding other general corporate purposes.

After considering the advantages and risks of the conversion and stock offering, as well as applicable fiduciary duties, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank unanimously approved the conversion and stock offering as being in the best interests of each such institution, the communities they serve and the depositors of Westfield Bank.

Terms Of The Stock Offering

We are offering between 12,750,000 and 17,250,000 shares of our common stock to the public. The maximum number of shares that we sell in the stock offering may increase by 15% to 19,837,500 shares as a result of market demand, regulatory considerations or changes in financial markets. Unless the number of shares to be issued is increased to more than 19,837,500 or decreased below 12,750,000, you will not have the opportunity to change or cancel your stock order.

The offering price is $10.00 per share. All new investors will pay the same purchase price per share. No commission will be charged to our subscribers. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, our financial advisor in connection with the stock offering, will use its best efforts to assist us in selling our stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods is not obligated to purchase any shares of common stock in the offering.

 

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How We Determined The Offering Range And The $10.00 Price Per Share

The offering range is based on an independent appraisal of the market value of the common stock to be offered. RP Financial, LC., an appraisal firm experienced in appraisals of banks and financial institutions, has estimated that, as of August 4, 2006, the full market value of the common stock to be between $221.2 million and $344.1 million. This appraisal results in a stock offering of between 12,750,000 and 17,250,000 shares of common stock at an offering price of $10.00 per share. RP Financial’s estimate of our full market value was based in part upon our financial condition and results of operations and the effect of the additional capital raised in this stock offering. RP Financial’s independent appraisal will be updated before we complete our stock offering.

The $10.00 price per share was selected primarily because $10.00 is the price per share most commonly used in stock offerings involving reorganizations of banking institutions and mutual holding companies. The appraisal was based in part on Westfield Financial’s financial condition and results of operations, the effect of the additional capital raised by the sale of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of publicly-traded savings bank and thrift holding companies that RP Financial considered comparable to Westfield Financial. See “ Pro Forma Data .”

The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for the peer group companies and the resulting pricing ratios for Westfield Financial based on the 12 months ended June 30, 2006. Compared to the median pricing of the peer group, Westfield Financial’s pro forma pricing ratios at the maximum of the offering range indicated a premium of 61.0% on a price-to-earnings basis and a discount of 20.1% on a price-to-tangible book basis. The estimated appraised value and the resulting premium/discount took into consideration the potential financial impact of the conversion.

 

    

Pro forma

price-to-earnings
multiple

   

Pro forma

price-to-tangible
book value ratio

   

Pro forma

price-to-

book value

 

Westfield Financial (1) :

      

Maximum of offering range

   31.04 x   108.81 %   108.81 %

Minimum of offering range

   25.51     94.61     94.61  

Valuation of peer group companies as of August 4, 2006 (2) :

      

Average

   20.11 x   132.40 %   153.47 %

Median

   19.28     136.17     145.55  

(1) Based on Westfield Financial’s financial data as of and for the twelve months ended June 30, 2006.
(2) Reflects earnings for the most recent twelve-month period for which data was publicly available.

The independent appraisal does not indicate market value. You should not assume or expect that the valuation of Westfield Financial as indicated above means that the common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 purchase price after the conversion.

 

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Persons Who May Order Stock In The Stock Offering

We are offering shares of our common stock in what is called a “subscription offering” in the order of priority listed below:

 

  (1) Depositors with accounts at Westfield Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 on March 31, 2005;

 

  (2) Our Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

 

  (3) Depositors with accounts at Westfield Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 on September 30, 2006; and

 

  (4) Members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company as of [Record Date].

The shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered to the general public in a “community offering,” with preference granted to stockholders of Westfield Financial as of [Record Date] and then to natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts. A community offering may begin concurrently with, during or immediately following the subscription offering. We also may offer shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering to the public through a syndicate of broker-dealers managed by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (referred to as a “syndicated community offering”). We have the right to accept or reject orders received in the community offering and the syndicated community offering at our sole discretion.

If we receive orders for more shares than we are offering, we may not be able to fully or partially fill your order. Shares will be allocated pursuant to our Plan of Conversion. A detailed description of share allocation procedures can be found in the sections entitled “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Subscription Offering And Subscription Rights ” and “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Community Offering .”

Limits On Your Purchase Of The Common Stock

The minimum number of shares of common stock that you may purchase is 25.

If you are not currently a Westfield Financial stockholder:

No individual, or person exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying account held jointly may purchase more than 50,000 shares of common stock. If any of the following persons purchase shares of common stock, their purchases when combined with your purchases cannot exceed 100,000 shares:

 

    your spouse or relatives of you or your spouse living in your house;

 

    companies, trusts or other entities in which you have a financial interest or hold a position; or

 

    other persons who may be acting in concert with you.

 

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Persons living at the same address and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying deposit accounts registered to the same address will be subject to this overall purchase limitation.

If you are currently a Westfield Financial stockholder:

In addition to the above purchase limitation, there is an ownership limitation for stockholders, other than our employee benefit plans. Shares of common stock that you purchase in the offering individually and together with persons acting in concert with you as described above, plus any new shares of New Westfield Financial common stock you and they receive in exchange for your existing shares of common stock of Westfield Financial, may not exceed 5% of the total shares to be issued in the stock offering and exchange. Subject to the approval of the OTS, we may increase or decrease the purchase and ownership limitations at any time. For a detailed description of purchase limitations see “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .”

The Exchange Of Westfield Financial Common Stock

If you are currently a stockholder of Westfield Financial, your shares as of the date of the consummation of the conversion and stock offering will be cancelled and exchanged for new shares of our common stock. The number of shares you receive will be based on an exchange ratio determined as of the closing of the conversion and will depend upon the number of shares we sell in our offering and the final appraised value of Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company. The number of shares you receive is not dependent on the market price of Westfield Financial common stock currently outstanding.

The following table shows how many shares a hypothetical owner of Westfield Financial common stock would receive in the exchange, based on the number of shares sold in the offering.

 

    

Shares to be sold

in this offering

   

Shares to be exchanged
for shares of

our common stock

    Total shares
of common
stock to be
outstanding
after the
conversion
   Exchange
ratio
   Shares of our
common stock
that would be
exchanged for
100 shares
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent          

Minimum

   12,750,000    57.65 %   9,367,096    42.35 %   22,117,096    2.27378    227

Midpoint

   15,000,000    57.65     11,020,113    42.35     26,020,113    2.67504    267

Maximum

   17,250,000    57.65     12,673,130    42.35     29,923,130    3.07629    307

15% above the maximum

   19,837,500    57.65     14,574,099    42.35     34,411,599    3.53774    353

If you own shares of Westfield Financial that are held in “street name,” they will be exchanged without any action on your part. If you are the record owner of shares of Westfield Financial and hold certificates, you will receive, after the conversion and stock offering are completed, a transmittal form with instructions to surrender your stock certificates. New certificates of our common stock will be mailed within five business days after the exchange agent receives properly executed transmittal forms and certificates.

No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Westfield Financial upon completion of the conversion. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued, we will pay an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by the $10.00 per share subscription price.

 

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We also will convert options previously awarded under our current stock option plan (the “2002 Stock Option Plan”) into options to purchase New Westfield Financial common stock, with the number and exercise price to be adjusted based on the exchange ratio. The term and vesting period of the previously awarded options will remain unchanged. If any options are exercised before we complete the offering, they would increase the number of shares outstanding and could affect the exchange ratio. Also, if options are exercised and shares come from authorized but unissued shares, they would further dilute stockholders’ interests. We will also convert shares of common stock held in our existing Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) into our shares of common stock based on the exchange ratio. Additionally, our ESOP will purchase up to 8.0% of the shares sold in the offering.

Under the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal regulations, the public stockholders of Westfield Financial do not have dissenters’ rights or appraisal rights.

How You May Purchase Common Stock

To purchase shares you must deliver a signed and completed stock order form, accompanied by full payment or deposit account withdrawal authorization as described below, by 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. You may mail your order form in the reply envelope that we have provided. It must be received by our Stock Information Center (not postmarked) by this offering deadline. You may instead hand-deliver your order form to our Stock Information Center, or send it by overnight delivery to our Stock Information Center at the address noted on the stock order form. You may not mail or deliver stock order forms to any of our branch offices. We are not required to accept photocopies or facsimiles of stock order forms.

In the subscription and community offerings, you may pay for your shares by:

Personal check, bank check or money order . Each of these must be made payable directly to “Westfield Financial” (do not endorse third party checks). These will be cashed upon receipt. We will pay interest on these funds at Westfield Bank’s passbook savings rate from the date payment is received until completion or termination of our stock offering. Wire transfers will not be accepted. Cash and Westfield Bank line of credit checks may not be remitted as payment for your order.

Authorized account withdrawal . The stock order form outlines the means of using Westfield Bank deposit accounts to pay for subscribed-for stock. The funds you authorize for direct deposit account withdrawal must be in your account at the time your stock order form is received. Funds will not be withdrawn from your account until the completion of the stock offering and will earn interest at the applicable deposit account rate until such time. However, a hold will be placed on these funds when your stock order form is received, making the designated funds unavailable to you for any purpose. You may authorize funds from a Westfield Bank certificate of deposit account without incurring an early withdrawal penalty, with the agreement that the withdrawal is being made for the purchase of shares in the stock offering.

You might be able to use IRA funds; however, you may not authorize direct withdrawal from Westfield Bank IRA deposit accounts. If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your IRA at Westfield Bank, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed IRA account maintained by an independent trustee, such as a brokerage firm. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administration fee may be payable to the independent trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you initiate this process promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [Expiration Date] offering deadline, to discuss the possibility of using your Westfield Bank IRA deposit account or any other retirement account held at Westfield Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds for the purchase of shares in the stock offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

 

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We reserve the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms on a case by case basis, but do not represent that we will do so. Once received by us, you may not change, modify or cancel your order. Our employees and Stock Information Center staff are not responsible for correcting or completing information provided on the stock order forms we receive, including the account information requested for the purpose of verifying subscription rights.

We may not lend funds or extend a line of credit (including line of credit or overdraft checking) to anyone for the purpose of purchasing shares in the offering.

Delivery Of Stock Certificates

Certificates representing shares of common stock issued in the stock offering will be mailed to the certificate registration address noted on the order form, as soon as practicable following completion of the offering and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. It is possible that, until certificates for the common stock are available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock which they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading.

If you are currently a stockholder of Westfield Financial, see “ — The Exchange Of Westfield Financial Common Stock ” above.

How We Intend To Use The Proceeds From The Stock Offering

Assuming we sell 17,250,000 shares in the stock offering, we intend to distribute the net proceeds from the stock offering as follows:

 

    $84,827,000 will be contributed to Westfield Bank;

 

    $6,900,000 will be loaned to our Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan in order to fund its purchase of common stock; and

 

    $77,928,000 will be retained by New Westfield Financial.

The stock offering will allow us to increase the liquidity of our common stock, to continue programs of dividends or repurchases, to finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time), and to fund other general corporate purposes. Westfield Bank may use the proceeds that it receives from the stock offering to better serve the needs of its community by increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio, expanding the products and services that it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services), opening or acquiring additional branch offices, and funding other general corporate purposes.

You May Not Sell Or Transfer Your Subscription Rights

OTS regulations prohibit you from transferring your subscription rights. If you order stock in the subscription offering, you will be required to state on the order form that you are purchasing the stock for yourself and that you have no agreement or understanding to sell or transfer your subscription rights or the shares of stock to be issued upon their exercise. We intend to take legal action, including reporting

 

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persons to federal or state regulatory agencies, against anyone whom we believe sells or gives away their subscription rights. We will not accept your order if we have reason to believe that you sold or transferred your subscription rights. When registering your stock purchase on the order form in the subscription offering, you should not add the name(s) of persons who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than you do.

Deadline For Orders Of Common Stock

If you wish to purchase shares, a properly completed stock order form, together with payment for the shares, must be received (not postmarked) by the Stock Information Center, located at our executive office, no later than 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. You must submit your order form(s) by mail using the return envelope provided, overnight courier to the address noted on the order form or by dropping off your order form at the Stock Information Center. Order forms cannot be accepted by branch offices of Westfield Bank.

Termination Of The Stock Offering

The subscription offering will terminate at 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. We expect that the community offering, if any, will terminate at the same time. We may extend this expiration date, without notice to you, until [Extension Date #1], unless regulators approve a later date. If the subscription offering and/or community offering are extended beyond [Extension Date #1], we will be required to resolicit subscriptions before proceeding with the stock offering. All further extensions, in the aggregate, may not last beyond [Extension Date #2].

Steps We May Take If We Do Not Receive Orders For The Minimum Number Of Shares

If we do not receive orders for at least 12,750,000 shares of common stock, we may take several steps in order to sell the minimum number of shares in the offering range. Specifically, we may increase the purchase limitations. In addition, we may seek regulatory approval to extend the stock offering beyond the [Extension Date #2], expiration date, provided that any such extension will require us to resolicit subscriptions received in the stock offering. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .” If we fail to sell the minimum number of shares, we will return your funds to you with interest, or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization.

Purchases By Officers And Directors

We expect our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, to subscribe for 102,500 shares of common stock. The purchase price paid by them will be the same $10.00 per share price paid by all other persons who purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Following the offering, our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, are expected to beneficially own approximately [      ] shares of common stock, or [      ]% of our shares to be outstanding based upon the midpoint of the offering range, including shares held by the ESOP and stock options exercisable within 60 days of November [      ], 2006.

Benefits To Management And Potential Dilution To Stockholders Resulting From The Offering

Our ESOP intends to purchase up to 8.0% of the shares of common stock that we sell in the offering. If we receive orders for more shares of common stock than the maximum of the offering range, the ESOP will have a first priority right to purchase a limited amount of additional shares over this maximum. We will incur additional compensation expense as a result of the ESOP’s purchase of shares in the offering.

 

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In addition, we intend to consider the implementation of the following benefit plans in connection with the conversion.

Recognition and Retention Plan. We intend to implement a recognition and retention plan (the “2007 RRP”) no earlier than six months after the conversion. If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the 2007 RRP will reserve a number of shares up to 3.39% of the shares sold in the offering, or up to 585,039 shares of common stock at the maximum of the offering range, for awards to key employees and directors, in order to ensure that the aggregate number of shares subject to the 2007 RRP and the current recognition and retention plan (the “2002 RRP”) does not exceed 4.0% of the shares outstanding following the completion of the conversion. Stockholder approval of the 2007 RRP will be required.

Stock Option Plan. We also intend to implement a stock option plan (the “2007 Stock Option Plan”), no earlier than six months after the conversion. If adopted within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the 2007 Stock Option Plan will reserve a number of shares up to 8.48% of the shares sold in the offering, or up to 1,462,598 shares of common stock at the maximum of the offering range, for grants to key employees and directors, in order to ensure that the aggregate number of shares subject to the 2007 Stock Option Plan and the current stock option plan (the “2002 Stock Option Plan”) does not exceed 10.0% of the shares outstanding following the conversion. Stockholder approval of the 2007 Stock Option Plan will be required.

The following table summarizes the number of shares and aggregate dollar value of awards available for grant that are expected under the 2007 RRP and the 2007 Stock Option Plan, if adopted as expected after the stock offering. A portion of the available stock grants shown in the table below may be made to non-executive employees.

 

    

Number of new shares or

options to be granted(1)

         

Value of new

available grants(2)

     At
minimum
of offering
range
   At
maximum
of offering
range
   As a
percentage
of common
stock to be
issued in
the offering
    Dilution
resulting
from
issuance of
shares for
stock
benefit
plans(3)
   

At

minimum of
offering
range

  

At
maximum

of offering
range

2007 RRP

   432,420    585,039    3.39 %   1.92 %   $ 4,324,200    $ 5,850,380

2006 Stock Option Plan

   1,081,049    1,462,598    8.48     4.66       1,805,352      2,442,535
                                   

Total (3)

   1,513,425    2,047,637    11.87 %   6.58 %   $ 6,127,854    $ 8,292,929
                                   

(1) The 2007 RRP and the 2007 Stock Option Plan may award a greater number of shares and options, respectively, if they are adopted more than one year after the completion of the conversion, although such plans may remain subject to supervisory restrictions.
(2) The actual value of restricted stock grants will be determined based on their fair value as of the date that grants are made. For purposes of this table, fair value of the restricted stock grants is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $10.00 per share. The actual value of restricted stock grants will be determined based on their fair value as of the date grants are made. For purposes of this table, fair value is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $10.00 per share. The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $1.67 per option using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $10.00; dividend yield of between 3.00% and 4.00%; expected option life of ten years; risk free interest rate of 5.65%; and a volatility rate of 10.26% based on an index of publicly-traded thrifts that have undergone a second-step conversion.
(3) Assumes shares are issued from authorized but unissued shares.

 

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The following table presents information regarding the existing and new employee stock ownership plans and stock-based incentive plans. The table below assumes that 29,923,130 shares are outstanding after the stock offering, which includes the sale of 17,250,000 shares in the stock offering (the maximum) and the issuance of 12,673,130 shares in exchange for shares of Westfield Financial using an exchange ratio of 3.07629. It is also assumed that the value of the stock is $10.00 per share and that the exchange of existing shares is in accordance with the exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range.

 

Existing and new stock benefit plan

  

Participants

   Shares(1)    

Estimated

value

of shares

   

Percentage of

shares

outstanding

after the

conversion and

stock offering

 

ESOP:

   Employees       

Existing shares purchased by the ESOP

      1,214,556 (2)   $ 12,145,560     4.06 %

Shares to be purchased by the ESOP

      690,000       6,900,000     2.31  
                       

Total ESOP shares

      1,904,556       19,045,560     6.37  

Restricted Stock Awards:

   Directors and officers       

Awarded under the 2002 RRP

      611,886 (3)     6,118,860 (4)   2.04  

New shares under the 2007 RRP

      585,039       5,850,390     1.96  
                       

Total shares of restricted stock

      1,196,925       11,969,250     4.00  

Stock Options:

   Directors and officers       

Granted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan

      1,529,715 (5)     5,733,389 (6)   5.11  

New stock options under the 2006 Stock Option Plan

      1,462,598       2,442,539 (6)   4.89  
                       

Total stock options

      2,992,313       8,175,928     10.00  

Total of stock benefit plans

      6,093,794     $ 39,190,738     20.37 %
                       

(1) Shares purchased or awarded and options granted prior to the conversion have been adjusted for the 3.07629 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range.
(2) Of these shares, 214,882 shares, as adjusted for the 3.07629 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range, have been allocated to accounts of participants.
(3) Of these shares, 593,109 shares, adjusted for the 3.07629 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range, have been awarded.
(4) The actual value of restricted stock grants will be determined based on their fair value as of the date that grants are made. For purposes of this table, fair value is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $10.00 per share.
(5) Of this amount, options for 235,951 shares, as adjusted for the 3.07629 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range, have been exercised to date. Options for 136,157 shares, as adjusted for the 3.07629 exchange ratio at the maximum of the offering range, are available for future grant.
(6) The fair value of stock options granted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan has been estimated at $3.92 per option using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $14.39; dividend yield of 1.32%; expected option life of ten years; risk free interest rate of 3.46%; and a volatility rate of 28.29% based on Westfield Financial’s historical trading activity. The fair value of stock options to be granted under the 2007 Stock Option Plan has been estimated at $1.67 per option using the binomial option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price of $10.00, which assumes that the grant-date share price of $10.00 is reduced by annual dividend payments equal to between 3.00% and 4.00% of the stock price over the expected life of the options; an option exercise price of $10.00; an expected option life of ten years; a risk free interest rate of 5.65%; and a volatility rate of 10.26% based on a sample of publicly-traded thrifts that had undergone a second step conversion.

 

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Market For The Common Stock

Westfield Financial’s common stock is currently traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD.” The common stock of New Westfield Financial will be traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD.” See “ Market For The Common Stock .”

Our Policy Regarding Dividends

Westfield Financial has paid a regular cash dividend of $0.15 per share for each of the first three quarters of 2006. In addition, Westfield Financial paid a special cash dividend of $0.20 on May 25, 2006. On an annualized basis, Westfield Financial pays $0.60 per share of regular dividends. After the conversion and stock offering, we expect the initial annualized dividends paid to equal $0.20 on a per share basis. Those amounts represent an annual dividend yield of 2.0%, based upon a price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares of Westfield Financial common stock. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

Tax Consequences

As a general matter, the conversion and stock offering will not be a taxable transaction for purposes of federal or state income taxes to Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Westfield Bank, persons eligible to subscribe in the subscription offering, or existing stockholders of Westfield Financial. Existing stockholders of Westfield Financial who receive cash in lieu of fractional share interest in new shares of New Westfield Financial will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the cash received and the tax basis of the fractional share.

Conditions To Completing Conversion And Stock Offering

We are conducting the conversion and stock offering under the terms of our Plan of Conversion. We cannot complete the conversion and stock offering unless:

 

    our Plan of Conversion is approved by at least a majority of votes eligible to be cast by members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (these are depositors of Westfield Bank);

 

    our Plan of Conversion is approved by the greater of (a) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial, other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or (b) the holders of two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders of Westfield Financial, including Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

 

    we sell at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered; and

 

    we receive approval from the OTS to complete the conversion and stock offering.

Westfield Mutual Holding Company intends to vote its ownership interest in favor of the transaction. At November [      ], 2006, Westfield Mutual Holding Company owned [      ]% of the outstanding common stock of Westfield Financial. On this date, the directors and executive officers of Westfield Financial and their associates beneficially owned [      ] shares of Westfield Financial, or [      ]% of the outstanding shares of common stock. They intend to vote their shares in favor of the Plan of Conversion.

 

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How You May Obtain Additional Information Regarding The Conversion And Stock Offering – Stock Information Center

Our branch personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the stock offering. If you have any questions regarding the stock offering or the conversion, please call the Stock Information Center at (413) [      ], Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays. Our branch and other offices will not have offering materials and cannot accept completed order forms or proxy cards.

To ensure that subscribers receive a prospectus at least 48 hours before the offering deadline, we may not mail prospectuses any later than five days prior to such date or hand-deliver any prospectus later than two days prior to the date. Stock order forms may only be distributed with or preceded by a prospectus.

By signing the stock order form, you are acknowledging your receipt of a prospectus and your understanding that the shares are not a deposit account and are not insured or guaranteed by Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Westfield Bank, the FDIC or any other federal or state governmental agency.

We will make reasonable attempts to provide a prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights. The subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date], whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider carefully the following risk factors before deciding whether to invest in our common stock. Our business could be harmed by any of these risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. In assessing these risks you should also refer to the other information contained in this prospectus, including our financial statements and related notes.

Risks Related To Our Business

Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss. Westfield Bank originates commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, and consumer loans primarily within our primary market area. Commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and consumer loans may expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans may not be sold as easily as residential real estate. In addition, commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of borrowers. These loans also have greater credit risk than residential real estate for the following reasons:

 

    Commercial and Industrial Loans . Repayment is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower’s business.

 

    Commercial Real Estate Loans . Repayment is dependent on income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service.

 

    Consumer Loans . Consumer loans are collateralized, if at all, with assets that may not provide an adequate source of payment of the loan due to depreciation, damage or loss.

Any downturn in the real estate market or local economy could adversely affect the value of the properties securing the loans or revenues from the borrower’s business thereby increasing the risk of non-performing loans.

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease. Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. We therefore may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Material additions to our allowance for loan losses also would materially decrease our net income, and the charge-off of loans may cause us to increase the allowance. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. We rely on our loan quality reviews, our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors, in determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance.

 

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Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our profitability, like that of most financial institutions, depends substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. Increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans. In addition, as market interest rates rise, we will have competitive pressures to increase the rates we pay on deposits, which will result in a decrease of our net interest income.

We also are subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates may affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities. Decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities as borrowers refinance to reduce borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities.

Our local economy may affect our future growth possibilities. Our current primary market area is principally located in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Our future growth opportunities depend on the growth and stability of our regional economy and our ability to expand our market area. A downturn in our local economy may limit funds available for deposit and may negatively affect our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans on a timely basis, both of which could have an impact on our profitability.

We depend on our executive officers and key personnel to continue the implementation of our long-term business strategy and could be harmed by the loss of their services. We believe that our continued growth and future success will depend in large part upon the skills of our management team. The competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry is intense, and the loss of our key personnel or an inability to continue to attract, retain and motivate key personnel could adversely affect our business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing key personnel or attract additional qualified personnel. We will have employment agreements with our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, and change of control agreements with several other senior executive officers, and the loss of the services of one or more of our executive officers and key personnel could impair our ability to continue to develop our business strategy. See “ Management — Employment Agreements ,” “ Management — Future Employment Agreements ,” “ Management — Change Of Control Agreements ,” and “ Management — Future Change Of Control Agreements .”

Risks Related To The Offering

There can be no assurance of an active and liquid market for our common stock. An active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control. The number of active buyers and sellers of the common stock at any particular time may be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares on short notice and, therefore, you should not view the common stock as a short-term investment. We cannot assure you of an active trading market for the common stock. Nor can we assure you that, if you purchase shares, you will be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share, or at all.

The implementation of additional stock-based benefits will increase our future compensation expense and reduce our earnings, and may dilute your ownership interest in New Westfield Financial. We intend to adopt the 2007 Stock Option Plan, which will provide for grants to eligible officers and directors of options to purchase common stock of up to 8.48% of the common stock sold in the stock offering. We also intend to adopt the 2007 RRP, which will provide for awards of common stock to eligible officers and directors of up to 3.39% of the common stock sold in the stock offering. We will

 

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fund these plans through either open market purchases, if permitted, or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares. We also intend for our ESOP to purchase up to 8.0% of the shares sold in the stock offering. These plans will increase our future costs of compensating our officers and directors, thereby reducing our earnings. In addition, stockholders will experience a reduction in ownership interest in the event newly-issued shares are used to fund stock options and restricted stock awards.

After the stock offering, our return on average equity will be low compared to other companies. This could hurt the price of your common stock. We will not be able to immediately deploy all of the increased capital from this stock offering into high-yielding earning assets. Our ability to leverage our new capital profitably will be significantly affected by industry competition for loans and deposits. Initially, we intend to invest the net proceeds in short-term investments and mortgage-backed securities, which generally have lower yields than loans. This will reduce our return on average equity to a level that will be lower than our historical ratios.

Stock market volatility may affect the price of your common stock. Publicly-traded stocks have recently experienced substantial market price volatility. These market fluctuations may be unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies whose shares are traded. The purchase price of our common stock in the offering is based on the independent appraisal by RP Financial. After your shares begin trading, the trading price of your common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, investor perceptions of us, and general industry and economic conditions. If market volatility continues, it may affect the price of your common stock.

You may not revoke your decision to purchase our common stock after you send us your subscription. If you change your mind about exercising your rights or subscribing for shares of our common stock, you may not revoke or reduce the amount of your exercise or subscription after you send in your subscription forms and payment.

In the future, we may issue additional shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock to raise additional capital. If we are able to sell such shares, they may be issued at a price that dilutes the book value of shares outstanding at that time. We may make future offerings at a price that dilutes the book value of shares outstanding at that time. Any raise of additional capital would most likely be caused by Westfield Bank’s regulatory capital requirements. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors including:

 

    the growth in Westfield Bank’s interest-earning assets;

 

    loan quality;

 

    the cost of deposits and any necessary borrowings; and

 

    the costs associated with our growth, such as increased salaries and employee benefits expense and office and occupancy costs.

 

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If these or other factors cause Westfield Bank’s capital levels to fall below the minimum regulatory requirements, or if Westfield Bank’s existing sources of cash from operations are insufficient to fund its activities or future growth plans, we may need to raise additional capital. If such need arises and we are unable to raise capital, we may not be able to continue our growth strategy and management will be required to reorient its long term strategy. There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate or attract additional capital in the future on favorable terms. In addition, future issuances of stock may cause dilution in our earnings per share and will dilute your ownership interest.

Our management will have substantial discretion over investment of the offering proceeds and may make investments with which you disagree. The net offering proceeds are estimated to range from $125.1 million to $169.7 million at the minimum and the maximum of the offering range, respectively, and management intends to use these funds for general business purposes, giving management substantial discretion over their investment. You may disagree with investments that management makes. See How We Intend To Use The Proceeds From The Stock Offering .”

Our Articles of Organization and bylaws may prevent transactions you might favor, including a sale or merger of New Westfield Financial. Provisions of our Articles of Organization and bylaws may delay, inhibit or prevent an organization or person from gaining control of us through a tender offer, business combination, proxy context or some other method, even though you might be in favor of the transaction. These provisions include:

 

    limitations on voting rights of the beneficial owners of more than 10% of our common stock;

 

    supermajority voting requirements for certain business combinations and changes to some provisions of the Articles of Organization and bylaws;

 

    the election of directors to staggered terms of three years; and

 

    provisions regarding the timing and content of stockholder proposals and nominations.

In addition, only a majority vote of the Board of Directors of Westfield Financial may call a special meeting of stockholders. Therefore, as a stockholder of Westfield Financial, you will not be able to call a special meeting of stockholders to consider a tender offer, business combination or other transaction.

Risks Related To The Banking Industry

We operate in a highly regulated environment, and changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject may adversely affect our results of operations. Westfield Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the OTS, as its chartering authority, and by the FDIC as the insurer of its deposits up to certain limits. In addition, the OTS regulates and oversees Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company. We also belong to the Federal Home Loan Bank System and, as a member of such system, we are subject to certain limited regulations promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. This regulation and supervision limits the activities in which we may engage. The purpose of regulation and supervision is primarily to protect our depositors and borrowers and, in the case of FDIC regulation, the FDIC’s insurance fund. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in the exercise of their supervisory and enforcement powers. They may, among other things, impose restrictions on the operation of a banking institution, the classification of assets by such institution and such institution’s allowance for loan losses. Regulatory and law enforcement authorities

 

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also have wide discretion and extensive enforcement powers under various consumer protection and civil rights laws, including the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Any change in the laws or regulations applicable to us, or in banking regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the OTS, the FDIC, other state or federal regulators, or the United States Congress could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Competition in our primary market area may reduce our ability to attract and retain deposits and originate loans. We operate in a competitive market for both attracting deposits, which is our primary source of funds, and originating loans. Historically, our most direct competition for deposits has come from savings and commercial banks. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and brokerage and investment banking firms. We also face additional competition from internet-based institutions, brokerage firms and insurance companies. Competition for loan originations and deposits may limit our future growth and earnings prospects.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains “forward-looking statements” which may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated” and “potential.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 

    changes in the real estate market or local economy;

 

    changes in interest rates;

 

    changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject, and

 

    competition in our primary market area.

Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus and in any other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.

 

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The summary information presented below at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 is derived in part from and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Westfield Financial for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and the notes thereto presented elsewhere in this prospectus. The information at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 is derived in part from the audited financial statements of Westfield Financial, which are not included herewith. The information at June 30, 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is derived from unaudited financial data but in the opinion of management, reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The results for the six month period ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

 

     At June 30,    At December 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2003    2002    2001
     (Unaudited)    (In thousands)

Selected Financial Condition Data:

                 

Total assets

   $ 817,936    $ 805,095    $ 796,903    $ 795,216    $ 812,980    $ 782,732

Loans, net(1)

     386,494      378,837      368,601      344,980      357,155      413,546

Securities available for sale

     35,180      28,321      14,968      25,806      79,842      74,184

Securities held to maturity

     75,351      73,323      71,298      69,927      45,960      45,614

Mortgage backed securities available for sale

     103,986      101,138      73,316      76,177      90,468      87,150

Mortgage backed securities held to maturity

     152,418      152,127      175,302      191,683      159,339      81,007

Deposits

     635,720      623,045      612,621      632,431      656,065      637,109

Customer repurchase agreements

     14,404      14,441      14,615      12,135      8,724      6,061

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     45,000      45,000      45,000      20,000      15,000      —  

Total stockholders’ equity

     115,469      115,842      118,051      124,804      126,699      131,317

Allowance for loan losses

     5,352      5,422      5,277      4,642      4,325      3,923

Nonperforming loans

     914      1,919      2,171      1,768      2,383      2,684

(1) Loans are shown net of deferred loan fees, allowance for loan losses and unadvanced loan funds.

 

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For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

  

For the Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003    2002     2001
     (Unaudited)    (In thousands, except per share data)

Selected Operating Data:

                   

Interest and dividend income

   $ 20,542    $ 18,053    $ 37,306    $ 34,428    $ 35,635    $ 43,013     $ 47,543

Interest expense

     8,852      6,241      13,597      10,913      13,858      18,775       25,002

Net interest and dividend income

     11,690      11,812      23,709      23,515      21,777      24,238       22,541

Provision for loan losses

     275      265      465      750      750      934       1,630

Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses

     11,415      11,547      23,244      22,765      21,027      23,304       20,911

Total noninterest income (loss)

     1,736      1,559      3,372      3,896      3,074      (362 )     2,517

Total noninterest expense

     9,698      9,381      18,464      17,776      17,630      16,659       15,899

Income before income taxes

     3,453      3,725      8,152      8,885      6,471      6,283       7,529

Income taxes

     879      802      1,933      2,562      2,820      2,239       2,512

Net income

   $ 2,574    $ 2,923    $ 6,219    $ 6,323    $ 3,651    $ 4,044     $ 5,017

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.28    $ 0.31    $ 0.66    $ 0.65    $ 0.36    $ 0.39       N/A

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.27    $ 0.30    $ 0.64    $ 0.64    $ 0.36    $ 0.38       N/A

Dividends per share declared(1)

   $ 0.50    $ 0.40    $ 0.90    $ 0.30    $ 0.20    $ 0.15       N/A

(1) Beginning in the third quarter of 2004, Westfield Mutual Holding Company waived its right to receive dividends.

 

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For the Six Months Ended

June 30,

    At or for the Years Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     (Unaudited)                                      

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data(1)

              

Performance Ratios:(2)

              

Return on average assets

   0.64 %   0.74 %   0.77 %   0.79 %   0.45 %   0.51 %   0.70 %

Return on average equity

   4.52     4.97     5.27     5.24     2.94     3.14     6.16  

Average equity to average assets

   14.13     14.85     14.66     15.14     15.33     16.23     11.32  

Equity to total assets at end of period

   14.12     14.91     14.39     14.81     15.69     15.58     16.78  

Average interest rate spread

   2.75     2.93     2.90     2.94     2.55     2.54     2.75  

Net interest margin(3)

   3.19     3.28     3.26     3.25     2.94     3.18     3.33  

Average interest earning assets to average interest earning liabilities

   117.83     119.53     119.22     121.47     121.49     125.76     115.77  

Total noninterest expense to average assets

   2.40     2.37     2.29     2.24     2.18     2.10     2.21  

Efficiency ratio(4)

   72.23     70.26     68.23     66.99     72.13     65.01     65.62  

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

              

Regulatory tier 1 leverage capital

   14.27     14.93     14.48     14.69     15.31     15.65     17.27  

Tier 1 risk-based capital

   24.43     25.09     24.54     25.75     28.46     28.77     28.09  

Total risk-based capital

   25.55     26.21     25.68     26.90     29.63     29.78     28.98  

Asset Quality Ratios:

              

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans

   0.23     0.54     0.50     0.58     0.51     0.66     0.64  

Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets

   0.11     0.26     0.24     0.27     0.22     0.29     0.37  

Allowance for loan losses as a

percent of total loans

   1.37     1.36     1.41     1.41     1.33     1.20     0.94  

Allowance for loan losses as a

percent of nonperforming assets

   586     253     283     243     263     181     137  

Number of:

              

Banking offices

   10     10     10     10     10     10     10  

Full-time equivalent employees

   156     148     142     144     152     146     159  

(1) Asset Quality Ratios and Regulatory Capital Ratios are end of period ratios.
(2) The performance ratios for the six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 are annualized where appropriate.
(3) Net interest margin represents tax equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
(4) The efficiency ratio represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and noninterest income less gain on sale of securities.

 

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HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE STOCK OFFERING

The net proceeds will depend on the total number of shares of common stock sold in the stock offering, which will in turn depend on RP Financial’s appraisal, regulatory and market considerations, and the expenses incurred in connection with the stock offering. Although we will not be able to determine the actual net proceeds from the sale of the common stock until we complete the stock offering, we estimate the net proceeds to be between $126.1 million and $169.7 million, or $195.3 million if the stock offering is increased by 15%.

We Intend To Distribute The Net Proceeds From The Stock Offering As Follows

We intend to (i) infuse Westfield Bank with 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering, (ii) make a loan to the ESOP to fund its purchase of up to 8.0% of the common stock issued in the offering, and (iii) retain all of the rest of the proceeds at the holding company for capital needs that arise in the future. This is set forth in the table below.

 

     Number of shares sold
   Minimum
12,750,000
shares
   Midpoint
15,000,000
shares
   Maximum
17,250,000
shares
   Maximum,
As Adjusted
19,837,500
shares
   (Dollars in thousands)

Offering proceeds

   $ 127,500    $ 150,000    $ 172,500    $ 198,375

Less:

           

Offering expenses, except underwriting commissions and expenses

     1,200      1,200      1,200      1,200

Underwriting commissions and expenses

     1,213      1,429      1,645      1,894
                           

Net offering proceeds

     125,087      147,371      169,655      195,281

Less:

           

Proceeds contributed to Westfield Bank

     62,544      73,685      84,827      97,641

Loan to ESOP

     5,100      6,000      6,900      7,935

Proceeds retained by New Westfield Financial

     57,443      67,686      77,928      89,705

The net proceeds may vary because total expenses relating to the conversion and stock offering may be more or less than our estimates. For example, our expenses would increase if a syndicated community offering is used to sell shares not purchased in the subscription offering and community offering. The net proceeds will also vary if the number of shares to be sold in the stock offering are adjusted to reflect a change in the estimated pro forma market value of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank. Payments for shares made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment by Westfield Bank but will result in a reduction of Westfield Bank’s deposits and interest expense as funds are transferred from interest bearing certificates of deposit or other deposit accounts.

How We May Use The Proceeds We Retain From The Stock Offering:

The stock offering will allow us to:

 

    increase the liquidity of our common stock;

 

    continue programs of dividends or repurchases;

 

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    finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time); and

 

    for general corporate purposes.

Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by:

 

    increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio;

 

    expanding the products and services it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services);

 

    opening or acquiring additional branch offices; and

 

    funding other general corporate purposes.

Initially, both we and Westfield Bank intend to invest the net proceeds from the stock offering in short-term investments and mortgage-backed securities until these proceeds can be deployed for the purposes discussed above.

OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS

Westfield Financial has paid quarterly cash dividends in each quarter since the first quarter of 2002. As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, as a federal mutual holding company, has waived its right to receive approximately $9.0 million in dividends. Westfield Mutual Holding Company may waive its right to receive dividends until the completion of the conversion and stock offering. Westfield Financial has paid a regular cash dividend of $0.15 per share for each of the first three quarters of 2006. In addition, Westfield Financial paid a special cash dividend of $0.20 on May 25, 2006. On an annualized basis, Westfield Financial pays $0.60 per share of regular dividends. After the conversion and stock offering, we expect the initial annualized dividends paid to equal $0.20 on a per share basis. Those amounts represent an annual dividend yield of 2.0%, based upon a price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares of Westfield Financial common stock. We cannot assure you that we will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

The continued payment of dividends will also depend upon our debt and equity structure, earnings and financial condition, need for capital in connection with possible future acquisitions, and other factors, including economic conditions, regulatory restrictions, and tax considerations. We cannot guarantee that we will pay dividends or, if we pay dividends, the amount and frequency of these dividends.

The only funds available for the payment of dividends on our capital stock will be cash and cash equivalents held by us, earnings from the investment of proceeds from the sale of common stock retained by us, dividends paid by Westfield Bank to us, and borrowings. Westfield Bank will be prohibited from paying cash dividends to us to the extent that any such payment would reduce Westfield Bank’s capital below required capital levels or would impair the liquidation account to be established for the benefit of

 

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Westfield Bank’s eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders at the time of the conversion and stock offering. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Effects Of Conversion On Depositors, Borrowers And Members — Effect On Liquidation Rights .”

If we issue preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock may have dividend preferences over the holders of common stock.

Westfield Bank’s ability to pay dividends is governed by the Home Owners’ Loan Act and the regulations of the OTS. Under such statute and regulations, all dividends by a federal savings bank must be paid out of current or retained net profits. In addition, the prior approval of the OTS is required for the payment of a dividend if the total of all dividends declared by a federal savings bank in any calendar year would exceed the total of its net profits for the year combined with its net profits for the two preceding years, less any required transfers to surplus or a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock.

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

Westfield Financial’s common stock is currently traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD,” and there is an established market for our common stock. We have applied to have the common stock of New Westfield Financial traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD.”

The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control. The number of active buyers and sellers of the common stock at any particular time may be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares on short notice and, therefore, you should not view the common stock as a short-term investment. We cannot assure you that an active trading market for the common stock will develop or that, if it develops, it will continue. Nor can we assure you that, if you purchase shares, you will be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share.

At the close of business on June 30, 2006, there were 9,727,012 shares outstanding. The high and low sales prices for the quarterly periods noted below are obtained from the American Stock Exchange.

 

     Price Per Share     
     High    Low   

Cash Dividends

Declared

2006

        

Third Quarter

   $      $      $ 0.15

Second Quarter

     29.00      23.20      0.35

First Quarter

     25.24      24.00      0.15

2005

        

Fourth Quarter

     24.53      22.12      0.40

Third Quarter

     25.69      23.48      0.10

Second Quarter

     25.35      23.15      0.30

First Quarter

     25.40      23.20      0.10

2004

        

Fourth Quarter

     26.00      23.50      0.10

Third Quarter

     23.60      19.76      0.10

Second Quarter

     24.87      19.45      0.05

First Quarter

     25.07      23.15      0.05

 

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In connection with the conversion and stock offering, each existing share of common stock of Westfield Financial will be converted into and become the right to receive a number of shares of our common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio, and options to purchase Westfield Financial common stock will be converted into options to purchase shares of our common stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio for the same aggregate exercise price. At June 20, 2006, the business day immediately preceding the public announcement of the conversion, the closing prices of our common stock was $24.71 per share.

BANK REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. Set forth below is a summary of our capital computed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and our compliance with regulatory capital standards at June 30, 2006, on a historical and pro forma basis under OTS regulations. We have assumed that the indicated number of shares were sold as of June 30, 2006 and that Westfield Bank received 50% of the net proceeds from the offering. For purposes of the table below, the amount to be acquired by the 2007 RRP is deducted from pro forma regulatory capital. For a discussion of the capital requirements applicable to us, see “ Regulation — Regulation Of Federal Savings Banks — Capital Requirements .”

 

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     Pro forma at June 30, 2006 based upon the sale at $10.00 per share  
    

Historical at

June 30, 2006

   

12,750,000 shares

(minimum of range)

   

15,000,000 shares

(midpoint of range)

   

17,250,000 shares

(maximum of range)

   

19,837,500 shares

(15% above

(maximum of range)(1)

 
     Amount(2)   

Percent

of

assets(3)

    Amount   

Percent

of

assets(2)

    Amount   

Percent

of

assets(3)

    Amount   

Percent

of

assets(3)

    Amount   

Percent

of

assets(3)

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Capital and retained earnings under generally accepted accounting principles

   $ 109,943    13.51 %   $ 164,390    18.82 %   $ 173,869    19.67 %   $ 183,348    20.50 %   $ 194,248    21.44 %

Tangible capital(4)

   $ 111,507    13.66 %   $ 165,954    18.95 %   $ 175,433    19.79 %   $ 184,912    20.62 %   $ 195,812    21.55 %

Requirement

     16,328    2.00       13,139    1.50       13,295    1.50       13,450    1.50       13,629    1.50  
                                                                 

Excess

   $ 95,179    11.66 %   $ 152,815    17.45 %   $ 162,138    18.29 %   $ 171,461    19.12 %   $ 182,183    20.05 %
                                                                 

Core capital(5)

   $ 111,507    13.66 %   $ 165,954    18.95 %   $ 175,433    19.79 %   $ 184,912    20.62 %   $ 195,812    21.55 %

Requirement

     32,655    4.00       35,037    4.00       35,452    4.00       35,867    4.00       36,345    4.00  
                                                                 

Excess

   $ 78,852    9.66 %   $ 130,917    14.95 %   $ 139,981    15.79 %   $ 149,044    16.62 %   $ 159,467    17.55 %
                                                                 

Total risk-based capital(6)

   $ 116,802    24.42 %   $ 171,249    33.70 %   $ 180,728    35.21 %   $ 190,207    36.68 %   $ 201,107    38.35 %

Requirement

     38,268    8.00       40,650    8.00       41,065    8.00       41,480    8.00       41,957    8.00  
                                                                 

Excess

   $ 78,534    16.42 %   $ 130,599    25.70 %   $ 139,663    27.21 %   $ 148,727    28.68 %   $ 159,150    30.35 %
                                                                 

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to an increase in the estimated price range of up to 15% as a result of changes in market conditions or general financial and economic conditions following the commencement of the offering.
(2) Historical capital shows capital for Westfield Bank only.
(3) Core capital levels are shown as a percentage of “total assets,” and risk-based capital levels are calculated on the basis of a percentage of “risk-weighted assets,” each as defined in the OTS regulations.
(4) Pro forma capital levels assume receipt by Westfield Bank of 50% of the net proceeds from the shares of common stock sold at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and 15% above maximum of the offering range.
(5) The current core capital requirement for savings banks is 3.0% of total adjusted assets for savings banks that receive the highest supervisory ratings for safety and soundness and that are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth. The current core capital ratio applicable to all other savings banks is 4.0%.
(6) Assumes net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 50% risk-weighting.

 

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HOLDING COMPANY CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents the historical deposits and consolidated capitalization of Westfield Financial at June 30, 2006, and the pro forma capitalization of New Westfield Financial after giving effect to the conversion and stock offering, based upon the sale of the number of shares shown below and the other assumptions set forth under “ Pro Forma Data .” A change in the number of shares to be sold in the stock offering may materially affect our capitalization.

 

           Pro forma based upon sale at $10.00 per share  
    

Historical

as of

June 30, 2006

   

12,750,000

shares

(minimum

of range)

   

15,000,000
shares

(midpoint

of range)

   

17,250,000

shares

(maximum

of range)

   

19,837,500

shares

(15% above

maximum of

range) (1)

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Deposits(2)

   $ 635,720     $ 635,720     $ 635,720     $ 635,720     $ 635,720  

Borrowed funds

     59,404       59,404       59,404       59,404       59,404  
                                        

Total deposits and borrowed funds

   $ 695,124     $ 695,124     $ 695,124     $ 695,124     $ 695,124  
                                        

Stockholders’ equity:

          

Common stock, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized by Westfield Financial at June 30, 2006; 75,000,000 shares authorized by New Westfield Financial; shares to be issued as reflected(3)

   $ 106     $ 221     $ 260     $ 299     $ 344  

Additional paid-in capital(3)

     48,272       154,568       176,813       199,058       224,639  

Retained earnings(4)

     93,195       93,195       93,195       93,195       93,195  

Unrealized gain (loss) on securities(5)

     (1,797 )     (1,797 )     (1,797 )     (1,797 )     (1,797 )

Treasury stock

     (18,676 )     —         —         —         —    

Plus:

          

Assets received from Westfield Mutual Holding Company

     —         2,655       2,655       2,655       2,655  

Less:

          

Common stock acquired by 2002 ESOP

     (4,981 )     —         —         —         —    

Common stock acquired by 2002 RRP

     (650 )     —         —         —         —    

Less:

          

Common stock acquired by 2007 ESOP(6)

     —         (10,081 )     (10,981 )     (11,881 )     (12,916 )

Common stock acquired by 2007 RRP(7)

     —         (4,974 )     (5,737 )     (6,500 )     (7,378 )
                                        

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 115,469     $ 233,787     $ 254,408     $ 275,029     $ 298,742  
                                        

Stockholders’ equity as a percentage of Assets

     14.12 %     25.04 %     26.66 %     28.21 %     29.92 %

(1) As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to an increase in the offering of up to 15% as a result of regulatory considerations or changes in market or general financial and economic conditions following the start of the offering.
(2) Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of common stock in the offering. Such withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits by the amount of such withdrawals.
(3) Reflects the total shares to be outstanding after the conversion and stock offering: 22,117,096 shares at the minimum of the estimated valuation range, 26,020,113 shares at the midpoint, 29,923,130 shares at the maximum, and 34,411,599 at 15% above the maximum. Includes assets held by Westfield Mutual Holding Company. No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of common stock pursuant to the 2007 Stock Option Plan intended to be adopted by our Board of Directors and presented for approval of stockholders at a meeting of the stockholders to be held at least six months following completion of the offering.
(4) The retained earnings of Westfield Bank will be substantially restricted after the stock offering, under OTS regulations.
(5) Represents the unrealized gain on securities classified as available-for-sale, net of related taxes.
(6) Assumes that the ESOP purchases up to 8.0% in the stock offering with funds borrowed from us. The loan will be repaid principally from Westfield Bank’s contributions to the ESOP. Since we will finance the ESOP debt, this debt will be eliminated through consolidation and no liability will be reflected on our consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the amount of shares acquired by the ESOP is shown in this table as a reduction of total stockholders’ equity.
(7) Assumes that, subsequent to the stock offering, an amount equal to 3.39% of the stock offering is purchased by the 2007 RRP through open market purchases with funds provided by us. The 2007 RRP is intended to be adopted by our Board of Directors and presented for approval of stockholders at a meeting to be held at least six months following completion of the stock offering. The common stock purchased by the 2007 RRP is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.

 

33


Table of Contents

PRO FORMA DATA

We cannot determine the actual net proceeds from the sale of the common stock until the stock offering is completed. However, we estimate that net proceeds will be between $125.1 million and $169.7 million, or $195.3 million if the offering range is increased by 15%, based upon the following assumptions:

 

    we will sell all shares of common stock in the subscription offering;

 

    we will pay Keefe, Bruyette & Woods a fixed fee of $50,000 and 1.0% of the dollar amount of our common stock sold in the subscription or community offering, excluding shares purchased by the ESOP, our officers and directors and their immediate family members. See “— Plan Of Distribution; Selling Agent Compensation ;” and

 

    total expenses, including fees and expenses paid to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, will be approximately $2.8 million.

We calculated the pro forma consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity of Westfield Financial for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2005, as if the common stock had been sold at the beginning of each year and the net proceeds had been invested at 5.21% for both the six months ended June 30, 2006 and for the year ended December 31, 2005. These yields represent the yield on one-year U.S. Treasury securities at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively (which we consider to more accurately reflect the pro forma investment rate than an arithmetic average method in light of current market interest rates). This rate is used because we believe it reflects the yield that we will receive on the net proceeds of the stock offering. We assumed a tax rate of 39.10% for both periods. This results in annualized after-tax yields of 3.17% for both the six months ended June 30, 2006 and for the year ended December 31, 2005.

We calculated historical and pro forma per share amounts by dividing historical and pro forma amounts of consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity by the indicated number of shares of common stock. We computed per share amounts for each period as if the common stock was outstanding at the beginning of the periods, but we did not adjust per share historical stockholders’ equity to reflect the earnings on the estimated net proceeds. As discussed under “ How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Stock Offering ,” we intend to (i) infuse Westfield Bank with 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering; (ii) make a loan to the ESOP to fund its purchase of up to 8.0% of the common stock issued in the offering; and (iii) retain all of the rest of the proceeds at the holding company for capital needs that arise in the future. The loan to the ESOP is assumed to be repaid in substantially equal principal payments over a period of thirty years.

The tables and footnotes on pages 36 through 39 give effect to the 2007 RRP that we expect to adopt following the conversion and stock offering and to present to stockholders for approval at a special meeting of stockholders to be held at least six months following the completion of the conversion and stock offering. If the 2007 RRP is approved by stockholders, the 2007 RRP will acquire an amount of common stock equal to 3.39% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering, either through open market purchases or from authorized but unissued shares of common stock. In preparing the following tables, we assumed that stockholder approval has been obtained and that the shares acquired by the 2007 RRP are purchased in the open market at $10.00 per share.

 

34


Table of Contents

The tables and footnotes on pages 36 through 39 also give effect to the implementation of the 2007 Stock Option Plan that we expect to adopt following the conversion and stock offering and to present to stockholders for approval at a special meeting of stockholders to be held at least six months following the completion of the conversion and stock offering. In preparing the following tables, we assumed that stockholder approval has been obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, and that the stock options had a term of ten years, vested over five years and that the 2007 Stock Option Plan granted options to acquire 8.48% of the shares issued in the conversion and stock offering. We applied the binomial option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $1.67 for each option. In addition to the terms of the options described above, the binomial option pricing model incorporated an estimated volatility rate of 10.26% for the common stock based on the trading activity of a sample of publicly-traded thrifts that have undergone a second-step conversion, a dividend yield of between 3.00% and 4.00% and an expected option life of ten years and a risk free interest rate of 5.65%. Finally we assumed that 25.0% of the stock options were non-qualified options granted to directors, resulting in a tax benefit (at an assumed tax rate of 34.0%) for a deduction equal to the grant-date fair value of the options.

An increase in the number of shares of common stock outstanding as a result of an increase in the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock would decrease both the percentage of outstanding shares owned by a subscriber and the pro forma net income and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma net income and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares of common stock outstanding would increase both a subscriber’s ownership interest and the pro forma net income and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while decreasing pro forma net income and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis.

The following tables do not give effect to:

 

    withdrawals from deposit accounts to purchase common stock in the stock offering;

 

    our results of operations after the conversion and stock offering; or

 

    changes in the market price of the common stock after the conversion and stock offering.

The following pro forma information may not represent the financial effects of the conversion and stock offering at the date on which the conversion actually occurs and you should not use the table as an indicator of future results of operations. Pro forma stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amount of assets and liabilities of Westfield Financial computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We did not increase or decrease stockholders’ equity to reflect the difference between the carrying value of loans and other assets and market value. Pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the common stock and may be different than amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated.

 

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Table of Contents
     At or for the six months ended June 30, 2006  
    

Minimum

12,750,000 shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Midpoint

15,000,000 shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Maximum

17,250,000
shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Maximum

as adjusted

19,837,500

shares

at $10.00

per share(1)

 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds

   $ 127,500     $ 150,000     $ 172,500     $ 198,375  

Less: Expenses

     2,413       2,629       2,845       3,094  

Estimated net proceeds

     125,087       147,371       169,655       195,281  

Less: Common stock purchased by ESOP(2)

     (5,100 )     (6,000 )     (6,900 )     (7,935 )

Less: Common stock purchased by 2007 RRP(3)

     (4,324 )     (5,087 )     (5,850 )     (6,728 )

Add: MHC capital addition(4)

     2,655       2,655       2,655       2,655  
                                

Estimated investable net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 118,318     $ 138,939     $ 159,560     $ 183,273  

For the six months ended June 30, 2006 :

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 2,574     $ 2,574     $ 2,574     $ 2,574  

Pro forma income on net proceeds

     1,877       2,204       2,531       2,908  

Pro forma 2007 Stock Option Plan adjustment

     (163 )     (191 )     (220 )     (253 )

Pro forma ESOP adjustment(2)

     (52 )     (61 )     (70 )     (81 )

Pro forma 2007 RRP adjustment(3)

     (263 )     (310 )     (356 )     (410 )
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 3,973     $ 4,216     $ 4,459     $ 4,738  

Per share net income (reflects SOP 93-6)(4):

        

Historical

   $ 0.12     $ 0.10     $ 0.09     $ 0.08  

Pro forma income on net proceeds, as adjusted

     0.09       0.09       0.09       0.09  

Pro forma 2007 Stock Option Plan expense(5)

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )

Pro forma ESOP on net proceeds(2)

     0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  

Pro forma 2007 RRP adjustment(3)

     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
                                

Pro forma net income per share(6)

   $ 0.19     $ 0.17     $ 0.16     $ 0.15  

Offering price as a multiple of pro forma net annualized income per share

     26.32 x     29.41 x     31.25 x     33.33 x
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma net income per share

     21,051,392       24,766,343       28,481,295       32,753,488  

At June 30, 2006:

        

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 115,469     $ 115,469     $ 115,469     $ 115,469  

Estimated net proceeds

     125,087       147,371       169,655       195,281  

Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP(2)

     (5,100 )     (6,000 )     (6,900 )     (7,935 )

Less: Common stock acquired by 2007 RRP(3)

     (4,324 )     (5,087 )     (5,850 )     (6,728 )

Add: Assets received from MHC

     2,655       2,655       2,655       2,655  
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity

   $ 233,787     $ 254,408     $ 275,029     $ 298,742  
                                

Stockholders’ equity per share (does not reflect SOP 93-6)(7):

        

Historical

   $ 5.22     $ 4.44     $ 3.86     $ 3.36  

Estimated net proceeds

     5.66       5.67       5.67       5.67  

Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP(2)

     (0.23 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )

Less: Common stock acquired by 2007 RRP(3)

     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )

Add: Assets received from MHC

     0.12       0.10       0.09       0.08  
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 10.57     $ 9.78     $ 9.19     $ 8.68  
                                

Offering price as a percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

     94.61 %     102.25 %     108.81 %     115.21 %
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma book value per share calculation

     22,117,097       26,020,113       29,923,131       34,411,599  

(1) We reserve the right to issue up to a total of 19,837,500 shares at $10.00 per share, or 15% above the maximum of the offering range. Unless otherwise required by the regulators, subscribers will not be given the right to modify their subscriptions unless the aggregate purchase price of the common stock is increased to exceed $198,375,000 (15% above the maximum of the offering range).

 

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Table of Contents
(2) It is assumed that up to 8.0% of the shares of common stock issued in connection with the offering will be purchased by the ESOP. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire such shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from us. The amount to be borrowed is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. ESOP expense is based upon generally accepted accounting principles as described in accounting Statement of Position 93-6 (“SOP 93-6”). Generally accepted accounting principles require that as and when shares pledged as security for an ESOP loan are committed to be released from the loan ( i.e. , as the loan is repaid), ESOP expense is recorded based upon the fair value of the shares at the time. Westfield Bank intends to make annual contributions to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the debt. Westfield Bank’s total annual payment of the ESOP debt is based upon 30 equal annual installments of principal. The pro forma net income assumes: (i) that Westfield Bank’s contribution to the ESOP is equivalent to the debt service requirement for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and was made at the end of the period; (ii) that 8,500 shares at the minimum of the offering range, 10,000 shares at the midpoint of the offering range, 11,500 shares at the maximum of the offering range and 13,225 shares at the 15% above the maximum of the offering range, were committed to be released during the six months ended June 30, 2006 at an average fair value of $10.00 per share in accordance with SOP-93-6; and (iii) the ESOP shares committed to be released were considered outstanding for the entire period for purposes of the net income per share calculations.
(3) Assumes 3.39% of the common stock sold in the stock offering will be purchased by the 2007 RRP using funds contributed by us. Before the 2007 RRP is implemented, it must be approved by the stockholders. The dollar amount of the common stock possibly to be purchased by the 2007 RRP is based on $10.00 per share and represents unearned compensation and is reflected as a reduction of capital. Such amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the price per share after the stock offering. As we accrue compensation expenses to reflect the vesting of such shares over five years pursuant to the 2007 RRP, the charge against capital will be reduced accordingly. In the event the shares issued under the 2007 RRP consist of newly-issued shares of common stock at the price per share in the stock offering, the per share financial condition and result of operations of Westfield Financial would be proportionally reduced and to the extent the interest of existing stockholders would be diluted by approximately 1.918%.
(4) Reflects addition of Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s capital as a result of the conversion and stock offering.
(5) Assumes 8.48% of the common stock sold in the stock offering will be granted pursuant to options to acquire such stock. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock option expense, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the binomial option pricing model was $1.67 for each option, the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five year vesting period of the options and that 25.0% of the amortization expense (or the assumed portion relating to options granted to directors) resulted in a tax benefit using an assumed tax rate of 34.0%. Under the above assumption, the adoption of the 2007 Stock Option Plan will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for purposes of calculating earnings per share. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 per share price. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under 2007 Stock Option Plan are obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of up to 4.66]% on the ownership interests of persons who purchase common stock in the stock offering.
(6) Per share figures include publicly-held shares of Westfield Financial common stock that will be exchanged for new shares of our common stock in the conversion. The number of shares of common stock actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
(7) Per share figures include publicly-held shares of Westfield Financial common stock that will be exchanged for new shares of our common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (a) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering and (b) new shares to be issued in exchange for publicly-held shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. The exchange shares reflect an exchange ratio of 2.27378, 2.67504, 3.07629, and 3.53774, at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. The number of subscription shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed shares.

 

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Table of Contents
     At or for the year ended December 31, 2005  
    

Minimum

12,750,000 shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Midpoint

15,000,000 shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Maximum

17,250,000

shares

at $10.00

per share

   

Maximum

as adjusted

19,837,500

shares

at $10.00

per share(1)

 
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Gross proceeds

   $ 127,500     $ 150,000     $ 172,500     $ 198,375  

Less: Expenses

     2,413       2,629       2,845       3,094  

Estimated net proceeds

     125,087       147,371       169,655       195,281  

Less: Common stock purchased by ESOP(2)

     (5,100 )     (6,000 )     (6,900 )     (7,935 )

Less: Common stock purchased by 2007 RRP(3)

     (4,324 )     (5,087 )     (5,850 )     (6,728 )

Add: MHC capital addition(4)

     2,655       2,655       2,655       2,655  
                                

Estimated investable net proceeds, as adjusted

   $ 118,318     $ 138,939     $ 159,560     $ 183,273  

For the six months ended December 31, 2005 :

        

Consolidated net income:

        

Historical

   $ 6,219     $ 6,219     $ 6,219     $ 6,219  

Pro forma income on net proceeds

     3,754       4,408       5,063       5,815  

Pro forma 2007 Stock Option Plan adjustment

     (325 )     (383 )     (440 )     (506 )

Pro forma ESOP adjustment(2)

     (104 )     (122 )     (140 )     (161 )

Pro forma 2007 RRP adjustment(3)

     (527 )     (620 )     (713 )     (819 )
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 9,017     $ 9,502     $ 9,989     $ 10,548  

Per share net income (reflects SOP 93-6)(6):

        

Historical

   $ 0.30     $ 0.25     $ 0.22     $ 0.19  

Pro forma income on net proceeds, as adjusted

     0.18       0.18       0.18       0.18  

Pro forma 2007 Stock Option Plan expense (5)

     (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.02 )     (0.02 )

Pro forma ESOP on net proceeds(2)

     0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  

Pro forma 2007 RRP adjustment(3)

     (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )
                                

Pro forma net income per share(6)

   $ 0.43     $ 0.38     $ 0.35     $ 0.32  

Offering price as a multiple of pro forma net annualized income per share

     23.26 x     26.32 x     28.57 x     31.25 x
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma net income per share

     21,032,886       24,744,572       28,456,258       32,724,695  

At December 31, 2005:

        

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 115,842     $ 115,842     $ 115,842     $ 115,842  

Estimated net proceeds

     125,087       147,371       169,655       195,281  

Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP(2)

     (5,100 )     (6,000 )     (6,900 )     (7,935 )

Less: Common stock acquired by 2007 RRP(3)

     (4,324 )     (5,087 )     (5,850 )     (6,728 )

Add: Assets received from MHC

     2,655       2,655       2,655       2,655  
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity

   $ 234,160     $ 254,781     $ 275,402     $ 299,115  
                                

Stockholders’ equity per share (does not reflect SOP 93-6)(7):

        

Historical

   $ 5.22     $ 4.45     $ 3.87     $ 3.37  

Estimated net proceeds

     5.66       5.67       5.67       5.67  

Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP(2)

     (0.23 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )     (0.23 )

Less: Common stock acquired by 2007 RRP(3)

     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )     (0.20 )

Add: Assets received from MHC

     0.12       0.10       0.09       0.08  
                                

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 10.59     $ 9.79     $ 9.20     $ 8.69  
                                

Offering price as a percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

     94.43 %     102.15 %     108.70 %     115.07 %
                                

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma book value per share calculation

     22,117,097       26,020,113       29,923,131       34,411,599  

(1) We reserve the right to issue up to a total of 19,837,500 shares at $10.00 per share, or 15% above the maximum of the offering range. Unless otherwise required by the regulators, subscribers will not be given the right to modify their subscriptions unless the aggregate purchase price of the common stock is increased to exceed $198,375,000 (15% above the maximum of the offering range).

 

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(2) It is assumed that up to 8.0% of the shares of common stock issued in connection with the offering will be purchased by the ESOP. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire such shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from us. The amount to be borrowed is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. ESOP expense is based upon generally accepted accounting principles as described in accounting SOP 93-6. Generally accepted accounting principles require that as and when shares pledged as security for an ESOP loan are committed to be released from the loan ( i.e. , as the loan is repaid), ESOP expense is recorded based upon the fair value of the shares at the time. Westfield Bank intends to make annual contributions to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the principal and interest requirement of the debt. Westfield Bank’s total annual payment of the ESOP debt is based upon 30 equal annual installments of principal. The pro forma net income assumes: (i) that Westfield Bank’s contribution to the ESOP is equivalent to the debt service requirement for the year ended December 31, 2006, and was made at the end of the period; (ii) that 17,000 shares at the minimum of the offering range, 20,000 shares at the midpoint of the offering range, 23,000 shares at the maximum of the offering range, and 26,450 shares at the 15% above the maximum of the offering range, were committed to be released during the year ended December 31, 2006 at an average fair value of $10.00 per share in accordance with SOP-93-6; and (iii) the ESOP shares committed to be released were considered outstanding for the entire period for purposes of the net income per share calculations.
(3) Assumes 3.39% of the common stock sold in the stock offering will be purchased by the 2007 RRP using funds contributed by us. Before the 2007 RRP is implemented, it must be approved by the stockholders. The dollar amount of the common stock possibly to be purchased by the 2007 RRP is based on $10.00 per share and represents unearned compensation and is reflected as a reduction of capital. Such amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the price per share after the stock offering. As we accrue compensation expenses to reflect the vesting of such shares over five years pursuant to the 2007 RRP, the charge against capital will be reduced accordingly. In the event the shares issued under the 2007 RRP consist of newly-issued shares of common stock at the price per share in the stock offering, the per share financial condition and result of operations of Westfield Financial would be proportionately reduced and to the extent the interest of existing stockholders would be diluted by approximately 1.918%.
(4) Reflects addition of Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s capital as a result of the conversion.
(5) Assumes 8.48% of the common stock sold in the stock offering will be granted pursuant to options to acquire such stock. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock option expense, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and trading price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value pursuant to the application of the binomial option pricing model was $1.67 for each option, the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five year vesting period of the options and that 25.0% of the amortization expense (or the assumed portion relating to options granted to directors) resulted in a tax benefit using an assumed tax rate of 34.0%. Under the above assumption, the adoption of the 2007 Stock Option Plan will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for purposes of calculating earnings per share. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 per share price. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the 2007 Stock Option Plan are obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share will decrease. This will also have a dilutive effect of up to 4.66% on the ownership interests of persons who purchase common stock in the stock offering.
(6) Per share figures include publicly-held shares of Westfield Financial common stock that will be exchanged for new shares of our common stock in the conversion. The number of shares of common stock actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed amounts.
(7) Per share figures include publicly-held shares of Westfield Financial common stock that will be exchanged for new shares of our common stock in the conversion. Stockholders’ equity per share calculations are based upon the sum of (a) the number of subscription shares assumed to be sold in the offering and (b) new shares to be issued in exchange for publicly-held shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. The exchange shares reflect an exchange ratio of 2.27378, 2.67504, 3.07629, and 3.53774, at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. The number of subscription shares actually sold and the corresponding number of exchange shares may be more or less than the assumed shares.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This section is intended to help potential investors understand the financial performance of Westfield Financial and its subsidiaries through a discussion of the factors affecting its financial condition at June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December, 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 and its consolidated results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and 2005 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003. This section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus. The financial condition and results of operations reported at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and for the six-month period ending June 30, 2006 (unaudited) are not necessarily indicative of the financial condition and results of operations that will result for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

Overview

Westfield Financial strives to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of the local community and to provide quality service to the individuals and businesses in the market areas that it has served since 1853. Historically, Westfield Bank has been a community-oriented provider of traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including products such as residential and commercial real estate loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products. Westfield Bank meets the needs of its local community through a community-based and service-oriented approach to banking.

Westfield Financial has adopted a growth-oriented strategy that has focused on increased emphasis on commercial lending. Westfield Financial’s strategy also calls for increasing deposit relationships and broadening its product lines and services. Westfield Financial believes that this business strategy is best for its long term success and viability, and complements its existing commitment to high quality customer service.

In connection with its overall growth strategy, Westfield Bank seeks to:

 

    continue to grow its commercial and industrial loan and commercial real estate loan portfolio by targeting commercial businesses in its primary market area and in northern Connecticut as a means to increase the yield on and diversify its loan portfolio and build transactional deposit account relationships;

 

    focus on expanding its retail banking franchise, and increasing the number of households served within its market area; and

 

    depending on market conditions, refer substantially all of the fixed rate residential real estate loans to a third party mortgage company that underwrites, originates and services these loans, in order to diversify its loan portfolio, increase fee income and reduce interest rate risk.

Following the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Bank intends to utilize proceeds from the stock offering to further the objectives of its growth-oriented strategy. See “ How We Intend To Use The Proceeds From The Stock Offering .”

 

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General

Westfield Financial’s consolidated results of operations are comprised of earnings on investments and the net income recorded by its principal operating subsidiary, Westfield Bank. Westfield Bank’s consolidated results of operations depend primarily on net interest and dividend income. Net interest and dividend income is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-earning assets consist primarily of commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, residential real estate loans, consumer loans, mortgage-backed securities and investment securities. Interest-bearing liabilities consist primarily of certificates of deposit and money market account, NOW account, and savings account deposits, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. The consolidated results of operations also depend on provision for loan losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense. Noninterest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses. Noninterest income includes service fees and charges, income on bank-owned life insurance, and gains (losses) on sales of securities and securities writedowns.

Critical Accounting Policies

Westfield Financial’s accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Given its current business strategy and asset/liability structure, the more critical policies are accounting for nonperforming loans, the allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses, the classification of securities as either held to maturity or available for sale, other than temporary impairment of securities, and discount rate assumptions used for benefit liabilities. In addition to the informational disclosure in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Westfield Financial’s policy on each of these accounting policies is described in detail in the applicable sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Senior management has discussed the development and selection of these accounting estimates and the related disclosures with the Audit Committee of Westfield Financial’s Board of Directors.

On a quarterly basis, Westfield Financial reviews available for sale investment securities with unrealized depreciation on a judgmental basis to assess whether the decline in fair value is temporary or other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the corporation to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Securities, including mortgage-backed securities, that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Securities, including mortgage-backed securities, that have been identified as assets for which there is not a positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of equity. Accordingly, a misclassification would have a direct effect on stockholders’ equity. Sales or reclassification as available for sale (except for certain permitted reasons) of held to maturity securities may result in the reclassification of all such securities to available for sale. Westfield Financial has never sold held to maturity securities or reclassified such securities to available for sale other than in specifically permitted circumstances. Westfield Financial does not acquire securities or mortgage-backed securities for purposes of engaging in trading activities.

 

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Westfield Financial’s general policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income. Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when subsequent performance reduces the concern as to the collectibility of principal and interest. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.

The process of evaluating the loan portfolio, classifying loans and determining the allowance and provision is described in detail in “ Business of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank — Lending Activities — Allowance for Loan Losses ” below. Westfield Financial’s methodology for assessing the allocation of the allowance consists of two key components, which are a specific allowance for identified problems or impaired loans and a formula allowance for the remainder of the portfolio. Measurement of impairment can be based on present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change. The allocation of the allowance is also reviewed by management based upon its evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting Westfield Financial’s key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of the loan portfolio. Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.

 

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Average Balance Sheet And Analysis Of Net Interest And Dividend Income

The following tables set forth information relating to Westfield Financial’s financial condition and net interest and dividend income at June 30, 2006, for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and reflect the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. The yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances were derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated. Interest income includes fees earned from making changes in loan rates or terms, and fees earned when commercial real estate loans were prepaid or refinanced. The interest earned on tax exempt assets is adjusted to a tax equivalent basis to recognize the income tax savings which facilitates comparison between taxable and tax exempt assets.

 

     At June 30,     For the Six Months Ended June 30,  
   2006     2006     2005  
    

Actual

Balance

   Yield/Rates    

Average

Balance

   Interest   

Average

Yield/Cost

    Average
Balance
   Interest   

Average

Yield/Cost

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  
ASSETS:                      
Interest-earning assets:                      

Short term investments(1)

   $ 1,208    5.02 %   $ 18,402    $ 416    4.52 %   $ 31,344    $ 404    2.58 %

Investment securities

     371,172    4.71       362,550      7,951    4.39       341,414      6,923    4.06  

Loans(2)

     391,846    6.58       383,822      12,582    6.56       379,491      11,153    5.88  
                                         

Total interest-earning assets

     764,226    5.67       764,774      20,949    5.48       752,249      18,480    4.91  
                             

Total noninterest-earning assets

     53,710        48,789           46,086      
                                 

Total assets

   $ 817,936      $ 813,563         $ 798,335      
                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:                      
Interest-bearing liabilities:                      

NOW accounts

   $ 76,800    1.33     $ 71,381      383    1.07     $ 59,122      146    0.49  

Savings accounts

     39,491    0.50       40,589      101    0.50       44,057      109    0.49  

Money market deposit accounts

     107,659    1.53       117,532      905    1.54       147,472      1,003    1.36  

Time certificates of deposit

     371,076    4.03       359,757      6,486    3.61       316,778      4,139    2.61  
                                         

Total interest-bearing deposits

     595,026        589,259      7,874        567,429      5,397   

Customer repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     59,404    3.26       59,783      977    3.27       61,902      844    2.73  
                                         

Interest-bearing liabilities

     654,430    3.02       649,042      8,852    2.73       629,331      6,241    1.98  
                                         

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     40,694        41,838           43,921      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     7,343        7,754           6,496      
                                 

Total noninterest-bearing liabilities

     48,037        49,592           50,417      

Total liabilities

     702,467        698,634           679,748      

Total stockholders’ equity

     115,469        114,929           118,587      
                                 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 817,936      $ 813,563         $ 798,335      
                                 

Net interest and dividend income

           $ 12,097         $ 12,239   
                             

Net interest rate spread(3)

      2.65           2.75           2.93  

Net interest margin(4)

      3.08 %         3.19 %         3.28 %

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

              117.8 x         119.5 x

 

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     For the Year Ended December 31,  
     2005     2004     2003  
    

Average

Balance

   Interest   

Average

Yield/Cost

   

Average

Balance

   Interest   

Average

Yield/Cost

   

Average

Balance

   Interest   

Average

Yield/Cost

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

ASSETS:

                        

Interest-earning assets:

                        

Short term investments(1)

   $ 30,141    $ 788    2.61 %   $ 20,866    $ 290    1.39 %   $ 17,648    $ 170    0.96 %

Investment securities

     344,618      14,247    4.13       361,253      13,802    3.82       389,333      13,599    3.40  

Loans(2)

     383,436      23,136    6.03       366,677      21,198    5.78       354,134      22,464    6.34  
                                                

Total interest-earning assets

     758,195      38,171    5.03       748,796      35,290    4.71       761,115      36,233    4.76  
                                    

Total noninterest-earning assets

     47,226           46,135           48,693      
                                    

Total assets

   $ 805,421         $ 794,931         $ 809,808      
                                    

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

                        

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                        

NOW accounts

   $ 60,839      325    0.53     $ 48,004      249    0.52     $ 42,783      347    0.81  

Savings accounts

     43,250      217    0.50       47,728      234    0.49       46,771      371    0.79  

Money market deposit accounts

     144,629      2,117    1.46       152,855      1,419    0.93       152,863      1,860    1.22  

Time certificates of deposit

     325,050      9,154    2.82       317,563      7,723    2.43       353,967      10,544    2.98  
                                                

Total interest-bearing deposits

     573,768      11,813        566,150      9,625        596,384      13,122   

Customer repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     62,209      1,784    2.87       50,309      1,289    2.56       30,123      736    2.44  
                                                

Interest-bearing liabilities

     635,977      13,597    2.14       616,459      10,914    1.77       626,507      13,858    2.21  
                                                

Noninterest-bearing deposits

     44,590           52,631           54,119      

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     6,819           5,488           5,020      
                                    

Total noninterest-bearing liabilities

     51,409           58,119           59,139      
                                    

Total liabilities

     687,386           674,578           685,646      

Total stockholders’ equity

     118,035           120,353           124,162      
                                    

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 805,421         $ 794,931         $ 809,808      
                                    

Net interest and dividend income

      $ 24,574         $ 24,376         $ 22,375   
                                    

Net interest rate spread(3)

         2.90           2.94           2.55  

Net interest margin(4)

         3.26 %         3.25 %         2.94 %

Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

         119.2 x         121.5 x         121.5 x

(1) Short term investments include Federal funds sold.
(2) Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs (fees), and unadvanced funds.
(3) Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4) Net interest margin represents tax equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

 

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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table shows how changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected Westfield Financial’s interest and dividend income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (1) interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (2) interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (3) the net change.

The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 

    

Six Months Ended June 30,

2006 Compared to Six Months

Ended June 30, 2005

Increase/(Decrease)

   

Year Ended December 31, 2005

Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2004

Increase/(Decrease)

   

Year Ended December 31, 2004

Compared to Year Ended

December 31, 2003

Increase/(Decrease)

 
     Due to           Due to          Due to        
     Volume     Rate     Net     Volume     Rate    Net     Volume     Rate     Net  
     (In thousands)  

Interest earning assets:

                   

Short term investments

   $ (167 )   $ 179     $ 12     $ 129     $ 369    $ 498     $ 31     $ 89     $ 120  

Investment securities

     429       599       1,028       (636 )     1,081      445       (981 )     1,184       203  

Loans

     127       1,302       1,429       969       969      1,938       796       (2,062 )     (1,266 )

Total interest-earning assets

     389       2,080       2,469       462       2,419      2,881       (154 )     (789 )     (943 )

Interest bearing liabilities:

                   

NOW accounts

     30       207       237       67       9      76       42       (140 )     (98 )

Savings accounts

     (9 )     0       (9 )     (22 )     5      (17 )     8       (145 )     (137 )

Money market deposit accounts

     (204 )     106       (98 )     (76 )     774      698       0       (441 )     (441 )

Time certificates of deposit

     562       1,785       2,347       182       1,249      1,431       (1,084 )     (1,737 )     (2,821 )

Customer repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     (29 )     163       134       305       190      495       493       60       553  

Total interest bearing liabilities

     350       2,261       2,611       456       2,227      2,683       (541 )     (2,403 )     (2,944 )

Change in net interest and dividend income

   $ 39     $ (181 )   $ (142 )   $ 6     $ 192    $ 198     $ 387     $ 1,614     $ 2,001  

 

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Comparison Of Financial Condition At June 30, 2006 And December 31, 2005

Total assets increased $12.8 million to $817.9 million at June 30, 2006 from $805.1 million at December 31, 2005. Securities increased $12.0 million to $366.9 million at June 30, 2006 from $354.9 million at December 31, 2005.

Net loans during the period increased by $7.7 million to $386.5 million at June 30, 2006 from $378.8 million at December 31, 2005. Commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans increased $4.3 million to $273.9 million at June 30, 2006 from $269.6 million at December 31, 2005. This is consistent with Westfield Bank’s strategic plan, which emphasizes commercial lending. The continued success of Westfield Bank’s commercial lending is primarily dependent on the local and national economy along with local competition for commercial loans. Residential real estate loans increased $4.6 million to $111.9 million at June 30, 2006 from $107.3 million at December 31, 2005. Westfield Bank purchased $10.5 million in adjustable rate loans during the first six months of 2006 which are serviced by the originating financial institutions. This was offset by principal payments and payoffs of other residential loans. Westfield Bank refers its residential real estate borrowers to a third party mortgage company and substantially all of Westfield Bank’s residential real estate loans are underwritten, originated and serviced by a third party mortgage company. Westfield Bank receives a fee from each of these loans originated. Westfield Bank believes that this program has diversified its loan portfolio and continues to reduce interest rate risk by reducing the amount of long-termed fixed rate loans held in Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio.

Total deposits increased $12.7 million to $635.7 million at June 30, 2006 from $623.0 million at December 31, 2005. The increase in deposits was primarily the result of an increase of $36.0 million in time deposits, which were $371.1 million at June 30, 2006. The increase in time deposits was partially offset by decreases of $24.6 million in money market accounts and $1.9 million in regular savings accounts. Demand deposit and NOW accounts increased $3.1 million to $117.5 million at June 30, 2006 from $114.4 million at December 31, 2005.

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings totaled $45.0 million at both June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. Customer repurchase agreements were $14.4 million at both June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. A customer repurchase agreement is an agreement by Westfield Bank to sell to and repurchase from the customer an interest in specific securities issued by or guaranteed by the United States Government. This transaction settles immediately on a same day basis in immediately available funds. Interest paid is commensurate with other products of equal interest and credit risk. All of Westfield Bank’s customer repurchase agreements at June 30, 2006 were held by commercial customers.

Excess funds are swept out of certain commercial checking accounts and into repurchase agreements where the customers can earn interest on their funds. By law, a bank cannot pay interest on commercial checking accounts; however, interest can be paid on non-deposit products such as repurchase agreements. The increase in customer repurchase agreements is consistent with Westfield Bank’s strategy to emphasize commercial customer relationships.

Stockholders’ equity at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 was $115.5 million and $115.8 million, respectively, which represented 14.1% of total assets as of June 30, 2006 and 14.4% of total assets as of December 31, 2005. The change is primarily comprised of net income of $2.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, the net repurchase at 27,745 shares of common stock for $768,000 and the declaration and payment by the Board of Directors of regular and special dividends amounting to $1.9 million.

 

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Comparison Of Operating Results For Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 And June 30, 2005

General. Net income was $2.6 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $2.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the same period in 2005. Net interest and dividend income was $11.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $11.8 million for the same period in 2005.

Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income increased $2.4 million or 13.3% to $20.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $18.1 million for the same period in 2005. The most significant component contributing to the increase in interest income was a $1.4 million increase in interest income on loans. Interest income from commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans increased $1.8 million to $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. This was primarily the result of an increase in the yield on commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans of 93 basis points to 6.93% for the six months ended June 30, 2005 compared to 6.00% for the same period in 2005. The increase in yield on commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans is primarily due to the rising interest rate environment that occurred during the period.

Additionally, and consistent with Westfield Financial’s strategic plan, the average balance of commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans increased $17.1 million to $267.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005.

Interest income from residential real estate loans decreased $178,000 to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to the same period in 2005. The average balance of residential real estate loans decreased $9.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This was due to Westfield Financial’s referral of residential real estate loans to a third party mortgage company. In addition, interest on consumer loans decreased $144,000 to $215,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $360,000 for the same period in 2005. This was primarily the result of a decrease of $3.4 million in the average balance of consumer loans for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005 due to management’s decision to discontinue indirect automobile loan originations in 2003 and allow the portfolio to pay down.

Interest and dividends on securities was $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $6.6 million for the same period in 2005. As lower yielding investments matured, were called, or paid down, the funds were reinvested at higher rates. In addition, the interest rate on adjustable rate securities repriced upward in the rising interest rate environment. This resulted in an increase in the tax equivalent yield on securities of 33 basis points to 4.39% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. In addition, the average balance of securities grew by $21.1 million from $341.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 to $362.5 million for the same period in 2006.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 increased $2.6 million to $8.9 million from the comparable 2005 period. This was attributable to an increase of 75 basis points in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.73% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 1.98% for the same period in 2005. In addition, the average balance of total interest-bearing liabilities increased $19.7 million to $649.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $629.3 million for the same period in 2005.

As the rates paid on time deposits increased, some customers have shifted funds out of lower yielding core deposits, and into higher yielding time deposits. Management feels that in a period of rising rates, the more rate sensitive customers will continue to move funds into time deposits, resulting in a higher cost of deposits.

 

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Net Interest and Dividend Income. Net interest and dividend income was $11.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $11.8 million for the same period in 2005. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.19% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to 3.28% for the same period in 2005.

The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily the result of higher funding costs. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 75 basis points to 2.73% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 1.98% for same period in 2005. The yield of interest-earning assets, on a tax equivalent basis, increased only 57 basis points to 5.48% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 4.91% for same period in 2005. The increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to an increase in the cost of time deposits resulting from the rising interest rate environment.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses is reviewed by management based upon its evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of Westfield Financial and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of the loan portfolio.

The amount that Westfield Bank allocated to the provision for loan losses during the six months ended June 30, 2006 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. After evaluating these factors, Westfield Bank provided $275,000 for loan losses for the six months ended June 30, 2006, compared to $265,000 for the same period in 2005. The allowance was $5.4 million at both June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The allowance for loan losses was 1.37% of total loans at June 30, 2006 and 1.41% at December 31, 2005.

At June 30, 2006 commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans increased $4.3 million compared to December 31, 2005. Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans comprised 70.0% of Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio as of June 30, 2006 compared to 70.2% as of December 31, 2005. Westfield Bank considers these types of loans to contain more risk than conventional residential real estate mortgages, including home equity loans, which increased by $4.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006. Consumer loans decreased $1.3 million to $6.0 million at June 30, 2006. Nonperforming loans were $914,000 at June 30, 2006 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2005.

Net charge-offs were $345,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006. This was comprised of charge-offs of $534,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, partially offset by recoveries of $189,000 for the same period.

Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $177,000 to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. There were no net gains on the sale of securities for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to $19,000 for the same period in 2005.

 

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Checking account processing fees increased $106,000 to $926,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $820,000 for the same period in 2005. Income from bank-owned life insurance increased $47,000 to $393,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $346,000 for the same period in 2005.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was $9.7 million compared to $9.4 million for the same period in 2005. Salaries and benefits increased $513,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. This was primarily the result of an increase in salary expense of $206,000 related to hiring additional personnel and normal salary increases, along with an additional expense of $146,000 related to stock options. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) now requires public and nonpublic companies to recognize stock-based compensation related to stock options in their income statements. This requirement became effective for Westfield Financial for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2006. In previous periods, Westfield Financial was not required to treat stock-based compensation related to stock options as an expense.

Income Taxes. For the six months ended June 30, 2006, Westfield Financial had a tax provision of $879,000 compared to $802,000 million for the same period in 2005. The effective tax rate was 25.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 compared to 21.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2005.

Comparison Of Financial Condition At December 31, 2005 And December 31, 2004

Total assets increased $8.2 million, or 1.0%, to $805.1 million at December 31, 2005 from $796.9 million at December 31, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $24.6 million to $26.4 million at December 31, 2005 from $51.0 million at December 31, 2004. This was primarily the result of a $26.9 million decrease in Federal funds sold.

Net loans during this period increased by $10.2 million, or 2.7%, to $378.8 million at December 31, 2005, from $368.6 million at December 31, 2004.

Commercial real estate loans increased $25.2 million, or 17.5%, to $169.5 million at December 31, 2005 from $144.3 million at December 31, 2004. Commercial and industrial loans increased $5.3 million, or 5.6%, to $100.0 million at December 31, 2005 from $94.7 million at December 31, 2004. As previously noted, Westfield Bank’s strategic plan calls for emphasis on commercial lending.

Residential real estate loans decreased $15.9 million to $107.3 million at December 31, 2005 from $123.2 million at December 31, 2004.

Securities, including mortgage-backed securities, increased $20.0 million to $354.9 million at December 31, 2005 compared to $334.9 million at December 31, 2004. The largest segment of the securities portfolio is mortgage-backed securities, the majority of which are adjustable rate instruments. Management feels that investing funds in adjustable rate mortgage backed securities has helped provide cash flow and in addition, helped reduce interest rate risk.

Total deposits increased $10.4 million to $623.0 million December 31, 2005 from $612.6 million at December 31, 2004. Time deposits increased $21.9 million to $335.0 million at December 31, 2005, while regular savings and money market accounts decreased $20.6 million. As the rates paid on time deposits increased throughout 2005, some customers shifted funds out of lower yielding core deposits, and into higher yielding time deposits. Demand deposits and NOW accounts increased $9.0 million to $114.3 million at December 31, 2005. The increase is primarily due to a new checking account product which pays higher rates to customers who maintain large balances.

 

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Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings were $45.0 million at both December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. Customer repurchase agreements decreased $174,000 to $14.4 million at December 31, 2005.

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 was $115.8 million and $118.1 million, respectively, representing 14.4% and 14.8% of total assets. The change is comprised of net income of $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, the net repurchase of 199,755 shares of common stock for $4.9 million, and the declaration by the Board of Directors of four quarterly and two special dividends aggregating $3.6 million.

Comparison Of Operating Results For Years Ended December 31, 2005 And 2004

General. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $6.2 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $6.3 million, or $0.64 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2004. The results for the year ended December 31, 2004 included net gains from the sale of securities of $877,000. This was primarily the result of Westfield Financial selling its common stock portfolio in 2004. Net gains from sales of securities for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $19,000.

Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income increased $2.9 million or 8.4% to $37.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $34.4 million for the same period in 2004.

The increase in interest income was primarily the result of a $2.0 million increase in interest income on loans. Interest income from commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans increased $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005 from the year ended December 31, 2004. In accordance with Westfield Bank’s strategic plan, the average balance of commercial and industrial loans increased $4.2 million to $101.1 million and commercial real estate loans increased $24.0 million to $158.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004.

Interest income from residential real estate loans decreased $336,000 to $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. The average balance of residential real estate loans decreased $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $119.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 due to Westfield Financial’s residential real estate loan program with a third party mortgage company. In addition, interest on consumer loans decreased $581,000 to $631,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2004. This was primarily the result of a decrease in average balance of consumer loans from $16.0 million for 2004 to $9.0 million for 2005 due to management’s decision to discontinue indirect automobile loan originations in 2003 and allow the portfolio to paydown.

Interest and dividends on securities was $13.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2005 and $13.2 million for the same period in 2004. The tax equivalent yield on securities increased from 3.82% for the year 2004 to 4.13% for the same period in 2005. As lower yielding investments matured, were called, or paid down in 2005, the funds were reinvested at higher rates. In addition, the interest rate on adjustable rate securities repriced upward in the rising interest rate environment. This change was offset by a $16.7 million decrease in the average balance of securities from $361.3 million for 2004 to $344.6 million for 2005.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 increased $2.7 million to $13.6 million from the comparable 2004 period. This was attributable to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increasing 37 basis points to 2.14% for the year ended December 31,

 

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2005 from 1.77% for the same period in 2004. In addition, the average balance of total interest-bearing liabilities increased $19.5 million to $636.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $616.5 million for the same period in 2004. As the rates paid on time deposits increased throughout 2005, some customers shifted funds out of lower yielding core deposits, and into higher yielding time deposits.

Net Interest and Dividend Income. Net interest and dividend income increased $194,000 to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $23.5 million for the same period in 2004. The net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis was 3.26% and 3.25%, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.

The increase in income from interest-earning assets was mostly offset by an increase in interest expense from interest-bearing liabilities. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 37 basis points to 2.14% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 1.77% for same period in 2004. The yield on interest-earning assets on a tax equivalent basis increased 32 basis points to 5.03% for the year ended December 31, 2005 from 4.71% for same period in 2004.

Provision for Loan Losses. The amount that Westfield Bank allocated to the provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2005 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. After evaluating these factors, Westfield Bank provided $465,000 for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $750,000 for the same period in 2004. The allowance was $5.4 million at December 31, 2005 and $5.3 million at December 31, 2004. The allowance for loan losses was 1.41% of total loans at both December 31, 2005 and 2004.

At December 31, 2005, commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans increased $30.5 million compared to December 31, 2004. Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans comprised 70.2% of Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2005 compared to 64.0% as of December 31, 2004. Westfield Bank considers these types of loans to contain more risk than conventional residential real estate mortgages, which decreased by $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2005. Consumer loans also decreased $4.3 million to $7.3 million at December 31, 2005. Nonperforming loans were $1.9 million December 31, 2005 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2004.

Net charge-offs were $320,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005. This was comprised of charge-offs of $612,000 for the year December 31, 2005, partially offset by recoveries of $292,000 for the same period.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $524,000 to $3.4 million in 2005 from $3.9 million for 2004. Net gains from sales of securities were $19,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $877,000 for the same period in 2004. This is primarily the result of the company selling its common stock portfolio in 2004 to comply with OTS regulations. Income on bank-owned life insurance was $758,000 for the period ended December 31, 2005, compared to $741,000 for the same period in 2004.

Fees received from the third party mortgage company were $107,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to $100,000 for the same period in 2004. Checking account processing fees increased $148,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. This was a result of Westfield Bank’s overdraft privilege program offered to checking account customers. The overdraft privilege program commenced in the second quarter of 2004, therefore the 2004 results reflect only a partial year under the program. In 2005, the overdraft privilege program was in effect for the entire year.

 

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Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $18.5 million compared to $17.8 million for the same period in 2004. Salaries and benefits increased $402,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. This was primarily the result of normal increases in salaries and health care costs along with an increase in stock-based benefit plan expenses of $176,000.

Advertising and marketing expenses increased $195,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005, compared to the same period in 2004. This was the result of management’s decision to increase spending on advertising and marketing to promote Westfield Bank’s products and services. Specifically, management elected to increase spending on advertising campaigns for television and print media, along with marketing materials and promotions within Westfield Bank’s branches.

Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased $629,000 to $1.9 million in 2005. The effective tax rate was 23.7% in 2005 compared to 28.8% for 2004. This was primarily the result of an increase in income from tax-exempt assets. The effective tax rates for 2005 and 2004 also reflect the utilization of Westfield Securities Corporation, which was dissolved in the third quarter of 2005, and Elm Street Securities Corporation, both Massachusetts qualified securities corporations.

Comparison Of Financial Condition At December 31, 2004 And December 31, 2003

Total assets increased $1.7 million, or 0.2%, to $796.9 million at December 31, 2004 from $795.2 million at December 31, 2003. Cash received from maturities, calls, and paydowns of securities was primarily used to fund loan demand. Cash and cash equivalents increased $5.4 million to $51.0 million at December 31, 2004 from $45.7 million at December 31, 2003.

Net loans during this period increased by $23.6 million, or 6.8%, to $368.6 million at December 31, 2004, from $345.0 million at December 31, 2003.

Commercial real estate loans increased $13.0 million, or 9.9%, to $144.3 million at December 31, 2004 from $131.3 million at December 31, 2003. Commercial and industrial loans increased $9.5 million, or 11.1%, to $94.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $85.3 million at December 31, 2003. Westfield Bank’s strategic plan calls for emphasis on commercial lending.

Residential real estate loans increased $12.3 million to $122.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $110.5 million at December 31, 2003. The increase was primarily the result of Westfield Bank’s purchase of $35.3 million in adjustable rate mortgage loans, which are serviced by the originating institutions. This was offset by principal payments and payoffs of other residential real estate loans.

Indirect automobile loans decreased $10.1 million, or 63.1%, to $5.9 million on December 31, 2004 compared to $16.0 million on December 31, 2003. Management curtailed its indirect lending beginning in fiscal year 2000 and in the fourth quarter of 2003, Westfield Bank ceased writing loans under this program.

Securities, including mortgage-backed securities, decreased $28.7 million to $354.9 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $363.6 at December 31, 2003. Westfield Bank’s common stock portfolio decreased $7.3 million. Westfield Bank sold common stock in 2004 to comply with OTS regulations. In addition, cash received from maturities, calls, and paydowns of securities was primarily used to fund loan demand.

 

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Total deposits decreased $19.8 million to $612.6 million at December 31, 2004. The decrease in deposits was primarily due to a decrease of $21.1 million in time deposits for the year ended December 31, 2004. Management believes that the decrease in time deposits was a result of a pricing strategy whereby less emphasis was placed on attracting time deposits, which generally have higher interest rates than core deposits. This led to an increase in net interest income.

Core deposits, which include checking, NOW, savings and money market accounts, increased $1.3 million to $299.5 million at December 31, 2004. Westfield Bank’s strategy at this time was to emphasize core deposits in order to maintain long-term relationships with customers and to reduce the cost of funds.

The decrease in deposits was offset by increases in Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and customer repurchase agreements. Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings increased $25.0 million to $45.0 million at December 31, 2004 to take advantage of the then current interest rate environment. Customer repurchase agreements increased $2.5 million to $14.6 million at December 31, 2004.

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was $118.1 million and $124.8 million, respectively. The change is comprised of net income of $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, the net repurchase of 567,788 shares of common stock for $12.0 million, and the declaration by the Board of Directors of quarterly cash dividends aggregating $1.7 million.

Comparison Of Operating Results For Years Ended December 31, 2004 And 2003

General. Westfield Financial reported net income of $6.3 million or $0.64 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to net income of $3.7 million or $0.36 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. Interest and dividend income decreased by $1.2 million and interest expense decreased by $2.9 million resulting in an increase in net interest income of $1.7 million. Noninterest income increased by $822,000 and income tax expense decreased by $258,000.

Westfield Financial’s 2003 results included a charge of $1.45 million representing the additional state tax liability, including interest, relating to the deduction for dividends received from Westfield Bank’s real estate investment trust subsidiary for 2002 and prior years. Total income taxes were $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2003.

Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income decreased $1.2 million or 3.4% to $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $35.6 million for the same period in 2003.

The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of a $1.3 million decrease in interest income on loans. Interest income from residential real estate loans decreased $1.6 million to $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. The average balance of residential real estate loans decreased to $119.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $131.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 due to Westfield Financial’s residential real estate loan program with a third party mortgage company. In addition, interest on consumer loans decreased $1.2 million to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2003. This was primarily the result of a decrease in average balance of consumer loans from $31.2 million for 2003 to $16.0 million for 2004 due to management’s decision to discontinue indirect automobile loan originations.

The decrease in interest income from residential real estate loans and consumer loans was partially offset by increases in income from commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial

 

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loans. Interest income from commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans increased $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from the year ended December 31, 2003. In accordance with Westfield Bank’s strategic plan, the average balance of commercial real estate loans and commercial industrial loans increased $39.6 million to $231.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to $191.5 million for the same period in 2003

Interest and dividends on securities was $13.2 million for both the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. The tax equivalent yield on securities increased from 3.49% for the year 2003 to 3.82% for the same period in 2004. This change was offset by a $28.0 million decrease in the average balance of securities from $389.3 million for 2003 to $361.3 million for 2004. Market interest rates increased during 2004. As lower yielding investments purchased in a higher rate environment matured, were called, or paid down in 2004, the funds were reinvested at higher rates. In addition, the interest rate on adjustable rate securities repriced upward in the rising interest rate environment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 decreased $3.0 million to $10.9 million from the comparable 2003 period. This was attributable to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 44 basis points to 1.77% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 2.21% for the same period in 2003. In addition, the average balance of total interest-bearing liabilities decreased $10.0 million to $616.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $626.5 million for the same period in 2003.

The decrease in both the average balance and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities was the result of a pricing strategy whereby less emphasis was placed on attracting time deposits, which generally have higher interest rates than core deposits.

Net Interest and Dividend Income. Net interest and dividend income increased $1.7 million to $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to $21.8 million for the same period in 2003. The net interest margin was 3.25% for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to 2.94% for the same period in 2003.

The increase in the net interest margin was primarily the result of lower funding costs. The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 44 basis points to 1.77% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 2.21% for same period in 2003. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 8 basis points to 4.60% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 4.68% for same period in 2003.

In addition, Westfield Bank continued to emphasize core deposits over time deposits. The average balance of core deposits, which are checking, NOW, savings and money market accounts, increased $4.7 million to $301.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $296.5 million for the same period in 2003. The average balance of time deposits decreased $36.4 million to $317.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $354.0 million for the same period in 2003. The decrease in time deposits was partially offset by an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings increased $17.5 million to $34.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $16.9 million for the same period in 2003.

The use of a pricing strategy whereby less emphasis was placed on attracting time deposits, which generally have higher interest rates than core deposits, and the shift in Westfield Bank’s funding mix contributed to the decrease in funding costs.

Provision for Loan Losses. Westfield Bank allocated $750,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. The allowance for loan losses was 1.41% of total loans at December 31, 2004, compared to 1.33% at December 31, 2003.

 

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At December 31, 2004, commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans increased $22.5 million compared to December 31, 2003. Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans comprised 64.0% of Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2004 compared to 62.0% as of December 31, 2003. Westfield Bank considers these types of loans to contain more risk than conventional residential real estate mortgages, which increased by $12.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2004. Consumer loans decreased $10.7 million to $11.6 million at December 31, 2004. The decrease in consumer loans was primarily due to the discontinuation of the indirect automobile loan program. Nonperforming loans were $2.2 million at December 31, 2004 and $1.8 million at December 31, 2003.

Net charge-offs were $115,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004. This was comprised of charge-offs of $404,000 for the year December 31, 2004, partially offset by recoveries of $289,000 for the same period.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $822,000 to $3.9 million in 2004 from $3.1 million for 2003. Fees received from the third party mortgage company were $100,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to $340,000 for the same period in 2003. Higher interest rates resulted in fewer referrals to the third party mortgage company.

Checking account processing fees increased $617,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. This was a result of new products and services provided by Westfield Bank to its checking account customers commencing in the third quarter of 2004.

Net gains from sales and writedowns of securities were $877,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to $409,000 for the same period in 2003. This is primarily the result of the company selling its common stock portfolio in 2004 to comply with OTS regulations. Income on bank-owned life insurance was $741,000 for the period ended December 31, 2004, compared to $806,000 for the same period in 2003.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $17.8 million, compared to $17.6 million for the same period in 2003. Salaries and benefits increased $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. This was primarily the result of normal increases in salaries and health care costs along with an increase in stock-based benefit plan expenses of $223,000. Expenses associated with indirect auto loan processing decreased by $153,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. This was a result of discontinuing the indirect auto loan program.

Advertising and marketing expenses decreased $124,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004, compared to the same period in 2003. This was the result of additional expenses incurred in 2003 to promote the 150 th anniversary of Westfield Bank.

Income Taxes. Income taxes decreased $258,000 to $2.6 million in 2004. The effective tax rate was 28.8% in 2004 compared to 43.6% for 2003. The effective tax rates for 2004 and 2003 also reflect the utilization of Westfield Securities Corporation and Elm Street Securities Corporation, both Massachusetts qualified securities corporations. The effective tax rate for 2003 also includes Elm Street Real Estate Investments, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westfield Bank, as a real estate investment trust.

The 2003 income taxes were affected by Massachusetts legislation signed on March 5, 2003 amending the corporate tax law affecting the treatment of dividends received from REITs. Dividends from the REIT subsidiary are no longer eligible for a dividends-received deduction. As a result of the enactment of this legislation, Westfield Financial ceased recording the tax benefits associated with the dividend received deduction effective for the 2003 tax year.

 

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In addition to the effect on 2003, the legislation was retroactive to 1999. The Company’s 2003 results included a charge of $1.45 million representing the additional state tax liability, including interest, relating to the deduction for dividends received from the REIT for 2002 and prior years.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. The term “liquidity” refers to Westfield Financial’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loan purchases, withdrawals of deposits and operating expenses. Westfield Financial’s primary sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by operations. Westfield Bank also can borrow funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston based on eligible collateral of loans and securities. Westfield Bank’s maximum additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB at June 30, 2006 was approximately $43.0 million.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long term function of business management. The measure of a company’s liquidity is its ability to meet its cash commitments at all times with available cash or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price. Loan repayments and maturing investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds. However, deposit flow, calls of investment securities and repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities are strongly influenced by interest rates, general and local economic conditions and competition in the marketplace. These factors reduce the predictability of the timing of these sources of funds. Management believes that Westfield Financial has sufficient liquidity to meet its current operating needs.

We are contractually obligated to make payments as of December 31, 2005 as follows:

 

     Within 1 Year   

After 1 Year

But Within 3

Years

  

After 3 Years

But Within 5

Years

   After 5 Years    Total
     (In thousands)

Lease Obligations

              

Operating Lease Obligations

   $ 254    $ 317    $ 176    $ 314    $ 1,061
                                  

Borrowings

              

Federal Home Loan Bank

   $ 10,000    $ 30,000    $ 5,000    $ —      $ 45,000
                                  

Credit Commitments

              

Available lines of credit

   $ 49,137    $ —      $ —      $ 12,916    $ 62,053

Other loan commitments

     27,163      2,890      —        —        30,053

Letter of Credit

     4,995      —        —        941      5,936
                                  

Total credit commitments

     81,295      2,890      —        13,857      98,042
                                  

Total

   $ 91,549    $ 33,207    $ 5,176    $ 14,171    $ 144,103
                                  

Maturing investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds. However, deposit flows, calls of securities and prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities are strongly influenced by interest rates, general and local economic conditions and competition in the marketplace. These factors reduce the predictability of the timing of these sources of funds.

 

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Westfield Financial’s primary investing activities are the origination of commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans, and the purchase of mortgage-backed and other investment securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank originated loans of approximately $42.5 million, and during the year ended December 31, 2005, Westfield Bank originated loans of approximately $118.1 million. Under Westfield Bank’s residential real estate loan program, Westfield Bank refers its residential real estate borrowers to a third party mortgage company and substantially all of Westfield Bank’s residential real estate loans are underwritten, originated and serviced by a third party mortgage company. Purchases of securities totaled $54.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and $125.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank had loan commitments to borrowers of approximately $51.1 million, and available home equity and unadvanced lines of credit of approximately $52.2 million.

Deposit flows are affected by the level of interest rates, by the interest rates and products offered by competitors and by other factors. Total deposits at June 30, 2006 were $635.7 million compared to $623.0 million at December 31, 2005. Time deposit accounts scheduled to mature within one year were $227.8 million at December 31, 2005. Based on Westfield Bank’s deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, it anticipates that a significant portion of these certificates of deposit will remain on deposit. Westfield Bank monitors its liquidity position frequently and anticipates that it will have sufficient funds to meet its current funding commitments.

At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements. Westfield Bank’s tier 1 leverage capital was $111.5 million, or 13.7% to adjusted total assets. Westfield Bank’s tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets was $111.5 million or 23.3%. Westfield Bank had total capital to risk weighted assets of $116.8 million or 24.4%. Westfield Bank’s tangible equity was $111.5 million, or 13.7% to tangible assets.

Westfield Financial does not anticipate any material capital expenditures during calendar year 2006, nor does it have any balloon or other payments due on any long-term obligations or any off-balance sheet items other than the commitments and unused lines of credit noted above.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of meeting the financing needs of its customers and reducing exposure to fluctuating interest rates, Westfield Financial is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments, which consist of commitments to originate loans and leases and commitments to purchase loans, include elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus. These financial instruments do not have, nor are they reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on Westfield Financial’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Management Of Market Risk

As a financial institution, Westfield Financial’s primary market risk is interest rate risk since substantially all transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no direct foreign exchange or changes in commodity price exposure. Fluctuations in interest rates will affect both the level of income and expense on a large portion of Westfield Financial’s assets and liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates will also affect the market value of all interest-earning assets.

 

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The primary goal of Westfield Financial’s interest rate management strategy is to limit fluctuations in net interest income as interest rates vary up or down and control variations in the market value of assets, liabilities and net worth as interest rates vary. Westfield Financial seeks to coordinate asset and liability decisions so that, under changing interest rate scenarios, net interest income will remain within an acceptable range.

To achieve the objectives of managing interest rate risk, Westfield Bank’s Asset and Liability Management Committee meets monthly to discuss and monitor the market interest rate environment relative to interest rates that are offered on its products. The Asset and Liability Management Committee presents periodic reports to the Board of Directors of Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial, Inc. at their regular meetings.

In recent years, Westfield Bank’s lending activities have emphasized commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans. As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio consisted of 26.7% commercial and industrial loans and 43.3% commercial real estate loans. Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial loans have grown $57.5 million, or 122.3%, to $104.5 million at June 30, 2006 from $47.0 million at December 31, 2001. In addition, Westfield Bank’s commercial real estate loans have increased $69.9 million, or 70.3%, to $169.3 million at June 30, 2006 from $99.4 million at December 31, 2001. Westfield Bank also intends to increase commercial deposits, thereby reinforcing the commercial relationship. Commercial checking accounts increased $8.1 million, or 29%, from $27.9 million at December 31, 2001 to $36.0 million at June 30, 2006. Commercial customer repurchase agreements, all of which are linked to commercial checking accounts, were $14.4 million at June 30, 2006, which represents an increase of $8.3 million, or 136%, since December 31, 2001.

Following the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Bank will continue to expand its commercial loans and deposits by targeting commercial businesses in its primary market area and in northern Connecticut. Management believes that the increased emphasis on commercial lending will allow Westfield Bank to increase the yield on and diversify its loan portfolio while continuing to meet the needs of the businesses and individuals that it serves.

Westfield Bank’s primary source of funds has been deposits, consisting primarily of time deposits, money market accounts, savings accounts, demand accounts and NOW accounts, which have shorter terms to maturity than the loan portfolio. Several strategies have been employed to manage the interest rate risk inherent in the asset/liability mix, including but not limited to:

 

    maintaining the diversity of Westfield Bank’s existing loan portfolio through the origination of commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans which typically have variable rates and shorter terms than residential real estate loans; and

 

    emphasizing investments with an expected average duration of five years or less.

 

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In addition, emphasis on commercial loans has reduced the average maturity of Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio. Moreover, the actual amount of time before loans are repaid can be significantly affected by changes in market interest rates. Prepayment rates will also vary due to a number of other factors, including the regional economy in the area where the loans were originated, seasonal factors, demographic variables and the assumability of the loans. However, the major factors affecting prepayment rates are prevailing interest rates, related financing opportunities and competition. Westfield Financial monitors interest rate sensitivity so that it can adjust its asset and liability mix in a timely manner and minimize the negative effects of changing rates.

Each of Westfield Bank’s sources of liquidity is vulnerable to various uncertainties beyond the control of Westfield Bank. Scheduled loan and security payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while loan and security prepayments and calls, and deposit flows vary widely in reaction to market conditions, primarily prevailing interest rates. Asset sales are influenced by pledging activities, general market interest rates and unforeseen market conditions. Westfield Bank’s financial condition is affected by its ability to borrow at attractive rates, retain deposits at market rates and other market conditions. Management considers Westfield Bank’s sources of liquidity to be adequate to meet expected funding needs and also to be responsive to changing interest rate markets

Net Interest and Dividend Income Simulation. The changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in interest rates reflect the rate sensitivity of Westfield Financial’s interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. For example, in a rising interest rate environment, the interest income from an adjustable rate loan is likely to increase depending on its repricing characteristics while the interest income from a fixed rate loan would not increase until the funds were repaid and loaned out at a higher interest rate.

Westfield Financial uses a simulation model to monitor interest rate risk. This model reports the net interest income at risk primarily under seven different interest rate environments. Specifically, net interest income is measured in one scenario that assumes no change in interest rates, and six scenarios where interest rates increase or decrease by various amounts from current rates over the one year time period following the current financial statements.

Pertinent data from each loan account, deposit account and investment security was downloaded into the simulation model. The data included such items as maturity date, payment amount, next repricing date, repricing frequency, repricing index and spread. Prepayment speed assumptions were based upon the difference between the account rate and the current market rate.

In the simulation model, market rates were assumed to increase or decrease in even increments over a twelve month period following the current financial statements. The repricing and/or new rates of assets and liabilities moved in tandem with market rates. However, in certain deposit products, the use of data from a historical analysis indicated that the rates on these products would move only a fraction of the rate change amount.

Also in the simulation model, Westfield Financial made certain assumptions regarding balance sheet growth for the twelve month period. The same growth assumptions were used for all rate change scenarios. The only exception was that in the rising rate scenarios, it was forecasted that Westfield Bank will continue to experience a shift out of core deposits and into time deposits.

The simulation model used the aforementioned data to calculate the future cash flow and repricing behavior of Westfield Financial’s loans, deposits, and investment securities. These calculations, in turn, were used to estimate the effect of interest rate changes on net interest income. Income from tax-exempt assets was calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.

 

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The tables below set forth as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 the estimated changes in net interest and dividend income that would result from incremental changes in interest rates over the applicable twelve-month period.

 

For the Twelve Months Ending December 31, 2006

(Dollars in thousands)

Changes in

Interest Rates

(Basis Points)

  

Net Interest and

Dividend Income

   % Change

400

   25,175    -3.0%

300

   25,357    -2.3%

200

   25,709    -1.0%

100

   25,944    -0.1%

    0

   25,963    0.0%

-100

   26,110    0.6%

-200

   25,615    -1.3%

 

For the Twelve Months Ending June 30, 2007

(Dollars in thousands)

Changes in

Interest Rates

(Basis Points)

  

Net Interest and

Dividend Income

   %Change

300

   25,754    -0.4%

200

   25,805    -0.2%

100

   25,968    0.4%

    0

   25,856    0.0%

-100

   26,111    1.0%

-200

   25,936    0.3%

-300

   25,301    -2.1%

The income simulation analysis was based upon a variety of assumptions. These assumptions include but are not limited to balance sheet growth, asset mix, prepayment speeds, the timing and level of interest rates, and the shape of the yield curve. As market conditions vary from the assumptions in the income simulation analysis, actual results will differ. As a result, the income simulation analysis does not serve as a forecast of net interest income, nor do the calculations represent any actions that management may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2006, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, “ Accounting For Servicing Of Financial Assets” (SFAS 156). This Statement amends SFAS No. 140, “ Accounting For Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Assets And Extinguishments Of Liabilities,” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Consistent with SFAS No. 140, SFAS 156 requires companies to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a serving contract. However, the Statement permits a company to choose either the amortized cost method or fair value measurement method for each class of separately recognized servicing assets. The Statement is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements. Westfield Financial plans to adopt SFAS 156 at the beginning of 2007 and does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

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In June 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “ Accounting For Uncertainty In Income Taxes ,” which is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “ Accounting For Income Taxes .” This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements, prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position in the tax return and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition. The effective date of this interpretation is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. Westfield Financial does not expect this Interpretation to have a material impact on Westfield Financial’s consolidated financial statements.

Impact of Inflation And Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes of Westfield Financial have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of Westfield Financial’s operations. Unlike industrial companies, Westfield Financial’s assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of inflation.

 

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BUSINESS OF WESTFIELD FINANCIAL AND WESTFIELD BANK

General. Westfield Financial is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company organized in November 2001 in connection with the reorganization of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, a federally-chartered mutual holding company which owns 57.6% of the outstanding common stock of Westfield Financial. Westfield Financial serves as the holding company for Westfield Bank, a federally-chartered stock savings bank . Unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to Westfield Bank or Westfield Financial include Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank on a consolidated basis. In connection with its reorganization, Westfield Financial sold 4,972,600 shares of its common stock to eligible depositors of Westfield Bank. Net proceeds of the stock offering were $47.7 million. The reorganization of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the related stock offering by Westfield Financial were completed on December 27, 2001. The common stock of Westfield Financial commenced trading on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “WFD” on December 28, 2001.

On July 23, 2004, Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company completed their conversions from Massachusetts-chartered companies to federally-chartered companies regulated by the OTS.

Westfield Securities Corp. and Elm Street Securities Corporation, Massachusetts chartered security corporations, were formed by Westfield Financial for the primary purpose of holding qualified investment securities. In the third quarter of 2005, Westfield Financial dissolved Westfield Securities Corporation in order to streamline operations.

Westfield Bank was formed in 1853 and reorganized into a mutual holding company structure without a stock offering in 1995. Historically, Westfield Bank has been a community-oriented provider of banking products and services to businesses and individuals, including traditional products such as residential and commercial real estate loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products. In recent years, however, Westfield Bank has developed and implemented a lending strategy that focuses less on residential real estate lending and more on servicing commercial customers, including increased emphasis on commercial and industrial lending and commercial deposit relationships, extending its branch network and broadening its product lines and services. Westfield Bank believes that this business strategy is best for its long term success and viability, and complements its existing commitment to high quality customer service.

Beginning in September 2001, Westfield Bank began referring its residential real estate loan customers to a third party mortgage company. Under the program, substantially all of Westfield Bank’s residential real estate loans are underwritten and originated by a third party mortgage company. In connection with this referral program, Westfield Bank receives fee income for each of the loans originated by the third party mortgage company. Westfield Bank may purchase residential real estate loans from the third party mortgage company depending on market conditions. To date, Westfield Bank has not purchased a significant amount of loans from the third party mortgage company.

Westfield Bank’s revenues are derived principally from interest on its loans and interest and dividends on its investment securities. Its primary sources of funds are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities, and funds provided by operations.

 

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Market Area. Westfield Bank operates through 10 banking offices in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts. It also has eight free-standing ATM locations in Agawam, Feeding Hills, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts. Westfield Bank’s primary deposit gathering area is concentrated in the communities surrounding these locations and its primary lending area includes all of Hampden County in western Massachusetts. In addition, Westfield Bank provides online banking services through its website at www.westfieldbank.com.

The markets served by Westfield Bank’s branches are primarily suburban in character, as Westfield Bank operates only two offices in Springfield, the Pioneer Valley’s primary urban market. Westfield is located in the Pioneer Valley near the intersection of U.S. Interstates 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and 91. Interstate 90 is the major east-west highway that crosses Massachusetts. Interstate 91 is the major north-south highway that runs directly through the heart of New England. The Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts encompasses the fourth largest metropolitan area in New England. The Springfield Metropolitan area covers a relatively diverse area ranging from densely populated urban areas, such as Springfield, to outlying rural areas. Westfield is located approximately 90 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts, 70 miles southeast of Albany, New York and 30 miles north of Hartford, Connecticut. The 2005 population estimates for Westfield, Springfield and Hampden County were approximately 41,187, 153,975 and 462,529, respectively.

The economy of Westfield Bank’s market area historically has been supported by a variety of industries. Its primary market area has benefited from the presence of large employers centered in insurance, health care, warehousing, manufacturing and education. Among the largest employers currently in its market area are Bay State Health Systems, Big Y Foods, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, Hasbro, Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, Mestek, Noble Hospital, the University of Massachusetts, Westfield State College, American International College, and the Sullivan Paper Company. In addition, other employment and economic activity is provided by a substantial number of small and medium size businesses in the area.

Westfield Bank’s future growth opportunities will be influenced by the growth and stability of the statewide and regional economies, other demographic population trends and the competitive environment. Westfield Bank believes that it has developed lending products and marketing strategies to address the diverse credit-related needs of the residents in its market area.

Median household and per capita income levels in Hampden County are below the state average, which is dominated by relatively high income levels prevailing in the populous Boston metropolitan area. Similarly, the median household and per capita income levels in Westfield Bank’s markets more closely approximate but also fall below the national averages.

In May 2005, the unemployment rate of Hampden County and Massachusetts was 5.4% and 4.8%, respectively, compared to 6.2% and 5.2%, respectively, in May 2004. Unemployment rates have been falling in Westfield Bank’s market area over the past year, reflecting favorable regional and national economic trends.

Competition. Westfield Bank faces intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. Its primary market area is highly competitive and it faces direct competition from approximately 18 financial institutions, many with a local, state-wide or regional presence and, in some cases, a national presence. Many of these financial institutions are significantly larger than and have greater financial resources than Westfield Bank. Westfield Bank’s competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and brokerage and investment banking firms.

 

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Historically, Westfield Bank’s most direct competition for deposits has come from savings and commercial banks. Westfield Bank faces additional competition from internet-based institutions, brokerage firms and insurance companies.

Lending Activities

Loan Portfolio Composition. Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio primarily consists of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, home equity loans, and consumer loans.

At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank had total loans of $391.4 million, of which 73.9% were adjustable rate loans and 26.1% were fixed rate loans. Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans totaled $169.3 million and $104.5 million, respectively. Residential real estate loans totaled $101.8 million. The remainder of Westfield Bank’s loans at June 30, 2006 consisted of home equity loans and consumer loans. Home equity loans outstanding at June 30, 2006 totaled $9.7 million.

Westfield Bank’s loans are subject to federal law and regulations. The interest rates Westfield Bank charges on loans are affected principally by the demand for loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and the interest rates offered by its competitors. These factors are, in turn, affected by general and local economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative tax policies and governmental budgetary matters. The following table presents the composition of Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the total portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

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     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
    Amount     Percent of
Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                        

Commercial

   $ 169,279     43.25 %   $ 169,564     44.17 %   $ 144,336     38.65 %   $ 131,292     37.57 %   $ 100,903     27.92 %   $ 99,425     23.82 %

Residential

     101,809     26.01       96,061     25.02       111,646     29.90       100,728     28.83       146,664     40.59       199,710     47.86  

Home equity

     9,694     2.48       10,857     2.83       11,176     2.99       9,819     2.81       11,232     3.11       13,041     3.13  
                                                                                    

Total real estate loans

     280,782     71.74       276,482     72.02       267,158     71.54       241,839     69.21       258,799     71.62       312,176     74.81  
                                                                                    

Other loans:

                        

Commercial and industrial

     104,548     26.72       100,019     26.06       94,726     25.36       85,292     24.41       61,494     17.01       47,012     11.27  

Indirect auto

     828     0.21       1,745     0.45       5,886     1.58       15,983     4.57       33,848     9.37       52,129     12.49  

Consumer, other

     5,209     1.33       5,627     1.47       5,679     1.52       6,327     1.81       7,216     2.00       5,955     1.43  
                                                                                    

Total other loans

     110,585     28.26       107,391     27.98       106,291     28.46       107,602     30.79       102,558     28.38       105,096     25.19  
                                                                                    

Total loans

     391,367     100.00 %     383,873     100.00 %     373,449     100.00 %     349,441     100.00 %     361,357     100.00 %     417,272     100.00 %

Net deferred loan origination costs

     479         386         429         181         123         197    

Allowance for loan losses

     (5,352 )       (5,422 )       (5,277 )       (4,642 )       (4,325 )       (3,923 )  
                                                            

Total loans, net

   $ 386,494       $ 378,837       $ 368,601       $ 344,980       $ 357,155       $ 413,546    
                                                            

 

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Loan Maturity and Repricing. The following tables show the repricing dates or contractual maturity dates as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005. The tables do not reflect prepayments or scheduled principal amortization. Demand loans, loans having no stated maturity, and overdrafts are shown as due in within one year.

 

     At June 30, 2006  
     Residential
Real Estate
Loans
    Home Equity
Loans
    Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
    Commercial
and
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Totals  
     (In thousands)  

Amounts due:

            

Within one year

   $ 12,329     $ 9,694     $ 35,591     $ 64,424     $ 1,071     $ 123,109  

After one year:

            

One to three years

     18,682       —         59,541       8,992       2,048       89,263  

Three to five years

     23,429       —         46,515       14,953       2,302       87,199  

Five to ten years

     11,838       —         25,621       16,179       80       53,718  

Ten to twenty years

     22,247       —         2,011       —         536       24,794  

Over twenty years

     13,284       —         —         —         —         13,284  
                                                

Total due after one year

     89,480       —         133,688       40,124       4,966       268,258  
                                                

Total amount due:

     101,809       9,694       169,279       104,548       6,037       391,367  

Less:

            

Net deferred loan origination costs (fees), net

     171       213       (37 )     108       24       479  

Allowance for loan losses

     (266 )     (84 )     (2,183 )     (2,738 )     (81 )     (5,352 )
                                                

Loans, net

   $ 101,714     $ 9,823     $ 167,059     $ 101,918     $ 5,980     $ 386,494  
                                                
     At December 31, 2005  
     Residential
Real Estate
Loans
    Home Equity
Loans
    Commercial
Real Estate
Loans
    Commercial
and
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Totals  
     (In thousands)  

Amounts due:

            

Within one year

   $ 13,312     $ 8     $ 30,268     $ 50,331     $ 945     $ 94,864  

After one year:

            

One to three years

     7,218       23       47,926       7,425       3,790       66,382  

Three to five years

     26,370       537       52,454       19,657       2,541       101,559  

Five to ten years

     14,516       2,750       29,817       22,446       96       69,625  

Ten to twenty years

     21,859       7,539       8,952       10       —         38,360  

Over twenty years

     12,786       —         147       150       —         13,083  
                                                

Total due after one year

     82,749       10,849       139,296       49,688       6,427       289,009  
                                                

Total amount due:

     96,061       10,857       169,564       100,019       7,372       383,873  
                                                

Less:

            

Net deferred loan origination costs (fees), net

     172       173       (79 )     89       31       386  

Allowance for loan losses

     (319 )     (36 )     (2,618 )     (2,366 )     (83 )     (5,422 )
                                                

Loans, net

   $ 95,914     $ 10,994       $166,867     $ 97,742     $ 7,320     $ 378,837  
                                                

 

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The following table presents, as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the dollar amount of all loans contractually due or scheduled to reprice after June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and whether such loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates.

 

     Due After June 30, 2007
     Fixed    Adjustable    Total
     (In thousands)

Real Estate Loans

        

Residential

   $ 54,766    $ 34,714    $ 89,480

Home Equity

     —        —        —  

Commercial real estate

     4,080      129,608      133,688
                    

Total real estate loans

     58,846      164,322      223,168
                    

Other Loans

        

Commercial and industrial

     30,629      9,495      40,124

Consumer

     4,966      —        4,966
                    

Total other loans

     35,595      9,495      45,090
                    

Total loans

   $ 94,441    $ 173,817    $ 268,258
                    
     Due After December 31, 2006
     Fixed    Adjustable    Total
     (In thousands)

Real Estate Loans

        

Residential

   $ 53,316    $ 29,433    $ 82,749

Home Equity

     —        10,849      10,849

Commercial real estate

     5,575      133,721      139,296
                    

Total real estate loans

     58,891      174,003      232,894
                    

Other Loans

        

Commercial and industrial

     33,455      16,233      49,688

Consumer

     6,427      —        6,427
                    

Total other loans

     39,882      16,233      56,115
                    

Total loans

   $ 98,773    $ 190,236    $ 289,009
                    

 

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The following table presents Westfield Bank’s loan originations, purchases, sales and principal payments for the periods indicated:

 

    

For the Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

For the Year Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (In thousands)

Loans:

              

Balance outstanding at beginning of period

   $ 383,873    $ 373,449    $ 373,449    $ 349,441    $ 361,357

Originations:

              

Real estate loans:

              

Residential

   $ 6,636      2,772      8,607      5,435      4,062

Home equity

     2,582      2,274      4,356      6,390      5,694

Commercial

     14,397      40,726      58,382      31,174      58,978
                                  

Total mortgage originations

     23,615      45,772      71,345      42,999      68,734

Commercial and industrial loans

     17,391      16,330      43,465      50,349      67,558

Consumer loans

     1,486      1,669      3,325      3,516      4,676
                                  

Total originations

     42,492      63,771      118,135      96,864      140,968

Purchases of one-to-four family mortgage loans

     10,548      807      1,236      35,294      11,462
                                  
     53,040      64,578      119,371      132,158      152,430
                                  

Less:

              

Principal repayments, unadvanced funds and other, net

     45,201      44,351      108,627      108,035      163,913

Loan charge-offs, net

     345      201      320      115      433
                                  

Total deductions

     45,546      44,552      108,947      108,150      164,346
                                  

Ending balance

   $ 391,367    $ 393,475    $ 383,873    $ 373,449    $ 349,441
                                  

 

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Commercial and Industrial Loans. Westfield Bank offers commercial and industrial loan products and services which are designed to give business owners borrowing opportunities for modernization, inventory, equipment, construction, consolidation, real estate, working capital, vehicle purchases and the financing of existing corporate debt. Westfield Bank offers business installment loans, vehicle and equipment financing, lines of credit, equipment leasing and other commercial loans. At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio consisted of 762 loans, totaling $104.5 million or 26.7% of its total loans. Since 2001, commercial and industrial loans have grown $57.5 million, or 122.4%, from $47.0 at December 31, 2001 to $104.5 million at June 30, 2006. Westfield Bank’s commercial loan team includes six commercial loan officers, one business development manager, and four credit analysts. Westfield Bank may hire additional commercial loan officers on an as needed basis.

As part of Westfield Bank’s strategy of increasing its emphasis on commercial lending, Westfield Bank seeks to attract its business customers’ entire banking relationship. Most commercial borrowers also maintain a commercial deposit at Westfield Bank. Westfield Bank provides complementary commercial products and services, including an equipment leasing program with a third party vendor, a variety of commercial deposit accounts, cash management services, internet banking, sweep accounts, a broad ATM network and night deposit services. Commercial loan officers are based in its main and branch offices, and Westfield Bank views its potential branch expansion as a means of facilitating these commercial relationships. Westfield Bank intends to continue to expand the volume of its commercial business products and services within its current underwriting standards.

Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio does not have any significant loan concentration by type of property or borrower. The largest concentration of loans was for coated and laminated paper manufacturing, which comprise approximately 3.5% of the total loan portfolio as of June 30, 2006. At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank’s largest commercial and industrial loan relationship was $15.4 million to a private New England college. The loans of this borrower have performed to contractual terms.

Commercial and industrial loans generally have terms of seven years or less, however on an occasional basis, may have terms of up to ten years. Among the $104.5 million Westfield Bank has in its commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of June 30, 2006, $68.1 million have adjustable interest rates and $36.5 million have fixed interest rates. Whenever possible, Westfield Bank seeks to originate adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans. Borrower activity and market conditions however, may influence whether Westfield Bank is able to originate adjustable rate loans rather than fixed rate loans. Westfield Bank generally requires the personal guarantee of the business owner. Interest rates on commercial and industrial loans generally have higher yields than residential or commercial real estate loans.

Commercial and industrial loans are generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than residential or commercial real estate loans because the collateral may be in the form of intangible assets and/or inventory subject to market obsolescence. Please see “ Risk Factors — Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss .” Commercial and industrial loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers, with the repayment of such loans typically dependent on the successful operation and income stream of the borrower. These risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions. In addition, business lending generally requires substantially greater oversight efforts by Westfield Bank’s staff compared to residential or commercial real estate lending. In order to mitigate this risk, Westfield Bank monitors its loan concentration and its loan policies generally limit the amount of loans to a single borrower or group of borrowers. Westfield Bank also utilizes the services of an outside consultant to conduct credit quality reviews of the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.

 

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Commercial Real Estate Loans. Westfield Bank originates commercial real estate loans to finance the purchase of real property, which generally consists of apartment buildings, business properties, multi-family investment properties and construction loans to developers of commercial and residential properties. In underwriting commercial real estate loans, consideration is given to the property’s historic cash flow, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition. At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio consisted of 395 loans, totaling $169.3 million, or 43.3% of total loans. Since 2001, commercial real estate loans have grown by $69.9 million, or 70.3%, from $99.4 million at December 31, 2001 to $169.3 million at June 30, 2006.

The majority of the commercial real estate portfolio consists of loans that are generally collateralized by properties in Westfield Bank’s market area. Westfield Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio is diverse, and does not have any significant loan concentration by type of property or borrower. Westfield Bank generally lends up to a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 85% on commercial properties and generally requires a minimum debt coverage ratio of 1.15 times. Its largest commercial real estate loan relationship had an outstanding balance of $12.0 million at June 30, 2006 which was secured by one commercial investment property located in Massachusetts and two properties in New Hampshire. The loans of this borrower have performed to contractual terms.

Westfield Bank also offers construction loans to finance the construction of commercial properties located in its primary market area. Westfield Bank had $27.9 million in commercial construction loans and commitments at June 30, 2006.

Commercial real estate lending involves additional risks compared with one-to-four family residential lending. Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate properties often depend on the successful management of the properties, on the amount of rent from the properties, or on the level of expenses needed to maintain the properties. Repayment of such loans may therefore be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate market or the general economy. Also, commercial real estate loans typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In order to mitigate this risk, Westfield Bank monitors its loan concentration on a quarterly basis and its loan policies generally limit the amount of loans to a single borrower or group of borrowers.

Because of increased risks associated with commercial real estate loans, Westfield Bank’s commercial real estate loans generally have higher rates than residential real estate loans. Please see “ Risk Factors — Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss .” Commercial real estate loans generally have adjustable rates with repricing dates of five years or less however, occasionally repricing dates may be a long as ten years. Whenever possible, Westfield Bank’s seeks to originate adjustable rate commercial real estate loans. Borrower activity and market conditions however, may influence whether Westfield Bank is able to originate adjustable rate loans rather than fixed rate loans.

Residential Real Estate Loans and Originations. Beginning in September 2001, Westfield Bank began referring its residential real estate borrowers to a third party mortgage company. Residential real estate borrowers submit applications to Westfield Bank, but the loan is closed on the books of the mortgage company. Westfield Bank receives a fee for each of these loans originated by the third party mortgage company. Under the program, substantially all of Westfield Bank’s residential real estate loans are underwritten and originated by the third party mortgage company. In addition, depending on market conditions, Westfield Bank may purchase residential real estate loans from the third party mortgage company. To date, Westfield Bank has not purchased a significant amount of loans from the third party mortgage company. Westfield Bank believes that this program diversifies its loan portfolio and reduces its interest rate risk by reducing the amount of long-term fixed rate residential real estate loans held in Westfield Bank’s loan portfolio.

 

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Even though substantially all residential real estate loans are referred to a third party mortgage company, Westfield Bank still holds residential real estate loans in its loan portfolio. These loans consist primarily of loans originated prior to the commencement of the third party residential mortgage referral program. Westfield Bank occasionally purchases adjustable rate mortgages, which are serviced by the originating institutions, from other banks located in Massachusetts. As of June 30, 2006, loans on one-to-four family residential properties, including home equity loans, accounted for $111.5 million, or 28.5%, of Westfield Bank’s total loan portfolio.

Westfield Bank’s residential adjustable rate mortgage loans generally are fully amortizing loans with contractual maturities of up to 30 years, payments due monthly. Its adjustable rate mortgage loans generally provide for specified minimum and maximum interest rates, with a lifetime cap and floor, and a periodic adjustment on the interest rate over the rate in effect on the date of origination. As a consequence of using caps, the interest rates on these loans are not generally as rate sensitive as its cost of funds. The adjustable rate mortgage loans that Westfield Bank originates generally are not convertible into fixed rate loans.

Adjustable rate mortgage loans generally pose different credit risks than fixed rate loans, primarily because as interest rates rise, the borrower’s payments rise, increasing the potential for default. To date, Westfield Bank has not experienced difficulty with payments for these loans. At June 30, 2006, its residential real estate and home equity loan portfolio included $56.6 million in adjustable rate loans or, 14.5% of its total loan portfolio, and $54.9 million in fixed rate loans, or 14.0% of its total loan portfolio.

Westfield Bank’s home equity loans totaled $9.7 million and comprised 2.5% of its total loan portfolio at June 30, 2006. These loans may be originated in amounts of the existing first mortgage, or up to 100% of the value of the property securing the loan. Westfield Bank requires or obtains insurance on mortgages whose loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The term to maturity on Westfield Bank’s home equity and home improvement loans may be up to 15 years.

Consumer Loans. Consumer loans are generally originated at higher interest rates than residential and commercial mortgage loans, but they also generally tend to have a higher credit risk than residential mortgage loans because they are usually unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciable assets. Management, however, believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to Westfield Bank’s existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities.

Westfield Bank offers a variety of consumer loans to retail customers in the communities it serves. Examples of its consumer loans include automobile loans, secured passbook loans, credit lines tied to deposit accounts to provide overdraft protection, and unsecured personal loans.

At June 30, 2006, the consumer loan portfolio totaled $6.0 million or 1.5% of total loans. Westfield Bank’s consumer lending will allow it to diversify its loan portfolio while continuing to meet the needs of the individuals and businesses that it serves.

 

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Loans collateralized by rapidly depreciable assets such as automobiles or that are unsecured entail greater risks than loans secured by residential real estate. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, since there is a greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation of the underlying collateral. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment. Further, collections on these loans are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and, therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. There was no repossessed collateral relating to consumer loans at June 30, 2006. Finally, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans if a borrower defaults.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Individuals authorized to make loans on behalf of Westfield Bank are designated by Westfield Bank’s Chief Lending Officer and approved by the Board of Directors. Each loan officer has loan approval authority up to prescribed limits that depend upon the officer’s level of experience.

Upon receipt of a completed loan application from a prospective borrower, Westfield Bank orders a credit report and verifies other information. If necessary, Westfield Bank obtains additional financial or credit related information. Westfield Bank also requires an appraisal for all commercial real estate loans, which is performed by licensed or certified third-party appraisal firms and reviewed by Westfield Bank’s lending department. Appraisals for home equity loans are required for loans in excess of $250,000; otherwise, a designated employee of Westfield Bank conducts an inspection of the property. Westfield Bank requires title insurance on all commercial real estate loans. Westfield Bank also requires borrowers to obtain flood insurance, if applicable, prior to closing, for all loans secured by real estate within a designated flood zone.

Commercial and Industrial Loans and Commercial Real Estate Loans. Westfield Bank’s lending policies permit its underwriting department to review and approve commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans up to $500,000. Any commercial and industrial or commercial real estate loan application that exceeds $500,000 or that would result in the borrower’s total credit exposure with Westfield Bank exceeding $500,000, or whose approval requires an exception to Westfield Bank’s standard loan approval procedures, requires approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. An example of an exception to Westfield Bank’s standard loan approval procedures would be if a borrower was located outside Westfield Bank’s primary lending area. For loans requiring Board approval, management is responsible for presenting to the board information about the creditworthiness of a borrower and the estimated value of the subject equipment or property. Generally, these determinations are based on financial statements, corporate and personal tax returns, as well as any other necessary information, including real estate and or equipment appraisals.

Residential Real Estate Loans. Beginning in September 2001, Westfield Bank began referring its residential real estate loans to a third-party mortgage company. Residential real estate borrowers submit applications to Westfield Bank, but the loan is approved by and closed on the books of the mortgage company.

 

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Home Equity Loans. Home equity loans are originated and funded by Westfield Bank. These loans may be originated in amounts of the existing first mortgage, or up to 100% of the value of the property securing the loan. Westfield Bank requires or obtains insurance on mortgages whose loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Westfield Bank’s underwriting department may approve home equity loans up to $150,000. Home equity loans in amounts greater than $150,000 and up to $300,000 may be approved by certain officers of Westfield Bank who have been approved by the Board of Directors. Home equity loans over $300,000, or whose approval requires an exception to Westfield Bank’s standard loan approval procedures, are reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Asset Quality. One of Westfield Bank’s key operating objectives has been and continues to be the achievement of a high level of asset quality. Westfield Bank maintains a large proportion of loans secured by residential and commercial properties, sets sound credit standards for new loan originations and follows careful loan administration procedures. Westfield Bank also utilizes the services of an outside consultant to conduct credit quality reviews of Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan portfolio on a semi-annual basis. These practices and relatively favorable economic and real estate market conditions have resulted in historically low delinquency ratios and, in recent years, a low level of nonaccrual loans.

Delinquent Loans and Foreclosed Assets. Westfield Bank’s policies require that management continuously monitor the status of the loan portfolio and report to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. These reports include information on delinquent loans and foreclosed real estate, as well as Westfield Bank’s actions and plans to cure the delinquent status of the loans and to dispose of the foreclosed property.

The following table presents information regarding nonperforming mortgage, consumer and other loans, and foreclosed real estate at the dates indicated. All loans where the interest payment is 90 days or more in arrears as of the closing date of each month are placed on non-accrual status. At June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, Westfield Bank had $914,000, $1.9 million, $2.2 million, and $1.8 million, respectively, of non-accrual loans. If all non-accrual loans had been performing in accordance with their terms, Westfield Bank would have earned additional interest income of $32,000, $176,000, $176,000, and $134,000 for six months ended June 30, 2006 and the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

 

     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  

Non-accrual real estate loans:

            

Residential

   $ 644     $ 411     $ 631     $ 995     $ 1,323     $ 1,866  

Home equity

     17       18       —         32       30       14  

Commercial real estate

     71       1,285       1,341       342       374       536  
                                                

Total non-accrual real estate loans

     732       1,714       1,972       1,369       1,727       2,416  
                                                

Other loans:

            

Commercial and industrial

     170       173       170       289       530       183  

Consumer

     12       32       29       110       126       85  
                                                

Total non-accrual consumer and other loans

     182       205       199       399       656       268  
                                                

Total nonperforming loans

     914       1,919       2,171       1,768       2,383       2,684  

Foreclosed real estate, net

     —         —         —         —         —         176  
                                                

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 914     $ 1,919     $ 2,171     $ 1,768     $ 2,383     $ 2,860  
                                                

Nonperforming loans to total loans

     0.23 %     0.50 %     0.58 %     0.51 %     0.66 %     0.64 %

Nonperforming assets to total assets

     0.11       0.24       0.27       0.22       0.29       0.37  

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses . The following table presents the activity in Westfield Bank’s allowance for loan losses and other ratios (annualized as applicable) at or for the dates indicated.

 

    

At or for the Six Months

Ended June 30,

    At or for Years Ended December 31,  
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003     2002     2001  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 5,422     $ 5,277     $ 5,277     $ 4,642     $ 4,325     $ 3,923     $ 3,434  

Charge-offs:

              

Residential

     —         —         —         —         (3 )     (36 )     (16 )

Commercial real estate

     —         —         —         —         —         (29 )     (17 )

Home equity loans

     —         —         —         —         (31 )     —         —    

Commercial and industrial

     (494 )     (303 )     (431 )     (14 )     (124 )     (241 )     (26 )

Consumer

     (40 )     (108 )     (181 )     (390 )     (567 )     (622 )     (1,784 )
                                                        

Total charge-offs

     (534 )     (411 )     (612 )     (404 )     (725 )     (928 )     (1,843 )
                                                        

Recoveries:

              

Residential

     4       —         —         —         10       17       —    

Commercial real estate

     —         —         1       —         —         —         —    

Home equity loans

     1       2       3       4       3       —         —    

Commercial and industrial

     71       9       9       65       73       16       14  

Consumer

     113       199       279       220       206       363       688  
                                                        

Total recoveries

     189       210       292       289       292       396       702  
                                                        

Net charge-offs

     (345 )     (201 )     (320 )     (115 )     (433 )     (532 )     (1,141 )

Provision for loan losses

     275       265       465       750       750       934       1,630  
                                                        

Balance at end of period

   $ 5,352     $ 5,341     $ 5,422     $ 5,277     $ 4,642     $ 4,325     $ 3,923  
                                                        

Total loans receivable(1)

   $ 391,367     $ 388,489     $ 383,873     $ 373,449     $ 349,441     $ 361,357     $ 417,272  
                                                        

Average loans outstanding

   $ 383,822     $ 379,491     $ 383,436     $ 366,677     $ 354,134     $ 398,555     $ 443,652  
                                                        

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans receivable

     1.37 %     1.36 %     1.41 %     1.41 %     1.33 %     1.20 %     0.94 %

Net loan charge-offs as a percent of average loans outstanding

     0.18 %     0.11 %     0.08 %     0.03 %     0.12 %     0.13 %     0.26 %

(1) Does not include deferred fees or allowance for loan losses.

Westfield Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio based on ongoing quarterly assessments of the estimated losses. Westfield Bank’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of a review of the components, which include a specific valuation allowance for identified problem loans and a formula allowance for current performing loans. Fluctuations in the balances of impaired loans affect the specific valuation allowance while fluctuations in volume and concentrations of loans affects the formula reserve and the allocation of the allowance of the loan losses among loan types.

The specific valuation allowance incorporates the results of measuring impairment for specifically identified non-homogenous problem loans in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 114, “Accounting By Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” and SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan—Income Recognition and Disclosures.” In accordance with SFAS No. 114 and No. 118, the specific allowance reduces the carrying amount of the impaired loans to their estimated fair value. A loan is recognized as impaired when it is probable that principal and/or interest are not collectible in accordance with the loan’s contractual terms. A loan is not

 

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deemed to be impaired if there is a short delay in receipt of payment or if, during a longer period of delay, Westfield Bank expects to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at the contractual rate during the period of delay. Measurement of impairment can be based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. Measurement of impairment does not apply to large groups of smaller balance homogenous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment such as Westfield Bank’s portfolios of home equity loans, real estate mortgages, installment and other loans.

The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans by type, excluding loans for which a specific allowance has been determined. As part of this analysis, each quarter Westfield Bank prepares an allowance for loan losses worksheet which categorizes the loan portfolio by risk characteristics such as loan type and loan grade. The formula allowance is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change. There are a number of factors that are considered when evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance. These factors include current economic and business conditions that affect key lending areas of the company, new loan products, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, credit quality trends such as nonperformance loans, delinquency and loan losses, and specific industry connections within the portfolio segments that may impact the collectibility of the loan portfolio. Loss factors are described as follows:

 

    Classified loan loss factors are set at levels determined to be appropriate by Westfield Bank. Loss factors are applied to the outstanding balance of loans internally classified special mention, substandard and doubtful.

 

    Pass graded loan loss factors are based on actual losses for the previous twelve quarters adjusted for qualitative factors, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations and specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that exist at the balance sheet date. The loss factors are applied to outstanding loans by loan type.

In addition, management employs an independent third party to perform a semi-annual review of all of Westfield Bank’s commercial and industrial loans and owner occupied commercial real estate loans with balances or commitments equal or greater than $750,000. The third party also reviews all commercial investment real estate loans in excess of $750,000, as well as all adversely rated loans.

Westfield Bank’s methodologies include several factors that are intended to reduce the difference between estimated and actual losses. The loss factors that are used to establish the allowance for pass graded loans are designated to be self-correcting by taking into account changes in loan classification, loan concentrations and loan volumes and by permitting adjustments based on management’s judgments of qualitative factors as of the evaluation date. Similarly, by basing the pass graded loan loss factors on loss experience over the prior three years, the methodology is designed to take Westfield Bank’s recent loss experience into account.

Westfield Bank’s allowance methodology has been applied on a consistent basis. Based on this methodology, Westfield Bank believes that it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels. Future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses, however, may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment resulting in estimated and actual losses differing substantially. Adjustments to the allowance for loan losses are charged to income through the provision for loan losses.

 

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A summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

 

     June 30, 2006    December 31, 2005    December 31, 2004
     Specific    Formula    Total    Specific    Formula    Total    Specific    Formula    Total
     (In thousands)

Real Estate Mortgage

                          

Residential (1)

   $ —      $ 350    $ 350    $ —      $ 355    $ 355    $ —      $ 421    $ 421

Commercial

     6      2,177      2,183      218      2,400      2,618      264      2,097      2,361

Commercial and Industrial

     80      2,658      2,738      32      2,334      2,366      236      2,078      2,314

Consumer

     —        81      81      —        83      83      —        181      181
                                                              

Total

   $ 86    $ 5,266    $ 5,352    $ 250    $ 5,172    $ 5,422    $ 500    $ 4,777    $ 5,277
                                                              
     December 31, 2003    December 31, 2002    December 31, 2001
     Specific    Formula    Total    Specific    Formula    Total    Specific    Formula    Total
     (In thousands)

Real Estate Mortgage

                          

Residential (1)

   $ —      $ 517    $ 517    $ —      $ 713    $ 713    $ —      $ 839    $ 839

Commercial

     17      1,994      2,011      17      1,618      1,635      32      1,435      1,467

Commercial and Industrial

     53      1,660      1,713      53      1,408      1,461      53      946      999

Consumer

     —        401      401      —        516      516      —        618      618
                                                              

Total

   $ 70    $ 4,572    $ 4,642    $ 70    $ 4,255    $ 4,325    $ 85    $ 3,838    $ 3,923
                                                              

(1) Includes home equity loans.

In addition, the OTS, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews Westfield Bank’s loan and foreclosed real estate portfolios and the related allowance for loan losses and valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate. The OTS may require Westfield Bank to adjust the allowance for loan losses or the valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination, thereby adversely affecting Westfield Bank’s results of operations.

For the six months ended June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank provided $275,000 to the allowance for loan losses based on its evaluation of the items discussed above. Westfield Bank believes that the allowance for loan losses accurately reflects the level of risk in the current loan portfolio as of June 30, 2006.

 

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Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses . The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the total loan balances by category, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans indicated.

 

     At June 30, 2006     At December 31, 2005     At December 31, 2004  
     Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real Estate - Mortgage Commercial

   $ 2,183    $ 169,279    43.26 %   $ 2,618    $ 169,564    44.17 %   $ 2,361    $ 144,336    38.65 %

Residential (1)

     350      111,503    28.49       355      106,918    27.85       421      122,822    32.89  

Commercial Loans

     2,738      104,548    26.71       2,366      100,019    26.06       2,314      94,726    25.36  

Consumer Loans

     81      6,037    1.54       83      7,372    1.92       181      11,565    3.10  
                                                            

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 5,352    $ 391,367    100.00 %   $ 5,422    $ 383,873    100.00 %   $ 5,277    $ 373,449    100.00 %
                                                            

 

    

At December 31, 2003

   

At December 31, 2002

   

At December 31, 2001

 
     Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
    Amount of
Loan Loss
   Loan
Balances by
Category
   Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real Estate - Mortgage Commercial

   $ 2,011    $ 131,292    37.57 %   $ 1,635    $ 100,903    27.92 %   $ 1,467    $ 99,425    23.83 %

Residential (1)

     517      110,547    31.64       713      157,896    43.70       839      212,751    50.98  

Commercial Loans

     1,713      85,292    24.41       1,461      61,494    17.01       999      47,012    11.27  

Consumer Loans

     401      22,310    6.38       516      41,064    11.37       618      58,084    13.92  
                                                            

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 4,642    $ 349,441    100.00 %   $ 4,325    $ 361,357    100.00 %   $ 3,923    $ 417,272    100.00 %
                                                            

(1) Includes home equity loans.

Investment Activities. The Board of Directors reviews and approves Westfield Bank’s investment policy on an annual basis. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as authorized by the Board of Directors, implement this policy based on the established guidelines within the written policy.

Westfield Bank’s investment policy is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement its lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity within the range established by policy. In determining Westfield Bank’s investment strategies, it considers its interest rate sensitivity, yield, credit risk factors, maturity and amortization schedules, and other characteristics of the securities to be held.

 

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Federally chartered savings banks have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, repurchase agreements, overnight and short term loans to other banks and corporate debt instruments.

Securities Portfolio. Westfield Financial classifies securities as held to maturity or available for sale at the date of purchase. Westfield Financial does not have any securities classified as trading. Held to maturity securities are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount. Available for sale securities are reported at fair market value. At June 30, 2006, held to maturity securities totaled $227.8 million, or 62.1% of the total securities portfolio, and available for sale investments totaled $139.2 million, or 37.9% of Westfield Financial’s total securities portfolio. Westfield Financial classifies U.S. Government securities and government-sponsored enterprise securities as available for sale and held to maturity. These securities predominately have maturities of less than five years, although Westfield Financial also invests in adjustable rate securities with maturities of up to 15 years. Westfield Financial’s mortgage-backed securities, which are directly or indirectly insured or guaranteed by Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae or are rated AAA, consist of both fixed rate and adjustable rate securities primarily with average lives of less than five years. Westfield Financial also invests in municipal bonds issued by cities and towns in Massachusetts and are AAA rated by Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch, and the majority of which investments are also independently insured. These securities generally have maturities between 7 and 20 years, however, many have earlier call dates. In addition, Westfield Financial has investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and mutual funds that invest only in securities allowed by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

The following table sets forth the composition of Westfield Bank’s securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

     At June 30,    At December 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2003
     Amortized
Cost
   Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Market
Value
     (In thousands)

Securities:

                       

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 74,944      73,313    $ 65,818    $ 64,944    $ 45,151    $ 45,061    $ 49,737    $ 50,296

Municipal bonds

     30,219      29,570      30,233      30,339      29,147      29,597      21,687      22,041

Corporate debt securities

     —        —        —        —        4,909      4,978      8,735      9,017
                                                       

Total securities

     105,163      102,883      96,051      95,283      79,207      79,636      80,159      81,354
                                                       

Mortgage-backed and mortgage- related securities:

                       

Fannie Mae

     140,709      136,332      144,440      141,472      153,271      152,292      163,435      163,557

Freddie Mac

     82,530      80,882      74,775      73,834      62,614      62,501      69,362      69,275

Ginnie Mae

     25,798      25,175      29,894      29,336      29,811      29,718      29,437      29,446

Other pass-through securities

     4,062      4,029      4,726      4,709      —        —        —        —  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     5,351      5,374      818      804      2,848      2,856      5,413      5,410
                                                       

Total mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities

     258,450      251,792      254,653      250,155      248,544      247,367      267,647      267,688
                                                       

Marketable equity securities

     6,155      5,789      6,057      5,742      7,301      6,986      14,594      15,455
                                                       

Total securities

   $ 369,768    $ 360,464    $ 356,761    $ 351,180    $ 335,052    $ 333,989    $ 362,400    $ 364,497
                                                       

 

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Mortgage-Backed Securities and Mortgage-Related Securities . The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of Westfield Bank’s mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, which are classified as available for sale or held to maturity at the dates indicated.

 

     At June 30,    At December 31,
     2006    2005    2004    2003
     Amortized
Cost
   Percent of
Total
    Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Percent of
Total
    Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Percent of
Total
    Market
Value
   Amortized
Cost
   Percent of
Total
    Market
Value
     (Dollars in thousands)

Mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities available for sale:

                               

Fannie Mae

   $ 41,250    15.96 %   $ 40,217    $ 46,078    18.09 %   $ 45,376    $ 32,676    13.15 %   $ 32,713    $ 31,627    11.82 %   $ 31,872

Freddie Mac

     44,861    17.36       44,036      38,310    15.04       37,863      22,842    9.19       22,838      18,611    6.95       18,586

Ginnie Mae

     10,508    4.07       10,330      12,594    4.95       12,386      15,036    6.05       15,069      20,854    7.79       20,857

Other pass-through securities

     4,062    1.57       4,029      4,726    1.86       4,709      —      —         —        —      —         —  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     5,351    2.07       5,374      818    0.32       804      2,688    1.08       2,696      4,872    1.82       4,862
                                                                               

Total mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities available for sale

     106,032    41.03       103,986      102,526    40.26       101,138      73,242    29.47       73,316      75,964    28.38       76,177
                                                                               

Mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities held to maturity:

                               

Fannie Mae

     99,459    38.48       96,115      98,362    38.63       96,096      120,595    48.52       119,579      131,808    49.25       131,685

Freddie Mac

     37,669    14.57       36,846      36,465    14.32       35,971      39,772    16.00       39,663      50,751    18.96       50,689

Ginnie Mae

     15,290    5.92       14,845      17,300    6.79       16,950      14,775    5.95       14,649      8,583    3.21       8,589

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —      —         —        —      —         —        160    0.06       160      541    0.20       548
                                                                               

Total mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities held to maturity

     152,418    58.97       147,806      152,127    59.74       149,017      175,302    70.53       174,051      191,683    71.62       191,511
                                                                               

Total mortgage-backed and mortgage related securities

   $ 258,450    100.00 %   $ 251,792    $ 254,653    100.00 %   $ 250,155    $ 248,544    100.00 %   $ 247,367    $ 267,647    100.00 %   $ 267,688
                                                                               

 

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Securities Portfolio Maturities . The composition and maturities of the securities portfolio (debt securities) and the mortgage-backed securities portfolio at June 30, 2006 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or redemptions that may occur.

 

     One Year or Less     More than One Year
Through Five Years
    More than Five Years
Through Ten Years
    More than Ten Years     Total Securities  
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Amortized

Cost

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Amortized

Cost

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Amortized

Cost

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

   

Amortized

Cost

  

Market

Value

  

Weighted

Average

Yield

 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available for sale:

                            

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ —      —   %   $ —      —   %   $ 24,822    4.96 %   $ 4,990    5.03 %   $ 29,812    $ 29,391    4.97 %

Mortgage-backed securities available for sale:

                            

Ginnie Mae

     —      —         —      —         —      —         10,508    4.48       10,508      10,330    4.48  

Fannie Mae

     —      —         —      —         3,185    4.54       38,065    4.35       41,250      40,217    4.37  

Freddie Mac

     —      —         —      —         —      —         44,861    4.34       44,861      44,036    4.34  

Other pass-through securities

     —      —         —      —         —      —         4,062    4.97       4,062      4,029    4.97  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —      —         —      —         —      —         5,351    5.39       5,351      5,374    5.39  
                                                    

Total mortgage-backed securities

     —      —         —      —         3,185    4.54       102,847    4.44       106,032      103,986    4.44  
                                                    

Total

   $ —      —       $ —      —       $ 28,007    4.91 %   $ 107,837    4.47     $ 135,844    $ 133,377    4.56 %
                                                    

Securities held to maturity:

                            

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 15,048    3.18 %   $ 15,087    5.01 %   $ 14,997    4.92 %   $ —      —   %   $ 45,132    $ 43,922    4.37 %

Municipal bonds

     —      —         1,484    3.47       11,826    3.82       16,909    4.37       30,219      29,570    4.12  
                                                    

Total investment securities

     15,048    3.18       16,571    4.87       26,823    4.44       16,909    4.37       75,351      73,492    4.27  
                                                    

Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity:

                            

Ginnie Mae

   $ —      —       $ 114    5.10     $ 559    4.98     $ 14,617    3.91     $ 15,290    $ 14,845    3.96  

Fannie Mae

     —      —         3,322    3.61       13,261    3.66       82,876    4.55       99,459      96,115    4.40  

Freddie Mac

     10    4.26       3,587    2.47       833    4.88       33,239    4.71       37,669      36,846    4.51  
                                                    

Total mortgage-backed securities

     10    4.26       7,023    3.05       14,653    3.78       130,732    4.52       152,418      147,806    4.38  
                                                    

Total

   $ 15,058    3.18 %   $ 23,594    4.33 %   $ 41,476    4.21 %   $ 147,641    4.50 %   $ 227,769    $ 221,298    4.34 %
                                                    

 

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Sources Of Funds

General. Deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal, maturities and calls of investments securities and funds provided by operations are Westfield Bank’s primary sources of funds for use in lending, investing and for other general purposes. See “ Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations — Liquidity And Capital Resources .”

Deposits . Westfield Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms. Westfield Bank currently offers regular savings deposits (consisting of passbook and statement savings accounts), NOW accounts, noninterest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts and time deposits. Westfield Bank has expanded the types of deposit products that it offers to include jumbo certificates of deposit, tiered money market accounts and customer repurchase agreements to compliment its increased emphasis on attracting commercial banking relationships.

Deposit flows are influenced significantly by general and local economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, pricing of deposits and competition. Westfield Bank’s deposits are primarily obtained from areas surrounding its offices. Westfield Bank relies primarily on paying competitive rates, service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits. Westfield Bank does not use brokers to obtain deposits.

When Westfield Bank determines its deposit rates, it considers local competition, U.S. Treasury securities offerings and the rates charged on other sources of funds. Core deposits (defined as regular accounts, money market accounts, NOW accounts and demand accounts) represented 41.6% of total deposits on June 30, 2006. At June 30, 2006, time deposits with remaining terms to maturity of less than one year amounted to $222.9 million. See “ Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations — Net Interest And Dividend Income ” for information relating to the average balances and costs of Westfield Bank’s deposit accounts for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

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Deposit Distribution Weighted Average . The following table sets forth the distribution of Westfield Bank’s deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.

 

     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     Amount    Percent     Weighted
Average
Rates
    Amount    Percent     Weighted
Average
Rates
    Amount    Percent     Weighted
Average
Rates
    Amount    Percent     Weighted
Average
Rates
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Demand deposits

   $ 40,694    6.40 %   0.00 %   $ 45,260    7.26 %   0.00 %   $ 48,305    7.88 %   0.00 %   $ 54,620    8.64 %   0.00 %

NOW accounts

     76,800    12.09     1.33       69,137    11.10     0.83       57,050    9.31     0.51       42,465    6.71     0.54  

Regular accounts

     39,491    6.21     0.50       41,387    6.64     0.50       44,882    7.33     0.50       46,331    7.33     0.50  

Money market accounts

     107,659    16.93     1.53       132,218    21.22     1.62       149,288    24.37     0.93       154,825    24.48     0.98  
                                                            

Total non-certificate accounts

     264,644    41.63     1.08       288,002    46.22     1.01       299,525    48.89     0.64       298,241    47.16     0.81  
                                                            

Time certificates of deposit

                            

Due within 1 year

     222,899    35.06     3.83       227,770    36.56     3.05       184,500    30.12     2.14       234,694    37.11     2.35  

Over 1 year through 3 years

     124,724    19.62     4.32       85,951    13.80     3.51       103,856    16.95     2.88       90,934    14.38     3.13  

Over 3 years

     23,453    3.69     4.37       21,322    3.42     4.17       24,740    4.04     3.71       8,562    1.35     3.24  
                                                            

Total certificate accounts

     371,076    58.37     4.03       335,043    53.78     3.24       313,096    51.11     2.51       334,190    52.84     2.58  
                                                            

Total

   $ 635,720    100.00 %   2.80 %   $ 623,045    100.00 %   2.21 %   $ 612,621    100.00 %   1.59 %   $ 632,431    100.00 %   1.75 %
                                                            

 

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C.D. Maturities. At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank had $88.6 million in time certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 and over maturing as follows:

 

Maturity Period

   Amount    Weighted
Average
Rate
 
     (Dollars in thousands)       

Three months or less

   $ 7,164    3.13 %

Over three months through six months

     22,703    4.12  

Over six months through twelve months

     24,338    4.25  

Over twelve months

     34,416    4.46  
             

Total

   $ 88,621    4.21 %
             

C.D. Balances by Rates . The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges, information concerning Westfield Bank’s time certificates of deposit at the dates indicated.

 

     At June 30, 2006  
       Period to Maturity  
     Less than
One Year
   One to
Two Years
   Two to
Three Years
   More than
Three Years
   Total    Percent of
Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

2.00% and under

   $ 14,521    $ 2,452    $ —      $ —      $ 16,973    4.57 %

2.01% to 3.00%

     49,462      6,363      5      —        55,830    15.05  

3.01% to 4.00%

     23,569      25,583      9,944      284      59,380    16.00  

4.01% to 5.00%

     135,246      32,692      9,295      19,956      197,189    53.14  

5.01 % and over

     101      38,390      —        3,213      41,704    11.24  
                                         

Total

   $ 222,899    $ 105,480    $ 19,244    $ 23,453    $ 371,076    100.00 %
                                         

Borrowings. In addition to deposits, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston are available as an additional source of funds to finance Westfield Bank’s lending and investing activities. Westfield Bank traditionally has not relied upon borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank. Westfield Bank maintained $45.0 million in borrowings at June 30, 2006 by replacing matured advances with new advances.

Westfield Bank offers repurchase agreements to commercial customers and higher balance retail customers. These agreements are linked to the customers’ checking accounts. Excess funds are swept out of certain commercial checking accounts and into repurchase agreements where the customers can earn interest on their funds. By law, a bank cannot pay interest on commercial checking accounts however, interest can be paid on non-deposit products such as repurchase agreements. Since these repurchase agreements are not deposits, they are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. At June 30, 2006, such repurchase agreement borrowings totaled $14.4 million.

 

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Properties

As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank conducted its business through ten banking offices and six off-site ATMs. As of June 30, 2006, the properties and leasehold improvements owned by it had an aggregate net book value of $11.6 million.

 

Location

  

Ownership

   Year Opened   

Year of Lease or License

Expiration

Main Office:         

141 Elm St.

Westfield, MA

   Owned    1964    N/A

Branch Offices :

        

206 Park St.

W. Springfield, MA

   Owned    1957    N/A

655 Main St.

Agawam, MA

   Owned    1968    N/A

26 Arnold St.

Westfield, MA

   Owned    1976    N/A

300 Southampton Rd.

Westfield, MA

   Owned    1987    N/A

462 College Highway

Southwick, MA

   Owned    1990    N/A

382 N. Main St.

E. Longmeadow, MA

   Leased    1997    2007(1)

1500 Main St.

Springfield, MA

   Leased    2006    2016(2)

1642 Northampton St.

Holyoke, MA

   Owned    2001    N/A

1342 Liberty St.

Springfield, MA

   Owned    2001    N/A

ATMs:

        

337 N. Westfield St.

Feeding Hills, MA

   Leased    1988    2013

830 Suffield St.

Agawam, MA

   Tenant at will    1997    N/A

516 Carew St.

Springfield, MA

   Tenant at will    2002    N/A

1000 State St.

Springfield, MA

   Tenant at will    2003    N/A

115 West Silver St.

Westfield, MA

   Tenant at will    2005    N/A

788 Memorial Dr.

W. Springfield, MA

   Tenant at will    2006    N/A

(1) Does not include one additional five-year option.
(2) Does not include two additional five-year options.

 

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Legal Proceedings

Westfield Financial is not involved in any pending legal proceeding other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, no legal proceedings will have a material effect on Westfield Financial’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Personnel

As of June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank had 134 full-time employees and 33 part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit, and Westfield Bank considers its relationship with its employees to be excellent.

BUSINESS OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL

We have not engaged in any business to date. We are a newly-formed Massachusetts corporation and currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westfield Bank. We were formed for the purpose of effectuating the conversion and stock offering described in this prospectus and to satisfy a condition imposed by the OTS as part of the approval granted to Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company for them to convert to federal charters. In connection therewith, we are registering our common stock with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and will be issuing shares of our common stock, as described in this prospectus, to the existing stockholders of Westfield Financial as they exchange their shares of Westfield Financial common stock for shares of our common stock and to new stockholders. These issuances will be part of the conversion and stock offering which will result in the termination of existence of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Financial and our becoming the savings and loan holding company for Westfield Bank. Upon completion of the conversion and stock offering, we will own Westfield Bank. We may retain up to 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering. We will invest our initial capital as discussed in “ How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Stock Offering .”

Immediately after completion of the conversion and stock offering, it is expected that our only business activities will be to hold all of the outstanding common stock of Westfield Bank, to hold a loan to the ESOP, and to contribute 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering to Westfield Bank as additional capital. We may use the net proceeds we retain to pay dividends to stockholders, to repurchase shares of our common stock, and for general corporate purposes. In the future, as the holding company of Westfield Bank, we will be authorized to pursue other business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations for such holding companies, which may include the issuance of additional shares of common stock to raise capital or to support mergers or acquisitions and borrowing funds for reinvestment in Westfield Bank. There are no specific plans for any additional capital issuance, merger or acquisition, or other diversification of our activities at the present time.

Our cash flow will depend upon earnings from the investment of the portion of net proceeds we retain and any dividends that we receive from Westfield Bank. Initially, we will neither own nor lease any property, but will instead use the premises, equipment, and furniture of Westfield Bank. At the present time, we intend to employ only persons who are officers of Westfield Bank to serve as our officers. However, we will use the support staff of Westfield Bank from time to time. These persons will not be separately compensated by us. We will hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent we expand our business in the future. See “ How We Intend To Use The Proceeds From The Stock Offering .”

 

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REGULATION

General. As a federally chartered savings bank, Westfield Bank is subject to regulation, examination, and supervision by the OTS and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as its deposit insurer. Westfield Bank must file reports with the OTS and the FDIC describing its activities and financial condition. Westfield Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board (the “FRB”). This supervision and regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors. Any change in such policies, whether by the OTS, the FDIC, SEC or the United States Congress, could have a material adverse impact on us, Westfield Bank, and our operations and stockholders.

The following discussion is intended to be a summary of the material statutes and regulations applicable to savings associations and their holding companies, and it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all such statutes and regulations.

Regulation of Federal Savings Banks

Business Activities . Westfield Bank derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (the “HOLA”), and OTS regulations. Under these laws and regulations, Westfield Bank may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities, and certain other assets. Westfield Bank may also establish service corporations that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for Westfield Bank, including certain real estate equity investments and securities and insurance brokerage. Westfield Bank’s authority to invest in certain types of loans or other investments is limited by federal law and regulation.

Loans to One Borrower. Westfield Bank is generally subject to the same limits on loans to one borrower as is a national bank. With specified exceptions, Westfield Bank’s total loans or extensions of credit to a single borrower cannot exceed 15% of Westfield Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, which does not include accumulated other comprehensive income. Westfield Bank may lend additional amounts up to 10% of its unimpaired capital and surplus which does not include accumulated other comprehensive income, if the loans or extensions of credit are fully-secured by readily-marketable collateral. Westfield Bank currently complies with applicable loans-to-one borrower limitations.

QTL Test. The HOLA requires that Westfield Bank, as a savings association, comply with the qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test. Under the QTL test, Westfield Bank is required to maintain at least 65% of its portfolio assets in certain “qualified thrift investments” for at least nine months of the most recent twelve-month period. “Portfolio assets” means, in general, Westfield Bank’s total assets less the sum of:

 

    specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets;

 

    goodwill and other intangible assets; and

 

    the value of property used to conduct Westfield Bank’s business.

Westfield Bank met the QTL test at June 30, 2006 and in each of the prior 12 months, and, therefore, is a “qualified thrift lender.” If Westfield Bank fails the QTL test, and is unable to correct that failure for a period of time, it must either operate under certain restrictions on its activities or convert to a national bank charter.

 

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Capital Requirements. The OTS regulations require Westfield Bank to meet three minimum capital standards:

 

  (1) a tangible capital ratio requirement of 1.5% of total assets as adjusted under the OTS regulations;

 

  (2) a leverage ratio requirement of 3% of core capital to such adjusted total assets, if a savings association has been assigned the highest composite rating of 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System; and

 

  (3) a risk-based capital ratio requirement of 8% of core and supplementary capital to total risk-based assets.

The minimum leverage capital ratio for any other depository institution that does not have a composite rating of 1 will be 4%, unless a higher leverage capital ratio is warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of the depository institution. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of the risk-based capital requirement, a savings association must compute its risk-based assets by multiplying its assets and certain off-balance sheet items by risk-weights, which range from 0% for cash and obligations issued by the United States Government or its agencies to 100% for consumer and commercial loans, as assigned by the OTS capital regulation based on the risks found by the OTS to be inherent in the type of asset.

Tangible capital is defined, generally, as common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings), certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related earnings, minority interests in equity accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles (other than certain mortgage servicing rights), and investments in and loans to subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible for a national bank. Core capital is defined similarly to tangible capital, but core capital also includes certain qualifying supervisory goodwill and certain purchased credit card relationships. Supplementary capital currently includes cumulative and other preferred stock, mandatory convertible debt securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock and the allowance for loan and lease losses. In addition, up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with a readily determinable fair value may be included in tier 2 capital. The allowance for loan and lease losses includable in supplementary capital is limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, and the amount of supplementary capital that may be included as total capital cannot exceed the amount of core capital.

At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank met each of its capital requirements, in each case on a fully phased-in basis.

Community Reinvestment. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”), as implemented by OTS regulations, Westfield Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with safe and sound banking practices, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OTS, in connection with its examination of a savings association, to assess Westfield Bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by Westfield Bank.

The CRA regulations establish an assessment system that bases an association’s rating on its actual performance in meeting community needs. In particular, the assessment system focuses on three tests:

 

    a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its assessment areas;

 

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    an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and businesses in its assessment area or a broader area that includes its assessment area; and

 

    a service test, to evaluate the institution’s delivery of services through its retail banking channels and the extent and innovativeness of its community development services.

Westfield Bank received a “Satisfactory” CRA rating in its most recent examination, in January 2005.

Transactions with Affiliates. Westfield Bank’s authority to engage in transactions with its “affiliates” is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (the “FRA”). The OTS regulations, in turn, incorporate all applicable provisions of the FRB’s Regulation W and the regulations of the OTS. In general, these transactions must be on terms that are as favorable to Westfield Bank as comparable transactions with non-affiliates. In addition, certain types of these transactions are restricted to an aggregate percentage of Westfield Bank’s capital. Collateral in specified amounts must usually be provided by affiliates in order to receive loans from Westfield Bank. In addition, OTS regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that engage in activities not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary.

Loans to Insiders. Westfield Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRA and the regulations of the OTS. The OTS regulations, in turn, incorporate Regulation O of the FRB. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders: (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of Westfield Bank’s capital. The regulations allow small discounts on fees on residential real estate loans for directors, officers and employees. In addition, extensions for credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by Westfield Bank’s Board of Directors.

Enforcement. The OTS has primary enforcement responsibility over savings associations, including Westfield Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and to unsafe or unsound practices.

Standards for Safety and Soundness . Under federal law, the OTS has adopted a set of guidelines prescribing safety and soundness standards. These guidelines establish general standards relating to internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings standards, compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the guidelines require appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines.

In addition, the OTS adopted regulations that authorize, but do not require, the OTS to order an institution that has been given notice that it is not satisfying these safety and soundness standards to

 

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submit a compliance plan. If, after being notified, an institution fails to submit an acceptable plan of compliance or fails in any material respect to implement an accepted plan, the OTS must issue an order directing action to correct the deficiency, may issue an order directing other actions of the types to which an undercapitalized association is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions of federal law. If an institution fails to comply with such an order, the OTS may seek to enforce such order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil money penalties.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Under the OTS prompt corrective action regulations, the OTS is required to take certain, and is authorized to take other, supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations. For this purpose, a savings association would be placed in one of the following four categories based on the association’s capital:

 

    well-capitalized;

 

    adequately capitalized;

 

    undercapitalized; or

 

    critically undercapitalized.

At June 30, 2006, Westfield Bank met the criteria for being considered “well-capitalized.” When appropriate, the OTS can require corrective action by a savings association holding company under the “prompt corrective action” provision of federal law.

Capital Distributions. The OTS imposes various restrictions or requirements on Westfield Bank’s ability to make capital distributions, including cash dividends. A savings institution that is the subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company must file a notice with the OTS at least 30 days before making a capital distribution. Westfield Bank must file an application for prior approval if the total amount of its capital distributions, including the proposed distribution, for the applicable calendar year would exceed an amount equal to Westfield Bank’s net income for that year plus Westfield Bank’s retained net income for the previous two years.

The OTS may disapprove of a notice of application if:

 

    Westfield Bank would be undercapitalized following the distribution;

 

    the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or

 

    the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation, or agreement.

Liquidity . Westfield Bank is required to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid assets to ensure its safe and sound operation.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts . Westfield Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”), maintained by the FDIC, and Westfield Bank pays its deposit insurance assessments to the DIF. The DIF was formed on March 31, 2006 following the merger of the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund in accordance with the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (“DIF Act”).

 

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In order to maintain the DIF, member institutions are assessed an insurance premium. The amount of each institution’s premium is currently based on the balance of insured deposits and the degree of risk the institution poses to the DIF. Under the assessment system, the FDIC assigns an institution to one of nine risk categories using a two-step process based first on capital ratios (the capital group assignment) and then on other relevant information (the supervisory subgroup assignment). Each risk category is assigned an assessment rate. Assessment rates currently range from 0% of deposits for an institution in the highest category (i.e., well-capitalized and financially sound, with no more than a few minor weaknesses) to 0.27% of deposits for an institution in the lowest category (i.e., undercapitalized and substantial supervisory concerns).

In addition to merging the insurance funds, the DIF Act also granted the FDIC additional flexibility in establishing reserves in the DIF. The FDIC has issued proposed rules regarding the provisions of the DIF. The finalization and implementation of these rules will likely affect the insurance premiums paid by all members of the DIF, including Westfield Bank.

In addition, all FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay assessments to the FDIC at an annual rate of approximately 0.0168% of insured deposits to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, an agency of the federal government established to recapitalize the predecessor to the BIF. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2017.

Federal Home Loan Bank System. Westfield Bank is a member of the FHLB of Boston, which is one of the regional FHLBs composing the FHLB System. Each FHLB serves as a central credit facility primarily for its member institutions. Westfield Bank, as a member of the FHLB of Boston, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of Boston. While the required percentages of stock ownership are subject to change by the FHLB, Westfield Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB of Boston stock at June 30, 2006 of $4.0 million. Any advances from a FHLB must be secured by specified types of collateral, and all long-term advances may be obtained only for the purpose of providing funds for residential housing finance.

The FHLBs are required to provide funds for the resolution of insolvent thrifts and to contribute funds for affordable housing programs. These requirements could reduce the amount of earnings that the FHLBs can pay as dividends to their members and could also result in the FHLBs imposing a higher rate of interest on advances to their members. If dividends were reduced, or interest on future FHLB advances increased, Westfield Bank’s net interest income would be affected.

Federal Reserve System . Westfield Bank is subject to provisions of the FRA and the FRB’s regulations pursuant to which depositary institutions may be required to maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their deposit accounts and certain other liabilities. Currently, reserves must be maintained against transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The amount of transaction accounts exempt from a reserve requirement is $7.0 million. A 3.0% reserve is required for transaction accounts from $7.0 million to $47.6 million. Transaction accounts over $47.6 million are subject to a reserve requirement of $1,218,000 plus 10% of the amount over $47.6 million. Westfield Bank is in compliance with the foregoing reserve requirements. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of either vault cash, a non-interest-bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank, or a pass-through account as defined by the FRB, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce Westfield Bank’s interest-earning assets. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the FRB may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the OTS. FHLB System members are also authorized to borrow from the FRB discount window, but FRB regulations require such institutions to exhaust all FHLB sources before borrowing from the FRB.

 

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Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Federal savings banks are subject to prohibitions on certain tying arrangements. A depository institution is prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain credit or services from a competitor of the institution.

The Bank Secrecy Act . Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial are, and upon completion of the conversion New Westfield Financial will be, subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, which gives the federal government powers to address money laundering and terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, and mandatory transaction reporting obligations. By way of example, the Bank Secrecy Act imposes an affirmative obligation on Westfield Bank to report currency transactions that exceed certain thresholds and to report other transactions determined to be suspicious. Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act takes measures intended to encourage information sharing among financial institutions, bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies. Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act. Among other requirements, the USA PATRIOT Act imposes the following obligations on financial institutions:

 

    financial institutions must establish anti-money laundering programs that include, at minimum: (i) internal policies, procedures, and controls, (ii) specific designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officer, (iii) ongoing employee training programs, and (iv) an independent audit function to test the anti-money laundering program;

 

    financial institutions must establish and meet minimum standards for customer due diligence, identification and verification;

 

    financial institutions that establish, maintain, administer, or manage private banking accounts or correspondent accounts in the United States for non-United States persons or their representatives (including foreign individuals visiting the United States) must establish appropriate, specific, and, where necessary, enhanced due diligence policies, procedures, and controls designed to detect and report money laundering through those accounts;

 

    financial institutions are prohibited from establishing, maintaining, administering or managing correspondent accounts for foreign shell banks (foreign banks that do not have a physical presence in any country), and are subject to certain recordkeeping obligations with respect to correspondent accounts of foreign banks; and

 

    bank regulators are directed to consider a bank’s or holding company’s effectiveness in combating money laundering when ruling on Federal Reserve Act and Bank Merger Act applications.

Office of Foreign Asset Control. Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial are, and upon completion of the conversion New Westfield Financial will be, like all United States companies and individuals, prohibited from transacting business with certain individuals and entities named on the Office of Foreign Asset Control’s list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Failure to comply may result in fines and other penalties. Recently, the Office of Foreign Asset Control issued guidance directed at financial institutions in which it asserted that it may, in its discretion, examine institutions determined to be high-risk or to be lacking in their efforts to comply with these prohibitions.

 

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Holding Company Regulation

Upon completion of the conversion, we will be a savings and loan holding company regulated by the OTS. As such, we will be registered with and subject to OTS examination and supervision, as well as certain OTS reporting requirements. In addition, the OTS will have enforcement authority over us and our non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary savings institution. Unlike bank holding companies, federal savings and loan holding companies are not subject to any regulatory capital requirements or to supervision by the FRB.

Activities Restrictions Applicable to New Westfield Financial. Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLB Act”), we are prohibited from engaging in non-financial activities. As a result, Westfield Financial’s activities are restricted to:

 

    furnishing or performing management services for a savings institution subsidiary of such holding company;

 

    conducting an insurance agency or escrow business;

 

    holding, managing, or liquidating assets owned or acquired from a savings institution subsidiary of such company;

 

    holding or managing properties used or occupied by a savings institution subsidiary of such company;

 

    acting as trustee under a deed of trust;

 

    any other activity (i) that the FRB, by regulation, has determined to be permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHC Act”), unless the Director of the OTS, by regulation, prohibits or limits any such activity for savings and loan holding companies, or (ii) in which multiple savings and loan holding companies were authorized by regulation to directly engage in on March 5, 1987;

 

    purchasing, holding, or disposing of stock acquired in connection with a qualified stock issuance if the purchase of such stock by such holding company is approved by the Director of the OTS; and

 

    any activity permissible for financial holding companies under section 4(k) of the BHC Act.

Permissible activities which are deemed to be financial in nature or incidental thereto under section 4(k) of the BHC Act include:

 

    lending, exchanging, transferring, investing for others, or safeguarding money or securities;

 

    insurance activities or providing and issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent, or broker;

 

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    financial, investment, or economic advisory services;

 

    issuing or selling instruments representing interests in pools of assets that a bank is permitted to hold directly;

 

    underwriting, dealing in, or making a market in securities;

 

    activities previously determined by the FRB to be closely related to banking;

 

    activities that bank holding companies are permitted to engage in outside of the U.S.; and

 

    portfolio investments made by an insurance company.

In addition, we cannot be acquired or acquire a company unless the acquirer is engaged solely in financial activities.

Restrictions on Acquisition of Control Applicable to New Westfield Financial. The HOLA prohibits all savings and loan holding companies, including New Westfield Financial, from acquiring, directly or indirectly:

 

    control (as defined under the HOLA) of another savings institution (or a holding company parent) without prior OTS approval;

 

    through merger, consolidation, or purchase of assets, another savings institution or a holding company thereof, or acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of such institution (or a holding company) without prior OTS approval; or

 

    control of any depository institution not insured by the FDIC (except through a merger with and into the holding company’s savings institution subsidiary that is approved by the OTS).

A savings and loan holding company may not acquire as a separate subsidiary an insured institution that has a principal office outside of the state where the principal office of its subsidiary institution is located, except:

 

    in the case of certain emergency acquisitions approved by the FDIC;

 

    if such holding company controls a savings institution subsidiary that operated a home or branch office in such additional state as of March 5, 1987; or

 

    if the laws of the state in which the savings institution to be acquired is located specifically authorize a savings institution chartered by that state to be acquired by a savings institution chartered by the state where the acquiring savings institution or savings and loan holding company is located or by a holding company that controls such a state-chartered association.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act . As a public company, we are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which implements a broad range of corporate governance and accounting measures for public companies designed to promote honesty and transparency in corporate America and better protect investors from corporate wrongdoing. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s principal legislation and the derivative regulation and rule making promulgated by the SEC includes:

 

    the creation of an independent accounting oversight board;

 

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    auditor independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients;

 

    additional corporate governance and responsibility measures, including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer certify financial statements;

 

    a requirement that companies establish and maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting and that a company’s management provide an annual report regarding its assessment of the effectiveness of such internal control over financial reporting to the company’s independent accountants and that such accountants provide an attestation report with respect to management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting;

 

    the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement;

 

    an increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain requirements relating to audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company’s independent auditors;

 

    the requirement that audit committee members must be independent and are absolutely barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer;

 

    the requirement that companies disclose whether at least one member of the committee is a “financial expert” (as such term is defined by the SEC) and if not, why not;

 

    expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on insider trading during pension blackout periods;

 

    a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions;

 

    disclosure of a code of ethics and the requirement of filing of a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code;

 

    mandatory disclosure by analysts of potential conflicts of interest; and

 

    a range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations.

Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibits the extension of personal loans to directors and executive officers of issuers (as defined in Sarbanes-Oxley). The prohibition, however, does not apply to mortgages advanced by an insured depository institution, such as Westfield Bank, that are subject to the insider lending restrictions of Section 22(h) of the FRA.

 

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Quotation on the American Stock Exchange . Our common stock will be traded on the American Stock Exchange. In order to maintain such quotation, we are subject to certain corporate governance requirements, including:

 

    a majority of our board must be composed of independent directors;

 

    we are required to have an audit committee composed of at least three directors, each of whom is an independent director, as such term is defined by both American Stock Exchange rules as set forth in its Company Guide and by Exchange Act regulations;

 

    our nominating committee and compensation committee must also be composed entirely of independent directors; and

 

    each of our audit committee and nominating committee must have a publicly available written charter.

Federal Securities Laws . Our common stock is registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We are subject to information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions, and other requirements under the Exchange Act.

 

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TAXATION

Federal

General . The following discussion is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to Westfield Bank, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial or New Westfield Financial. For federal income tax purposes, Westfield Bank reports its income on the basis of a taxable year ending December 31, using the accrual method of accounting, and Westfield Financial is generally subject to federal income taxation in the same manner as other corporations. Since December 27, 2001, Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial have constituted an affiliated group of corporations and, therefore, have reported their income on a consolidated basis. Since that same time, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, which has owned less than 80% of the common stock of Westfield Financial, has not been a member of such affiliated group and has reported its income on a separate return. After the effective time of the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company from mutual to stock form, we and Westfield Bank will be an affiliated group of corporations and will report our income on a consolidated basis. Westfield Bank is not currently under audit by the IRS, and the tax years up to and including the year ended December 31, 2002 are closed.

Distributions. To the extent that Westfield Bank makes “non-dividend distributions” to stockholders, such distributions will be considered to result in distributions from Westfield Bank’s un-recaptured tax bad debt reserve “base year reserve” (i.e., its reserve as of December 31, 1987), to the extent thereof and then from its supplemental reserve for losses on loans, and an amount based on the amount distributed, but not more than the amount of those reserves, will be included in Westfield Bank’s taxable income. Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of Westfield Bank’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, distributions in redemption of stock and distributions in partial or complete liquidation. However, dividends paid out of Westfield Bank’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, will not constitute non-dividend distributions and, therefore, will not be included in Westfield Bank’s income.

The amount of additional taxable income created from a non-dividend distribution is equal to the lesser of Westfield Bank’s base year reserve and supplemental reserve for losses on loans or an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution. Thus, in certain situations, approximately one and one-half times the non-dividend distribution would be includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 34% federal corporate income tax rate. Westfield Bank does not intend to pay dividends that would result in the recapture of any portion of its bad debt reserves.

Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax. The alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) rules have been devised to ensure that at least a minimum amount of income tax is paid by high-income corporate taxpayers who take advantage of substantial tax savings due to the use of certain tax deductions and exemptions. In essence, the AMT functions as a recapture mechanism, reclaiming some of the tax deductions and credits utilized by these taxpayers when calculating their regular federal income tax liability. In general, a corporation’s alternative minimum taxable income (“AMTI”) is equal to its regular taxable income, increased by its preference items for the year and adjusted by computing certain items under special rules that negate the acceleration of certain tax benefits which are available under the regular tax rules. The AMT rate is 20%. Such preference items include adjustments for tax exempt interest, inside build-up of life insurance policies and accelerated depreciation deductions. During the past five years, we have not been the subject of the AMT and therefore have no AMT net operating losses or credit to utilize.

 

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Elimination of Dividends; Dividends Received Deduction. Westfield Financial may exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from Westfield Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

Net Operating Losses. A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding twenty taxable years. At December 31, 2005, Westfield Financial had no net operating loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes.

State

Financial institutions in Massachusetts are not allowed to file consolidated income tax returns. Instead, each entity in the consolidated group files a separate annual income tax return. The Massachusetts excise tax rate for savings banks is currently 10.5% of federal taxable income, adjusted for certain items. Taxable income includes gross income as defined under the Internal Revenue Code, plus interest from bonds, notes and evidences of indebtedness of any state, including Massachusetts, less deductions, but not the credits, allowable under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, except for those deductions relating to dividends received and income or franchise taxes imposed by a state or political subdivision. Carryforwards and carrybacks of net operating losses and capital losses are not allowed.

Westfield Financial’s state tax returns, as well as those of its subsidiaries, are not currently under audit. In June 2003, Westfield Bank reached a settlement with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue with respect to the Department of Revenue’s tax assessment resulting from the Department of Revenue’s disallowance of Westfield Bank’s deduction of certain dividend distributions received by Westfield Bank from its real estate investment trust majority-owned subsidiary for the tax years ending December 31, 1999, 2001, and 2002. As a result, Westfield Bank paid approximately $1.5 million to the Department of Revenue representing one-half of the assessment plus interest and obtained the Department of Revenue’s release from liability for the remaining half assessed. Westfield Bank dissolved the real estate investment trust during the fourth quarter of 2003.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Board of Directors

Our initial Board of Directors consists of eleven members, all of whom are currently members of Westfield Financial’s Board of Directors. Our Articles of Organization provides that the Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible.

The Board of Directors oversees our business and monitors the performance of our management. In accordance with our corporate governance procedures, the Board of Directors does not involve itself in our day-to-day operations. Our executive officers and management oversee our day-to-day operations. Our directors fulfill their duties and responsibilities by attending monthly meetings of the Board of Directors. Our directors also discuss business and other matters with the Chairman of the Board of Directors, other key executives, and our principal external advisers (legal counsel, auditors, financial advisors, and other consultants).

The following table states our directors’ names, ages, the years when they began serving as directors, and the years when their current terms of office as directors will expire.

 

Name

   Age (1)   

Position with

New Westfield Financial

   Term Expires    Served Since (2)

Victor J. Carra

   65    Director    2007    1995

David C. Colton, Jr.

   62    Director    2009    1980

Robert T. Crowley

   57    Director    2008    1999

Harry C. Lane

   67    Director    2008    1978

William H. McClure

   70    Director    2008    1996

Mary C. O’Neil

   70    Director    2009    1994

Richard C. Placek

   66    Director    2007    1979

Paul R. Pohl

   64    Director    2008    1999

Charles E. Sullivan

   62    Director    2007    1992

Thomas C. Sullivan

   72    Director    2007    1989

Donald A. Williams

   61    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    2009    1983

(1) At December 31, 2005.
(2) Includes terms served on the Board of Directors of Westfield Bank. All members of the current Board of Directors of Westfield Financial have served as directors since the company’s inception in 2001.

Business Experience Of Directors

The business experience of each director for at least the past five years is set forth below.

Victor J. Carra served as Executive Vice President of Westfield Bank from 1998 until 2005, and as Executive Vice President of Westfield Financial from its inception in 2001 until 2005. Since 1975, Mr. Carra served in various capacities during his employment with Westfield Bank.

David C. Colton, Jr. is the former owner and operator of The Colton Agency, Inc., an insurance agency located in Westfield, Massachusetts for the past 65 years. He recently sold the business and is serving as an independent consultant.

 

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Robert T. Crowley, Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant and a partner in the accounting firm of Downey, Sweeney, Fitzgerald & Co., P.C. The firm provides tax, accounting and auditing services to the public. Mr. Crowley has been a partner with this firm since 1980 and a Certified Public Accountant since 1979.

Harry C. Lane is the President of John S. Lane & Son, Inc., a quarry and asphalt company located in Westfield, Massachusetts, incorporated in 1904. Mr. Lane has served in this capacity since 1986.

William H. McClure is the President of the McClure Insurance Agency, Inc., a position he has held since December 1993. He is the owner of 51% of this insurance agency, which sells and services fire, casualty, life and health insurance. He is also an owner of 103 Van Deene Realty Trust, which is made up of a building located at that same address.

Mary C. O’Neil is the Vice President of Development and Community Relations at Noble Health Systems, located in Westfield, Massachusetts. Ms. O’Neil has held this position since 1993. Prior to that, she served as President of T.L. O’Neil Insurance Agency, Inc.

Richard C. Placek is the Chairman of Commercial Distributing Company, located in Westfield Massachusetts. Mr. Placek has held this position since 1985. Prior to that, he served as General Manager.

Paul R. Pohl serves as the President and Owner of Chemi-Graphic, Inc., a name plate manufacturing company located in Ludlow, Massachusetts. Mr. Pohl has served in this capacity since 1964.

Charles E. Sullivan is the President of Charles E. Sullivan C.P.A., Inc., a public accounting firm located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Sullivan has served in this capacity since 1979.

Thomas C. Sullivan is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Sullivan Paper Co., Inc., located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. He retired from this position in 1998. Mr. Sullivan presently serves as a director of Sullivan Paper Co., Inc., a position he has held since 1959. He also serves as President and Director of Patriot Realty, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, and is the Vice President and Director of George Sullivan Realty, a realty company located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Sullivan has served in these capacities since 1994 and 1970, respectively.

Donald A. Williams served as President of Westfield Bank from 1983 through 2005 and Westfield Financial from its inception in 2001 through 2005. Mr. Williams has served as Chief Executive Officer of Westfield Bank since 1987 and Westfield Financial since its inception in 2001.

Executive Officers

Our initial senior executive officers are the same as those who currently serve as executive officers of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank. In addition to Mr. Williams, they are as follows:

James C. Hagan , age 44, has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank since June 2005. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Department Manager of Westfield Bank from 1998. From 1994 through 1998, Mr. Hagan was a Vice President at Westfield Bank.

 

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Gerald P. Ciejka , age 45, was appointed Vice President of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank on February 22, 2005. Mr. Ciejka also serves as General Counsel and Director of Human Resources of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank. Mr. Ciejka was previously a partner at the Springfield, Massachusetts law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas in the business organization and real estate departments. From 1997 to 2004, he served as branch manager and senior underwriting counsel for First American Title Insurance Company and Chicago Title Insurance Company.

Michael J. Janosco, Jr., age 59, has served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Westfield Bank since 1999 and of Westfield Financial since its inception in 2001. Mr. Janosco was previously a partner at KPMG Peat Marwick until his retirement in 1994. From 1994 to 1997, he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Primary Bank, located in Peterborough, New Hampshire. From October 1997 to March 1999, he was a consultant to various banks.

Rebecca S. Kozaczka, age 54, has served as Vice President and Residential Loan Officer at Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank since 1989. She worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Assistant Vice President from 1985 until 1989.

Deborah J. McCarthy, age 46, has served as Vice President of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank since 2000. She is the Manager of the Operations and Information Systems Departments. She has worked for Westfield Bank in numerous capacities since 1979.

Allen J. Miles, III, age 43, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank since August 2005. From 1998 to 2005 he served as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.

Leo R. Sagan, Jr., age 43, has served as the Vice President and Controller of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank since 2003. Prior to that he served as Controller of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank from 2002 to 2003 and as Assistant Treasurer of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank from 1999 to 2002.

Committees Of The Board Of Directors

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank have established the following committees, which shall also be our committees:

Executive Committee. The Executive Committee exercises the powers of the Board of Directors between Board meetings. It approves loans and investments within Westfield Bank’s authority.

Audit Committee. The Audit Committee assists the Board by overseeing the audit coverage and monitoring the accounting, financial reporting, data processing, regulatory and internal control environments. The primary duties and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to: (1) oversee and monitor the financial reporting process and internal controls system; (2) review and evaluate the audit performed by outside auditors and report any substantive issues found during the audit to the Board; (3) appoint, compensate and oversee the work of the independent auditors; (4) review and approve all transactions with affiliated parties; and (5) provide an open avenue of communication among the independent auditors, financial and senior management, the internal audit department and the Board. All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined under the American Stock Exchange listing standards. We believe that Mr. Crowley qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as that term is defined by SEC regulations.

 

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Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Board of Directors in the areas of employee salaries and benefit programs. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors as defined by the American Stock Exchange listing standards.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews and recommends nominees for election as directors and develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance guidelines. All members of the Committee are independent directors as defined under the American Stock Exchange listing standards.

Director Compensation

Meeting Fees. The members of the Board of Directors of Westfield Financial are identical to those of Westfield Bank. To date, Westfield Bank has compensated its directors for their services to Westfield Bank. Westfield Financial has not paid any additional compensation to its directors for their additional services to the holding company. Westfield Financial expects to continue this practice until there is a business reason to establish separate compensation fees.

Westfield Bank’s practice has been to pay a fee of $800 to each of its non-employee directors for attendance at each Board meeting. In addition, each member of the Executive Committee received $1,733 per month for meetings, each member of the Audit Committee received $500 for each meeting the member attended, each member of the Compensation Committee received $250 for each meeting the member attended, and each member of the Nominating Committee received $250 for each meeting the member attended. Westfield Bank paid fees totaling $199,000 to its non-employee directors for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan . Westfield Bank has established the Westfield Bank Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan for the benefit of non-employee directors. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, each non-employee director may make an annual election to defer receipt of all or a portion of his or her director fees received from Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank. The deferred amounts are allocated to a deferral account and credited with interest at an annual rate equal to the rate on the highest yielding certificate of deposit issued by Westfield Bank during the year or according to the investment return of other assets as may be selected by the Compensation Committee of Westfield Bank. The Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded, non-qualified plan that provides for distribution of the amounts deferred to participants or their designated beneficiaries upon the occurrence of certain events such as death, retirement, disability or a change in control of Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank (as those terms are defined in the Deferred Compensation Plan).

Following the conversion and stock offering, the compensation of the directors of Westfield Bank and New Westfield Financial will continue as described above.

Compensation Committee Report On Executive Compensation

On December 27, 2001, Westfield Financial, Inc. became the holding company for Westfield Bank upon completion of a corporate reorganization of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and related initial stock offering by Westfield Financial.

The Compensation Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Board of Directors in the areas of employee salaries and benefit programs. Compensation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers of Westfield Bank for the fiscal year ended 2005 was paid by Westfield Bank and determined by the Board of Directors.

 

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The Committee reviews the compensation and benefits programs for all executive officers on an annual basis. Mr. Williams did not participate in the committee’s decisions regarding his own compensation review and recommendation in 2005 or in prior years.

The Committee strives to provide a compensation program that assures both the motivation and retention of the executive officers, proper alignment with the financial interests of Westfield Financial’s stockholders, and competitiveness with the external marketplace. To this end, the committee reviewed the compensation practices of a peer group of companies with similar size and business mix to that of Westfield Bank in order to develop recommendations for Westfield Bank’s executive officers.

Westfield Bank’s compensation program for executive officers consists of: base salary, annual bonuses and long-term incentive awards. These elements are intended to provide an overall compensation package that is commensurate with Westfield Bank’s financial resources, that is appropriate to assure the retention of experienced management personnel, and that aligns their financial interests with those of Westfield Financial’s stockholders.

Base Salaries. Salary levels recommended by the Committee are intended to be competitive with salary levels of the companies in Westfield Bank’s peer group, commensurate with the executive officers’ respective duties and responsibilities, and reflect the financial performance of Westfield Bank.

Stock Options. Westfield Financial has implemented the 2002 Stock Option Plan under which executive officers, employees, and directors are eligible to receive awards. The Compensation Committee has determined stock option grants based on the financial performance achieved by Westfield Bank, and the level of long-term incentive awards made by companies in the peer group.

Recognition and Retention Plan. Westfield Financial has implemented the 2002 RRP under which executive officers, employees, and directors are eligible to receive restricted stock awards. The Compensation Committee has determined restricted stock awards based on the financial performance achieved by Westfield Bank, and the level of long-term incentive awards made by companies in the peer group.

Chief Executive Officer. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, Mr. Williams’ base salary was $363,735 and he was awarded a bonus of $45,467. He was also eligible to participate in the 2002 Stock Option Plan and the 2002 Recognition and Retention Plan. During fiscal year 2005, Mr. Williams was not awarded any options under the 2002 Stock Option Plan and was not awarded any shares under the 2002 Recognition and Retention Plan.

Westfield Financial, Inc.

Compensation Committee

Harry C. Lane, Chairperson

Paul R. Pohl

Thomas C. Sullivan

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation . None of Westfield Financial’s executive officers served as a member of another entity’s Board of Directors or as a member of the Compensation Committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) during 2005, which entity had an executive officer serving on the Board of Directors or as a member of Westfield Financial’s Compensation Committee. There are no interlocking relationships between Westfield Financial and other entities that might affect the determination of the compensation of our executive officers.

 

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Performance Graph . The following graph compares our total cumulative stockholder return by an investor who invested $100.00 on December 28, 2001, the date following Westfield Financial’s conversion, to December 31, 2005, to the total return by an investor who invested $100.00 in each of the Russell 2000 Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index for the same period.

LOGO

 

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Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table. The following table provides information about the compensation paid for 2005 to Westfield Financial’s and Westfield Bank’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and to the four other most highly compensated executive officers whose salary and bonus for 2005 was at least $100,000.

 

          Annual Compensation   

Long Term

Compensation

Awards

  

All Other
Compensation
($)(2)

Name and Principal Positions with Westfield Financial

   Year    Salary($)    Bonus($)   

Other

Annual
Compensation
($)(1)

   Restricted
Stock
Awards
($)
   Options
(#)
  
Donald A. Williams,    2005    $ 363,735    $ 45,467    —        —      —      $ 288,340
Chairman and    2004      346,614      51,992    —        —      —        204,524
Chief Executive Officer    2003      326,482      33,904    —        —      —        190,042
Michael J. Janosco,    2005    $ 195,700    $ 24,463    —        —      —      $ 23,319
Jr., Chief Financial    2004      186,405      27,961    —        —      —        23,675
Officer and Treasurer    2003      179,036      18,592    —        —      —        24,242
James C. Hagan,    2005    $ 180,189    $ 22,524    —        —      —      $ 19,991
President and Chief    2004      145,614      21,842    —        —      —        18,074
Operating Officer    2003      137,150      14,242    —        —      —        18,285
Allen J. Miles, III    2005    $ 128,497    $ 16,062    —        —      —      $ 12,401
Senior Vice    2004    $ 110,250    $ 16,538               10,663
President and Chief Lending Officer    2003    $ 109,971    $ 10,997               13,935
Gerald P. Ciejka, Vice President    2005    $ 118,638    $ 14,830    —      $ 24,660    2,500    $ 454

(1) Westfield Bank provides its executive officers with non-cash benefits and perquisites, such as the use of employer-owned or leased automobiles. Management of Westfield Bank believes that the aggregate value of these benefits for 2005 did not, in the case of any executive officer, exceed $50,000 or 10% of the aggregate salary and annual bonus reported for him or her in the Summary Compensation Table.
(2) Includes the following components for fiscal 2005: (1) employer matching contributions to the Westfield Bank 401(k) Plan: Mr. Williams – $6,300; Mr. Janosco – $5,871; Mr. Hagan – $5,406; Mr. Ciejka – $0; and Mr. Miles – $2,008; (2) the dollar value of premium payments for life insurance coverage provided by Westfield Bank: Mr. Williams – $2,728; Mr. Janosco – $2,328; Mr. Hagan – $664; Mr. Ciejka – $454; and Mr. Miles – $465; (3) amounts accrued under deferred compensation agreements: Mr. Williams – $240,579; (4) the value of allocations under the ESOP: Mr. Williams – $16,224; Mr. Janosco – $15,120; Mr. Hagan – $13,921; Mr. Ciejka – $0; and Mr. Miles – $9,928 and (5) the value accrued under the Benefit Restoration Plan: Mr. Williams – $22,509.

Employment Agreements

Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank have jointly entered into employment agreements with Mr. Donald A. Williams to secure his services as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Michael J. Janosco, Jr. to secure his services as Chief Financial Officer. For purposes of Westfield Financial’s obligations, the employment agreements have rolling three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2002, which by decision

 

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of the executive or joint decision of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank may be converted to a fixed three-year term. For purposes of Westfield Bank’s obligations, the employment agreements have fixed terms of three years beginning on January 1, 2005, and may be renewed annually after a review of the executive’s performance.

These agreements provide for minimum annual salaries of $377,962 and $203,346, respectively, discretionary cash bonuses, and participation on generally applicable terms and conditions in other compensation and fringe benefit plans. They also guarantee customary corporate indemnification and errors and omissions insurance coverage throughout the employment term and for six years after termination. Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank may terminate each executive’s employment, and each executive may resign, at any time with or without cause. However, in the event of termination during the term without cause, they will owe the executive severance benefits generally equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that the executive would have received if he had continued working for an additional three years. The same severance benefits would be payable if the executive resigns during the term following: a loss of title, office or membership on the board of directors; material reduction in duties, functions or responsibilities; involuntary relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location over 25 miles in distance from Westfield Bank’s principal office in Westfield, Massachusetts and over 25 miles from the executive’s principal residence; or other material breach of contract by Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank which is not cured within 30 days. For 60 days after a change in control, each executive may resign for any reason and collect severance benefits as if he or she had been discharged without cause. The employment agreements also provide uninsured death and disability benefits.

If Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank experiences a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the employment agreements might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Federal tax laws impose a 20% excise tax, payable by the executive, on excess parachute payments. Under the employment agreements, Westfield Financial would reimburse the executive for the amount of this excise tax and would make an additional gross-up payment so that, after payment of the excise tax and all income and excise taxes imposed on the reimbursement and gross-up payments, the executive will retain approximately the same net-after tax amounts under the employment agreement that he or she would have retained if there were no 20% excise tax. The effect of this provision is that Westfield Financial, rather than the executive, bears the financial cost of the excise tax. Neither Westfield Financial nor Westfield Bank could claim a federal income tax deduction for an excess parachute payment, excise tax reimbursement payment or gross-up payment.

Future Employment Agreements

In connection with the conversion and stock offering, we and Westfield Bank each will enter into parallel employment agreements with Mr. Donald A. Williams to secure his services as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James C. Hagan to secure his services as President and Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Michael J. Janosco, Jr. to secure his services as Chief Financial Officer. The change of control agreement with Mr. James C. Hagan will be cancelled upon the effectiveness of this employment agreement.

The employment agreements with us will have a three-year term that will be automatically extended on a daily basis so that the remaining term will always be three years, which by decision of us or the executive may be converted to a fixed three-year term. The employment agreements with Westfield Bank will have fixed terms of three years which may be renewed annually after a review of the executive’s performance.

 

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These agreements will provide for minimum annual salaries of $377,962, $213,226, and $203,346, respectively, discretionary cash bonuses, and participation on generally applicable terms and conditions in other compensation and fringe benefit plans. They also will guarantee customary corporate indemnification and errors and omissions insurance coverage throughout the employment term and for six years after termination. We and Westfield Bank may terminate each executive’s employment, and each executive may resign, at any time with or without cause. However, in the event of termination during the term without cause, we will owe the executive severance benefits generally equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that the executive would have received if he had continued working for an additional three years. The same severance benefits would be payable if the executive resigns during the term following: a loss of title, office or membership on the board of directors; material reduction in duties, functions or responsibilities; involuntary relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location over 25 miles in distance from Westfield Bank’s principal office in Westfield, Massachusetts and over 25 miles from the executive’s principal residence; or other material breach of contract by us or Westfield Bank which is not cured within 30 days. For 60 days after a change in control, each executive may resign for any reason and collect severance benefits as if he or she had been discharged without cause. The employment agreements also provide uninsured death and disability benefits.

If we or Westfield Bank experience a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the employment agreements might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Federal tax laws impose a 20% excise tax, payable by the executive, on excess parachute payments. Under the employment agreements, we would reimburse the executive for the amount of this excise tax and would make an additional gross-up payment so that, after payment of the excise tax and all income and excise taxes imposed on the reimbursement and gross-up payments, the executive will retain approximately the same net-after tax amounts under the employment agreement that he or she would have retained if there were no 20% excise tax. The effect of this provision is that we, rather than the executive, bears the financial cost of the excise tax. Neither we nor Westfield Bank could claim a federal income tax deduction for an excess parachute payment, excise tax reimbursement payment or gross-up payment.

Change Of Control Agreements

Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank have jointly entered into one-year change of control agreements with each of James C. Hagan, Rebecca S. Kozaczka and Deborah J. McCarthy. The term of these agreements is perpetual until Westfield Bank gives notice of non-extension, at which time the term is fixed for one year. Generally, Westfield Bank may terminate the employment of any officer covered by these agreements, with or without cause, at any time prior to a change of control without obligation for severance benefits. However, if Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank signs a merger or other business combination agreement, or if a third party makes a tender offer or initiates a proxy contest, it could not terminate an officer’s employment without cause without liability for severance benefits. The severance benefits would generally be equal to the value of the cash compensation and fringe benefits that the officer would have received if he or she had continued working for an additional one year. Westfield Bank would pay the same severance benefits if the officer resigns after a change of control following a loss of title, office or membership on the Board of Directors, material reduction in duties, functions or responsibilities, involuntary relocation of his or her principal place of employment to a location over 25 miles from Westfield Bank’s principal office on the day before the change of control and over 25 miles from the officer’s principal residence or other material breach of contract which is not cured within 30 days. These agreements also provide uninsured death and disability benefits. If Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank experience a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of their assets as contemplated by section 280G of the Internal

 

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Revenue Code, a portion of any severance payments under the change of control agreements might constitute an “excess parachute payment” under current federal tax laws. Any excess parachute payment would be subject to a federal excise tax payable by the officer and would be non-deductible by Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial for federal income tax purposes. The change of control agreements do not provide a tax indemnity.

The conversion and stock offering and related transactions will not constitute a change of control.

Future Change Of Control Agreements

In connection with the conversion and stock offering, we and Westfield Bank will jointly entered into change of control agreements with each of Gerald P. Ciejka, Allen J. Miles, III, and Leo R. Sagan, Jr., which will have identical terms to the change of control agreements currently in place. See “ Management — Change Of Control Agreements ” above.

Benefit Plans

Pension Plan . Westfield Bank maintains a pension plan for its eligible employees. Generally, employees of Westfield Bank begin participation in the pension plan once they reach age 21 and complete 1,000 hours of service in a consecutive 12-month period. Participants in the pension plan become vested in their accrued benefit under the pension plan upon the earlier of the: (1) attainment of their “normal retirement age” (as described in the pension plan) while employed at Westfield Bank; (2) completion of five vesting years of service with Westfield Bank; or (3) death or disability of the participant. Participants are generally credited with a vesting year of service for each year in which they complete at least 1,000 hours of service. A participant’s normal benefit under the pension plan equals the sum of (1) 1.25% of the participant’s average compensation (generally defined as the average taxable compensation for the three consecutive limitation years that produce the highest average) by the number of years of service the participant has under the plan up to 25 years of service, plus (2) 0.6% of the excess of the participant’s average compensation over the participant’s covered compensation (the social security taxable wage base for the 35 years ending in the year the participant becomes eligible for non-reduced social security benefits) for each year of service under the plan up to 25 years of service. Participants may retire at or after age 65 and receive their full benefit under the plan. Participants may also retire early at age 62 or at age 55 with ten years of service or at age 50 with 15 years of service under the plan and receive a reduced retirement benefit. Pension benefits are payable in equal monthly installments for life, or for married persons, as a joint survivor annuity over the lives of the participant and spouse. Participants may also elect a lump sum payment with the consent of their spouse. If a participant dies while employed by Westfield Bank, a death benefit will be payable to either his or her spouse or estate, or named beneficiary, equal to the entire amount of the participant’s accrued benefit in the plan.

The following table indicates the annual employer-provided retirement benefits that would be payable under the pension plan upon retirement at age 65 to a participant electing to receive his pension benefit in the standard form of benefit, assuming various specified levels of plan compensation and various specified years of credited service. Under the Internal Revenue Code, maximum annual benefits under the pension plan are limited to $170,000 per year and annual compensation for benefit calculation purposes is limited to $210,000 per year for the 2005 calendar year.

 

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     Years of Service

Average Annual

Compensation

   10    15    20    25

$20,000

   $ 2,500    $ 3,750    $ 5,000    $ 6,250

  40,000

     5,033      7,500      10,000      12,500

  60,000

     8,323      12,484      16,646      20,807

  80,000

     12,023      18,034      24,046      30,057

100,000

     15,723      23,584      31,446      39,307

120,000

     19,423      29,134      38,846      48,557

125,000

     20,348      30,522      40,696      50,870

140,000

     23,123      34,684      46,246      57,807

150,000

     24,973      37,459      49,946      62,432

175,000

     29,598      44,397      59,196      73,995

200,000

     34,223      51,334      68,446      85,557

210,000

     35,148      52,722      70,296      87,870

The benefits listed on the table above for the pension plan are not subject to a reduction for Social Security benefits or any other offset amount. As of December 31, 2005, Messrs. Williams, Hagan, Janosco and Miles had 26, 11, 6 and 7 years of service, respectively, for purposes of the pension plan (benefit service is recognized up to a maximum of 25 years under the terms of this plan).

401(k) Plan . Westfield Bank maintains a 401(k) Plan, a tax-qualified defined contribution plan, for substantially all employees of Westfield Bank who have attained age 21 and completed at least three months of service, which was in place during calendar 2005. Eligible employees may contribute from 1% to 15% of annual compensation to the plan on a pre-tax basis each year, subject to limitations of the Internal Revenue Code (for 2005 the limit was $14,000). Westfield Bank makes a matching contribution to the plan equal to 50% of the first six percent of annual compensation contributed to the plan on a pre-tax basis by a participant after such participant has completed one year of service. This plan has an individual account for each participant’s contributions and allows each participant to direct the investment of his or her account. One permitted investment is the common stock of Westfield Financial.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. This plan is a tax-qualified plan that covers substantially all employees who have completed 1,000 hours of service in a 12 month period and attained age 21. The ESOP took effect at the completion of the reorganization. Westfield Financial has lent this plan enough money to purchase up to 8% of the shares of the total number of shares held by persons other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company. Although contributions to this plan will be discretionary, Westfield Bank intends to contribute enough money each year to make the required principal and interest payments on the loan from Westfield Financial. This loan is for a term of 30 years and calls for level annual payments of principal and interest. The plan pledges the shares it purchases as collateral for the loan and holds them in a suspense account. The plan will not distribute the pledged shares right away. Instead, it will release a portion of the pledged shares annually. Assuming the plan repays its loan as scheduled over a 30-year term, we expect that 1/30th of the shares will be released annually in years 2002 through 2032. The plan will allocate the shares released each year among the accounts of participants in proportion to their compensation for the year. For example, if a participant’s compensation for a year represents 1% of the total compensation of all participants for the year, the plan would allocate to that participant 1% of the shares released for the year, subject to certain legal limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans. Participants direct the voting of shares allocated to their accounts. Shares in the suspense account will usually be voted by the plan trustee in a way that mirrors the votes which participants cast for shares in their individual accounts. This plan may purchase additional shares in the future, and may do so using borrowed funds, cash dividends, periodic employer contributions or other cash flow. It is anticipated that the ESOP will purchase up to an additional 8.0% of the shares sold in the offering, either in the offering or through after-market purchases following the offering.

 

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Benefit Restoration Plan . Westfield Financial has also established the Benefit Restoration Plan of Westfield Financial in order to provide restorative payments to executives who are prevented from receiving the full benefits contemplated by the ESOP’s benefit formula as well as the 401(k) Plan’s benefit formula. The restorative payments consist of payments in lieu of shares that cannot be allocated to participants under the ESOP due to the legal limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans and, in the case of participants who retire before the repayment in full of the ESOP’s loan, payments in lieu of the shares that would have been allocated if employment had continued through the full term of the loan. The restorative payments also consist of amounts unable to be provided under the 401(k) Plan due to certain legal limitations imposed on tax-qualified plans.

Deferred Compensation Agreement. Westfield Bank has also entered into a deferred compensation agreement with Donald A. Williams. Under this agreement, the executive is guaranteed monthly payments equal to 70% of his monthly salary after retirement for the remainder of the executive’s life or 240 months, whichever is greater. The amount of these payments is reduced by any payments received from the pension plan and are also reduced by Social Security payments attributable to contributions made by Westfield Bank. This agreement also provides for payments upon the death or disability of the executive that are equal in amount to the payments that would have been payable to the executive upon retirement with such payments being made for a period of 120 months.

2002 Stock Option Plan. Westfield Financial’s 2002 Stock Option Plan was approved by the stockholders and became effective on July 26, 2002. The purpose of the 2002 Stock Option Plan is to encourage the retention of key employees and directors by facilitating their purchase of a stock interest in Westfield Financial. The 2002 Stock Option Plan is not subject to ERISA and is not a tax-qualified plan. Westfield Financial initially reserved an aggregate of 497,260 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of stock options granted under the plan, of which 372,800 remain available for issuance pursuant to outstanding options and 44,260 remain available for issuance pursuant to stock options available for grant.

 

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The following table provides the value for “in-the-money” options, which represent the positive spread between the exercise price of any such existing stock options and the closing price per share of the common stock on December 30, 2005, the last trading day of Westfield Financial’s 2005 fiscal year, which was $24.01 per share.

 

2005 Fiscal Year End Option/SAR Values

Name

   Shares
Acquired
on
Exercise
(#)
   Value
Realized
on
Exercise
($)
  

Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options/SAR

at Fiscal Year-end

(#)

Exercisable/Unexercisable

  

Value of Unexercised In-the-

Money Options/SARs

at Fiscal Year-end

($)

Exercisable/Unexercisable(1)

Donald A. Williams

   —      —      72,000/48,000    692,640/461,760

James C. Hagan

   —      —      7,200/4,800    69,264/46,176

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

   —      —      43,200/28,800    415,584/277,056

Gerald P. Ciejka

   —      —      500/2,000    -0-/-0-

Allen J. Miles, III

   —      —      500/1,000    4,810/9,620

(1) Based on the following information with respect to options: the closing price per share of common stock on December 30, 2005 was $24.01 per share and options have an exercise price of $14.39 per share, which equals a spread of $9.62 per share, with the exception of options granted to Mr. Ciejka, which have an exercise price of $24.66.

2002 Recognition and Retention Plan. The 2002 RRP was adopted by the Board of Directors of Westfield Financial, approved by its stockholders and became effective on July 26, 2002. Similar to the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the 2002 RRP functions as a long-term incentive compensation program for eligible officers, employees and outside directors of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank. The 2002 RRP is not subject to ERISA and is not a tax-qualified plan. The members of the Board’s Compensation Committee who are disinterested directors (“RRP Committee”) administer the 2002 RRP. Westfield Financial pays all costs and expenses of administering the 2002 RRP.

As required by the terms of the 2002 RRP, Westfield Financial has established a trust (the “Trust”) and has contributed to the Trust in order to fund the purchase of 198,904 shares of common stock, the maximum number of restricted stock awards (“Restricted Stock Awards” or “Awards”) that may be granted under the 2002 RRP, of which 6,104 awards are currently available for future grant. Shares of common stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award are held in the Trust until the Award vests at which time the shares of common stock attributable to the portion of the Award that have vested are distributed to the Award holder. An Award recipient is entitled to exercise voting rights and receive cash dividends with respect to the shares of common stock subject to his or her Award, whether or not the underlying shares have vested.

Restricted Stock Awards are granted under the 2002 RRP on a discretionary basis to eligible officers, executives and outside directors selected by the RRP Committee.

 

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Westfield Financial may amend or terminate the 2002 RRP, in whole or in part, at any time, subject to the requirements of all applicable laws.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth the aggregate information of Westfield Financial’s equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2005.

 

Plan category

  

Number of securities

to be issued

upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

  

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,

warrants and rights

   Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a)) (1)
     (a)    (b)    (c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   410,055    $ 14.52    118,424

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  
                

Total

   410,055    $ 14.52    118,424

(1) Reflects 45,760 shares reserved for future grant under the 2002 Stock Option Plan, 65,560 shares subject to current restricted stock awards under the 2002 RRP and 7,104 shares reserved for future awards under the 2002 RRP.

Future Stock Benefit Plans

Stock Option Plan . We intend to implement the 2007 Stock Option Plan for our directors and officers after the conversion and stock offering. Applicable regulations prohibit us from implementing this plan until six months after the conversion. If we implement this plan, applicable rules and regulations require that we first obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of outstanding shares.

The 2007 Stock Option Plan will authorize the Compensation Committee to grant options to purchase up to 8.48% of the shares sold in the stock offering over a period of 10 years. The Compensation Committee will decide which directors and officers will receive options and what the terms of those options will be. However, no stock option will permit its recipient to purchase shares at a price that is less than the fair market value of a share on the date the option is granted, and no option will have a term that is longer than 10 years. If we implement the 2007 Stock Option Plan before the first anniversary of the conversion and stock offering, applicable regulations will require that we observe the following restrictions:

 

    limit the total number of shares that are optioned to outside directors to 30% of the shares authorized for the plan;

 

    limit the number of shares that are optioned to any one outside director to 5% of the shares authorized for the plan and the number of shares that are optioned to any executive officer to 25% of the shares that are authorized for the plan;

 

    not permit the options to become vested at a more rapid rate than 20% per year beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plan; and

 

    not permit accelerated vesting for any reason other than an individual’s death, disability, or upon a change of control of us and Westfield Bank.

 

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After the first anniversary of the conversion and stock offering, we may amend the plan to change or remove these restrictions. We currently expect to amend the plan later to remove these restrictions and to provide for accelerated vesting in cases of an individual’s retirement. We expect that any other amendment to this plan (whether adopted before or after the first anniversary of the plan’s initial effective date) will be subject to stockholder approval if it would change the class of people eligible to receive benefits, change the price they must pay for stock which they acquire under the plan, or increase the number of shares available under the plan or increase the maximum amount of stock that may be acquired by any one person under the plan.

We may obtain the shares needed for this plan by issuing additional shares or through stock repurchases.

We expect that the 2007 Stock Option Plan will permit the Compensation Committee to grant either incentive stock options that qualify for special federal income tax treatment or non-qualified stock options that do not qualify for special treatment. Incentive stock options may be granted only to employees and will not create federal income tax consequences when they are granted. If they are exercised during employment or within three months after termination of employment, the exercise will not create federal income tax consequences. When the shares acquired on exercise of an incentive stock option are resold, the seller must pay federal income taxes on the amount by which the sales price exceeds the purchase price. This amount will be taxed at capital gains rates if the sale occurs at least two years after the option was granted and at least one year after the option was exercised. Otherwise, it is taxed as ordinary income.

Non-qualified stock options may be granted to either employees or non-employees such as outside directors. Incentive stock options that are exercised more than three months after termination of employment are treated as non-qualified stock options. Non-qualified stock options will not create federal income tax consequences when they are granted. When they are exercised, federal income taxes must be paid by the individual on the amount by which the fair market value of the shares acquired by exercising the option exceeds the exercise price. When the shares acquired on exercise of a non-qualified stock option are resold, the seller must pay federal income taxes on the amount by which the sales price exceeds the purchase price plus the amount included in ordinary income when the option was exercised. This amount may be taxed at capital gains rates provided the individual holds the stock for a minimum of one year, which will vary depending upon the time that has elapsed since the exercise of the option.

When a non-qualified stock option is exercised, we and Westfield Bank may be allowed a federal income tax deduction for the same amount that the option holder includes in his or her ordinary income. When an incentive stock option is exercised, there is no tax deduction unless the shares acquired are resold sooner than two years after the option was granted or one year after the option was exercised.

Restricted Stock Plan . We intend to implement the 2007 RRP for our directors and officers after the conversion and stock offering. Applicable regulations prohibit us from implementing this plan until six months after the conversion and stock offering. In order to implement this plan, applicable rules and regulations require that we first obtain the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding shares.

The 2007 RRP will authorize the Compensation Committee to make restricted stock awards of up to 3.39% of the shares newly issued to investors. The Compensation Committee will decide which directors and officers will receive restricted stock and what the terms of those awards will be. If we implement a management recognition plan before the first anniversary of the conversion and stock offering, applicable regulations will require that we observe the following restrictions:

 

    limit the total number of shares that are awarded to outside directors to 30% of the shares authorized for the plan;

 

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    limit the number of shares that are awarded to any one outside director to 5% of the shares authorized for the plan and the number of shares that are awarded to any executive officer to 25% of the shares that are authorized for the plan;

 

    we must not permit the awards to become vested at a more rapid rate than 20% per year beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plan; and

 

    we must not permit accelerated vesting for any reason other than an individual’s death, disability, or upon change of control of us and Westfield Bank.

After the first anniversary of the conversion and stock offering, we may amend the plan to change or remove these restrictions. We currently expect to amend the plan later to remove these restrictions and to provide for accelerated vesting in cases of retirement. We expect that any other amendment to this plan (whether adopted before or after the first anniversary of the plan’s initial effective date) will be subject to stockholder approval if it would change the class of people eligible to receive benefits, change the price they must pay for stock which they acquire under the plan, or increase the number of shares available under the plan or increase the maximum amount of stock that may be acquired by any one person under the plan.

We may obtain the shares needed for this plan by issuing additional shares or through stock repurchases.

Restricted stock awards under this plan may feature employment restrictions that require continued employment for a period of time in order for the award to be vested. They may feature restrictions that require the achievement of specified corporate or individual performance goals for the award to be vested. Or, they may feature a combination of employment and performance restrictions. Awards are not vested unless the specified employment restrictions and performance goals are met. However, pending vesting, the award recipient may have voting and dividend rights. When an award becomes vested, the recipient must include the current fair market value of the vested shares in his or her income for federal income tax purposes. We and Westfield Bank may be allowed a federal income tax deduction in the same amount. Depending on the nature of the restrictions attached to the restricted stock award, we and Westfield Bank may have to recognize a compensation expense for accounting purposes ratably over the vesting period or in a single charge when the performance conditions are satisfied.

Related Party Transactions

Westfield Financial makes residential real estate loans to employees. Westfield Financial does not offer employees residential real estate loans at a reduced rate. These loans have the same underwriting terms that apply to non-employee borrowers.

Westfield Financial’s authority to extend credit to directors, executive officers, and 10% stockholders, as well as entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRB and Regulation O of the FRB thereunder. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders: (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for

 

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comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and (ii) do not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of our capital. We intend that any transactions in the future between Westfield Financial and its executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of Westfield Financial’s common stock and affiliates thereof, will contain terms no less favorable to Westfield Financial than could have been obtained by Westfield Financial in arm’s-length negotiations with unaffiliated persons and will be approved by a majority of Westfield Financial’s independent outside directors not having any interest in the transaction.

Westfield Bank has made loans or extended credit to its executive officers and directors and also to certain persons related to executive officers and directors. All such loans were made by Westfield Bank in the ordinary course of business and were not made on more favorable terms than for loans made with unaffiliated persons, nor did they involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present unfavorable features. The outstanding principal balance of such loans to directors, executive officers, and their associates totaled $13.5 million, or 11.7%, of Westfield Financial’s total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2005.

All future affiliated transactions will be made or entered into on terms that are no less favorable to Westfield Financial than those that can be obtained from an unaffiliated third party. All related party transactions must be approved by the Audit Committee.

 

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

The following table sets forth, as of November [_], 2006, the shares of common stock beneficially owned by: (i) Westfield Mutual Holding Company, which is the only person or organization known by Westfield Financial to own more than 5% of Westfield Financial’s common stock; (ii) directors individually; (iii) executive officers individually; and (iv) directors and executive officers as a group. Beneficial ownership includes securities that could become exercisable within 60 days of November [_], 2006.

 

Name

   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)
    Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding

Westfield Mutual Holding Company

   5,607,400     [      ]%

Victor J. Carra

Director

   96,680 (6)   *

Gerald P. Ciejka

Vice President, General Counsel and Director of Human Resources

   3,000 (7)   *

David C. Colton, Jr.

Director

   18,268 (8)   *

Robert T. Crowley, Jr.

Director

   17,900 (9)   *

James C. Hagan

President and Chief Operating Officer

   20,401     *

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

Chief Financial Officer and Treasure r

   104,845 (10)   *

Harry C. Lane

Director

   15,400     *

William H. McClure

Director

   18,400 (11)   *

Allen J. Miles, III

Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

   3,780     *

Mary C. O’Neil

Director

   15,800 (12)   *

Richard C. Placek

Director

   20,400 (13)   *

Paul R. Pohl

Director

   25,396 (14)   *

Charles E. Sullivan

   22,400 (15)   *

Thomas C. Sullivan

Director

   40,400     *

Donald A. Williams

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   189,145 (16)   *

Other Executive Officers and ESOP

   362,032 (17)   [      ]%

All Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (17 Persons)

   974,247     [      ]%

* Less than one percent of the total outstanding shares of common stock.
(1) In general, beneficial ownership includes those shares that a person has the power to vote, sell or otherwise dispose of. Beneficial ownership also includes that number of shares that an individual has the right to acquire within 60 days (such as stock options) after November [      ], 2006. Two or more persons may be considered the beneficial owner of the same shares.
(2) Based on a total of [      ] shares of Westfield Financial’s Common Stock outstanding as of November [      ], 2006.

 

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(3) Includes unvested shares of restricted stock awards held in trust as part of the 2002 RRP, with respect to which the beneficial owner has voting but not investment power as follows: Messrs. Colton, Crowley, Lane, McClure, Placek, Pohl, C. Sullivan, T. Sullivan and Ms. O’Neil each — 1,000 shares; Mr. Williams — 9,800 shares; Mr. Ciejka — 800 shares; Mr. Janosco — 5,880 shares; Mr. Hagan — 2,000 shares; and Mr. Miles — 8,000 shares.
(4) Includes shares allocated to the account of the individuals under the ESOP with respect to which each individual has voting but not investment powers as follows; Mr. Williams — 2,701 shares; Mr. Carra — 2,022 shares; Mr. Janosco — 2,485 shares; Mr. Hagan — 1,989 shares; and Mr. Miles — 1,503 shares. Includes shares held in trust in Westfield Bank’s 401(k) Plan as to which each participant has investment but not voting powers as follows: Mr. Carra — 13,538 shares; Mr. Hagan — 1,452 shares; Mr. Miles — 277 shares and Mr. Williams — 9,374 shares.
(5) Includes 10,400 shares of common stock which may be acquired by each of Messrs. Colton, Crowley, Lane, McClure, Pohl, C. Sullivan, and T. Sullivan, Ms. O’Neil and includes 7,800 shares of common stock which may be acquired by Mr. Placek pursuant to vested options granted to them under the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”). Also includes shares of common stock which may be acquired pursuant to vested options issued under the Stock Option Plan as follows: Mr. Williams — 96,000 shares; Mr. Janosco — 57,600 shares; Mr. Hagan — 9,600 shares; Mr. Ciejka — 1,000 shares; and Mr. Miles — 1,000 shares.
(6) Includes 690 shares held in an individual retirement account (“IRA”) for the benefit of Mr. Carra’s spouse, 830 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Carra, and 7,600 shares held jointly with Mr. Carra’s spouse.
(7) Includes 1,000 shares held in an IRA for the benefit for Mr. Ciejka.
(8) Includes 1,432 shares held in an IRA for the benefit for Mr. Colton’s spouse, 936 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Colton, and 500 shares held jointly with Mr. Colton’s spouse.
(9) Includes 2,500 shares held jointly with Mr. Crowley’s spouse.
(10) Includes 20,279 shares held jointly with Mr. Janosco’s spouse, and 12,721 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Janosco.
(11) Includes 3,000 shares held jointly with Mr. McClure’s spouse.
(12) Includes 400 shares held jointly with Ms. O’Neil’s spouse.
(13) Includes 5,100 shares held by Mr. Placek’s spouse
(14) Includes 9,996 shares held jointly with Mr. Pohl’s spouse.
(15) Includes 3,000 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Sullivan.
(16) Includes 20,700 shares held jointly with Mr. Williams’ spouse, 5,650 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Williams, and 5,720 shares held in an IRA for the benefit of Mr. Williams’ spouse.
(17) The figures shown for each of the executive officers named in the table do not include 343,950 shares held in trust pursuant to the ESOP that have not been allocated as of November [_], 2006 to any individual’s account and as to which each of the executive officers named in the table share voting powers with the other ESOP participants. The figure shown for all directors and executive officers as a group includes 324,959 shares as to which members of Westfield Financial’s Compensation Committee (consisting of Messrs. Lane, Pohl and T. Sullivan) may be deemed to have sole investment power, except in limited circumstances, thereby causing each such member to be deemed a beneficial owner of such shares. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares and, accordingly, such shares are not attributed to the members of the Compensation Committee individually. See “ Benefit Plans — Employee Stock Ownership Plan .”

 

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PROPOSED PURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK BY MANAGEMENT

The following table presents, for each of our directors and executive officers: (i) the number of exchange shares to be held upon consummation of the conversion, based upon their beneficial ownership of shares as of the date of this prospectus; (ii) the proposed purchases of subscription shares based upon an offering of 15,000,000 shares; and (iii) the total amount of our common stock to be held upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering. We have assumed that a sufficient number of shares will be available to satisfy their subscriptions. The amounts include shares that may be purchased through individual retirement accounts and by associates of the directors and executive officers. Collectively, our directors and executive officers expect to purchase a total of 102,500 shares, or approximately 0.7% of shares we sell in the stock offering (assuming the sale of 15,000,000 shares of common stock). These shares do not include shares expected to be issued under any of our stock benefit plans.

 

Name

   Number of Our
Shares to be
Received in
Exchange for
Shares of
Westfield
Financial (1)
  

Proposed Purchase of

Conversion Stock

   Total Shares of
Our Common
Stock to be Held
      Amount   

Number

of Shares

  

Number

of Shares

Victor J. Carra

Director

   258,623    $ 50,000    5,000    263,623

Gerald P. Ciejka

Vice President, General Counsel and Director of Human Resources

   8,025      10,000    1,000    9,025

David C. Colton, Jr.

Director

   48,868      50,000    5,000    53,868

Robert T. Crowley, Jr.

Director

   47,883      —      —      47,883

James C. Hagan

President and Chief Operating Officer

   54,573      15,000    1,500    56,073

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

Chief Financial Officer and Treasure r

   280,465      300,000    30,000    310,465

Rebecca S. Kozaczka

Vice President and Residential Loan Officer

   43,900      20,000    2,000    45,900

Harry C. Lane

Director

   41,196      50,000    5,000    46,196

Deborah J. McCarthy

Vice President

   43,820      10,000    1,000    44,820

William H. McClure

Director

   49,221      40,000    4,000    54,221

Allen J. Miles, III

Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer

   10,112      5,000    500    10,612

Mary C. O’Neil

Director

   42,266      15,000    1,500    43,766

Richard C. Placek

Director

   54,571      200,000    20,000    75,571

Paul R. Pohl

Director

   67,935      10,000    1,000    68,935

Leo R. Sagan, Jr.

Vice President and Controller

   11,452      20,000    2,000    13,452

Charles E. Sullivan

Director

   59,921      80,000    8,000    67,921

Thomas C. Sullivan

Director

   108,071      50,000    5,000    113,071

Donald A. Williams

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

   505,970    $ 100,000    10,000    515,970
                     

Total:

   1,736,872    $ 1,025,000    102,500    1,839,372
                     

(1) Includes stock options exercisable with 60 days of November [_], 2006 and shares allocated under the ESOP, but excludes stock options and awards that may be granted under the 2007 Stock Option Plan and 2007 RRP if such plans are approved by stockholders at an annual or special meeting of stockholders at least six months following the conversion and stock offering. See “ Management — Future Stock Benefit Plans .”

 

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THE CONVERSION AND STOCK OFFERING

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Bank have approved the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion must also be approved by the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company who are the depositors of Westfield Bank, and the stockholders of Westfield Financial. Special meetings of members and of the stockholders will be called for this purpose. The OTS must also approve the Plan of Conversion; however, such approval will not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the Plan of Conversion by that agency.

General

In 1995, Westfield Bank reorganized into a mutual holding company structure and formed Westfield Mutual Holding Company. In 2001, Westfield Mutual Holding Company formed a mid-tier stock holding company, Westfield Financial, Inc. Westfield Mutual Holding Company is a mutual (meaning no stock outstanding) holding company, and Westfield Financial, Inc. is a stock holding company. A majority (57.6%) of the outstanding shares of Westfield Financial common stock are owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company, while public stockholders own the remainder. Westfield Financial is the holding company of Westfield Bank.

The Boards of Directors of each of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Bank adopted the Plan of Conversion on June 20, 2006. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, the mutual holding company parent of Westfield Financial, will be merged into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Mutual Holding Company will no longer exist. In addition, Westfield Financial, a Massachusetts corporation that owns 100% of Westfield Bank, will be succeeded by New Westfield Financial. New Westfield Financial will be renamed “Westfield Financial, Inc.” once the conversion and stock offering have been completed.

As part of the conversion, the 57.6% ownership interest of Westfield Mutual Holding Company will be offered for sale in the stock offering. The conversion will include a series of mergers involving Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Bank. At the conclusion of the conversion and stock offering, each share of Westfield Financial common stock owned by persons other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company at that date will be cancelled and exchanged for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial based on the exchange ratio.

Once the conversion, stock offering and stock exchange are completed, all of the capital stock of Westfield Bank will be owned by New Westfield Financial, and all of the common stock of New Westfield Financial will be owned by public stockholders. A diagram of our corporate structure before and after the conversion is set forth in the “ Summary ” section of this prospectus.

We intend to infuse Westfield Bank with 50% of the net proceeds, make a loan to our ESOP to purchase up to 8.0% of the stock in the offering and retain the balance of the net proceeds. The conversion will be completed only upon completion of the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock to be offered pursuant to the Plan of Conversion.

In accordance with the terms of the Plan of Conversion and with OTS regulations, we will offer shares of our common stock in what is called a “subscription offering” in the order of priority listed below:

 

  (1) Depositors with accounts at Westfield Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 on March 31, 2005;

 

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  (2) Our Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan;

 

  (3) Depositors with accounts at Westfield Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 on September 30, 2006; and

 

  (4) Members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company as of [Record Date].

The shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered to the general public in a “community offering,” with preference granted to stockholders of Westfield Financial as of [Record Date], then to natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts, and finally to members of the general public to whom we deliver a prospectus and stock order form. We also may offer shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering to the public through a syndicate of broker-dealers managed by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (referred to as a “syndicated community offering”).

We have the right to accept or reject orders received in the community offering and the syndicated community offering at our sole discretion. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or immediately following the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the OTS. See “ — Community Offering .”

We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon the purchase price per share, Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s ownership interest in Westfield Financial and an independent appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of Westfield Financial. All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $10.00 per share. No commission will be charged to purchasers. The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of the shares to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “ — Stock Pricing And Number Of Shares To Be Issued ” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.

The following is a brief summary of the conversion, which is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the Plan of Conversion. A copy of the Plan of Conversion is available for inspection at each banking office of Westfield Bank and at the Northeast Regional and the Washington, D.C. offices of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion is also filed as an exhibit to the application to convert from mutual to stock form of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the OTS. See “ Where You Can Find Additional Information .”

Reasons For The Conversion

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Bank believe that the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to stock form is in the best interests of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Bank, as well as in the best interests of their respective members and stockholders.

The conversion and stock offering are intended to provide an additional source of capital not currently available to us. The stock offering will allow us to:

 

    increase the liquidity of our common stock;

 

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    continue programs of dividends or repurchases;

 

    finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time); and

 

    fund other general corporate purposes.

Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by:

 

    increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio;

 

    expanding the products and services it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services);

 

    opening or acquiring additional branch offices; and

 

    funding other general corporate purposes.

After considering the advantages and risks of the conversion and stock offering, as well as applicable fiduciary duties, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Bank, Westfield Financial, and Westfield Mutual Holding Company approved the conversion and stock offering as being in the best interests of the companies and their respective members and stockholders and the communities that they serve.

Approvals Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the total eligible votes of the members (Westfield Bank depositors) of Westfield Mutual Holding Company at the special meeting of members is required to approve the Plan of Conversion. By their approval of the Plan of Conversion, the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company will also be deemed to approve the merger of Westfield Mutual Holding Company into Westfield Bank. The affirmative vote of the greater of (a) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial, other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or (b) the holders of two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders of Westfield Financial, including Westfield Mutual Holding Company, is required to approve the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion also must be approved by the OTS.

Share Exchange Ratio For Current Stockholders

OTS regulations provide that, in a conversion of a mutual holding company to fully stock form, public stockholders will be entitled to exchange their shares for common stock of the converted holding company, provided that the mutual holding company demonstrates to the satisfaction of the OTS that the basis for the exchange is fair and reasonable. Each publicly-held share of Westfield Financial common stock that is not owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company will, on the effective date of the conversion, be cancelled and exchanged for shares of New Westfield Financial stock. The number of shares that each public stockholder receives will be based on an exchange ratio determined as of the closing of the conversion and will depend upon the number of shares we sell in our offering and the final appraised value of Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company. The exchange ratio will ensure that the public stockholders of Westfield Financial common stock will own the same percentage of common stock in New Westfield Financial after the conversion as they held in Westfield Financial

 

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immediately prior to the conversion, exclusive of their purchase of additional shares in the offering, and the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. At June 30, 2006, there were 10,580,000 shares of Westfield Financial common stock outstanding, net of treasury stock, of which 4,972,600 shares were publicly held and the remaining 5,607,400 were held by Westfield Mutual Holding Company.

The exchange ratio is not dependent on the market value of Westfield Financial common stock. It will be calculated, at the conclusion of the conversion, based on the percentage of Westfield Financial common stock held by the public prior to the conversion, the independent appraisal of Westfield Financial prepared by RP Financial and the number of shares sold in the offering. The exchange ratio is expected to range from approximately 2.27378 exchange shares for each publicly-held share of Westfield Financial at the minimum of the offering range to 3.53774 exchange shares for each publicly-held share of Westfield Financial at the adjusted maximum of the offering range.

The number of shares you receive will be based on the final exchange ratio determined as of the closing of the conversion. The actual number of shares you receive will depend upon the number of shares we issue in the offering, which in turn will depend upon the final appraised value of Westfield Financial. In addition, if options to purchase shares of Westfield Financial are exercised before consummation of the conversion, then there will be an increase in the percentage of shares of Westfield Financial held by public stockholders, an increase in the number of shares issued to public stockholders in the share exchange, and a decrease in the offering range. This may result in a small change in the exchange ratio.

The following table shows how the exchange ratio and number of exchange shares will adjust, assuming no option exercise, based on the number of shares issued in the offering.

 

    

Shares of Common Stock

to be Sold

    Shares to be Received in
Exchange
   

Total Shares
of Common
Stock to be
Outstanding

After the
Conversion

   Exchange
Ratio
     Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent       

Minimum

   12,750,500    57.65 %   9,367,096    42.35 %   22,117,096    2.27378

Midpoint

   15,000,000    57.65     11,020,113    42.35     26,020,113    2.67504

Maximum

   17,250,000    57.65     12,673,130    42.35     29,923,130    3.07629

15% above maximum

   19,837,500    57.65     14,574,099    42.35     34,411,599    3.53774

Outstanding options to purchase shares of Westfield Financial common stock also will be converted into and become options to purchase new shares of Westfield Financial common stock. The number of shares of common stock to be received upon exercise of these options will be determined pursuant to the exchange ratio. The aggregate exercise price, duration and vesting schedule of these options will not be affected.

Exchange Of Shares Of Current Stockholders

The conversion of existing outstanding shares of Westfield Financial common stock into the right to receive shares of our common stock, as successor to Westfield Financial, will occur automatically on the effective date of the conversion, although you will need to exchange your stock certificate(s) if you hold shares in certificate form. As soon as practicable after the effective date of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to each public stockholder of Westfield Financial who holds stock certificates as of the effective date of the conversion. The transmittal forms are expected to be mailed promptly after the effective date and will contain instructions on how to submit your stock

 

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certificate(s) representing existing shares of Westfield Financial common stock. We expect that stock certificates for shares of our common stock will be distributed within five business days after the exchange agent receives properly executed transmittal forms with the corresponding stock certificate(s). Shares held by public stockholders in street name will be exchanged automatically upon the effective date; no transmittal forms will be mailed relating to these shares.

No fractional shares of our common stock will be issued to any public stockholder of Westfield Financial when the conversion is completed. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to a stockholder who holds a certificate, we will pay by check an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which the holder would otherwise be entitled by $10.00. If your shares are held in street name, you will receive cash in lieu of fractional shares within your account.

You should not forward your stock certificates until you have received transmittal forms, which will include forwarding instructions. Until your existing certificates representing Westfield Financial common stock are surrendered for exchange after the conversion in compliance with the terms of the transmittal form, you will not receive shares of our common stock and you will not be paid dividends on our common stock. When you surrender your certificates, any unpaid dividends will be paid without interest. For all other purposes, however, each certificate which represents shares of Westfield Financial common stock outstanding at the effective date of the conversion will be considered to evidence ownership of shares of our common stock, as successor to Westfield Financial, into which those shares have been automatically converted.

If a certificate for Westfield Financial common stock has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the exchange agent will issue a new stock certificate upon receipt of appropriate evidence as to the loss, theft or destruction of such certificate, appropriate evidence as to the ownership of the certificate by the claimant, and appropriate and customary indemnification, which is normally effected by the purchase of a bond from a surety company at the stockholders’ expense.

All shares of our common stock that we issue to you in exchange for existing shares of Westfield Financial common stock will be considered to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares, subject, however, to our obligation to pay any dividends or make any other distributions with a record date prior to the effective date of the conversion and stock offering, which may have been declared by us on or prior to the effective date and which remain unpaid at the effective date.

Effects Of Conversion On Depositors, Borrowers And Members

Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, the normal business of Westfield Bank of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. Westfield Bank will continue to be a federally-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the OTS. After the conversion, Westfield Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors serving Westfield Financial at the time of the conversion will serve as our directors after the conversion and stock offering.

Effect on Deposit Accounts . Under the Plan of Conversion, each depositor in Westfield Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the FDIC to the same extent as before the conversion . Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.

 

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Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from Westfield Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity, and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed prior to the conversion.

Effect on Voting Rights of Members . At present, depositors of Westfield Bank are members of, and have voting rights in, Westfield Mutual Holding Company as to all matters requiring membership action as set forth in Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s charter. Upon completion of the conversion, depositors will cease to be members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and will no longer have voting rights. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in Westfield Bank will be vested in us, as successor to Westfield Financial, and as the sole stockholder of Westfield Bank. Our stockholders will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to our common stock.

Tax Effects. Westfield Financial will receive an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with regard to federal and state income taxation to the effect that the conversion will not be taxable for federal or state income tax purposes to Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, the public stockholders of Westfield Financial, members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, or Westfield Bank. See “ — Tax Aspects .”

Effect on Liquidation Rights . Each qualifying depositor in Westfield Bank has both a deposit account in Westfield Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company based upon the balance in his or her account. This interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank. However, this ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. Any depositor who opens a qualifying deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in Westfield Mutual Holding Company without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.

Consequently, depositors in a stock subsidiary savings association of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank are liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata interest in any residual surplus and reserves of Westfield Mutual Holding Company after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.

In the unlikely event that Westfield Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, also would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to depositors as of March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 who continue to maintain their deposit accounts as of the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to us as the holder of Westfield Bank’s capital stock. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the OTS, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution. See “ — Liquidation Rights .”

In connection with the organization of the mid-tier holding company by Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial established a liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders as of December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, this liquidation account will be terminated and superseded by the liquidation account being established in connection with the conversion and stock offering.

 

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Stock Pricing And Number Of Shares To Be Issued

The Plan of Conversion and federal regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the offering must be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation. Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial have retained RP Financial to make this valuation. For its services in preparing the initial valuation, RP Financial will receive a fee of $110,000. Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial have agreed to indemnify RP Financial under certain circumstances against liabilities and expenses arising out of or based on (a) any untrue statement or omission of a material fact contained in the information supplied by Westfield Bank or Westfield Financial to RP Financial, and (b) any action or omission to act by Westfield Bank or Westfield Financial undertaken in bad faith or negligence, except where RP Financial is determined to have been negligent or engaged in willful misconduct in the preparation of its appraisal.

The appraisal considered the pro forma impact of the offering. Consistent with OTS’ appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies: the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based upon the current market valuations of a peer group of companies, subject to valuation adjustments applied by RP Financial to account for differences between Westfield Financial and the peer group. RP Financial placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-earnings and price-to-book approaches in estimating pro forma market value.

The independent valuation was prepared by RP Financial in reliance upon the information contained in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements. RP Financial also considered the following factors, among others:

 

    the present and projected operating results and financial condition of Westfield Financial;

 

    the economic and demographic conditions in Westfield Financial’s existing market area;

 

    certain historical, financial, and other information relating to Westfield Financial;

 

    a comparative evaluation of the operating and financial characteristics of Westfield Financial with those of other similarly situated publicly traded savings institutions located in the northeast and other regions of the United States;

 

    the aggregate size of the offering of the common stock;

 

    the impact of the offering on Westfield Financial’s stockholders’ equity and earnings potential;

 

    the proposed dividend policy of Westfield Financial; and

 

    the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities.

 

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Included in RP Financial’s report were certain assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of Westfield Financial after the offering that were utilized in determining the appraised value. These assumptions included estimated expenses, the ESOP’s purchase of up to 8.0% of the shares in the stock offering, an assumed after-tax rate of return on the net offering, and post-offering purchases in the open market of 3.39% of the common stock issued in the offering by the 2007 RRP at $10.00 per share. See “ Pro Forma Data ” for additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.

The independent valuation states that, as of August 4, 2006, the estimated pro forma market value, or valuation range, of Westfield Financial ranged from a minimum of $221.2 million to a maximum of $299.2 million, with a midpoint of $260.2 million. The value of the shares in the offering is equal to the pro forma market value multiplied by the 57.65% ownership interest that Westfield Mutual Holding Company has in Westfield Financial. The number of shares offered will be equal to the aggregate value of the shares in the offering divided by the price per share. The Board of Directors decided to offer the shares for a price of $10.00 per share in order to allow for a broad distribution of shares. Based on the valuation range, the percentage of Westfield Financial common stock owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the $10.00 price per share, the minimum of the offering range is 12,750,000 shares, the midpoint of the offering range is 15,000,000 shares and the maximum of the offering range is 17,250,000 shares.

The Board of Directors reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:

 

    Westfield Financial’s financial condition and results of operations;

 

    comparison of financial performance ratios of Westfield Financial to those of other financial institutions of similar size;

 

    stock market conditions generally and in particular for financial institutions; and

 

    the historical trading price of the publicly held shares of Westfield Financial common stock.

All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. The Board of Directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by RP Financial in preparing the independent valuation and the Board of Directors believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the OTS, if required, as a result of subsequent developments in the financial condition of Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank or market conditions generally. In the event that the independent valuation is updated to amend the pro forma market value of Westfield Financial to less than $221,170,960 or more than $299,231,300, the appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by post-effective amendment.

The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing our common stock. RP Financial did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did RP Financial independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers Westfield Bank as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of Westfield Bank. Moreover, because the valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing our common stock in the offering will thereafter be able to sell their shares at prices at or above the $10.00 price.

 

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Following commencement of the subscription offering, the maximum of the valuation range may be increased by up to 15% to up to $344.1 million, which will result in a corresponding increase of up to 15% in the maximum of the offering range to up to 19,837,500 shares, as a result of regulatory considerations, demand for the shares or changes in market conditions . The subscription price of $10.00 per share will remain fixed.

If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $344.1 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 19,837,500 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $221.2 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to fewer than 12,750,000 shares, then, after consulting with the OTS, we may cancel all deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return by check all funds received, with interest at Westfield Bank’s passbook savings rate of interest. If we decide to continue, rather than terminate the offering, we will notify all subscribers of the extension and of the duration of the extension that has been granted and subscribers will have the rights to modify or rescind their purchase orders. If we do not receive a response from a subscriber to any resolicitation, the subscriber’s order will be rescinded and all funds received will be returned promptly with interest, or withdrawal authorizations will be canceled.

An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would decrease both a subscriber’s ownership interest and Westfield Financial’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would increase both a subscriber’s ownership interest and Westfield Financial’s pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of the effects of these changes, see “ Pro Forma Data .”

Copies of the appraisal report of RP Financial and the detailed memorandum of the appraiser setting forth the method and assumptions for the appraisal are available for inspection as specified under “ Where You Can Find Additional Information .”

Subscription Offering And Subscription Rights

In accordance with the Plan of Conversion, the right to subscribe for the purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted under the Plan of Conversion in the following descending order of priority. The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and to the maximum, minimum, and overall purchase limitations set forth in the Plan of Conversion and as described below under “ — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .”

Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each Westfield Bank depositor with aggregate deposit account balances of $50 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) on March 31, 2005 (“Eligible Account Holders”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “ — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .”

 

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If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions from Eligible Account Holders, shares will be allocated so as to permit each subscribing Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each subscribing Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.

To ensure proper allocation of stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest on March 31, 2005. Failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated to them than if all accounts had been disclosed. The subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or officers of Westfield Financial or their associates will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to increased deposits in the twelve months preceding March 31, 2005.

Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Our tax-qualified employee benefit plan has the right to purchase up to 10.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering. The ESOP, which is a tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan, intends to purchase up to 8.0% of the common stock sold in the offering. The ESOP’s subscription will not be aggregated with shares of common stock purchased by any other participants in the offering, including subscriptions by our officers and directors, for the purpose of applying the purchase limitations in the Plan of Conversion. If we increase the number of shares offered in the conversion and stock offering above the maximum of the offering range, the ESOP will have a first priority right to purchase any shares exceeding that amount to fill its order. the ESOP may also conduct its purchases on the open market following the completion of the offering.

Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent that there are sufficient shares remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and the ESOP, each Westfield Bank depositor, other than directors and officers of Westfield Bank and their associates, with a Qualifying Deposit on September 30, 2006 who is not an Eligible Account Holder (“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, non-transferable subscription rights to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “ — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled.

To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest at September 30, 2006. Failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated to a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Priority 4: Other Members. To the extent that there are shares remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, the ESOP and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each

 

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member of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (depositor of Westfield Bank) on the voting record date of [Record Date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder (“Other Member”) will receive, without payment therefor, non-transferable subscription rights to purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “ — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, available shares will be allocated on a pro rata basis based on the size of the order of each Other Member.

Community Offering

To the extent that shares remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of the Eligible Account Holders, the ESOP, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, we may offer shares pursuant to the Plan of Conversion to members of the public in a community offering. Shares may be offered with the following preferences:

 

  (1) Westfield Financial public stockholders as of [Record Date], the voting record date;

 

  (2) Natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts; and

 

  (3) Members of the general public to whom we deliver a prospectus and stock order form.

Subscribers in the community offering may purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “ — Limitations On Common Stock Purchases .” The minimum purchase is 25 shares. The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.

If we do not have sufficient shares available to fill the orders of public stockholders of Westfield Financial as of [Expiration Date], we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by each such person. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among public stockholders whose orders remain unsatisfied, based on the size of the unfilled order of each public stockholder of Westfield Financial relative to the size of the aggregate unfilled orders of other public stockholders. If oversubscription occurs due to the orders of natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, the allocation procedures described above will apply to the stock orders of those persons. If oversubscription occurs due to the orders of members of the general public, the allocation procedures described above will apply to the stock orders of such persons.

The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this prospectus means any person who occupies a dwelling within the named county, has a present intent to remain within this community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the community, together with an indication that this presence within Westfield Bank’s community is something other than merely transitory in nature. We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to decide whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.

 

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The community offering, if any, may begin concurrently with, during or immediately following the subscription offering and is expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering, and must terminate no more than 45 days following the subscription offering, unless extended by us, with approval of the OTS. If we receive regulatory approval for an extension of the offering, all subscribers will be notified of the extension and of the duration of any extension that has been granted, and will have the right to confirm, increase, decrease or rescind their orders. If we do not receive an affirmative response from a subscriber to any resolicitation, the subscriber’s order will be rescinded and all funds received will be promptly returned with interest.

Syndicated Community Offering

If feasible, our Board of Directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated community offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, in a manner that will achieve wide distribution of the common stock. However, we retain the right to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders in the syndicated community offering. In the syndicated community offering, any person may purchase up to 50,000 shares of common stock, subject to the overall maximum purchase limitations. Any syndicated community offering is expected to begin during or as soon as possible after the completion of the subscription and community offerings, unless extended by us with the approval of the OTS.

Any syndicated community offering will be conducted in accordance with certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to best efforts underwriting. Generally, under those rules, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, as our broker-dealer, will deposit the funds it receives from interested investors prior to closing into a separate non-interest bearing account. If and when all the conditions for the closing are met, funds for shares of common stock sold by the broker-dealer in the syndicated community offering, less the broker-dealer’s commissions, will be promptly delivered to us. If the stock offering closes, but some or all of an interested investor’s funds are not accepted by us, those funds will be returned to the interested investor promptly after the closing, without interest. If the stock offering does not close, funds in the account will be promptly returned, without interest, to the potential investor. Normal customer ticketing will be used for order placement. Order forms will not be used.

If for any reason we cannot effect a syndicated community offering of shares not distributed in the subscription and community offerings, or in the event that there is an insignificant number of shares remaining after the subscription and community offerings or in the syndicated community offering, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of unsubscribed shares, if possible. The OTS must approve any such arrangements.

Expiration Date For The Offering

The offering will expire at 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date], unless extended by us for up to 45 days or such additional periods with the approval of the OTS, as necessary. We may decide to extend the expiration date of the offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint or maximum of the offering range. We may extend the expiration date without notice to you until [Extension Date #1], unless the OTS approves a later date, which will not be beyond [Extension Date #2]. Subscription rights which have not been exercised prior to the expiration date will be void.

 

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OTS regulations require that we complete the sale of common stock within 45 days after the close of the subscription offering. If the sale of our common stock is not completed within that period, all funds received will be returned promptly with interest at our passbook savings rate of interest and all deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled unless we receive approval of the OTS to extend the time for completing the offering. If regulatory approval of an extension of the time period has been granted, we will resolicit subscribers. No single extension can exceed 90 days and all extensions in the aggregate may not last beyond [Extension Date #2].

We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the Plan of Conversion.

Limitations On Common Stock Purchases

The Plan of Conversion includes the following limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased during the offering:

 

    No person, or persons exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying account held jointly, may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock or more than 50,000 shares;

 

    Our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including the ESOP, may purchase in the aggregate up to 10.0% of the shares issued in the offering, including shares issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 15%;

 

    Except for the employee benefit plans, as described above, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than 100,000 shares in all categories of the offering combined;

 

    Current stockholders of Westfield Financial are subject to an ownership limitation. As previously described, current stockholders of Westfield Financial will receive new shares in exchange for their existing shares. The number of shares that a stockholder may purchase in the offering, individually and together with associates or persons acting in concert with such stockholder, when combined with the shares that the stockholder and his or her associates will receive in exchange for existing common stock, may not exceed 5% of the shares of common stock of Westfield Financial to be issued in the offering and exchange; and

 

    The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by officers and directors of Westfield Bank and their associates, in the aggregate, when combined with new shares of common stock issued in exchange for existing shares, may not exceed 25% of the shares issued in the offering and exchange.

 

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Depending upon market or financial conditions, our Board of Directors, with the approval of the OTS and without further approval of members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, may decrease or increase the purchase and ownership limitations. If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be, and some other large subscribers who through their subscriptions evidence a desire to purchase the maximum allowable number of shares, in our sole discretion, may be given the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the then applicable limit. The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares owned by subscribers who increase their subscriptions.

In the event of an increase in the total number of shares offered in the offering, due to an increase in the offering range of up to 15%, shares will be allocated in the following order of priority in accordance with the Plan of Conversion:

 

  (1) to fill the employee benefit plans’ subscription for up to 10.0% of the total number of shares sold in the offering; then

 

  (2) in the event that there is an oversubscription at the Eligible Account Holder, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member levels, to fill unfulfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities; then

 

  (3) to fill unfulfilled subscriptions in the community offering, with preference given first to Westfield Financial public stockholders as of [Record Date]; and then

 

  (4) to natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts.

The term “associate” of a person means:

 

    any corporation or organization, other than Westfield Financial, Westfield Bank, or a majority-owned subsidiary of Westfield Bank, of which the person is an officer, partner, or 10% stockholder;

 

    any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a director or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, it does not include any employee stock benefit plan in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as director or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and

 

    any relative or spouse of the person, or any relative of the spouse, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank.

The term “acting in concert” means:

 

    knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or

 

    a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

 

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A person or company which acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.

We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchases are “associates” or “acting in concert.” Persons living at the same address and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying deposits registered to the same address, whether or not related, will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise. Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on our Board of Directors. We have the right to determine whether prospective purchasers are associates or acting in concert. Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by executive officers and directors of Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank and except as described below. Any purchases made by any associate of Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution. In addition, under guidelines of the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), its members and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of the common stock in the offering. For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of conversion and thereafter, see “ — Restrictions On Transfer Of Subscription Rights And Shares ” and “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank .”

Plan Of Distribution; Selling Agent Compensation

Offering materials have been distributed by mail to those with subscription rights at the last known address on our records as of the voting record date. Subscription rights expire whether or not eligible subscribers can be located.

To assist in the marketing of our common stock, we have retained Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, which is a broker/dealer registered with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., who will assist us in the offering by:

 

    acting as our financial advisor for the offering, providing administrative services and managing the Stock Information Center;

 

    targeting our sales efforts, including assisting in the preparation of marketing materials;

 

    soliciting orders for common stock; and

 

    assisting in soliciting proxies of our members.

 

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For these services, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods will receive a management fee of $50,000 and a marketing fee equal to 1.0% of the dollar amount of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings. No fee will be payable to Keefe, Bruyette & Woods with respect to shares purchased by officers, directors, and employees or their immediate families and any common stock purchased by our tax-qualified employee benefit plans. In the event that Keefe, Bruyette & Woods sells common stock through a group of broker-dealers in a syndicated community offering, it will be paid a fee equal to 5.5% of the dollar amount of total shares sold in the syndicated community offering. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods will also be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in an amount not to exceed $40,000, without the consent of Westfield Financial and for attorney’s fees in an amount not to exceed $60,000.

We will indemnify Keefe, Bruyette & Woods against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Other regular, full-time employees of Westfield Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction. These employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters. All sales activity will be conducted in a segregated or separately identifiable area of Westfield Bank’s executive offices apart from the area accessible to the general public. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering.

Procedure For Purchasing Shares

Prospectus Delivery. To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the expiration date of the offering in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, no prospectus will be mailed any later than five days prior to this date or hand delivered any later than two days prior to this date. Order forms will be distributed only if accompanied or preceded by a prospectus . We will make reasonable attempts to provide a prospectus and offering materials to all holders of subscription rights . The subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 12:00 noon, Eastern time on [Expiration Date], however, whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights .

We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel any withdrawal orders and return all funds submitted, plus interest at Westfield Bank’s passbook savings rate from the date of receipt.

 

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Use of Order Forms. In order to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription offering and community offering, you must complete an order form and remit payment . Incomplete order forms or order forms that are not signed are not required to be accepted . We will not be required to accept orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled stock order forms . All order forms must be received (not postmarked) by our Stock Information Center prior to 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on [Expiration Date]. Order forms may not be delivered to branch offices of Westfield Bank.

We are not required to accept order forms that are not received by that time, are executed defectively, or are received without full payment or without appropriate withdrawal instructions . We are not required to notify subscribers of incomplete or improperly executed order forms, and we have the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed order forms . We do not represent, however, that we will do so and we have no affirmative duty to notify any prospective subscriber of any such defects . You may submit your order form and payment by mail using the return envelope provided, by bringing your order form to our Stock Information Center, or by overnight delivery to the indicated address on the order form. Once tendered, an order form cannot be modified or revoked.

We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time prior to completion of the offering. If you are ordering shares in the subscription offering, you must represent that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares . Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Plan of Conversion and of the acceptability of the order forms will be final.

By signing the order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account that is federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by Westfield Bank or the Federal government, and that you received a copy of this prospectus. However, signing the order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act or the Securities Exchange Act.

Payment for Shares. Payment for all shares of common stock will be required to accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid . Payment for shares may be made by:

 

    personal check, bank check, or money order, made payable directly to Westfield Financial (do not endorse third party checks); or

 

    authorization of withdrawal from Westfield Bank deposit accounts.

Appropriate means for designating direct withdrawals from deposit accounts at Westfield Bank are provided in the order forms. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contract rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate will be cancelled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest at the current passbook rate subsequent to the withdrawal. In the case of payments made by check or money order, these funds must be available in the account(s) and will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated escrow account at Westfield Bank and interest will be paid at the passbook savings rate from the date payment is received until the offering is completed. Westfield Bank also reserves the option of placing such funds with other federally-insured depository institutions. Regulations prohibit Westfield Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Cash, wire transfers, and Westfield Bank line of credit checks may not be remitted as payment for your purchase. Once we receive your executed order form, it may not be modified, amended, or rescinded.

 

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Westfield Financial shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time prior to 48 hours before the completion of the offering. This payment may be made by wire transfer.

Using IRA Funds . If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your IRA account at Westfield Bank, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed IRA account maintained by an independent trustee, such as brokerage firm. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administration fee may be payable to the independent trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you initiate this process promptly, preferably at least two weeks prior to the [Expiration Date] offering deadline, to discuss the possibility of using your Westfield Bank IRA deposit account or other retirement account held at Westfield Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds for the purchase of shares in the stock offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed where the funds are held.

Delivery of Stock Certificates. Certificates representing shares of common stock issued in the offering and Westfield Bank checks representing any applicable refund and/or interest paid on subscriptions made by check or money order will be mailed to the persons entitled thereto at the certificate registration address noted on the order form, as soon as practicable following consummation of the offering and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals . Any certificates returned as undeliverable will be held by the transfer agent until claimed by persons legally entitled thereto or otherwise disposed of in accordance with applicable law . Until certificates for the new shares of common stock are available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers may not be able to sell the shares of common stock which they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading. If you are a Westfield Financial stockholder, see “ — Exchange Of Shares Of Current Stockholders .”

Other Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan of Conversion, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” registrations, or would violate regulations or policies of the NASD, particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished.

Restrictions On Transfer Of Subscription Rights And Shares

OTS conversion regulations prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the Plan of Conversion or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account. When registering your stock purchase on the order form, you should not add the name(s) of persons who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than you do. Each person placing an order in the subscription offering will be required to certify on the order form that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise.

 

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We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies in the event we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights. We will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.

Stock Information Center

If you have any questions regarding the offering or the conversion, please call our Stock Information Center at (413) [__], from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center is closed on weekends and bank holidays. The Stock Information Center is located at Westfield Bank’s executive offices, 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085. Our branch offices will not have offering material and cannot accept completed orders forms or proxy cards.

Liquidation Rights

In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company in its present mutual form, each depositor of Westfield Bank would receive a pro rata share of any assets of Westfield Mutual Holding Company remaining after payment of claims of all creditors. Each depositor’s pro rata share of such remaining assets would be in the same proportion as the value of his or her deposit account was to the total value of all deposit accounts in Westfield Bank at the time of liquidation. After the conversion and stock offering, each depositor, in the event of a complete liquidation of Westfield Bank, would have a claim as a creditor of the same general priority as the claims of all other general creditors of Westfield Bank. However, except as described below, each claim would be solely in the amount of the balance in the deposit account(s) plus accrued interest. The depositor would not have an interest in the value or assets of Westfield Bank or New Westfield Financial above that amount.

The Plan of Conversion provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion a special “liquidation account” for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to the greater of (i) Westfield Bank’s net worth as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final offering circular utilized in the formation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company or (ii) the percentage of the outstanding shares of the common stock of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company prior to the mid-tier holding company merger, multiplied by Westfield Financial’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in its latest statement of financial condition contained in this prospectus. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if he or she were to continue to maintain his or her deposit account at Westfield Bank, would be entitled, upon a complete liquidation of Westfield Bank after the conversion and stock offering, to an interest in the liquidation account prior to any payment to New Westfield Financial as the sole stockholder of Westfield Bank. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial interest in such liquidation account for each deposit account, including passbook accounts, transaction accounts such as checking accounts, money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, held in Westfield Bank at the close of business on March 31, 2005 or September 30, 2006, as the case may be. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will have a pro rata interest in the total liquidation account for each of his or her deposit accounts based on the proportion that the balance of each such deposit account on the March 31, 2005, or September 30, 2006, as the case may be, bore to the balance of all deposit accounts in Westfield Bank on such date.

If, however, on any December 31 annual closing date of Westfield Bank, commencing December 31, 2006, the amount in any deposit account is less than the amount that was in such deposit account on March 31, 2005, or September 30, 2006, as the case may be, or any other annual closing date, then the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account would be reduced by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no

 

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interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be distributed to us as the sole stockholder of Westfield Bank.

Following the conversion and stock offering, the liquidation account will be maintained by Westfield Bank.

Accounting Consequences

The conversion will be accounted for at historical cost in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, the carrying value of the assets, liabilities, and capital will be unaffected by the conversion and stock offering and will be reflected in Westfield Financial’s consolidated financial statements based on their historical amounts.

Effect On Existing Compensation Plans

Under the Plan of Conversion, the existing 2002 Stock Option Plan and the 2002 RRP of Westfield Financial will become New Westfield Financial’s benefit plans and shares of its common stock will be issued (or reserved for issuance) pursuant to such benefit plans. Upon completion of the conversion, the common stock currently reserved for or held by these benefit plans will be converted into options or common stock based upon the exchange ratio. Upon completion of the conversion: (i) all rights to purchase, sell, or receive Westfield Financial common stock currently under any agreement between Westfield Bank and any director, officer, or employee of Westfield Bank or under any plan or program of Westfield Bank or Westfield Financial (including, without limitation, the Recognition and Retention Plan), shall automatically, by operation of law, be converted into and shall become an identical right to purchase, sell, or receive common stock and an identical right to make payment in common stock under any such agreement between Westfield Bank and any director, officer or employee of Westfield Bank or under such plan or program of Westfield Bank; and (ii) rights outstanding under the 2002 Stock Option Plan shall be assumed by us and thereafter shall be rights only for shares of common stock, with each such right being for a number of shares of common stock based upon the exchange ratio and the number of shares of Westfield Financial that were available thereunder immediately prior to consummation of the conversion, with the price adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio but with no change in any other term or condition of such right.

Tax Aspects

Completion of the conversion is conditioned upon prior receipt of either a ruling or an opinion of counsel with respect to federal income tax laws and Massachusetts income tax laws, to the effect that no gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be income of, the primary parties or account holders receiving subscription rights, except to the extent, if any, that subscription rights are deemed to have fair market value on the date such rights are issued, as a result of the conversion. We believe that the tax opinion summarized below addresses all material federal and state income tax consequences that are generally applicable to the primary parties and the persons receiving subscription rights.

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP has issued an opinion to the primary parties to the effect that, for federal income tax purposes:

(1) the conversion of Westfield Financial from a Massachusetts corporation to a federally-chartered stock corporation and then a conversion of Westfield Financial as a federally-chartered stock corporation to a federal interim stock savings association, and the conversion of Westfield Mutual

 

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Holding Company from mutual form to a federal interim stock savings institution, will each qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by Westfield Financial or Westfield Mutual Holding Company by reason of such conversions;

(2) the merger of Westfield Financial and the merger of Westfield Mutual Holding Company into Westfield Bank, will each qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by Westfield Financial, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or Westfield Bank by reason of such mergers;

(3) the merger of the federal interim stock savings association formed by New Westfield Financial with and into Westfield Bank (“Bank Merger”) will qualify either as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code or as an exchange under Section 351 of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by such interim federal savings association, Westfield Bank, or New Westfield Financial by reason of the Bank Merger;

(4) no gain or loss will be recognized by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial upon the receipt of shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial pursuant to the Bank Merger, except to the extent of any cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in New Westfield Financial;

(5) the aggregate tax basis of the shares of New Westfield Financial common stock to be received by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of Westfield Financial common stock surrendered in exchange therefor, reduced by the basis allocable to a fractional share interest in Westfield Financial for which cash is received;

(6) the holding period of the shares of New Westfield Financial common stock to be received by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial will include the holding period of the shares of Westfield Financial common stock, provided that Westfield Financial common stock was held as a capital asset on the date of the Bank Merger;

(7) a holder of shares of Westfield Financial who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of New Westfield Financial common stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion of such holder’s tax basis of the shares of Westfield Financial allocable to the fractional share; such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if such shares were held as a capital asset as of the date of the Bank Merger, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such holder’s holding period in the shares of Westfield Financial common stock is more than one year on the date of the Bank Merger;

(8) no gain or loss will be recognized by New Westfield Financial upon the sale of shares of common stock in the stock offering;

(9) no gain or loss will be recognized by members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company upon the issuance to them of interests in the liquidation account in Westfield Bank pursuant to the merger of Westfield Mutual Holding Company into Westfield Bank;

(10) it is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial to be issued to Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members (the “Subscription Rights”) is zero and accordingly, that no income will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and Other Members upon the issuance to them of the Subscription Rights or upon the exercise of the Subscription Rights;

 

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(11) it is more likely than not that the tax basis to the holders of shares of New Westfield Financial common stock purchased in the stock offering pursuant to the exercise of Subscription Rights will be the amount paid therefor, and that the holding period for such shares of common stock will begin on the date of the completion of the offerings; and

(12) the holding period for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial purchased in the community offering or syndicated community offering will begin on the day after the date of purchase.

The opinions set forth in (10) and (11), above, are based on the position that the Subscription Rights do not have any market value at the time of distribution or at the time they are exercised. Whether subscription rights have a market value for federal income tax purposes is a question of fact, depending upon all relevant facts and circumstances. According to our counsel, the IRS will not issue rulings on whether subscription rights have a market value. Counsel has also advised us that they are unaware of any instance in which the IRS has taken the position that nontransferable subscription rights issued by a converting financial institution have a market value. Counsel also noted that the Subscription Rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be nontransferable and of short duration, and will afford the recipients the right only to purchase common stock of New Westfield Financial at a price equal to its estimated fair market value, which will be the same price as the purchase price for the unsubscribed shares of common stock. Counsel believes that it is more likely than not ( i.e ., there is a more than a 50% likelihood) that the Subscription Rights have no market value for federal income tax purposes. If the Subscription Rights are found to have a market value greater than zero, income may be recognized by various recipients of the Subscription Rights (whether or not the rights are exercised) and New Westfield Financial may be taxed in the distribution of the Subscription Rights . Participants are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisor as to the tax consequences in the event that the subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.

Westfield Financial has also received an opinion from Wolf & Company, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts, that, assuming the conversion does not result in any federal income tax liability to Westfield Bank, Westfield Bank’s account holders, Westfield Financial or Westfield Financial’s stockholders, implementation of the plan of conversion will not result in any Massachusetts income tax liability to those entities or persons.

Unlike private rulings, an opinion is not binding on the IRS and the IRS could disagree with the conclusions reached therein. In the event of such disagreement, there can be no assurance that the IRS would not prevail in a judicial or administrative proceeding. If the IRS determines that the tax effects of the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Conversion are to be treated differently from those presented in the opinion, we may be subject to adverse tax consequences as a result of the conversion.

Interpretation, Amendment And Termination

All interpretations of the Plan of Conversion by the Board of Directors will be final, subject to the authority of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion provides that, if deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, the Plan of Conversion may be substantively amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors as a result of comments from regulatory authorities or otherwise, at any time prior to submission of proxy materials to our members and stockholders. Amendment of the Plan of Conversion thereafter requires a majority vote of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any time prior to the earlier of approval of the Plan of Conversion by the OTS and the date of the special meeting of members and stockholders, and may be terminated at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion shall be terminated if the conversion and stock offering are not completed within 24 months from the date on which the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company approve the Plan of Conversion, and may not be extended by us or the OTS.

 

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RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL

AND WESTFIELD BANK

General

The Plan of Conversion provides for the conversion of Westfield Bank from the mutual to the stock form of organization and the concurrent formation of a stock holding company. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — General .” Certain provisions in our Articles of Organization and bylaws and in its benefit plans and agreements entered into in connection with the conversion, together with provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws and certain governing regulatory restrictions, may have anti-takeover effects.

New Westfield Financial’s Articles Of Organization And Bylaws

New Westfield Financial’s Articles of Organization and bylaws contain a number of provisions, relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders, that might discourage future takeover attempts. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of our Board of Directors or management more difficult. The following description is a summary of the provisions of the Articles of Organization and bylaws. See “ Where You Can Find Additional Information ” as to how to review a copy of these documents.

Directors. Certain provisions of our Articles of Organization and bylaw s will impede changes in control of the Board of Directors. The Articles of Organization provide that the Board of Directors will be divided into three classes, with directors in each class elected for three-year staggered terms except for the initial directors. Thus, it would take two annual elections to replace a majority of our Board. The Articles of Organization provide that the size of the Board of Directors may be increased or decreased only by a majority vote of the Board. The Articles of Organization also provide that any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors, including a vacancy created by an increase in the number of directors, shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by a majority vote of the directors then in office. Finally, the Articles of Organization and bylaw s impose notice and information requirements in connection with the nomination by stockholders of candidates for election to the Board of Directors or the proposal by stockholders of business to be acted upon at an annual meeting of stockholders.

The Articles of Organization provide that a director may only be removed for cause by the affirmative vote of either two-thirds of our Board of Directors, or 80% of the shares eligible to vote. In the absence of these provisions, the vote of the holders of a majority of our shares could remove the entire Board, with or without cause, and replace it with persons of such holders’ choice.

Restrictions on Call of Special Meetings. The Articles of Organization provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called by a majority of the authorized Board of Directors of New Westfield Financial or the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors then in office, or, upon written application, by stockholders holding at least 80% of the capital stock entitled to vote at the meeting.

Votes of Stockholders. The Articles of Organization prohibit cumulative voting for the election of directors. No cumulative voting means that the directors, officers and employees of Westfield Bank

 

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and the former trustees, officers and employees of Westfield Mutual Holding Company may have the power to elect all directors of New Westfield Financial to be elected at that meeting. This could prevent public stockholder representation on our Board of Directors. In addition, the Articles of Organization also provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of New Westfield Financial may be taken only at an annual or special meeting and prohibits stockholder action by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

Authorization of Preferred Stock. The Articles of Organization authorize 10,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. New Westfield Financial is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and our Board of Directors is authorized to fix the designations, and relative preferences, limitations, voting rights, if any, including without limitation, offering rights of such shares (which could be multiple or as a separate class) . In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of New Westfield Financial that the Board of Directors does not approve, it might be possible for the Board of Directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede that completion of the transaction . An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock, therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of New Westfield Financial . The Board of Directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.

Stockholder Vote Required to Approve Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. The Articles of Organization require the approval of the holders of at least 80% of our outstanding shares of voting stock to approve certain “Business Combinations” and related transactions.

The vote of at least 80% of the stockholders is required in connection with any transaction involving an Interested Stockholder except in cases where the proposed transaction has been approved in advance by a majority of those members of our Board of Directors who are unaffiliated with the Interested Stockholder and were directors prior to the time when the Interested Stockholder became an Interested Stockholder. However, if the proposed transaction meets the conditions set forth in the Articles of Organization designed to afford the stockholders a fair price in consideration for their shares, approval of the majority of the outstanding shares of voting stock would be sufficient.

The term “Interested Stockholder” is defined to include, among others, any individual, corporation, partnership or other entity (other than Westfield Bank, New Westfield Financial or its subsidiary or any employee benefit plan maintained by New Westfield Financial or its subsidiary) which owns beneficially or controls, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the outstanding shares of voting stock of New Westfield Financial.

A “Business Combination” means:

 

  (1) any merger or consolidation of New Westfield Financial or any of its subsidiaries with or into any Interested Stockholder or its affiliate;

 

  (2) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition to or with any Interested Stockholder or its affiliate of 25% or more of the assets of New Westfield Financial or combined assets of Westfield Financial and its subsidiary;

 

  (3) the issuance or transfer to any Interested Stockholder or its affiliate by New Westfield Financial (or any subsidiary) of any securities of New Westfield Financial in exchange for cash, securities or other property having an aggregate fair market value equaling or exceeding 25% of the combined fair market value of the outstanding common stock of New Westfield Financial and its subsidiaries, except for any issuance or transfer under an employee benefit plan of New Westfield Financial or any subsidiary;

 

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  (4) the adoption of any plan for the liquidation or dissolution of New Westfield Financial proposed by or on behalf of any Interested Stockholder or its affiliate; and

 

  (5) any reclassification of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation of New Westfield Financial which has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of common stock or any class of equity or convertible securities of New Westfield Financial owned directly or indirectly by an Interested Stockholder or its affiliate.

Evaluation of Offers. The Articles of Organization further provide that the Board of Directors of New Westfield Financial shall when evaluating any offer to New Westfield Financial from another party to:

 

    make a tender offer or exchange offer for any outstanding equity security of New Westfield Financial;

 

    merge or consolidate New Westfield Financial with another corporation or entity; or

 

    purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of New Westfield Financial.

In connection with the exercise of its judgment in determining what is in the best interest of New Westfield Financial and its stockholders, give due consideration to the extent permitted by law to all relevant factors, including, without limitation, our employees, suppliers, creditors and customers; the economy of the state, region and nation; community and societal considerations; and the long- and short-term interests of New Westfield Financial and its stockholders, including the possibility that these interests will be best served by the continued independence of New Westfield Financial.

By having these standards in the Articles of Organization of New Westfield Financial, our Board of Directors may be in a stronger position to oppose such a transaction if the Board concludes that the transaction would not be in the best interests of New Westfield Financial, even if the price offered is significantly greater than the then market price of any equity security of New Westfield Financial.

Amendment to Articles of Organization and Bylaws. The Articles of Organization may be amended by the affirmative vote of 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast by stockholders, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that if at least two-thirds of the Directors recommend approval of the amendment, then such amendment shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to cast by stockholder, voting together as a single class.

The bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board of Directors of New Westfield Financial or the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast by stockholders, voting together as a single class . These provisions could have the effect of discouraging a tender offer or other takeover attempt where the ability to make fundamental changes through bylaw amendments is an important element of the takeover strategy of the acquiror.

 

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Anti-Takeover Effects Of New Westfield Financial’s Articles Of Organization, Bylaws And Benefit Plans Adopted In The Conversion

The provisions described above are intended to reduce New Westfield Financial’s vulnerability to takeover attempts and other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by members of its Board of Directors . The provisions of the employment agreements, the 2007 RRP and the 2007 Stock Option Plan may also discourage takeover attempts by increasing the costs to be incurred by Westfield Bank and New Westfield Financial in the event of a takeover . See “ Management — Future Employment Agreements ,” and “ Management — Future Stock Benefit Plans .”

Our Board of Directors believes that the provisions of the Articles of Organization, bylaws and benefit plans to be established are in the best interests of New Westfield Financial and its stockholders . An unsolicited non-negotiated proposal can seriously disrupt the business and management of a corporation and cause it great expense. Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes it is in the best interests of New Westfield Financial and its stockholders to encourage potential acquirors to negotiate directly with management and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage non-negotiated takeover attempts. It is also the Board of Directors’ view that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price that reflects the true value of New Westfield Financial and that otherwise is in the best interests of all stockholders.

Regulatory Restrictions

OTS Regulations . OTS regulations provide that for a period of three years following the date of the completion of the conversion, no person, acting singly or together with associates in a group of persons acting in concert, will directly or indirectly, offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of our equity securities without the prior written approval of the OTS. Where any person, directly or indirectly, acquires beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of our equity securities without the prior written approval of the OTS, the securities beneficially owned by such person in excess of 10% will not be voted by any person or counted as voting shares in connection with any manner submitted to the stockholders for a vote, and will not be counted as outstanding for purposes of determining the affirmative vote necessary to approve any matter submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

Change in Bank Control Act . The acquisition of 10% or more of our outstanding common stock may trigger the provision of the Change in Bank Control Act. The OTS has also adopted the Savings and Loan Holding Company Act and regulations under the Change in Bank Control Act which generally requires persons who at any time intend to acquire control of a federally-chartered savings association or its holding company to provide 60 days prior written notice and certain financial and other information to the OTS.

The 60-day period does not commence until the information is deemed substantially complete. Control for these purposes exists in situations where the acquiring party has voting control of at least 25% of any class of our voting stock or the power to direct our management or policies. However, under OTS regulations, control is presumed to exist where the acquiring party has voting control of at least 10% of any class of our voting securities if specified “control factors” are present. The statutes and underlying regulations authorize the OTS to disapprove a proposed acquisition on certain specified grounds.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL

General

We are authorized to issue seventy-five million (75,000,000) shares of common stock having a par value of $0.01 per share and five million (5,000,000) shares of preferred stock having a par value of $0.01 per share. Westfield Financial currently expects to sell up to 17,250,000 shares of common stock (or 19,837,500 shares in the event of an increase of 15% in the estimated valuation range) to purchasers of common stock in the offering. Westfield Financial will not issue any shares of preferred stock in the offering. Except as discussed above in “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank ,” each share of Westfield Financial’s common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects to, every other share of common stock. Upon payment of the purchase price for the common stock in accordance with the Plan of Conversion, all such stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable.

The shares of common stock:

 

    are not deposit accounts and are subject to investment risk;

 

    are not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC, or any other government agency; and

 

    are not guaranteed by New Westfield Financial or Westfield Bank.

Common Stock

Dividends. We can pay dividends out of statutory surplus or from net profits if, as and when declared by our Board of Directors. Our payment of dividends is subject to limitations which are imposed by law. See “ Our Policy Regarding Dividends ” and “ Regulation .” The owners of our common stock will be entitled to receive and share equally in such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor. If we issue preferred stock, the holders of the preferred stock may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.

Voting Rights . Upon the effective date of the conversion and stock offering, the holders of our common stock will possess exclusive voting rights in New Westfield Financial. They will elect our Board of Directors and act on such other matters as are required to be presented to them under Massachusetts law or our Articles of Organization or as are otherwise presented to them by the Board of Directors. Each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. Under certain circumstances, shares in excess of 10% of our common stock may be considered “Excess Shares” and the holders thereof shall be entitled to cast only one one-hundredth of one vote (1/100) per share for each Excess Share. See “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank .” If we issue preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Certain matters, including the removal of directors, the approval of business combinations and amending the Articles of Organization or bylaws, may require an 80% or two-thirds stockholder vote. See “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank .”

 

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Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Westfield Bank, New Westfield Financial, as owner of Westfield Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of Westfield Bank (including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon) and after distribution of the balance in the special liquidation account to Eligible Account Holders and the Supplemental Eligible Account Holders (see “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Effects Of Conversion On Depositors, Borrowers And Members — Effect On Liquidation Rights ”), all assets of Westfield Bank available for distribution. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of New Westfield Financial, the holders of our common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all our debts and liabilities, all of the assets of New Westfield Financial available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of the liquidation or dissolution.

Preemptive Rights; Redemption . Holders of the common stock of New Westfield Financial will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares which may be issued. The common stock is not subject to redemption.

Preferred Stock

We will not issue any shares of our authorized preferred stock in the conversion and stock offering. We may issue preferred stock with such preferences and designations as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. Our Board of Directors can, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights which could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR AND EXCHANGE AGENT

The transfer agent and registrar and exchange agent for our common stock is Registrar and Transfer Company.

LEGAL AND TAX OPINIONS

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP , Washington, D.C. issued its opinion to us on the legality of the issuance of the common stock being offered and certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and federal taxation. Wolf & Company, P.C. issued its opinion to us on certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and Massachusetts taxation. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Keefe, Bruyette & Woods by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Westfield Financial at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005 appearing in this prospectus and registration statement have been audited by Wolf & Company, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report appearing herein has been so included in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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The consolidated financial statements of Westfield Financial for the year ended December 31, 2003 appearing in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein and has been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

RP Financial has consented to the publication in this document of a summary of its letter to Westfield Financial setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of Westfield Financial after the conversion and stock offering and its letter with respect to subscription rights and to the use of its name and statements with respect to it appearing in this document.

CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANTS

Effective June 15, 2004, the Audit Committee of Westfield Financial’s Board of Directors voted not to reengage Deloitte & Touche LLP as Westfield Financial’s independent registered public accounting firm. During the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 or during the subsequent interim period preceding June 15, 2004, there were no disagreements with Deloitte & Touche LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to Deloitte & Touche LLP’s satisfaction, would have caused it to make reference in connection with its report to the subject matter of the disagreement.

Westfield Financial requested Deloitte & Touche LLP to furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether it agrees with these statements made by us and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of this letter, dated March 31, 2004, was attached as an exhibit to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 21, 2004 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Westfield Financial’s common stock is registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We are subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions, tender offer rules, periodic reporting and other requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act. We may not deregister the common stock under the Exchange Act for a period of at least three years following the conversion.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and must file reports and other information with the SEC.

We have filed with the SEC, and amended, a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the common stock offered in this document. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, this document does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. You may examine this information without charge at the public reference facilities of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain copies of this material from the SEC at prescribed rates. You may obtain information on the operations of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including Westfield Financial, that file electronically with the SEC. The address for this web site is www.sec.gov.

 

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This document contains a description of the material features of certain exhibits to the Form S-1. The statements as to the contents of such exhibits, however, are, of necessity, brief descriptions and are not necessarily complete; each such statement is qualified by reference to such contract or document.

A copy of our Plan of Conversion, including our Articles of Organization, is available for review at any of our branch offices, without charge. You may also call the Stock Information Center at (413) [__], Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to request a copy of the plan. A copy of the appraisal report of RP Financial, including any amendments made to it, and the detailed memorandum of the appraiser setting forth the method and assumptions for such appraisal are available for inspection at the main office of Westfield Bank.

Westfield Mutual Holding Company has filed an application with the OTS with respect to the conversion and stock offering. This prospectus omits certain information contained in that application. You may examine the application at the principal office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, and at the Northeast Regional Office of the Office of Thrift Supervision, Harborside Financial Center, Plaza Five, Suite 1600, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311.

 

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Westfield Financial, Inc. and Subsidiary

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Wolf & Company, P.C., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    F-2
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm    F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005 and 2004    F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003    F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003    F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and for the Years Ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003    F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited for June 30 information)    F-9

The registrant, New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, which was incorporated on August 31, 2006, has not yet commenced operations and has engaged in only minimal activities to date; accordingly, the financial statements of New Westfield Financial, Inc. have been omitted as they are not required.

Certain schedules required by OTS regulations and by Regulation S-X are not included because they are not applicable or the required information has been disclosed elsewhere.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Westfield Financial, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 were audited by other auditors whose report, dated March 10, 2004, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2005 and 2004 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 10, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Westfield Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Westfield Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts

March 10, 2006, except for Note 23,

as to which the date is June 20, 2006.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Westfield Financial, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Hartford, Connecticut

March 10, 2004

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     June 30     December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)              

ASSETS

      

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

   $ 16,335     $ 18,136     $ 13,961  

FEDERAL FUNDS SOLD

     1,071       5,090       31,964  

INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS AND OTHER SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS

     137       3,230       5,122  
                        

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     17,543       26,456       51,047  

SECURITIES:

      

Available for Sale – at estimated fair value

     35,180       28,321       14,968  

Held to Maturity – at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $73,492 (unaudited), $72,704 and $71,654 at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively)

     75,351       73,323       71,298  

MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES:

      

Available for Sale – at estimated fair value

     103,986       101,138       73,316  

Held to Maturity – at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $147,806 (unaudited), $149,017 and $174,051 at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively)

     152,418       152,127       175,302  

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF BOSTON AND OTHER STOCK

     4,237       4,237       4,237  

LOANS – Net of allowance for loan losses of $5,352 (unaudited), $5,422 and $5,277 at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively

     386,494       378,837       368,601  

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

     11,597       11,048       11,505  

ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

     4,286       3,853       3,551  

BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE

     20,212       19,819       17,248  

OTHER ASSETS

     6,632       5,936       5,830  
                        

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 817,936     $ 805,095     $ 796,903  
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

LIABILITIES:

      

DEPOSITS:

      

Noninterest-bearing

   $ 40,694     $ 45,260     $ 48,305  

Interest-bearing

     595,026       577,785       564,316  
                        

Total deposits

     635,720       623,045       612,621  
                        

CUSTOMER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     14,404       14,441       14,615  

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF BOSTON ADVANCES

     45,000       45,000       45,000  

OTHER LIABILITIES

     7,343       6,767       6,616  
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES

     702,467       689,253       678,852  
                        

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 16)

      

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

      

Preferred stock - $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December 31, 2005 and December 31,2004

     —         —         —    

Common stock - $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 10,580,000 shares issued, 9,727,012 (unaudited), 9,754,757 and 9,954,512 shares outstanding at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

     106       106       106  

Additional paid-in capital

     48,272       48,020       47,659  

Unallocated Common Stock of Employee Stock Ownership Plan

     (4,981 )     (5,127 )     (5,427 )

Restricted stock unearned compensation

     (650 )     (861 )     (1,543 )

Retained earnings

     93,195       92,789       90,399  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,797 )     (1,177 )     (122 )

Treasury stock, at cost 852,988 (unaudited), 825,243 and 625,488 shares at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

     (18,676 )     (17,908 )     (13,021 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     115,469       115,842       118,051  
                        

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 817,936     $ 805,095     $ 796,903  
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:

              

Residential and commercial real estate loans

   $ 8,662    $ 7,723    $ 15,901    $ 14,644    $ 15,834

Debt securities, taxable

     6,784      5,811      11,829      11,660      11,645

Commercial and industrial loans

     3,623      2,970      6,409      5,087      4,002

Debt securities, tax-exempt

     615      594      1,200      1,065      714

Federal funds sold

     328      352      788      288      170

Marketable equity securities

     227      191      404      355      526

Consumer loans

     215      360      631      1,212      2,440

Interest-bearing deposits and other short term investments

     88      52      144      117      304
                                  

Total interest and dividend income

     20,542      18,053      37,306      34,428      35,635
                                  

INTEREST EXPENSE:

              

Deposits

     7,875      5,398      11,813      9,625      13,122

Customer repurchase agreements

     158      130      312      195      211

Other borrowings

     819      713      1,472      1,093      525
                                  

Total interest expense

     8,852      6,241      13,597      10,913      13,858
                                  

Net interest and dividend income

     11,690      11,812      23,709      23,515      21,777

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

     275      265      465      750      750
                                  

Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses

     11,415      11,547      23,244      22,765      21,027
                                  

NONINTEREST INCOME:

              

Income from bank-owned life insurance

     393      346      758      741      806

Service charges and fees

     1,343      1,194      2,595      2,278      1,859

Gains on sales and writedowns of securities, net

     —        19      19      877      409
                                  

Total noninterest income

     1,736      1,559      3,372      3,896      3,074
                                  

NONINTEREST EXPENSE:

              

Salaries and employee benefits

     5,988      5,475      11,155      10,753      9,685

Occupancy

     1,021      956      1,927      1,808      1,802

Computer operations

     765      794      1,557      1,582      1,667

Stationery, supplies and postage

     254      265      522      530      560

Other

     1,670      1,891      3,303      3,103      3,916
                                  

Total noninterest expense

     9,698      9,381      18,464      17,776      17,630
                                  

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     3,453      3,725      8,152      8,885      6,471

INCOME TAXES

     879      802      1,933      2,562      2,820
                                  

NET INCOME

   $ 2,574    $ 2,923    $ 6,219    $ 6,323    $ 3,651
                                  

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

              

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.28    $ 0.31    $ 0.66    $ 0.65    $ 0.36
                                  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.27    $ 0.30    $ 0.64    $ 0.64    $ 0.36
                                  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Common Stock   

Additional
Paid-In

Capital

   

Unallocated

ESOP

   

Restricted

Stock

Unearned

Compensation

   

Retained

Earnings

   

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(Loss)

    Treasury Stock    

Total

 
   Shares    Amount              Shares     Amount    

BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 2003

   10,580,000    $ 106    $ 49,463     $ (5,621 )   $ (2,731 )   $ 84,264     $ 1,218     —       $ —       $ 126,699  
                            

Comprehensive income:

                      

Net income

   —        —        —         —         —         3,651       —       —         —         3,651  

Unrealized losses on securities arising during the year, net of tax benefit of $92

   —        —        —         —         —         —         (167 )   —         —         (167 )

Reclassification for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $146

   —        —        —         —         —         —         (263 )   —         —         (263 )
                            

Comprehensive income

   —        —        —         —         —         —         —       —         —         3,221  
                            

Activity related to common stock issued as employee incentives

   —        —        (2,320 )     (216 )     637       —         —       —         —         (1,899 )

Treasury stock purchased

   —        —        —         —         —         —         —       (59,700 )     (1,134 )     (1,134 )

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises

   —        —        —         —         —         (8 )     —       2,000       38       30  

Cash dividends declared ($0.20 per share)

   —        —        —         —         —         (2,113 )     —       —         —         (2,113 )
                                                                          

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2003

   10,580,000      106      47,143       (5,837 )     (2,094 )     85,794       788     (57,700 )     (1,096 )     124,804  
                            

Comprehensive income:

                      

Net income

   —        —        —         —         —         6,323       —       —         —         6,323  

Unrealized losses on securities arising during the year, net of tax benefit of $161

   —        —        —         —         —         —         (324 )   —         —         (324 )

Reclassification for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $291

   —        —        —         —         —         —         (586 )   —         —         (586 )
                            

Comprehensive income

   —        —        —         —         —         —         —       —         —         5,413  
                            

Activity related to common stock issued as employee incentives

   —        —        516       410       551       —         —       —         —         1,477  

Treasury stock purchased

   —        —        —         —         —         —         —       (569,588 )     (11,956 )     (11,956 )

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises

   —        —        —         —         —         (5 )     —       1,800       31       26  

Cash dividends declared ($0.30 per share)

   —        —        —         —         —         (1,713 )     —       —         —         (1,713 )
                                                                          

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

   10,580,000      106      47,659       (5,427 )     (1,543 )     90,399       (122 )   (625,488 )     (13,021 )     118,051  

(continued)

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Concluded)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Common Stock   

Additional
Paid-In

Capital

  

Unallocated

ESOP

   

Restricted

Stock

Unearned

Compensation

   

Retained

Earnings

   

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

(Loss)

    Treasury Stock    

Total

 
   Shares    Amount               Shares     Amount    

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2004

   10,580,000      106      47,659      (5,427 )     (1,543 )     90,399       (122 )   (625,488 )   $ (13,021 )     118,051  
                             

Comprehensive income:

                       

Net income

   —        —        —        —         —         6,219       —       —         —         6,219  

Unrealized losses on securities arising during the year, net of tax benefit of $622

   —        —        —        —         —         —         (1,043 )   —         —         (1,043 )

Reclassification for gains included in net income, net of taxes of $7

   —        —        —        —         —         —         (12 )   —         —         (12 )
                             

Comprehensive income

   —        —        —        —         —         —         —       —         —         5,164  
                             

Activity related to common stock issued as employee incentives

   —        —        361      300       682       —         —       —         —         1,343  

Treasury stock purchased

   —        —        —        —         —         —         —       (237,400 )     (5,699 )     (5,699 )

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises

   —        —        —        —         —         (271 )     —       37,645       812       541  

Cash dividends declared ($0.90 per share)

   —        —        —        —         —         (3,558 )     —       —         —         (3,558 )
                                                                         

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2005

   10,580,000      106      48,020      (5,127 )     (861 )     92,789       (1,177 )   (825,243 )     (17,908 )     115,842  
                             

Comprehensive income (unaudited):

                       

Net income

   —        —        —        —         —         2,574       —       —         —         2,574  

Unrealized losses on securities arising during the year, net of tax benefit of $361

   —        —        —        —         —         —         (620 )   —         —         (620 )
                             

Comprehensive income

   —        —        —        —         —         —         —       —         —         1,954  
                             

Activity related to common stock issued as employee incentives

   —        —        252      146       211       —         —       —         —         609  

Treasury stock purchased

   —        —        —        —         —         —         —       (65,000 )     (1,583 )     (1,583 )

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises

   —        —        —        —         —         (280 )     —       37,255       815       535  

Cash dividends declared ($0.50 per share)

   —        —        —        —         —         (1,888 )     —       —         —         (1,888 )
                                                                         

BALANCE, JUNE 30, 2006 (unaudited)

   10,580,000    $ 106    $ 48,272    $ (4,981 )   $ (650 )   $ 93,195     $ (1,797 )   (852,988 )   $ (18,676 )   $ 115,469  
                                                                         

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net Income

   $ 2,574     $ 2,923     $ 6,219     $ 6,323     $ 3,651  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

          

Provision for loan losses

     275       265       465       750       750  

Other than temporary write-down of securities

     —         —         —         —         85  

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

     530       488       950       1,003       1,080  

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities, mortgage backed securities and mortgage loans

     339       526       1,080       1,452       3,273  

Amortization of unearned compensation

     836       590       1,678       1,962       769  

Loss (gain) on sale of fixed assets

     2       —         —         —         (50 )

Net realized securities gains

     —         (19 )     (19 )     (877 )     (494 )

Deferred income tax benefit

     (188 )     (245 )     (334 )     (615 )     (992 )

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance

     (393 )     (346 )     (758 )     (741 )     (806 )

Changes in assets and liabilities:

          

Accrued interest receivable

     (433 )     (162 )     (302 )     4       382  

Other assets

     6       18       857       748       (708 )

Other liabilities

     423       325       151       155       (646 )
                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,971       4,363       9,987       10,164       6,294  
                                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Securities, held to maturity:

          

Purchases

     (10,087 )     (10,015 )     (11,131 )     (18,473 )     (61,941 )

Proceeds from maturities and principal collections

     8 ,000       8 ,000       9,000       17,000       37,980  

Securities, available for sale:

          

Purchases

     (10,190 )     (6,161 )     (17,982 )     (5,332 )     (19,883 )

Proceeds from sales

     —         3,833       3,833       11,891       34,595  

Proceeds from calls, maturities and principal collections

     3,000       365       548       4,155       40,610  

Mortgage backed securities, held to maturity:

          

Purchases

     (18,018 )     (17,165 )     (24,979 )     (39,255 )     (127,681 )

Principal collections

     17,533       22,897       47,528       54,687       93,000  

Mortgage backed securities, available for sale:

          

Purchases

     (16,263 )     (28,944 )     (71,791 )     (41,110 )     (43,383 )

Proceeds from sales

     —         16,941       16,962       20,325       8,104  

Principal collections

     12,674       11,641       25,305       22,943       47,111  

Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other stock

     —         —         —         —         (304 )

Purchase of residential mortgages

     (10,548 )     (807 )     (1,236 )     (35,294 )     (11,462 )

Net decrease (increase) in loans

     2,621       (19,368 )     (9,528 )     10,864       22,821  

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (1,091 )     (259 )     (493 )     (734 )     (452 )

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

     10       —         —         —         499  

Purchase of bank-owned life insurance

     —         (1,813 )     (1,813 )     —         (15,701 )
                                        

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (22,359 )     (20,855 )     (35,777 )     1,667       3,913  
                                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Increase (decrease) in deposits

     12,675       5,061       10,424       (19,810 )     (23,634 )

(Decrease) increase in customer repurchase agreements

     (37 )     (960 )     (174 )     2,480       3,411  

Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances

     —         —         (5,000 )     —         —    

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances

     —         —         5,000       25,000       5,000  

Purchase of common stock in connection with employee benefit program

     (227 )     (82 )     (335 )     (485 )     (2,668 )

Cash dividends paid

     (1,888 )     (1,602 )     (3,558 )     (1,713 )     (2,113 )

Treasury stock purchased

     (1,583 )     —         (5,699 )     (11,956 )     (1,134 )

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises

     535       —         541       26       30  
                                        

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     9,475       2,417       1,199       (6,458 )     (21,108 )
                                        

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

     (8,913 )     (14,075 )     (24,591 )     5,373       (10,901 )

Beginning of period

     26,456       51,047       51,047       45,674       56,575  
                                        

End of period

   $ 17,543     $ 36,972     $ 26,456     $ 51,047     $ 45,674  
                                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AT AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 AND 2005 (UNAUDITED) AND

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005, 2004, AND 2003

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Massachusetts corporation. The Company has a federally-chartered stock savings bank subsidiary called Westfield Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank’s deposits are insured to the limits specified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank operates 10 branches in Western Massachusetts. The Bank’s primary source of revenue is earned from loans to small and middle-market businesses and to residential property homeowners.

Westfield Securities Corp., and Elm Street Securities Corporation, Massachusetts chartered security corporations, were formed by the Company for the primary purpose of holding qualified investment securities. In the third quarter of 2005, the Company dissolved Westfield Securities Corporation in order to streamline operations.

Unaudited Financial Information – Information as of June 30, 2006 and for the six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 is unaudited. The unaudited information furnished reflects all adjustments, which consist solely of normal recurring accruals, which are in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position at June 30, 2006 and the results of operations and cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. The results of the six month periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of the Company which may be expected for the entire year.

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank, and Elm Street Securities Corporation, as well as Westfield Securities Corp., prior to its dissolution. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for each. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and other than temporary impairment of investment securities.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company defines cash on hand, cash due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits having an original maturity of 90 days or less as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and due from banks at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004 includes partially restricted cash of approximately $419,000 (unaudited), $291,000, and $347,000 respectively, for Federal Reserve Bank of Boston cash reserve requirements.

 

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Securities and Mortgage Backed Securities - Securities, including mortgage backed securities, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Securities, including mortgage backed securities, which have been identified as assets for which there is not a positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company does not acquire securities and mortgage backed securities for purposes of engaging in trading activities.

Realized gains and losses on sales of securities and mortgage backed securities are computed using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts is determined by using the level yield method to the maturity date.

Other than Temporary Impairment of Securities - On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews investment securities with unrealized depreciation on a judgmental basis to assess whether the decline in fair value is temporary or other than temporary. Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Loans - Loans are recorded at the principal amount outstanding. Interest on loans is calculated using the effective yield method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income on the accrual basis to the extent it is deemed collectible. The Company’s general policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income. Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of the principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when subsequent performance reduces the concern as to the collectibility of principal and interest. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans. Compensation to an auto dealer is normally based upon a spread that a dealer adds on the loan base rate set by the Company. The compensation is paid to an automobile dealer shortly after the loan is originated. The Company records the amount as a deferred cost that is amortized over the life of the loans in relation to the interest paid by the customer.

Allowance for Loan Losses - The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. Recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance.

The Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio based on ongoing quarterly assessments of the estimated losses. The Bank’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of two key components, which are a specific allowance for identified problem loans and a formula allowance for the remainder of the portfolio. The specific allowance incorporates the results of measuring impaired loans as provided in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 114, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan,” and SFAS No. 118, “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan – Income

 

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Recognition and Disclosures.” These accounting standards prescribe the measurement methods, income recognition and disclosures related to impaired loans. The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans by type, excluding loans for which a specific allowance has been determined. In determining the loss factors to apply to each loan category, the Company considers historical losses, peer group comparisons, industry data and loss percentages used by banking regulators for similarly graded loans. Loss factors may be adjusted for qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date.

A loan is recognized as impaired when it is probable that principal and/or interest are not collectible in accordance with the loan’s contractual terms. A loan is not deemed to be impaired if there is a short delay in receipt of payment or if, during a longer period of delay, the Company expects to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at the contractual rate during the period of delay. Measurement of impairment can be based on present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change. If the fair value of the impaired loan is less than the related recorded amount, a specific valuation allowance is established within the allowance for loan losses or a writedown is charged against the allowance for loan losses if the impairment is considered to be permanent. Measurement of impairment does not apply to large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment such as the Company’s portfolios of consumer and residential real estate loans.

The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of two key components, which are a specific allowance for identified problem or impaired loans and a formula allowance for the remainder of the portfolio. The appropriateness of the allowance is also reviewed by management based upon its evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting the key lending areas of the Company and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectibility of the loan portfolio. Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.

In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically review the loan and foreclosed real estate portfolios and the related allowance for loan losses and valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate. The Office of Thrift Supervision may require adjustment to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination, thereby adversely affecting results of operations.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses accurately reflects estimated credit losses for specifically identified loans, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the portfolio as of the end of the periods presented.

 

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Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets – Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Premises and Equipment - Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, computed on either the straight-line or accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the expected lease term, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured.

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense when incurred. Major expenditures for betterments are capitalized and depreciated.

Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate owned represents property acquired through foreclosure or deeded to the Company in lieu of foreclosure. Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of the carrying value of the related loan, or the estimated fair value of the real estate acquired, net of estimated selling costs. Initial write-downs are charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time the loan is transferred to other real estate owned. Subsequent valuations are periodically performed by management and the carrying value is adjusted by a charge to expense to reflect any subsequent declines in the estimated fair value. Operating costs associated with other real estate owned are expensed as incurred.

Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits - The Company provides a defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees through membership in the Savings Banks Employees Retirement Association (“SBERA”). The Company’s policy is to fund pension cost as accrued. Employees are also eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan through SBERA. The Company makes matching contributions to this plan at 50% of up to 6% of the employees’ eligible compensation.

The Company currently offers postretirement life insurance benefits to retired employees. Such postretirement benefits represent a form of deferred compensation which requires that the cost and obligations of such benefits are recognized in the period in which services are rendered.

Income Taxes - The Company uses the asset and liability method for income tax accounting, whereby, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Earnings per Share – Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock awards and options and are determined using the treasury stock method.

 

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Earnings per common share for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, have been computed based on the following:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In thousands, except per share data)

Net income available to common Stockholders

   $ 2,574    $ 2,923    $ 6,219    $ 6,323    $ 3,651
                                  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     9,308      9,501      9,467      9,706      10,037

Effect of dilutive stock awards and options

     171      218      231      224      176
                                  

Adjusted weighted average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common shares

     9,479      9,719      9,698      9,930      10,213
                                  

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.28    $ 0.31    $ 0.66    $ 0.65    $ 0.36
                                  

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.27    $ 0.30    $ 0.64    $ 0.64    $ 0.36
                                  

Reclassifications – Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Adoption of SFAS 123 (R) Share-Based Payment – On January 1, 2006 Westfield Financial adopted SFAS 123 (R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123 (R)” or the “Statement”), which requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. The effect of SFAS 123 (R) is that entities are required to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. SFAS 123 (R) permits entities to use any option-pricing model that meets the fair value objective in the Statement. Westfield Financial uses the binomial model for its adoption of the Statement.

Westfield Financial adopted SFAS 123 (R) on January 1, 2006 using the “modified prospective” method. Under this method, awards that are granted, modified, or settled after December 31, 2005, are measured and accounted for in accordance with SFAS 123 (R). Also under this method, expense is recognized for awards that were granted prior to January 1, 2006 but vest after January 1, 2006, based on the fair value determined at the grant date under SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123). Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123 (R), the Company accounted for stock compensation under the intrinsic value method permitted by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB 25) and related interpretations. Accordingly, the Company previously recognized no compensation cost for employee stock options that were granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

The adoption of SFAS 123 (R) by Westfield Financial resulted in additional compensation expense of $146,000 and a related tax benefit of $34,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited). As of June 30, 2006 (unaudited), the compensation cost of unvested stock options amounted to $332,000 with a related tax benefit of $74,000. Compensation costs of $310,000 with a related tax benefit of $74,000 will be recognized by July of 2007.

 

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Under the Company’s Stock Option Plan, the Company may grant options to its directors, officers and employees for up to 497,260 shares of common stock. Both incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the plan. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant with a maximum term of ten years. All options currently outstanding vest at 20% per year.

Had compensation cost been determined based on the fair value at the grant date awards under the plans consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS 123 (R), Westfield Financial’s net income and income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     June 30,     December 31,  
     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)        
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Net income as reported

   $ 2,923     $ 6,219     $ 6,323     $ 3,651  

Less: Compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax effects

     (137 )     (333 )     (272 )     (254 )
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 2,786     $ 5,886     $ 6,051     $ 3,397  
                                

Net income per share

        

Basic as reported

   $ 0.31     $ 0.66     $ 0.65     $ 0.36  

Basic pro forma

     0.29       0.62       0.62       0.34  

Diluted as reported

     0.30       0.64       0.64       0.36  

Diluted pro forma

     0.29       0.61       0.61       0.33  

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2005     2004  

Dividend yield

   1.70 %   1.02 %

Expected life in years

   10 years     10 years  

Expected volatility

   21 %   17 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.14 %   4.16 %

No options were granted in 2003 or the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

 

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The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities

   $ (981 )   $ (422 )   $ (1,665 )   $ (485 )   $ (259 )

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in income

     —         (19 )     (19 )     (877 )     (409 )
                                        

Net unrealized losses

     (981 )     (441 )     (1,684 )     (1,362 )     (668 )

Tax effect

     361       181       629       452       238  
                                        

Net of tax amount

   $ (620 )   $ (260 )   $ (1,055 )   $ (910 )   $ (430 )
                                        

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March, 2006 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, “ Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (SFAS 156). The statement amends SFAS No. 140, “ Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Consistent with SFAS No. 140, SFAS 156 requires companies to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a serving contract. However, the Statement permits a company to choose either the amortized cost method or fair value measurement method for each class of separately recognized servicing assets. The Statement is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal year after September 15, 2006. Earlier adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an entity’s fiscal year, provided the entity has not yet issued financial statements, including interim financial statements. The Company plans to adopt SFAS 156 at the beginning of 2007 and does not expect the adoption of this Statement to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a Company’s financial statements, prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position in the tax return and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition. The effective date of this Interpretation is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company does not expect this Interpretation to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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2. SECURITIES

Securities are summarized as follows:

 

     June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 45,132    $ —      $ 1,210    $ 43,922

Municipal bonds

     30,219      18      667      29,570
                           

Total held to maturity

     75,351      18      1,877      73,492
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     6,155      —        366      5,789

Government-sponsored enterprises

     29,812      7      428      29,391
                           

Total available for sale

     35,967      7      794      35,180
                           

Total Securities

   $ 111,318    $ 25    $ 2,671    $ 108,672
                           

 

     December 31, 2005
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 43,090    $ 6    $ 731    $ 42,365

Municipal bonds

     30,233      289      183      30,339
                           

Total held to maturity

     73,323      295      914      72,704
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     6,057      —        315      5,742

Government-sponsored enterprises

     22,728      4      153      22,579
                           

Total available for sale

     28,785      4      468      28,321
                           

Total Securities

   $ 102,108    $ 299    $ 1,382    $ 101,025
                           

 

     December 31, 2004
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 38,160    $ 117    $ 266    $ 38,011

Municipal bonds

     29,147      520      70      29,597

Corporate debt securities

     3,991      55      —        4,046
                           

Total held to maturity

     71,298      692      336      71,654
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     7,301      —        315      6,986

Government-sponsored enterprises

     6,991      63      4      7,050

Corporate debt securities

     918      14      —        932
                           

Total available for sale

     15,210      77      319      14,968
                           

Total Securities

   $ 86,508    $ 769    $ 655    $ 86,622
                           

 

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Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005 and 2004, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

 

     June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 486    $ 19,615    $ 724    $ 24,307

Municipal bonds

     473      22,857      194      3,485
                           

Total held to maturity

     959      42,472      918      27,792
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     —        —        366      5,311

Government-sponsored enterprises

     371      21,349      57      2,943
                           

Total available for sale

     371      21,349      423      8,254
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,330    $ 63,821    $ 1,341    $ 36,046
                           

 

     December 31, 2005
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 222    $ 14,792    $ 509    $ 22,567

Municipal bonds

     78      8,586      105      2,748
                           

Total held to maturity

     300      23,378      614      25,315
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     —        —        315      5,264

Government-sponsored enterprises

     153      17,575      —        —  
                           

Total available for sale

     153      17,575      315      5,264
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 453    $ 40,953    $ 929    $ 30,579
                           

 

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     December 31, 2004
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Government-sponsored enterprises

   $ 266    $ 22,894    $ —      $ —  

Municipal bonds

     70      6,110      —        —  
                           

Total held to maturity

     336      29,004      —        —  
                           

Available for sale:

           

Equity securities

     75      4,330      240      760

Government-sponsored enterprises

     4      943      —        —  
                           

Total available for sale

     79      5,273      240      760
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 415    $ 34,277    $ 240    $ 760
                           

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), thirty-three debt securities have gross unrealized losses of 1.5% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis of temporarily impaired debt securities which existed for less than twelve months. At December 31, 2005, nineteen debt securities have gross unrealized losses of 1.1% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis of temporarily impaired debt securities which existed for less than twelve months. Because these losses relate to government-sponsored enterprises and highly rated municipal obligations, are the result of fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), eleven debt securities have gross unrealized losses of 3.2% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis of temporarily impaired debt securities which existed for greater than twelve months. At December 31, 2005, eight debt securities have gross unrealized losses of 2.4% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis of temporarily impaired debt securities which existed for greater than twelve months. Because these losses relate to government-sponsored enterprises and highly rated municipal obligations, are the result of fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), three equity securities have an unrealized loss of 5.7% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months and is principally related to fluctuations in interest rates. At December 31, 2005, three equity securities have an unrealized loss of 3.4% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months and is principally related to fluctuations in interest rates. These losses relate to mutual funds which invest primarily in short term debt instruments and adjustable rate mortgage backed securities. Because these losses are the result of fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), one equity security had an unrealized loss of 10% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months. At December 31, 2005, one equity security has an unrealized loss of 15.7% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months. Because the security is an adjustable rate preferred stock issued by a government-sponsored enterprise, the unrealized loss is principally related to fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, the decline is not deemed to be other than temporary.

 

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     June 30, 2006 (unaudited)    December 31, 2005
    

Amortized

Cost

   Fair
Value
  

Amortized

Cost

   Fair
Value
     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Due in one year or less

   $ 15,048    $ 14,856    $ 7,997    $ 7,887

Due after one year through five years

     16,570      16,286      16,307      16,010

Due after five years through ten years

     26,824      25,718      24,548      24,117

Due after ten years

     16,909      16,632      24,471      24,690
                           

Total held to maturity

   $ 75,351    $ 73,492    $ 73,323    $ 72,704
                           

Available for sale:

           

Due in one year or less

   $ —      $ —      $ 3,008    $ 3,003

Due after one year through five years

     —        —        14,730      14,652

Due after five years through ten years

     24,822      24,608      4,990      4,924

Due after ten years

     4,990      4,783      —        —  
                           

Total available for sale

   $ 29,812    $ 29,391    $ 22,728    $ 22,579
                           

Gross gains of $0 (unaudited), $34,000 (unaudited), $34,000, $1,130,000 and $771,000 and gross losses $0 (unaudited), $1,000 (unaudited), $1,000, $39,000 and $333,000 were recorded on securities during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. There were no impairment losses recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited), and years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. Impairment losses were $85,000 during the year ended December 31, 2003.

Securities with a carrying value of $35 million (unaudited), $33 million and $33.5 million were pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Unrealized losses on securities available for sale, net of tax were $489,000 (unaudited), $283,000 and $176,000 at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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3. MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES

Mortgage backed securities are summarized as follows:

 

     June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 99,459    $ 19    $ 3,363    $ 96,115

Freddie Mac

     37,669      58      881      36,846

Ginnie Mae

     15,290      3      448      14,845
                           

Total held to maturity

     152,418      80      4,692      147,806
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     41,250      19      1,052      40,217

Freddie Mac

     44,861      7      832      44,036

Ginnie Mae

     10,508      14      192      10,330

Other pass-through securities

     4,062      —        33      4,029

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     5,351      23      —        5,374
                           

Total available for sale

     106,032      63      2,109      103,986
                           

Total mortgage backed securities

   $ 258,450    $ 143    $ 6,801    $ 251,792
                           

 

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Table of Contents
     December 31, 2005
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 98,362    $ 34    $ 2,300    $ 96,096

Freddie Mac

     36,465      78      572      35,971

Ginnie Mae

     17,300      4      354      16,950
                           

Total held to maturity

     152,127      116      3,226      149,017
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     46,078      40      742      45,376

Freddie Mac

     38,310      12      459      37,863

Ginnie Mae

     12,594      22      230      12,386

Other pass-through securities

     4,726      —        17      4,709

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     818      —        14      804
                           

Total available for sale

     102,526      74      1,462      101,138
                           

Total Mortgage Backed Securities

   $ 254,653    $ 190    $ 4,688    $ 250,155
                           

 

     December 31, 2004
    

Amortized

Cost

  

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

  

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 120,595    $ 234    $ 1,250    $ 119,579

Freddie Mac

     39,772      171      280      39,663

Ginnie Mae

     14,775      33      159      14,649

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     160      —        —        160
                           

Total held to maturity

     175,302      438      1,689      174,051
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     32,676      178      141      32,713

Freddie Mac

     22,842      66      70      22,838

Ginnie Mae

     15,036      58      25      15,069

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     2,688      51      43      2,696
                           

Total available for sale

     73,242      353      279      73,316
                           

Total mortgage backed securities

   $ 248,544    $ 791    $ 1,968    $ 247,367
                           

Collateralized mortgage obligations include tranches of AAA investment grade and consist of high quality mortgage obligations.

Gross gains of $0 (unaudited), $27,000 (unaudited), $27,000, $135,000 and $56,000 and gross losses of $0 (unaudited), $41,000 (unaudited), $41,000, $349,000 and $0 were recorded on mortgage backed securities during the six months June 30, 2006 and 2005 and years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Unrealized losses on mortgage backed securities available for sale, net of tax were $1,308,000 (unaudited) at June 30, 2006. Unrealized losses on mortgage backed securities available for sale, net of tax were $894,000 and unrealized gains, net of tax were $54,000 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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Mortgage backed securities with a carrying value of $2 million (unaudited), $2 million, and $3.5 million were pledged as collateral with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Information pertaining to mortgage backed securities with gross unrealized losses at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

 

     June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 339    $ 22,214    $ 3,024    $ 68,205

Freddie Mac

     124      8,860      757      16,795

Ginnie Mae

     1      113      447      14,255
                           

Total held to maturity

     464      31,187      4,228      99,255
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     716      25,501      336      13,972

Freddie Mac

     449      26,229      383      15,690

Ginnie Mae

     47      4,129      145      4,890

Other pass-through securities

     33      4,029      —        —  
                           

Total available for sale

     1,245      59,888      864      34,552
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,709    $ 91,075    $ 5,092    $ 133,807
                           

 

     December 31, 2005
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 452    $ 26,869    $ 1,848    $ 64,076

Freddie Mac

     25      5,120      547      16,954

Ginnie Mae

     178      8,424      176      7,772
                           

Total held to maturity

     655      40,413      2,571      88,802
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     691      40,327      51      3,935

Freddie Mac

     376      28,952      83      5,707

Ginnie Mae

     214      8,020      16      836

Other pass-through securities

     17      4,709      —        —  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —        —        14      804
                           

Total available for sale

     1,298      82,008      164      11,282
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,953    $ 122,421    $ 2,735    $ 100,084
                           

 

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Table of Contents
     December 31, 2004
     Less than Twelve Months    Over Twelve Months
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Fair

Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Fair
Value
     (In Thousands)

Held to maturity:

           

Fannie Mae

   $ 573    $ 57,204    $ 677    $ 36,727

Freddie Mac

     260      19,887      20      1,559

Ginnie Mae

     159      10,580      —        —  
                           

Total held to maturity

     992      87,671      697      38,286
                           

Available for sale:

           

Fannie Mae

     141      13,414      —        —  

Freddie Mac

     70      8,202      —        —  

Ginnie Mae

     23      4,563      2      1,262

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —        —        43      1,624
                           

Total available for sale

     234      26,179      45      2,886
                           

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 1,226    $ 113,850    $ 742    $ 41,172
                           

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), thirty-five mortgage backed securities have gross unrealized losses of 1.8% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for less than twelve months. At December 31, 2005, fifty mortgage backed securities have gross unrealized losses of 1.6% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for less than twelve months. Because these losses relate to mortgage backed securities, which were primarily issued by government-sponsored enterprises, are the result of fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), eighty-three mortgage backed securities have gross unrealized losses of 3.7% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months. At December 31, 2005, fifty-six mortgage backed securities have gross unrealized losses of 2.7% from the Bank’s amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months. Because these losses relate to mortgage backed securities, which were primarily issued by government-sponsored enterprises, are the result of fluctuations in interest rates, and management has the intent and ability to hold these securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

 

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4. LOANS

Loans consisted of the following amounts:

 

       June 30,     December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)              
     (In Thousands)  

Commercial real estate

   $ 169,279     $ 169,564     $ 144,336  

Residential real estate

     111,503       106,918       122,822  

Commercial and industrial

     104,548       100,019       94,726  

Consumer

     6,037       7,372       11,565  
                        

Total Loans

     391,367       383,873       373,449  

Unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs, net

     479       386       429  

Allowance for loan losses

     (5,352 )     (5,422 )     (5,277 )
                        
   $ 386,494     $ 378,837     $ 368,601  
                        

The following table summarizes information regarding impaired loans:

 

     June 30,    December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (unaudited)          
     (In Thousands)

Recorded investment in impaired loans

   $ 268    $ 1,641    $ 1,826

Specific allowance for impaired loans

     86      250      500

Impaired loans on nonaccrual status

     268      1,641      1,663

 

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Average recorded investment in impaired loans

   $ 894    $ 35    $ 1,532    $ 1,787    $ 1,970

Income recorded during the period on impaired Loans

     —        —        —        11      126

Income record on a cash basis during the period on impaired loans

     296      —        —        12      127

 

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There were no restructured loans during the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

Nonaccrual loans at June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited), December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 and related interest income are summarized as follows:

 

    

At or For the

Six Months Ended
June 30,

  

At or For the

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Amount

   $ 914    $ 2,115    $ 1,919    $ 2,171    $ 1,768

Interest income that would have been recorded under the original contract terms

     32      86      176      176      134

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid balances of these loans totaled $14.5 million (unaudited), $16.3 million and $21.7 million at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Net service fee income (expense) of $11,000 (unaudited), $13,000 (unaudited), $24,000, $30,000, and ($46,000) was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

The Company’s servicing assets are recorded at fair value at the time the asset is acquired. The fair value is based upon the net present value of future cash flows of the net servicing revenue. Assumptions used in determining fair value include service fee revenue, float revenue, escrow revenue, servicing expense, and estimated life of the underlying loans. The fair value of the asset is recalculated quarterly to determine possible impairment. At June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company’s servicing assets had a fair value of $94,000 (unaudited), $93,000 and $71,000 and a carrying value in other assets of $27,000 (unaudited), $35,000 and $52,000, respectively. There were no impairment losses on servicing assets both for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and in the years ended 2005, 2004 and 2003. The servicing asset is amortized in proportion to the estimated net servicing revenue of the loans.

No amounts of mortgage servicing assets were capitalized during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) or the years ended 2005, 2004, and 2003. Amortization expense on the Company’s mortgage servicing assets for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 totaled $8,000 (unaudited), $10,000 (unaudited), $17,000, $24,000, and $106,000, respectively.

 

5. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

An analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 5,422     $ 5,277     $ 5,277     $ 4,642     $ 4,325  

Provision for loan loss

     275       265       465       750       750  

Charge-offs

     (534 )     (411 )     (612 )     (404 )     (725 )

Recoveries

     189       210       292       289       292  
                                        

Balance, end of period

   $ 5,352     $ 5,341     $ 5,422     $ 5,277     $ 4,642  
                                        

 

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6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

 

     June 30,     December 31,    

Estimated

Useful Life

     2006     2005     2004    
     (unaudited)                 (in years)
     (In Thousands)

Land

   $ 2,201     $ 2,201     $ 2,201     N/A

Building

     10,010       9,949       9,915     39

Leasehold improvements

     1,525       883       743     20

Furniture and equipment

     5,957       5,614       6,338     3-7
                          

Total

     19,693       18,647       19,197    

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (8,096 )     (7,599 )     (7,692 )  
                          

Premises and equipment

   $ 11,597     $ 11,048     $ 11,505 )  
                          

Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 amounted to $530,000 (unaudited), $488,000 (unaudited), $950,000, $1,003,000, and $1,080,000, respectively.

 

7. DEPOSITS

Deposit accounts by type and weighted average rates are summarized as follows:

 

     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006    Rate     2005    Rate     2004    Rate  
     (unaudited)                        
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Demand and Now:

               

Now accounts

   $ 76,800    1.33 %   $ 69,137    0.83 %   $ 57,050    0.51 %

Demand accounts

     40,694    —         45,260    —         48,305    —    

Savings:

               

Regular accounts

     39,491    0.50       41,387    0.50       44,882    0.50  

Money market accounts

     107,659    1.53       132,218    1.62       149,288    0.93  

Time certificates of deposit

     371,076    4.03       335,043    3.24       313,096    2.51  
                           

Total Deposits

   $ 635,720    2.80 %   $ 623,045    2.21 %   $ 612,621    1.59 %
                           

Time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled approximately $88.6 (unaudited) million, $71.2 million and $63.9 million at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Interest expense on such deposits totaled $1.6 million and $862,000 (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and $2.0 million, $1.6 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 respectively.

 

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Cash paid for interest amounted to:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Deposits

   $ 7,864    $ 5,401    $ 11,807    $ 9,615    $ 13,130

Customer repurchase agreements

     158      130      312      195      211

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Advances

     813      717      1,462      1,093      525
                                  

Total

   $ 8,835    $ 6,248    $ 13,581    $ 10,903    $ 13,866
                                  

The scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposits are as follows:

 

     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     Amount    Rate     Amount    Rate     Amount    Rate  
     (unaudited)                        
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Within 1 year

   $ 222,899    3.83 %   $ 227,770    3.05 %   $ 184,500    2.14 %

Over 1 year to 3 years

     124,724    4.32       85,951    3.51       103,856    2.88  

Over 3 years to 5 years

     23,453    4.37       21,322    4.17       24,740    3.71  
                           

Total

   $ 371,076    4.03 %   $ 335,043    3.24 %   $ 313,096    2.51 %
                           

Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Savings

   $ 101    $ 110    $ 217    $ 234    $ 371

Money market accounts

     905      1,003      2,117      1,419      1,860

Time certificates of deposit

     6,486      4,139      9,154      7,723      10,544

Other interest bearing accounts

     383      146      325      249      347
                                  

Total

   $ 7,875    $ 5,398    $ 11,813    $ 9,625    $ 13,122
                                  

 

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Table of Contents
8. CUSTOMER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

The following table summarizes information regarding repurchase agreements:

 

     Six Months Ended     Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)              
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Balance outstanding, end of period

   $ 14,404     $ 14,441     $ 14,615  

Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during period

     17,783       18,116       16,439  

Average amount outstanding during period

     14,757       16,907       15,934  

Weighted average interest rate

     2.13 %     2.16 %     1.23 %

Book value of collateral pledged end of period

     36,961       35,424       36,701  

Fair value of collateral pledged end of period

     35,979       34,821       36,562  

 

9. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF BOSTON ADVANCES

The following fixed rate advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on the Company’s residential real estate loans and certain mortgage backed securities.

 

    

At June 30,

2006

   Weighted
Average Rate
    At December 31,   

Weighted

Average Rate

 
          2005    2004   
     Amount    2006     Amount    Amount    2005     2004  
     (unaudited)                        
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Year of Maturity:

               

        2006

   $ 5,000    3.5 %   $ —      $ 5,000    —   %   2.4 %

        2007

     20,000    3.1       10,000      10,000    3.0     3.0  

        2008

     10,000    4.2       20,000      20,000    3.1     3.1  

        2009

     5,000    3.3       10,000      5,000    4.2     3.9  

        2014

     5,000    5.0       5,000      5,000    3.3     3.3  
                           

Total FHLB advances

   $ 45,000    3.6 %   $ 45,000    $ 45,000    3.4 %   3.1 %
                           

 

10. LINE OF CREDIT

The Company has an “Ideal Way” line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston for $9,541,000 at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005 and 2004. Interest on this line of credit is payable at a rate determined and reset by the Federal Home Loan Bank on a daily basis. The outstanding principal shall be due daily but that portion not repaid will be automatically renewed. No amounts were outstanding under this line at June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

 

11. STOCK PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

Stock Options

Under the Company’s Stock Option Plan, the Company may grant options to its directors, officers and employees for up to 497,260 shares of common stock. Both incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the plan. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant with a maximum term of ten years. All options currently outstanding vest at 20% per year.

 

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A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 is presented below:

 

     Shares     Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Balance at December 31, 2003

   444,500     $ 14.39

Granted

   2,500       25.00

Exercised

   (1,800 )     14.39
        

Balance at December 31, 2004

   445,200       14.45

Granted

   2,500       24.66

Exercised

   (37,645 )     14.39
        

Balance at December 31, 2005

   410,055       14.52
        

Granted

   —         —  

Exercised

   (37,255 )     14.39
        

Balance at June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

   372,800       14.53
        

The weighted average fair value of the options granted in 2005 and 2004 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model were $7.68 per share and $7.93 per share, respectively. No options were granted in 2003 or the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited).

 

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Information pertaining to options outstanding at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:

 

June 30, 2006 (unaudited)
Exercise
Price
  Number
Outstanding
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Number
Exercisable
$14.39   367,800   6.2 Years   218,000
24.66   2,500   8.7 Years   500
25.00   2,500   7.7 Years   1,000
         
  372,800     219,500
         

 

December 31, 2005
Exercise
Price
  Number
Outstanding
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Number
Exercisable
$14.39   405,055   6.6 Years   255,255
24.66   2,500   9.1 Years   500
25.00   2,500   8.1 Years   1,000
         
  410,055     256,755
         

 

December 31, 2004
Exercise
Price
  Number
Outstanding
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
  Number
Exercisable
$ 14.39   442,700   7.6 Years   174,800
25.00   2,500   9.1 Years   500
         
  445,200     175,300
         

 

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Stock Awards

Under the Company’s Recognition and Retention Plan dated November 1, 2002, the Company may grant stock awards to its directors, officers and employees for up to 198,904 shares of common stock. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for stock awards. The stock allocations, based on the market price at the date of grant, is recorded as unearned compensation. Unearned compensation is amortized over the vesting period to be benefited. The Company recorded compensation cost related to the stock awards of approximately $236,000 (unaudited) as of June 30, 2006, $706,000 in 2005, $551,000 in 2004 and $544,000 in 2003.

Stock awards for 1,000 shares, having a fair value of $25.00 per share, were granted in 2004. Stock awards for 1,000 shares, having a fair value of $24.66 per share, were granted in 2005. No stock awards were granted in 2003 or the six months ended June 30, 2006 (unaudited).

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

In January 2002, the Company established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the ESOP) for the benefit of each employee that has reached the age of 21 and has completed at least 1,000 hours of service in the previous twelve-month period. As part of the conversion, the Company provided a loan to the Westfield Financial Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust which was used to purchase 8%, or 397,808 shares, of the Company’s outstanding stock in the open market. The loan bears interest equal to 8.0% and provides for annual payments of interest and principal.

At June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005 the remaining principal balance is payable as follows:

 

Years Ending

December 31

   (In thousands)

        2006

   $ 201

        2007

     201

        2008

     201

        2009

     201

        2010

     201

Thereafter

     4,233
      
   $ 5,238
      

The Bank has committed to make contributions to the ESOP sufficient to support the debt service of the loan. The loan is secured by the shares purchased, which are held in a suspense account for allocation among the participants as the loan is paid. Total compensation expense applicable to the ESOP amounted to $227,000 and $232,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and $458,000, $440,000 and $225,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Shares held by the ESOP include the following at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and 2004.

 

     June 30,    December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (unaudited)          

Allocated

   69,851    50,863    33,216

Committed to be allocated

   —      18,988    19,135

Unallocated

   324,961    324,961    343,949
              
   394,812    394,812    396,300
              

Cash dividends received on allocated shares are allocated to participants and cash dividends received on shares held in suspense are applied to repay the outstanding debt of the ESOP. The fair value of these shares was approximately $9.1 million (unaudited), $7.8 million and $8.9 million at June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

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ESOP shares are considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations based on the number of shares allocated. Unallocated ESOP shares are excluded from earnings per share calculations. Dividends declared on allocated ESOP shares are charged to retained earnings. The value of unearned shares to be allocated to ESOP participants for future services not yet performed is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.

 

12. RETIREMENT PLANS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Pension Plan - The Company provides basic and supplemental pension benefits for eligible employees through the Savings Banks Employees Retirement Association Pension Plan (the “Plan”). Employees must work a minimum of 1,000 hours per year to be eligible for the Plan. Eligible employees become vested in the Plan after five years of service.

The following table provides information for the Plan:

 

     At June 30,     At December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Change in benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation, beginning of period

   $ 10,430     $ 8,805     $ 7,410     $ 6,515  

Service cost

     483       625       548       504  

Interest

     400       506       463       439  

Actuarial loss

     (707 )     648       570       80  

Benefits paid

     (28 )     (154 )     (186 )     (128 )
                                

Benefit obligation, end of period

     10,578       10,430       8,805       7,410  
                                

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period

     7,452       6,536       5,658       4,498  

Actual return on plan assets

     645       595       607       708  

Employer contribution

     0       475       457       580  

Benefits paid

     (28 )     (154 )     (186 )     (128 )
                                

Fair value of plan assets, end of period

     8,069       7,452       6,536       5,658  
                                

Funded status (benefit obligation less fair value of plan assets)

     2,509       2,978       2,269       1,752  

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

     (143 )     (1,127 )     (574 )     (165 )

Transition liability

     96       104       115       127  
                                

Accrued benefit cost

   $ 2,462     $ 1,955     $ 1,810     $ 1,714  
                                

Accumulated benefit obligation

   $ 5,737     $ 5,313     $ 4,635     $ 4,263  
                                

Net periodic pension and cost includes the following components for the respective periods shown:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 362     $ 313     $ 625     $ 548     $ 504  

Interest cost

     300       253       506       463       439  

Expected return on assets

     (298 )     (262 )     (523 )     (452 )     (360 )

Actuarial loss

     22       11       22       7       19  

Transition obligation

     (6 )     (6 )     (11 )     (12 )     (12 )
                                        

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 380     $ 309     $ 619     $ 554     $ 590  
                                        

 

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The following actuarial assumptions were used for the respective periods:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    

Weighted-average assumptions:

          

Discount rate

   5.75 %   5.75 %   5.75 %   6.25 %   6.75 %

Expected return on plan assets

   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %   8.00 %

Rate of compensation increase

   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %   5.00 %

The expected long term rate of return on plan assets is based on prevailing yields of high quality fixed income investments increased by a premium of 3% to 5% for equity investments. The Company expects to contribute $605,000 to its pension plan in 2006 (unaudited).

The Company’s pension plan asset allocation at June 30, 2006 (unaudited), and December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     Percentage of Plan Assets  
    

At June 30,

    At December 31  

Asset Category

   2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)              

Fixed Income Securities (including money market)

   35.9 %   35.1 %   34.2 %

Domestic Equity

   48.5     50.5     51.5  

International Equity

   15.6     14.4     14.3  
                  
   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
                  

The target allocation mix for the pension plan for 2005 was an equity-based investment deployment range from 55% to 75% of total portfolio assets. The remainder of the portfolio is allocated to fixed income.

Trustees of the Savings Bank Employees Retirement Association (“SBERA”) select investment managers for the portfolio and a special investment advisory firm is retained to provide allocation analysis. The overall investment objective is to diversify equity investments across a spectrum of types, small cap, large cap and international, along with investment styles such as growth and value.

The Company estimates that the benefits to be paid from the pension plan for years ended December 31, are as follows:

 

Year Ending

December 31,

 

Benefit Payments to

Participants

    (In Thousands)
        2006   $ 1,523
        2007     64
        2008     18
        2009     995
        2010     16
In aggregate for 2011 -2015     3,364
     
  $ 5,980
     

 

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Postretirement Benefits - The Company provides postretirement life insurance benefits to employees based on the employee’s salary at time of retirement. The accrual of postretirement benefits other than pension expense is made during the years an employee provides service. The following sets forth the funded status:

 

     June 30     December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004  
     (unaudited)              
     (In Thousands)  

Benefit obligation and funded status

   $ (783 )   $ (820 )   $ (730 )

Transitional obligation

     179       260       232  
                        

Accrued benefit cost

   $ (604 )   $ (560 )   $ (498 )
                        

Net postretirement benefit cost includes the following components for the respective periods shown:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
  

Years Ended

December 31,

     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Service cost

   $ 15    $ 15    $ 30    $ 25    $ 25

Interest cost

     24      21      42      38      36

Actuarial loss

     2      —        1      —        —  

Transition obligation

     5      5      8      8      8
                                  

Net postretirement benefit cost

   $ 46    $ 41    $ 81    $ 71    $ 69
                                  

Actuarial assumptions used in accounting for the postretirement benefit plan were:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30
    Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Assumed average salary compensation increase

     5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %     5.00 %

Discount rate

     5.75 %     5.75 %     6.25 %     6.75 %

Benefit cost

   $ 59     $ 81     $ 71     $ 69  

Benefit paid

     15       18       17       5  

Supplemental Retirement Benefits - The Company provides supplemental retirement benefits to certain key officers. At June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had accrued $2.3 million (unaudited), $2.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively, relating to these benefits. Amounts charged to expense were $150,000 (unaudited), $389,000, $289,000, and $180,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

401(k) - Employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan through SBERA. The Company makes a matching contribution of 50% with respect to the first 6% of each participant’s annual earnings contributed to the plan. The Company’s contributions to the plan were $79,000 and $85,000 (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, and $150,000, $134,000 and $150,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

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13. REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Office of Thrift Supervision. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to savings and loan holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined) and of tangible capital (as defined) to tangible assets (as defined). Management believes, as of June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December 31, 2005 and 2004, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 2005, the most recent notification from The Office of Thrift Supervision categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category. The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital ratios as of June 30, 2006 (unaudited), December 31, 2005 and 2004 are also presented in the table.

 

     Actual    

Minimum

For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes

   

Minimum To Be

Well Capitalized

Under Prompt
Corrective Action

Provisions

 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

June 30, 2006 (unaudited)

               

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

   $ 122,385    25.55 %   $ 38,326    8.00 %     N/A    —    

Bank

     116,802    24.42       38,268    8.00     $ 47,835    10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

     117,033    24.43       19,163    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     111,507    23.31       19,134    4.00       28,701    6.00  

Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):

               

Consolidated

     117,033    14.27       32,817    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     111,507    13.66       32,655    4.00       40,819    5.00  

Tangible Capital (to Tangible Assets):

               

Consolidated

     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

     111,507    13.66       16,328    2.00       N/A    —    

 

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     Actual    

Minimum

For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes

    Minimum To Be
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

December 31, 2005

               

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

   $ 122,241    25.68 %   $ 38,086    8.00 %     N/A    —    

Bank

     105,516    22.31       37,833    8.00     $ 47,291    10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

     116,819    24.54       19,043    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     100,151    21.18       18,917    4.00       28,375    6.00  

Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):

               

Consolidated

     116,819    14.48       32,261    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     100,151    12.67       31,624    4.00       39,530    5.00  

Tangible Capital (to Tangible Assets):

               

Consolidated

     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

     100,151    12.67       15,812    2.00       N/A    —    

 

     Actual    

Minimum

For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes

    Minimum To Be
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
 
     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio     Amount    Ratio  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

December 31, 2004

               

Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

   $ 123,222    26.90 %   $ 36,650    8.00 %     N/A    —    

Bank

     87,916    19.49       36,091    8.00     $ 45,114    10.00 %

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):

               

Consolidated

     117,945    25.75       18,325    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     82,639    18.32       18,046    4.00       27,069    6.00  

Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):

               

Consolidated

     117,945    14.69       32,125    4.00       N/A    —    

Bank

     82,639    10.85       30,452    4.00       38,065    5.00  

Tangible Capital (to Tangible Assets):

               

Consolidated

     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

     82,639    10.85       15,226    2.00       N/A    —    

In July 2004, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had approved a share repurchase program (“Repurchase Program 2”) which authorized the repurchase of up to 502,550 shares or five percent of its outstanding shares of common stock, continuing until its completion. At June 30, 2006, the Company had 99,862 shares remaining to be purchased under this program (unaudited).

 

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The Company and the Bank are subject to dividend restrictions imposed by various regulators, including a limitation on the total of all dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company in any calendar year, to an amount that shall not exceed the Bank’s net income for the current year, plus the Bank’s net income retained for the two previous years, without regulatory approval. In addition, the Bank may not declare or pay dividends on, and the Company may not repurchase, any of its shares of common stock if the effect thereof would cause stockholders’ equity to be reduced below applicable regulatory capital maintenance requirements or if such declaration, payment or repurchase would otherwise violate regulatory requirements.

The only funds available for the payment of dividends on the capital stock of Westfield Financial will be cash and cash equivalents held by Westfield Financial, dividends paid from Westfield Bank to Westfield Financial, and borrowings. Westfield Bank will be prohibited from paying cash dividends to Westfield Financial to the extent that any such payment would reduce Westfield Bank’s capital below required capital levels.

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s GAAP capital to regulatory Tier 1 and total capital:

 

     June 30,    December 31,  
     2006    2005    2004  
     (unaudited)            
     (In Thousands)  

Consolidated GAAP capital

   $ 115,469    $ 115,842    $ 118,051  

Less: unrealized loses (gains) on certain available for sale securities, net of tax

     1,564      977      (106 )
                      

Tier 1 capital

     117,033      116,819      117,945  

Plus: allowance for loan losses

     5,352      5,422      5,277  
                      

Total regulatory capital

   $ 122,385    $ 122,241    $ 123,222  
                      

 

14. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes consist of the following:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Current tax provision (benefit):

          

Federal

   $ 996     $ 1,079     $ 2,131     $ 2,883     $ 2,106  

State

     71       (32 )     136       294       1,706  
                                        

Total

     1,067       1,047       2,267       3,177       3,812  
                                        

Deferred tax provision (benefit):

          

Federal

     (189 )     (245 )     (335 )     (616 )     (992 )

State

     1       —         1       1       —    
                                        

Total

     (188 )     (245 )     (334 )     (615 )     (992 )
                                        

Total

   $ 879     $ 802     $ 1,933     $ 2,562     $ 2,820  
                                        

 

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The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective rates are summarized below:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    Years Ended
December 31,
 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Statutory federal income tax rate

   34.0 %   34.0 %   34.0 %   34.0 %   34.0 %

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

          

State taxes (benefit), net of federal tax benefit

   1.4     (0.6 )   1.1     2.2     17.4  

Tax exempt income

   (7.2 )   (7.2 )   (6.5 )   (5.6 )   (5.5 )

Bank-owned life insurance

   (4.1 )   (3.4 )   (3.4 )   (3.0 )   (4.2 )

Dividends received deduction

   (0.1 )   —       (0.1 )   (0.1 )   (0.5 )

Other, net

   1.5     (1.3 )   (1.4 )   1.3     2.3  
                              

Effective tax rate

   25.5 %   21.5 %   23.7 %   28.8 %   43.5 %
                              

Cash paid for income taxes was $1.2 million and $728,000 (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003 was $1.4 million, $2.3 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

The tax effects of each item that gives rise to deferred taxes, included in other assets, are as follows:

 

     June 30    December 31,  
     2006    2005     2004  
     (unaudited)             
     (In Thousands)  

Net unrealized loss on securities Available for sale

   $ 1,036    $ 675       46  

Depreciation

     —        (126 )     (66 )

Allowance for loan losses

     1,820      1,843       1,794  

Employee benefit plans

     1,873      1,779       1,525  

Other

     403      412       321  
                       

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 5,132    $ 4,583     $ 3,620  
                       

A summary of the change in the net deferred tax asset is as follows:

 

     June 30,    December 31,
     2006    2005    2005    2004    2003
     (unaudited)               
     (In Thousands)

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 4,583    $ 3,620    $ 3,620    $ 2,553    $ 1,285

Deferred tax benefit

     188      245      334      615      992

Net unrealized gain/loss on securities available for sale

     361      181      629      452      276
                                  

Balance at end of period

   $ 5,132    $ 4,046    $ 4,583    $ 3,620    $ 2,553
                                  

The federal income tax reserve for loan losses at the Bank’s base year is $5.8 million. If any portion of the reserve is used for purposes other than to absorb loan losses, approximately 150% of the amount actually used, limited to the amount of the reserve, would be subject to taxation in the fiscal year in which used. As the Bank intends to use the reserve solely to absorb loan losses, a deferred tax liability of $2.4 million has not been provided.

 

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15. RELATED PARTY LOANS

The Company has had, and expects to have in the future, loans with its directors and executive officers. Such loans, in the opinion of management do not include more than the normal risk of collectibility or other unfavorable features. Following is a summary of activity for such loans:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

Balance, beginning of period

   $ 13,538     $ 13,467     $ 7,175     $ 2,453  

New disbursements of funds

     2,618       6,266       10,532       4,911  

Repayments of principal

     (584 )     (6,195 )     (4,240 )     (189 )
                                

Balance, end of period

   $ 15,572     $ 13,538     $ 13,467     $ 7,175  
                                

 

16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding, such as standby letters of credit and commitments to extend credit with off-balance-sheet risk that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk involve elements of credit, interest rate, liquidity and market risk.

Management does not anticipate any significant losses as a result of these transactions. The following summarizes these financial instruments and other commitments and contingent liabilities at their contract amounts:

 

     June 30,    December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (unaudited)          
     (In Thousands)

Commitment to extend credit:

        

Unused lines of credit

   $ 52,216    $ 62,053    $ 59,444

Other unused commitments

     43,933      28,617      32,237

Mortgage commitments

     1,350      451      116

Existing loan agreements

     475      985      3,123

Standby letters of credit

     5,312      5,936      5,297

The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

 

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At June 30, 2006, outstanding commitments to extend credit totaled $103.3 million (unaudited), with $16.5 million in fixed rate commitments and $86.8 million in variable rate commitments. At December 31, 2005, outstanding commitments to extend credit totaled $98.0 million, with $1.6 million in fixed rate commitments and $96.4 million in variable rate commitments. All December 31, 2004, outstanding commitments to extend credit totaled $100.2 million, with $6.5 million in fixed rate commitments and $93.7 million in variable rate commitments.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is party to various legal proceedings, none of which, in the opinion of management, will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The Company leases facilities and certain equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases expiring in various years through the year 2016. Certain of the leases provide for renewal periods for up to fifteen years at the discretion of the Company. Rent expense under operating leases was $132,000 and $98,000 (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 and $197,000, $199,000 and $172,000 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and 2003, respectively.

Aggregate future minimum rental payments under the terms of the operating leases at June 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005, are as follows:

 

     As of June 30,    As of December 31,
     2006    2005
     (unaudited)     
     (In Thousands)

Payment due by period

     

Due in one year or less

   $ 284    $ 254

Due after one year through three years

     442      317

Due after three years through five years

     255      176

Due after five years

     399      314
             

Total

   $ 1,380    $ 1,061
             

The Company and the Bank have jointly entered into employment agreements with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. For purposes of the Company’s obligations, the employment agreements have rolling three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2002, which by decision of the executive or joint decision of the Company and the Bank may be converted to a fixed three-year term. For purposes of the Bank’s obligations, the employment agreements have fixed terms of three years beginning on January 1, 2005, and may be renewed annually after a review of the executive’s performance. The Company and the Bank may terminate each executive’s employment with or without cause, although the Company must pay severance benefits in the event of termination without cause.

Additionally, the Company and the Bank have jointly entered into one-year change of control agreements with three other executive officers. The term of these agreements is perpetual until the Bank gives notice of non-extension, at which time the term is fixed for one year.

 

17. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Most of the Company’s loans consist of residential, including home equity, and commercial real estate loans located in Western Massachusetts. As of June 30, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company’s residential and commercial related real estate loans represented 71.7% (unaudited), 72.0%, and 71.5%, respectively, of total loans. The Company’s policy for collateral requires that the amount of the loan may not exceed 95% and 80% of the appraised value of the property for residential and commercial real estate, respectively, at the date the loan is granted. For residential loans, in cases where the loan exceeds 80%, private mortgage insurance is typically obtained for that portion of the loan in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property.

 

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18. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Methods and assumptions for valuing the Company’s financial instruments are set forth below for financial instruments that have fair values different than their carrying values. Estimated fair values are calculated based on the value without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications or estimated transaction costs.

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Accrued Interest Receivable and Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying amounts of these items are considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to their short-term nature.

Securities and Mortgage Backed Securities - The estimated fair values for securities and mortgage backed securities are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotations.

Federal Home Loan Bank and Other Stock - These investments are carried at cost which approximates fair value.

Loans - Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type, net of the applicable portion of the allowance for loan losses, such as commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, residential mortgage, and consumer. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and by performing and nonperforming categories.

The fair value of performing loans, except residential mortgage loans, is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the Company’s historical experience with repayments for each loan classification, modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions. For performing residential mortgage loans, fair value is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayment estimates using discount rates based on secondary market sources adjusted to reflect differences in servicing and credit costs.

Estimated fair value for impaired loans is based on recent external appraisals if the loan is collateral dependent. Assumptions regarding credit risk cash flows and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information.

Management has made estimates of fair value discount rates that it believes to be reasonable.

Deposits - The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and NOW accounts, and money market and checking accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The estimated fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Customer Repurchase Agreements - The fair value of these agreements is estimated based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered.

Borrowings – The estimated fair value of borrowings is based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advance rates currently offered for borrowings with similar maturities.

Commitments to Extend Credit - The stated value of commitments to extend credit approximates fair value as the current interest rates for similar commitments do not differ significantly. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. Such differences are not considered significant.

 

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The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2006 are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2006
     (unaudited)
     (In Thousands)
     Carrying
Value
   Fair Value

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 17,543    $ 17,543

Securities:

     

Available for sale

     35,180      35,180

Held to maturity

     75,351      73,492

Mortgage backed securities:

     

Available for sale

     103,986      103,986

Held to maturity

     152,418      147,806

Federal Home Loan Bank and other stock

     4,237      4,237

Loans – net

     386,494      386,236

Accrued interest receivable

     4,286      4,286

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

     

Deposits

     635,720      634,189

Customer repurchase agreements

     14,404      14,404

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     45,000      43,694

Accrued interest payable

     173      173

 

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The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

 

     2005    2004
     Carrying
Value
   Fair Value   

Carrying

Value

   Fair Value
     (In Thousands)

FINANCIAL ASSETS:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 26,456    $ 26,456    $ 51,047    $ 51,047

Securities:

           

Available for sale

     28,321      28,321      14,968      14,968

Held to maturity

     73,323      72,704      71,298      71,654

Mortgage backed securities:

           

Available for sale

     101,138      101,138      73,316      73,316

Held to maturity

     152,127      149,017      175,302      174,051

Federal Home Loan Bank and other stock

     4,237      4,237      4,237      4,237

Loans – net

     378,837      379,384      368,601      371,377

Accrued interest receivable

     3,853      3,853      3,551      3,551

FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:

           

Deposits

     623,045      617,837      612,621      612,216

Customer repurchase agreements

     14,441      14,441      14,615      14,615

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     45,000      43,969      45,000      44,380

Accrued interest payable

     156      156      140      140

Limitations - Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

 

19. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has one reportable segment, “Community Banking.” All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Company supports the others. For example, commercial lending is dependent upon the ability of the Bank to fund itself with retail deposits and other borrowings and to manage interest rate and credit risk. This situation is also similar for consumer and residential mortgage lending. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one operating segment or unit.

The Company operates only in the U.S. domestic market, primarily in Western Massachusetts. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, there is no customer that accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenue.

 

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20. CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed balance sheets of the Parent Company are as follows:

 

     June 30,    December 31,
     2006    2005    2004
     (unaudited)          
     (In Thousands)

ASSETS:

        

Due from banks

   $ 25    $ 18    $ 25

Federal funds sold

     155      2,910      987

Securities held to maturity

     2,460      10,833      —  

Mortgage backed securities held to maturity

     1,197      2,029      —  

Investment in subsidiaries

     109,943      99,174      115,810

Other assets

     1,762      923      1,271
                    

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 115,542    $ 115,887    $ 118,093
                    

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

        

Liabilities

   $ 73    $ 45    $ 42

Equity

     115,469      115,842      118,051
                    

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $ 115,542    $ 115,887    $ 118,093
                    

The condensed statements of income for the Parent Company are as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
   

Years Ended

December 31,

 
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:

          

Securities

   $ 179     $ —       $ 280     $ —       $ 34  

Interest-bearing deposits

     —         —         —         23       35  

Federal funds sold

     31       8       91       6       —    

Other income

     —         2       7       —         —    
                                        

Total interest income

     210       10       378       29       69  
                                        

NONINTEREST EXPENSE:

          

Salaries and employee benefits

     638       526       1,189       1,019       786  

Other

     120       138       194       183       294  
                                        

Total noninterest expense

     758       664       1,383       1,202       1,080  
                                        

LOSS BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES AND BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAX

     (548 )     (654 )     (1,005 )     (1,173 )     (1,011 )

EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES

     2,915       3,288       6,736       7,016       4,248  

INCOME TAX BENEFIT

     (207 )     (289 )     (488 )     (480 )     (414 )
                                        

NET INCOME

   $ 2,574     $ 2,923     $ 6,219     $ 6,323     $ 3,651  
                                        

 

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The condensed statements of cash flows of the Parent Company are as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
    December 31,  
     2006     2005     2005     2004     2003  
     (unaudited)                    
     (In Thousands)  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

          

Net Income

   $ 2,574     $ 2,923     $ 6,219     $ 6,323     $ 3,651  

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

     (2,915 )     (3,288 )     (6,736 )     (7,016 )     (4,248 )

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities

     7       —         9       —         —    

Change in other liabilities

     (7 )     8       3       (204 )     25  

Change in other assets

     (268 )     (426 )     347       (771 )     (500 )

Net transfers from subsidiaries

     477       1,000       10,090       7,641       —    

Other, net

     382       425       1,006       694       637  
                                        

Net cash provided by (used by) operating activities

     250       642       10,938       6,667       (435 )
                                        

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

          

Purchase of securities

     —         —         —         —         (34 )

Proceeds from principal collections

     356       —         430       —         —    

Sale of securities

     —         —         —         —         15,266  

Other, net

     —         —         —         —         (2,500 )
                                        

Net cash provided by investing activities

     356       —         430       —         12,732  
                                        

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

          

Cash dividends paid

     (1,888 )     (1,602 )     (3,558 )     (1,713 )     (2,113 )

Treasury stock purchased

     (1,583 )     —         (5,699 )     (11,956 )     (1,134 )

Other, net

     117       82       (195 )     810       (2,506 )
                                        

Net cash used by financing activities

     (3,354 )     (1,520 )     (9,452 )     (12,859 )     (5,753 )
                                        

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (2,748 )     (878 )     1,916       (6,192 )     6,544  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

          

Beginning of period

     2,928       1,012       1,012       7,204       660  
                                        

End of period

   $ 180     $ 134     $ 2,928     $ 1,012     $ 7,204  
                                        

Supplemental cashflow information:

          

Transfer of securities from Westfield Securities Corp.

   $ —       $ —       $ 24,584     $ —       $ —    

Transfer of securities to Westfield Bank

     (8,842 )     —         (11,283 )     —         —    

 

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21. OTHER NONINTEREST EXPENSE

There is no item that as a component of other noninterest expense, exceeds 1% of the aggregate of total interest income and noninterest income for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (unaudited) and for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.

 

22. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

     2006 (unaudited)
     First Quarter    Second Quarter
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Interest and dividend income

   $ 9,928    $ 10,614

Interest expense

     4,150      4,702
             

Net interest and dividend income

     5,778      5,912

Provision for loan losses

     75      200

Noninterest income

     853      883

Noninterest expense

     4,794      4,904
             

Income before income taxes

     1,762      1,691

Income taxes

     449      430
             

Net income

   $ 1,313    $ 1,261
             

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.14    $ 0.14
             

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.14    $ 0.13
             

 

     2005
     First Quarter    Second Quarter    Third Quarter    Fourth Quarter
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Interest and dividend income

   $ 8,878    $ 9,176    $ 9,504    $ 9,748

Interest expense

     2,963      3,279      3,554      3,801
                           

Net interest and dividend income

     5,915      5,897      5,950      5,947
                           

Provision for loan losses

     140      125      100      100

Noninterest income

     748      793      915      897

Gains on sales of securities, net

     —        18      —        1

Noninterest expense

     4,582      4,798      4,617      4,467
                           

Income before income taxes

     1,941      1,785      2,148      2,278

Income taxes

     430      373      553      577
                           

Net income

   $ 1,511    $ 1,412    $ 1,595    $ 1,701
                           

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.16    $ 0.15    $ 0.17    $ 0.18
                           

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.16    $ 0.15    $ 0.16    $ 0.17
                           

 

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     2004
     First Quarter    Second Quarter    Third Quarter    Fourth Quarter
     (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Interest and dividend income

   $ 8,621    $ 8,372    $ 8,577    $ 8,858

Interest expense

     2,751      2,684      2,688      2,790
                           

Net interest and dividend income

     5,870      5,688      5,889      6,068
                           

Provision for loan losses

     150      125      200      275

Noninterest income

     586      888      778      767

Gains on sales of securities, net

     478      389      —        10

Noninterest expense

     4,483      4,480      4,286      4,527
                           

Income before income taxes

     2,301      2,360      2,181      2,043

Income taxes

     694      727      627      514
                           

Net income

   $ 1,607    $ 1,633    $ 1,554    $ 1,529
                           

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.16    $ 0.17    $ 0.16    $ 0.16
                           

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.16    $ 0.16    $ 0.16    $ 0.16
                           

 

23. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Plan of Stock Conversion

On June 20, 2006, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), the Company and the Bank (collectively, “Westfield”) unanimously adopted a Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance (the “Plan of Conversion”). Under the terms of the Plan of Conversion, Westfield will undertake a “second-step” conversion, and the Bank will reorganize from a two-tier mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion: (i) the Mutual Holding Company and the Company will be merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as survivor, (ii) the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of a to-be-formed Massachusetts corporation (“New Holding Company”), (iii) the shares of common stock of the Company held by persons other than the Mutual Holding Company (whose shares will be canceled) will be converted into shares of common stock of the New Holding Company pursuant to an exchange ratio designed to preserve the percentage ownership interests of such persons, and (iv) the New Holding Company will offer and sell shares of its common stock to members of the Mutual Holding Company, shareholders of the Bank and others in the manner and subject to the priorities set forth in the Plan of Conversion. The highest priority will be depositors with qualifying deposits as of March 31, 2005.

The transactions contemplated by the Plan of Conversion are subject to approval of the Company’s shareholders, the members of the Mutual Holding Company and the Office of Thrift Supervision.

Effect on Liquidation Rights

Each qualifying depositor in Westfield Bank has both a deposit account in Westfield Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company based upon the balance in his or her account. This interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank. However, this ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. Any depositor who opens a qualifying deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in Westfield Mutual Holding Company without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.

 

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Consequently, depositors in a stock subsidiary savings association of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank are liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata interest in any residual surplus and reserves of Westfield Mutual Holding Company after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.

In the unlikely event that Westfield Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, also would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to depositors as of March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 who continue to maintain their deposit accounts as of the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to the holder of Westfield Bank’s capital stock. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the OTS, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination or transaction with another insured savings institution would not be considered a liquidation and, in such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution.

 

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You should rely only on the information contained in this document or that to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different. This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation would be unlawful. Our affairs and the affairs of Westfield Bank, Westfield Mutual Holding Company or Westfield Financial may change after the date of this prospectus. Delivery of this document and the sales of shares made hereunder does not mean otherwise.

Up to 17,250,000 Shares of Common Stock

Westfield Financial, Inc.

(Proposed Holding Company

for Westfield Bank)

 


PROSPECTUS

 


Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

[                      ], 2006

 


Until the later of [                      ], 2006 or 25 days after commencement of the stock offering, all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this stock offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.*

 

OTS Application for Conversion and H-(e)1-S fee

   $ 12,000

SEC registration fee(1)

     36,821

American Stock Exchange Additional Listing Application fee(1)

     50,000

NASD filing fee(1)

     34,912

Printing, postage and mailing

     200,000

Legal fees and expenses

     400,000

Accounting fees and expenses

     125,000

Appraiser’s fees and expenses

     110,000

Business plan fee

     30,000

Marketing fees, selling commissions, and underwriter’s expenses (including counsel fees)(2)

     2,043,730

Conversion agent fees and expenses

     30,000

Certificate printing

     10,000

Miscellaneous

     11,267

TOTAL

     3,093,730

* Fees are estimated, except where indicated.
(1) Based on 34,411,599 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share.
(2) Includes a 1.00% underwriting commission on certain shares sold in the offering, a management fee of $50,000, expenses of $40,000 and legal fees of $60,000 for counsel to financial advisor.

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Sections 8.50-8.59 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act authorize a Massachusetts corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers under certain conditions. Article XII of New Westfield Financial’s Articles of Organization provides that we shall indemnify each person who serves or has served as a director or officer of New Westfield Financial, Inc., to the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act, against expenses including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts reasonably paid in settlement incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternate dispute resolution mechanism, inquiry, investigation, administrative hearing or any other proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative or investigative or any claim, issue or matter therein, which proceeding such director or officer is, or is threatened to be made, a party to or participant in by reason of the fact that he or she is or was one of our directors or officers or was serving at our request as a director, officer, trustee, or in a similar capacity with another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. The rights of indemnification continue as to a director or officer after he or she has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, estate, executors, administrators and personal representatives. No amendment, termination or repeal of the provisions of Article XII of New Westfield Financial’s Articles of Organization or of the relevant provisions of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act shall affect or deprive a director or officer of the benefit of those bylaws or applicable law with respect to any proceeding arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts occurring prior to such amendment, termination or repeal.

 

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Section 2.02 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act authorizes a Massachusetts corporation to adopt a provision in its Articles of Organization eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors to the corporation for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as directors, provided that the provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of directors for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, any acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, any improper distributions to shareholders under Section 6.40 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Article XIII of New Westfield Financial’s Articles of Organization provide that no director of New Westfield Financial, Inc. shall be personally liable to the Corporation of its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 2.02 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act. No amendment or repeal of Article XIII shall adversely affect the rights and protection afforded to a director of New Westfield Financial under Article XIII for acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act is hereafter amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of directors or to authorize corporate action to further eliminate or limit such liability, then the liability of the directors of New Westfield Financial, Inc. shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act as so amended.

The right to indemnification includes the advancement of expenses incurred in defending any such action, suit or proceeding, for any director or officer at the level of Vice President or above, and in the discretion of the Board of Directors for any other officer or employee. New Westfield Financial may also enter into specific agreements, commitments or arrangements for indemnification on any terms not prohibited by law which it deems to be appropriate.

Section 8.57 of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act also authorizes a Massachusetts corporation to obtain insurance on behalf of its directors and officers against liability incurred by them in those capacities. New Westfield Financial may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of New Westfield Financial or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss.

The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, New Westfield Financial’s Articles of Organization, bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise.

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

Not Applicable.

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

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

 

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(a) List of Exhibits (filed herewith unless otherwise noted).

 

1.1   Engagement Letter, dated July 6, 2006, among Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, Inc., Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank.
1.2   Form of Agency Agreement. *
2.1   Amended and Restated Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank.
3.1   Articles of Organization of New Westfield Financial, Inc.
3.2   Bylaws of New Westfield Financial, Inc.
4.1   Form of Stock Certificate of New Westfield Financial, Inc.
5.1   Form of Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP regarding legality of securities to be registered.
8.1   Form of Opinion of Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP regarding federal tax matters.
8.2   Form of Opinion of Wolf & Company, P.C. regarding state and local tax matters. *
8.3   Letter from RP Financial, LC. regarding subscription rights.
10.1   Form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (1)
10.2   Amendments to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (2)
10.3   Form of Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan. (3)
10.4   The 401(k) Plan adopted by Westfield Bank. (4)
10.5   Form of Benefit Restoration Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (3)
10.6   Form of Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement with Donald A. Williams. (3)
10.7   Employment Agreement among Donald A. Williams, Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial, Inc. (1)
10.8   Employment Agreement among Michael J. Janosco, Jr., Westfield Bank and Westfield Financial, Inc. (1)
10.9   Form of Employment Agreement between Donald A. Williams and Westfield Bank.
10.10   Form of Employment Agreement between Michael J. Janosco, Jr. and Westfield Bank.
10.11   Form of Employment Agreement between James C. Hagan and Westfield Bank.
10.12   Form of Employment Agreement between Donald A. Williams and New Westfield Financial, Inc.
10.13   Form of Employment Agreement between Michael J. Janosco, Jr. and New Westfield Financial, Inc.
10.14   Form of Employment Agreement between James C. Hagan and New Westfield Financial, Inc.
10.15   Form of One Year Change in Control Agreement by and among certain officers and Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank. (1)
10.16   Form of One Year Change in Control Agreement by and among certain officers and New Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank.
14.1   Code of Ethics. (5)
16.1   Letter regarding change in certifying accountants. (6)
23.1   Consent of Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP (included in Exhibits 5.1 and 8.1 to this Registration Statement).
23.2   Consent of Wolf & Company, P.C.
23.3   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.4   Consent of RP Financial, LC.
24.1   Powers of Attorney (included in Signature Page of this Registration Statement).
99.1   Press Release dated June 21, 2006. (7)
99.2   Appraisal Report of RP Financial, LC. (8)
99.3   Form of Marketing Materials to be Used in Connection with the Offering. *
99.4   Proxy Statement for Special Meeting of Stockholders of Westfield Financial, Inc.
99.5   Proxy Statement for Special Meeting of Members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company.

* To be filed by amendment.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement No. 333-68550 on Form S-1 filed with the Commission on August 28, 2001, as amended.

 

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(2) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on August 25, 2005.
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 22, 2005.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement No. 333-73132 on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on March 31, 2003.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 21, 2004.
(7) Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 22, 2006.
(8) Filed in paper format only.

(b) Financial Statement Schedules.

All schedules have been omitted as not applicable or not required under the rules of Regulation S-X.

Item 17. Undertakings.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

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

 

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

 

  (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 a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

  (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;

 

(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.

 

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The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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 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.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(4) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

 

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

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Westfield, State of Massachusetts, on August 29, 2006.

 

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

/s/ Donald A. Williams

By:   Donald A. Williams
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Donald A. Williams, as their true and lawful attorney-in-fact in any and agent, with full power of substitution and resubsitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign the Form S-1 Registration Statement and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or either one of his or their substitute or 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 the dates indicated.

 

Name

  

Title

   Date

/s/ Donald. A Williams

Donald A. Williams

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

  

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

   August 29, 2006

 

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Name

  

Title

   Date

/s/ Victor J. Carra, Jr.

Victor J. Carra, Jr.

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ David C. Colton, Jr.

David C. Colton, Jr.

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Robert T. Crowley, Jr.

Robert T. Crowley, Jr.

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Harry C. Lane

Harry C. Lane

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ William H. McClure

William H. McClure

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Mary C. O’Neil

Mary C. O’Neil

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Richard C. Placek

Richard C. Placek

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Paul R. Pohl

Paul R. Pohl

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Charles E. Sullivan

Charles E. Sullivan

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

/s/ Thomas C. Sullivan

Thomas C. Sullivan

  

Director

   August 29, 2006

 

II-7

Exhibit 1.1

LOGO

July 6, 2006

Mr. Donald A. Williams

Chairman & CEO

Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, MA 01085

Dear Mr. Williams:

This proposal is being submitted in connection with Westfield Financial, Inc. (“WFD” or “Bank”) intention to have the mutual holding company component of its organization reorganize from a mutual to a capital stock form of organization (the “Reorganization”). In order to effect the Reorganization, it is contemplated that all of WFD’s common stock to be outstanding pursuant to the Reorganization will be issued to a holding company (the “Company”) to be formed by WFD, and that the Company will offer and sell shares of its common stock first to eligible persons (pursuant to WFD’s Plan of Reorganization) in a Subscription and Community Reorganization, with any remaining shares offered to the general public in a Community and/or Syndicated Reorganization.

Keefe, Bruyette and Woods, Inc. (“KBW”) will act as WFD’s and the Company’s exclusive financial advisor and marketing agent in connection with the Reorganization. This letter sets forth selected terms and conditions of our engagement.

1. Advisory/Reorganization Services . As the Company’s financial advisor and marketing agent, KBW will provide the Company with a comprehensive program of services designed to promote an orderly, efficient, cost-effective and long-term stock distribution. KBW will provide financial and logistical advice to Company concerning the Conversion and related issues. KBW will provide services intended to maximize stock sales in the Subscription and the Community Offering, working closely with the management and the board to develop an appropriate sales strategy.

KBW shall provide financial advisory services to the Company which are typical in connection with an equity offering and include, but are not limited to, overall financial analysis of the Company with a focus on identifying factors which impact the valuation of the common stock.

Additionally, post-Reorganization financial advisory services will include advice on shareholder relations, after-market trading, dividend policy (for both regular and special dividends), stock

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods • 211 Bradenton Ave. • Dublin, Ohio 43017

614.766.8400 • Fax 614.766.8406


Mr. Donald A. Williams

Page 2 of 5

repurchase strategies and communication with market makers. Prior to the closing of the Reorganization, KBW shall furnish to client a Post-Reorganization reference manual, which will include specifics relative to these items. (The nature of the services to be provided by KBW as the Company’s financial advisor and marketing agent is further described in Exhibit A attached hereto.)

2. Preparation of Reorganization Documents . The Company and its counsel will draft the registration statement, Reorganization application, prospectus and other documents to be used in connection with the Reorganization. KBW will attend meetings to review these documents and will advise you on their form and content. KBW and its counsel will draft an appropriate agency agreement and related documents as well as marketing materials other than the prospectus.

3. Due Diligence Review . Prior to filing the registration statement, Reorganization application or any Reorganization or other documents naming KBW as the Company’s financial advisor and marketing agent, KBW and its representatives will undertake substantial investigations to learn about the Bank’s and Company’s business and operations (“due diligence review”) in order to confirm information provided to us and to evaluate information to be contained in the Company’s Reorganization documents. The Company and the Bank agree that they will make available to KBW all relevant information, whether or not publicly available, which KBW reasonably requests, and will permit KBW to discuss with management the operations and prospects of the Bank. KBW will treat all material non-public information as confidential. The Company acknowledges that KBW will rely upon the accuracy and completeness of all information received from the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, accountants and counsel, including this letter to serve as the Company’s financial advisor and marketing agent.

4. Regulatory Filings . The Bank and/or the Company will cause appropriate Reorganization documents to be filed with all regulatory agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), and such state securities commissioners as may be determined by the Company.

5. Agency Agreement . The specific terms of KBW’s services contemplated in this letter shall be set forth in a mutually agreed upon Agency Agreement between KBW and the Bank and the Company to be executed prior to commencement of the Reorganization, and dated the date that the Company’s prospectus is declared effective and/or authorized to be disseminated by the appropriate regulatory agencies, the SEC, the NASD, the OTS and such state securities commissioners and other regulatory agencies as required by applicable law.

6. Representations, Warranties and Covenants . The Agency Agreement will include representations, warranties and covenants mutually agreeable to the Company and KBW, and will provide that the Company will indemnify KBW and its controlling persons (and, if applicable, the members of the selling group and their controlling persons), and that KBW will indemnify the Bank and the Company against certain liabilities including, without limitation, liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.


Mr. Donald A. Williams

Page 3 of 5

7. Fees . For the services hereunder, the Company shall pay the following fees to KBW at closing unless stated otherwise:

 

  (a) Management Fee. A Management Fee of $50,000 payable in four consecutive monthly installments of $12,500 commencing with the adoption of the Plan. Such fees shall be deemed to have been earned when due. Should the Reorganization be terminated for any reason not attributable to the action or inaction of KBW, KBW shall have earned and be entitled to be paid fees accruing through the stage at which point the termination occurred.

 

  (b) Success Fee: A Success Fee of 1.00% shall be charged based on the aggregate Purchase Price of Common Stock sold in the Reorganization excluding shares purchased by the Bank’s officers, directors, or employees (or members of their immediate family) plus any ESOP, tax-qualified or stock based compensation plans (except IRA’s) or similar plan created by the Bank or the Company for some or all of their directors or employees. The Management Fee described in 7(a) will be applied against the Success Fee.

 

  (c) Broker-Dealer Pass-Through. If any shares of the Company’s stock remain available after the Subscription Reorganization and Community Reorganization, at the request of the Company, KBW will seek to form a syndicate of registered broker-dealers to assist in the sale of such common stock on a best efforts basis, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the selected dealers agreement. KBW will endeavor to distribute the common stock among dealers in a fashion which best meets the distribution objectives of the Company and the Plan. KBW will be paid a fee not to exceed 5.5% of the aggregate Purchase Price of the shares of common stock sold by them. From this fee, KBW will pass onto selected broker-dealers, who assist in the syndicated community, an amount competitive with gross underwriting discounts charged at such time for comparable amounts of stock sold at a comparable price per share in a similar market environment. Fees with respect to purchases affected with the assistance of a broker/dealer other than KBW shall be transmitted by KBW to such broker/dealer. The decision to utilize selected broker-dealers will be made by the Company upon consultation with KBW. In the event, with respect to any stock purchases, fees are paid pursuant to this subparagraph 7(c), such fees shall be in lieu of, and not in addition to, payment pursuant to subparagraph 7(b).

8. Additional Services . KBW further agrees to provide financial advisory assistance to the Company and the Bank for a period of one year following completion of the Reorganization, including formation of a dividend policy and share repurchase program, assistance with shareholder reporting and shareholder relations matters, general advice on mergers and acquisitions and other related financial matters, without the payment by the Company or the


Mr. Donald A. Williams

Page 4 of 5

Bank of any fees in addition to those set forth in Section 7 hereof. Nothing in this letter, agreement shall require the Company or the Bank to obtain such services from KBW. Following this initial one year term, if both parties wish to continue the relationship, a fee will be negotiated and an agreement entered into at that time.

9. Expenses . The Company will bear those expenses of the proposed Reorganization customarily borne by issuers, including, without limitation, regulatory filing fees, SEC, “Blue Sky,” and NASD filing and registration fees; the fees of the Company’s accountants, attorneys, appraiser, transfer agent and registrar, printing, mailing and marketing and syndicate expenses associated with the Reorganization; the fees set forth in Section 7; and fees for “Blue Sky” legal work. If KBW incurs expenses on behalf of Company, the Company will reimburse KBW for such expenses.

KBW shall be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including costs of travel, meals and lodging, photocopying, telephone, facsimile and couriers, provided such expenses do not to exceed $40,000. The selection of KBW’s counsel will be done by KBW, with the approval of the Company. The Company will reimburse KBW for the fees and expenses of its counsel which will not exceed $60,000.

10. Conditions . KBW’s willingness and obligation to proceed hereunder shall be subject to, among other things, satisfaction of the following conditions in KBW’s opinion, which opinion shall have been formed in good faith by KBW after reasonable determination and consideration of all relevant factors: (a) full and satisfactory disclosure of all relevant material, financial and other information in the disclosure documents and a determination by KBW, in its sole discretion, that the sale of stock on the terms proposed is reasonable given such disclosures; (b) no material adverse change in the condition or operations of the Bank subsequent to the execution of the agreement; and (c) no adverse market conditions at the time of Reorganization which in KBW’s opinion make the sale of the shares by the Company inadvisable.

11. Benefit . This letter agreement shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and to the parties indemnified pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agency Agreement and their successors, and the obligations and liabilities assumed hereunder by the parties hereto shall be binding upon their respective successors; provided, however, that this letter agreement shall not be assignable by KBW.

12. Definitive Agreement . This letter agreement reflects KBW’s present intention of proceeding to work with the Company on its proposed Reorganization. It does not create a binding obligation on the part of the Bank, the Company or KBW except as to the agreement to maintain the confidentiality of non-public information set forth in Section 3, the payment of certain fees as set forth in Section 7(a) and 7(b) and the assumption of expenses as set forth in Section 9, all of which shall constitute the binding obligations of the parties hereto and which shall survive the termination of this letter agreement or the completion of the services furnished hereunder and shall remain operative and in full force and effect. You further acknowledge that any report or analysis rendered by KBW pursuant to this engagement is rendered for use solely by the Company and its agents in connection with the Reorganization. Accordingly, you agree that you will not provide any such information to any other person without our prior written consent.


Mr. Donald A. Williams

Page 5 of 5

KBW acknowledges that in Reorganization the Company’s stock no person will be authorized to give any information or to make any representation not contained in the Reorganization prospectus and related Reorganization materials filed as part of a registration statement to be declared effective in connection with the Reorganization. Accordingly, KBW agrees that in connection with the Reorganization it will not give any unauthorized information or make any unauthorized representation. We will be pleased to elaborate on any of the matters discussed in this letter at your convenience.

If the foregoing correctly sets forth our mutual understanding, please so indicate by signing and returning the original copy of this letter to the undersigned.

 

Very truly yours,    
KEEFE, BRUYETTE & WOODS, INC.    
By:  

/s/ Patricia A. McJoynt

   
  Patricia A. McJoynt    
  Managing Director    
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.    
By:  

/s/ Donald A. Williams

    Date: 7/11/06
  Donald A. Williams    
  Chairman & CEO    
WESTFIELD BANK    
By:  

/s/ Donald A. Williams

    Date: 7/11/06
  Donald A. Williams    
  Chairman & CEO    


EXHIBIT A

STOCK REORGANIZATION SERVICES PROPOSAL

TO WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

KBW provides thrift institutions converting from the mutual to stock form of ownership or conducting mutual holding company minority stock Reorganizations with a comprehensive program of stock issuance services designed to promote an orderly, efficient, cost-effective and long-term stock distribution. The following list is representative of the stock issuance services, if appropriate, we propose to perform on behalf of the Company.

General Services

Assist management and legal counsel in structuring the transaction.

Review and comment on the Stock Issuance Plan.

Analyze and make recommendations on bids from printing, transfer agent, and appraisal firms.

Assist officers and directors in obtaining bank loans to purchase stock, if requested.

Assist in drafting and distribution of press releases as required or appropriate.

Review and comment on the prospectus and any business plan prepared in connection with the Reorganization.

Stock Reorganization Enhancement Services

Establish and manage the Stock Information Center at the Bank. Stock Information Center personnel will track prospective investors; record stock orders; mail order confirmations; provide the Bank’s senior management with daily reports; answer customer inquiries; and handle special situations as they arise.

Assign KBW’s personnel to be at the Bank through completion of the Subscription and Community Reorganizations to manage the Stock Information Center, meet with prospective shareholders at individual and community information meetings (if applicable), solicit local investor interest through a tele-marketing campaign, answer inquiries, and otherwise assist in the sale of stock in the Subscription and Community Reorganizations. This effort will be lead by a Principal of KBW.

Create target investor list based upon review of the Bank’s depositor base.

Provide intensive financial and marketing input for drafting of the prospectus.


Stock Reorganization Enhancement Services- Continued

Prepare other marketing materials, including prospecting letters and brochures, and media advertisements.

Arrange logistics of community information meeting(s) as required.

Prepare audio-visual presentation by senior management for community information meeting(s).

Prepare management for question-and-answer period at community information meeting(s).

Attend and address community information meeting(s) and be available to answer questions.

Broker-Assisted Sales Services .

Arrange for broker information meeting(s) as required.

Prepare audio-visual presentation for broker information meeting(s).

Prepare script for presentation by senior management at broker information meeting(s).

Prepare management for question-and-answer period at broker information meeting(s).

Attend and address broker information meeting(s) and be available to answer questions.

Produce confidential broker memorandum to assist participating brokers in selling the Bank’s common stock.

After-market Support Services .

KBW will use their best efforts to secure trading and on-going research commitment from at least two NASD firms, one of which will be Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

Exhibit 2.1

AMENDED AND RESTATED

PLAN OF CONVERSION AND STOCK ISSUANCE

of

WESTFIELD MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY,

WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

and

WESTFIELD BANK


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Section
Number

      Page

1.

 

Introduction.

  1

2.

 

Definitions.

  3

3.

 

General Procedure For Conversion.

  9

4.

 

Total Number Of Shares And Purchase Price Of Conversion Stock.

  12

5.

 

Method Of Offering Shares And Rights To Purchase Stock.

  13

6.

 

Additional Limitations On Purchases Of Conversion Stock.

  18

7.

 

Timing Of Subscription Offering, Manner Of Exercising Subscription Rights And Order Forms.

  20

8.

 

Payment For Conversion Stock.

  23

9.

 

Account Holders In Nonqualified States Or Foreign Countries.

  23

10.

 

Voting Rights Of Shareholders.

  24

11.

 

Liquidation Account.

  24

12.

 

Requirements Following Conversion For Registration, Market Making And Stock Exchange Listing.

  26

13.

 

Directors And Officers.

  26

14.

 

Restrictions On Stock Purchases By Management.

  26

15.

 

Restrictions On Transfer Of Stock.

  26

16.

 

Restrictions On Acquisition Of Stock Of The Holding Company.

  27

17.

 

Tax Rulings Or Opinions.

  28

18.

 

Stock Compensation Plans.

  28

19.

 

Dividend And Repurchase Restictions On Stock.

  28

20.

 

Payment Of Fees To Brokers.

  28

21.

 

Expenses.

  28

22.

 

Effective Date Of Conversion.

  29

23.

 

Amendment Or Termination Of The Plan.

  29

24.

 

Interpretation Of The Plan.

  29

25.

 

Severability.

  29

26.

 

Miscellaneous.

  30

 

ii


1. INTRODUCTION .

For purposes of this section, all capitalized terms have the meanings ascribed to them in Section 2. In 1995, Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), a Massachusetts-chartered stock savings bank, reorganized into a mutual holding company form, pursuant to which it formed Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), a Massachusetts-chartered mutual holding company and parent company of the Bank. On December 27, 2001, the Mutual Holding Company organized a mid-tier stock holding company, Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), a Massachusetts corporation. Simultaneously therewith, the Mid-Tier Holding Company sold 4,972,600 shares of its common stock, representing 47% of the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total shares of common stock outstanding, to the Bank’s eligible depositors and to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “ESOP”), and issued the remaining 53% of its shares of common stock to the Mutual Holding Company. On July 23, 2004, the Bank converted to a federal savings bank and the Mutual Holding Company converted to a federal mutual holding company. As of the date of adoption of this Plan, the Mutual Holding Company held 5,607,400, or 57.9%, of the 9,689,757 shares of outstanding Mid-Tier Company common stock.

A. Business Purposes for the Conversion

The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank believe that a conversion of the Mutual Holding Company to stock form is in the best interests of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank, as well as the best interests of their respective Members and Shareholders. The Boards of Directors determined that this Plan of Conversion equitably provides for the interests of Members through the granting of subscription rights and the establishment of a liquidation account. The Conversion will result in the raising of additional capital for the Bank and the Holding Company and is expected to result in a more active and liquid market for the Holding Company Common Stock than currently exists for the Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock. In addition, the Conversion have been structured to re-unite the accumulated earnings and profits retained by the Mutual Holding Company with the retained earnings of the Bank through a tax-free reorganization.

The Conversion are intended to provide an additional source of capital not now available in order to allow the Bank and Holding Company to better serve the needs of the community by means of the following: (a) increased lending to support continued growth in the Bank’s commercial loan portfolio; (b) financing acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking, although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time; (c) expanding the financial products and services currently offered by the Bank; and (d) opening or acquiring additional branch offices. The Conversion are also intended to provide additional capital to the Holding Company in order to pay dividends to shareholders; to repurchase shares of Conversion Stock; to finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking, although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time; and for use in other general corporate purposes. In addition, increased stock ownership by officers and other employees of the Bank and the Holding Company has proven to be an effective performance incentive and an effective means of attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

 

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The Boards of Directors and senior management also believe that the Conversion will be beneficial to the population within the Bank’s primary market area. The Boards and management believe that, through increased stock liquidity and expanded local stock ownership, current local customers and non-customers who purchase Holding Company Common Stock will seek to enhance the financial success of the Bank through consolidation of their banking business and increased referrals to the Bank.

The Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company have gained experience as public companies complying with of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in conducting shareholder meetings and addressing other shareholder matters, such as communications, press releases and dividend payments. In light of the foregoing, the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank believe that it is in the best interests of such companies and their respective Members and Shareholders to raise additional capital at this time.

B. Organization of Holding Company and Steps for Conversion and Reorganization

The Conversion will be effected as follows, or in any manner approved by the OTS that is consistent with the purposes of this Plan and applicable laws and regulations, including a merger of the Mutual Holding Company into the Mid-Tier Holding Company followed immediately by the Offerings. The choice of which method to use to effect the Conversion will be made by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the closing of the Conversion.

In connection with the Conversion:

1. The Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert into or exchange its charter for that of a federal corporation, which will immediately exchange its charter for that of an interim federal stock savings bank and then merge with and into the Bank with the Bank as the surviving entity pursuant to the Plan of Merger attached as Annex A hereto.

2. As described in more detail in Section 3, the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings bank and then merge with and into the Bank pursuant to the Plan of Merger included as Annex B hereto, pursuant to which the Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist and a liquidation account will be established by the Bank for the benefit of depositor Members as of specified dates.

3. The Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, which will become the Holding Company upon consummation of the Conversion.

4. The Holding Company will in turn form an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim”) as a wholly owned subsidiary.

5. Immediately following the formation of Interim, Interim will then merge with and into the Bank pursuant to the Plan of Merger included as Annex C hereto, pursuant to which the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. In connection therewith,

 

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each share of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time thereof shall be automatically converted, without further action by the holder thereof, into and become the right to receive shares of Holding Company Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share interest.

6. In connection with the Conversion, the Holding Company will offer shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings as provided herein.

2. DEFINITIONS .

As used in this Plan, the terms set forth below have the following meaning:

“Acting in Concert” means (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. A person or company which acts in concert with another Person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any Person who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the plan will be aggregated and participants or beneficiaries of any such Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert solely as a result of their common interests as participants or beneficiaries. When Persons act together for such purpose, their group is deemed to have acquired their stock. The determination of whether a group is Acting in Concert shall be made solely by the Board of Directors of the Bank or Officers delegated by such Board and may be based on any evidence upon which the Board or such delegatee chooses to rely, including, without limitation, joint account relationships or the fact that such Persons have filed joint Schedules 13D or Schedules 13G with the SEC with respect to other companies. Directors of the Holding Company, the Bank, and the Mutual Holding Company shall not be deemed to be Acting in Concert solely as a result of their membership on any such board or boards. Persons living at the same address, and persons exercising subscription rights through Qualifying Deposits registered at the same address, whether or not related, will be deemed to be Acting in Concert, unless the Board of Directors, or Officers delegated by such Board, determine otherwise.

“Actual Purchase Price” means the price per share at which the Conversion Stock is ultimately sold by the Holding Company in the Offerings in accordance with the terms hereof.

“Affiliate” means a Person who, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified.

“Associate,” when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) a corporation or organization (other than the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank, or a majority-owned subsidiary of the Bank or the Holding Company), if the Person is a senior officer or partner, or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization, (ii) any trust or other estate, if

 

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the Person has a substantial beneficial interest in the trust or estate or is a trustee or fiduciary of the trust or estate; provided, however, that such term shall not include any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan of the Holding Company or the Bank in which such Person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, and (iii) any Person who is related by blood or marriage to such Person and (A) who lives in the same home as the Person; or (B) who is a director or senior officer of the Holding Company or the Bank or any of the subsidiaries of the foregoing.

“Bank” means Westfield Bank, a federal savings association.

“Bank Common Stock” means the common stock of the Bank, par value $0.10 per share.

“Bank Merger” means the merger of Interim with and into the Bank pursuant to the Plan of Merger included as Annex C hereto.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

“Community” means cities and towns located in the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area designated by the MHC and the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the approval of the OTS before the commencement of the Offerings.

“Community Offering” means the offering for sale to certain residents of the Community, and thereafter members of the general public directly by the Holding Company of any shares of Conversion Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering.

“Control” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

“Conversion” means (i) the conversion of the Mid-Tier Holding Company from a Massachusetts corporation to a federally chartered stock corporation and then immediately to an interim federal stock savings bank and the subsequent Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger pursuant to which the Mid-Tier Holding Company will cease to exist, (ii) the conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from mutual form to an interim federal stock savings bank and the subsequent Mutual Holding Company Merger, pursuant to which the Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist, (iii) the Bank Merger, pursuant to which the Bank will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company and, in connection therewith, each share of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time thereof shall automatically be converted, without further action by the holder thereof, into and become the right to receive shares of Holding Company Common Stock based on the Exchange Ratio, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share interest, and (iv) the issuance of Conversion Stock by the Holding Company in the Offerings as provided herein, which will increase the number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock outstanding and the capitalization of the Holding Company.

“Conversion Stock” means the Holding Company Common Stock to be issued and sold in the Offerings pursuant to this Plan of Conversion.

 

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“Deposit Account” means withdrawable or repurchasable shares, investment certificates or deposits or other savings accounts, including money market deposit accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts and demand accounts, held by an account holder of the Bank.

“Director, Officer and Employee” means the terms as applied respectively to any person who is a director, officer or employee of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank or any subsidiary thereof.

“Eligible Account Holder” means any Person holding a Qualifying Deposit on the Eligibility Record Date for purposes of determining Subscription Rights and establishing subaccount balances in the liquidation account to be established.

“Eligibility Record Date” means the date for determining Qualifying Deposits of Eligible Account Holders and is the close of business on March 31, 2005.

“ESOP” means the Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

“Estimated Price Range” means the range of the estimated aggregate pro forma market value of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Offerings, as determined by the Independent Appraiser in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

“Exchange Ratio” means the rate at which shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be exchanged for shares of Mid-Tier Holding Common Stock held by the Public Shareholders in connection with the Bank Merger. The exact rate shall be determined by the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank in order to ensure that upon consummation of the Conversion, the Public Shareholders will own in the aggregate approximately the same percentage of the Holding Company Common Stock to be outstanding upon completion of the Conversion as the percentage of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock owned by them in the aggregate immediately prior to consummation of the Conversion, before giving effect to (a) cash paid in lieu of any fractional interests of Holding Company Common Stock and (b) any shares of Conversion Stock purchased by the Public Shareholders in the Offerings.

“Exchange Shares” mean the shares of Holding Company Common Stock to be issued to the Public Shareholders in connection with the Bank Merger.

“FDIC” means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor thereto.

“Holding Company” means New Westfield Financial, Inc., a newly formed stock corporation to be organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Such corporation will be initially formed as a first-tier, wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank. Upon completion of the Conversion, the Holding Company shall hold all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank and be renamed Westfield Financial, Inc.

“Holding Company Common Stock” means the common stock of the Holding Company, par value $.01 per share, which stock cannot and will not be insured by the FDIC or any other governmental authority.

 

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“Independent Appraiser” means the independent financial consulting firm retained by the Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank to prepare an appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of the Conversion Stock.

“Initial Purchase Price” means the price per share to be paid initially by Participants for shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for in the Subscription Offering and by Persons for shares of Conversion Stock ordered in the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering. The Initial Purchase Price shall be shall be a uniform price determined in accordance with applicable OTS rules and regulations, but in no case shall the Initial Purchase Price be less than $5 or more than $50. The Initial Purchase Price and the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Offerings shall be determined by the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank in consultation with the Independent Appraiser and any financial advisor or investment banker retained by the Holding Company and the Bank in connection with such Offerings.

“Interim” means Westfield Interim Savings Bank I, which will be formed as an interim federal stock savings bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company to facilitate the Bank Merger.

“Member” means any Person qualifying as a member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its mutual charter and bylaws and the laws of the United States.

“Mid-Tier Holding Company” means Westfield Financial, Inc., an existing Massachusetts corporation.

“Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock” means the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, par value $.01 per share.

“Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger” means the Merger of the Mid-Tier Holding Company (following its conversion to a federal corporation and then to an interim federal stock savings bank) with and into the Bank pursuant to the Plan of Merger included as Annex A hereto.

“Mutual Holding Company” means Westfield Mutual Holding Company, a federal mutual holding company.

“Mutual Holding Company Merger” means the merger of the Mutual Holding Company (following its conversion into an interim federal stock savings bank) with and into the Bank pursuant to the Plan of Merger included as Annex B hereto.

“Offerings” mean the Subscription Offering, the Community Offering, the Syndicated Community Offering and the Public Offering.

“Officer” means the chairman of the board of directors, president, chief executive officer, vice-president, secretary, treasurer or principal financial officer, comptroller or principal accounting officer and any other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated.

 

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“Order Form” means the form(s) to be provided by the Holding Company, containing all such terms and provisions as set forth in Section 7.C hereof, to a Participant or other Person by which Conversion Stock may be ordered in the Subscription and Community Offerings.

“Other Member” means a Voting Member who is not an Eligible Account Holder or a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder.

“OTS” means the Office of Thrift Supervision or any successor thereto.

“Participant” means any Eligible Account Holder, Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and Other Member.

“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, a limited liability partnership, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or any political subdivision thereof.

“Plan” and “Plan of Conversion” mean this Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance as adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank and any amendment hereto approved as provided herein. The Board of Directors of the Holding Company shall adopt this Plan as soon as practicable following its organization, and the Board of Directors of Interim shall adopt the Plan of Merger included as Annex C hereto as soon as practicable following its organization.

“Primary Parties” mean the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and the Holding Company.

“Prospectus” means the one or more documents to be used in offering the Conversion Stock in the Offerings.

“Public Offering” means the public offering of Holding Company Stock by or through an Underwriter following or concurrently with the Subscription Offering.

“Public Shareholders” mean those Persons who own shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, excluding the Mutual Holding Company, as of the Voting Record Date.

“Qualifying Deposit” means the aggregate balance of all Deposit Accounts in the Bank of (i) an Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50, and (ii) a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50.

“Resident” means any person who occupies a dwelling within the Community, has a present intent to remain within the Community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the Community together with an indication that such presence within the Community is something other than merely transitory in nature. To the extent the person is a corporation or other business entity, the principal place of business or headquarters shall be in the Community. To the extent a person is a

 

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personal benefit plan, the circumstances of the beneficiary shall apply with respect to this definition. In the case of all other benefit plans, circumstances of the trustee shall be examined for purposes of this definition. The Primary Parties may utilize deposit or loan records or such other evidence provided to it to make a determination as to whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, such a determination shall be in the sole discretion of the Primary Parties.

“SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Special Meeting” means the Special Meeting of Members of the Mutual Holding Company called for the purpose of submitting this Plan to the Members for their approval, including any adjournments of such meeting.

“Shareholders” mean those Persons who own shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock.

“Shareholders’ Meeting” means the annual or special meeting of Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, called for the purpose of submitting this Plan to the Shareholders for their approval, including any adjournments of such meeting.

“Subscription Offering” means the offering of the Conversion Stock to Participants.

“Subscription Rights” mean nontransferable rights to subscribe for Conversion Stock granted to Participants pursuant to the terms of this Plan.

“Supplemental Eligible Account Holder” means any Person, except Directors and Officers of the Bank and their Associates, holding a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date.

“Supplemental Eligibility Record Date”, if applicable, means the date for determining Qualifying Deposits of Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and shall be required if the Eligibility Record Date is more than 15 months prior to the date of the latest amendment to the Application for Conversion filed by the Mutual Holding Company prior to approval of such application by the OTS. If applicable, the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date shall be the last day of the calendar quarter preceding OTS approval of the Application for Conversion submitted by the Mutual Holding Company pursuant to this Plan of Conversion.

“Syndicated Community Offering” means the offering for sale by a syndicate of broker-dealers to the general public of shares of Conversion Stock not purchased in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering.

“Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan” means the employee stock ownership plan of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company.

“Underwriter” means any investment banking firm or firms purchasing or distributing the Holding Company Common Stock in a Public Offering, if any.

 

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“Underwriting Agreement” means the agreement between the Holding Company and an Underwriter pursuant to which the Underwriter agrees to purchase or distribute certain shares of the Holding Company Common Stock for offering in any Public Offering.

“Voting Member” means a Person who at the close of business on the Voting Record Date is entitled to vote as a Member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its mutual charter and bylaws.

“Voting Record Date” means the date or dates for determining the eligibility of Members to vote at the Special Meeting and of Shareholders to vote at the Shareholders’ Meeting, as applicable.

3. GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR CONVERSION.

A. Steps for Conversion; Regulatory Filings

1. After the Bank’s organization of the Holding Company and the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, the Holding Company will form Interim as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Holding Company, and the Board of Directors of Interim shall adopt the Plan of Merger included as Annex C hereto by at least a two-thirds vote. The Holding Company shall approve such Plan of Merger in its capacity as the sole shareholder of Interim and the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall approve the Plan and the Plan of Merger in its capacity as the sole shareholder of the Bank.

2. An application for the Conversion, including the Plan and all other requisite material (the “Application for Conversion”), shall be submitted to the OTS for approval. The Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank also will cause notice of the adoption of the Plan by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank to be given by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in each community in which an office of the Bank is located and will cause copies of the Plan to be made available at each office of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank for inspection by Members and Shareholders. The Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank will again cause to be published, in accordance with the requirements of applicable regulations of the OTS, a notice of the filing with the OTS of an application to convert the Mutual Holding Company from mutual to stock form and will post the notice of the filing for the Application for Conversion in each of their offices.

3. Promptly following receipt of requisite approval of the OTS, this Plan will be submitted to the Voting Members for their consideration and approval at the Special Meeting. The Mutual Holding Company may, at its option, mail to all Members as of the Voting Record Date, at their last known address appearing on the records of the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank, a proxy statement describing the Plan which will be submitted to a vote of the Members at the Special Meeting. The Holding Company also shall mail to all such Members (as well as other Participants) a Prospectus and Order Form for the purchase of Conversion Stock, subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof. In addition, all such Members will receive, or be given the opportunity to request by returning a postage-prepaid card which will be distributed with the proxy statement, letter or other written communication, a copy of the Articles of Organization and bylaws of the Holding Company.

 

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4. Subscription Rights to purchase shares of Conversion Stock will be issued without payment therefor to Eligible Account Holders, the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, as set forth in Section 5 hereof.

5. The Mid-Tier Holding Company shall file preliminary proxy materials with the OTS and the SEC in order to seek the approval of the Plan by its Shareholders. Promptly following clearance of such proxy materials and the receipt of any other requisite approval of the OTS, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will mail definitive proxy materials to all Shareholders as of the Voting Record Date, at their last known address appearing on the records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, for their consideration and approval of this Plan at the Shareholders’ Meeting.

6. The Holding Company shall submit or cause to be submitted a holding company application to the OTS for approval of the acquisition of the Bank. Such application also shall include an application to form Interim. In addition, an application to merge the Mutual Holding Company (following its conversion into an interim federal stock savings bank) and the Bank, an application to merge the Mid-Tier Holding Company (following its conversion into a federal corporation and then into an interim federal stock savings bank) and the Bank and an application to merge Interim and the Bank shall be filed with the OTS, either as exhibits to the holding company application or separately. All notices required to be published in connection with such applications shall be published at the times required.

7. The Holding Company shall file a Registration Statement with the SEC to register the Holding Company Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall register such Holding Company Common Stock under any applicable state securities laws. Upon registration and after the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the Conversion Stock shall be first offered for sale in a Subscription Offering to Eligible Account Holders, the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if any, Other Members, Directors, Officers and Employees and Public Shareholders as of the Voting Record Date. It is anticipated that any shares of Conversion Stock remaining unsold after the Subscription Offering will be sold through a Community Offering, a Syndicated Community Offering and/or a Public Offering. The purchase price per share for the Conversion Stock shall be a uniform price determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof and shall be set forth in the Prospectus. The Holding Company shall contribute to the Bank at least fifty percent (50%) of the net proceeds received by the Holding Company from the sale of Conversion Stock.

8. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall be automatically transferred to and vested in the Holding Company by virtue of the Conversion without any deed or other document of transfer. The Holding Company, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any document of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations

 

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and all other rights and interests as the agent or fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Mid-Tier Holding Company. The Holding Company shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the Conversion, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, book or accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.

9. The Articles of Organization of the Holding Company shall read in the form of Annex D.

10. The home office and branch offices of the Bank shall be unaffected by the Conversion. The executive offices of the Holding Company shall be located at the current offices of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company.

11. Each Deposit Account of the Bank at the Effective Date shall remain a Deposit Account in the Bank for the same amount and subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to such Deposit Account prior to the Conversion.

B. Votes Required for Consummation of Conversion

This Plan was adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank on June 20, 2006.

This Plan is subject to the approval of the OTS and must be adopted by (1) at least a majority of the total number of votes eligible to be cast by Voting Members of the Mutual Holding Company at the Special Meeting, (2) holders of the greater of (i) the holders of a majority of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than the Mutual Holding Company, or (ii) two-thirds of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, at the Shareholders’ Meeting, and (3) the Mid-Tier Holding Company in its capacity as the sole shareholder of the Bank.

C. Consummation of Conversion

The effective date of the Conversion shall be the date set forth in Section 23 hereof.

Upon the effective date, the following transactions shall occur:

1. The Mutual Holding Company shall convert from a mutual holding company to an interim federal stock savings bank. The Mid-Tier Holding Company shall convert into a federal corporation and then immediately to an interim federal stock savings bank and simultaneously merge with and into the Bank in the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, with the Bank being the surviving institution. Immediately thereafter, the Mutual Holding Company, as converted, shall merge with and into the Bank in the Mutual Holding Company Merger, with the Bank being the surviving institution. As a result of the Mutual Holding Company Merger and the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, (x) the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock held by the Mutual Holding Company (following its conversion to an interim

 

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federal stock savings bank) shall be extinguished and (y) Members of the Mutual Holding Company will be granted interests in the liquidation account to be established by the Bank pursuant to Section 11 hereof.

2. Interim shall merge with and into the Bank pursuant to the Bank Merger, with the Bank being the surviving institution. As a result of the Bank Merger, (x) the shares of Holding Company Common Stock held by the Bank shall be extinguished; (y) the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock held by the Public Shareholders shall be converted into the right to receive shares of Holding Company Common Stock based upon the Exchange Ratio, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share interest based upon the Actual Purchase Price; and (z) the shares of common stock of Interim held by the Holding Company shall be converted into shares of Bank Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, with the result that the Bank shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. In addition, as a result of the Bank Merger, options to purchase shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock which are outstanding immediately prior to consummation of the Conversion shall be converted into options to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock, with the number of shares subject to the option and the exercise price per share to be adjusted based upon the Exchange Ratio so that the aggregate exercise price remains unchanged, and with the duration of the option remaining unchanged.

3. The Holding Company shall sell the Conversion Stock in the Offerings, as provided herein.

4. TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES AND PURCHASE PRICE OF CONVERSION STOCK .

All shares sold in the Conversion will be sold at a uniform price per share. The aggregate price at which the Conversion Stock shall be sold shall not be inconsistent with the estimated pro forma market value of such Conversion Stock, based upon an independent valuation as provided for in this Section 4. The Mutual Holding Company shall cause the Independent Appraiser to prepare a pro forma valuation of the aggregate market value of the Common Stock and of the aggregate market value of the Conversion Stock (which shall be equal to the aggregate market value of the Common Stock multiplied by the Mutual Holding Company’s percentage ownership interest in the Bank), which shall be submitted to the OTS as part of the Mutual Holding Company’s Application for Conversion. The valuation shall be prepared in accordance with 12 CFR 563b.7. Prior to the commencement of the Subscription and Community Offerings, the Estimated Price Range will be established, the maximum of which shall be no more than fifteen percent (15%) above the average of the minimum and maximum of such price range and the minimum of which shall be no more than fifteen percent (15%) below such average. From time to time, as appropriate or as required by the conversion regulations or the OTS, the Mutual Holding Company shall cause the Independent Appraiser to review developments subsequent to its valuation to determine whether the Estimated Price Range should be revised.

Based on the valuation by the Independent Appraiser pursuant to this Section 4, the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Board of Directors of the Holding Company shall fix the Initial Purchase Price and the number of shares of Conversion Stock to be offered. The total number of shares of Conversion Stock offered and the purchase price per share shall be subject to increase or

 

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decrease at any time during the Offerings to reflect changes in market and financial conditions. In the event that the aggregate purchase price of the Conversion Stock is below the minimum of the Estimated Price Range, or materially above the maximum of the Estimated Price Range, resolicitation of purchasers may be required; provided , that up to a fifteen percent (15%) increase above the maximum of the Estimated Price Range will not be deemed material so as to require a resolicitation. Up to a fifteen percent (15%) increase in the number of shares to be issued which is supported by an appropriate change in the estimated pro forma market value of the Conversion Stock will not be deemed to be material so as to require a resolicitation of subscriptions. In the event that the aggregate purchase price of the Conversion Stock is below the minimum of the Estimated Price Range or in excess of fifteen percent (15%) above the maximum of the Estimated Price Range, and a resolicitation is required, such resolicitation shall be effected in such manner and within such time as the Holding Company or the Bank shall establish, with the approval of the OTS, if required.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Conversion Stock will not be issued unless, prior to the consummation of the Conversion, the Independent Appraiser confirms to the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company and the OTS that, to the best knowledge of the Independent Appraiser, nothing of a material nature has occurred which, taking into account all relevant factors, would cause the Independent Appraiser to conclude that the number of shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion multiplied by the Initial Purchase Price is incompatible with the estimate of the aggregate consolidated pro forma market value of the Holding Company. If such confirmation is not received, the Holding Company may cancel the Offerings, extend the Conversion and establish a new Initial Purchase Price, extend, reopen or hold new Offerings, or take such other action as the OTS may permit.

The Holding Company Common Stock to be issued pursuant to this Plan shall upon issuance be fully paid and nonassessable.

5. METHOD OF OFFERING SHARES AND RIGHTS TO PURCHASE STOCK .

A. Subscription Offering

Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each Eligible Account Holder shall receive, without payment, Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $500,000 of Conversion Stock (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering), (ii) one-tenth of 1% of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering or (iii) 15 times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of Conversion Stock offered in the Subscription Offering by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of the Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders, in each case subject to Sections 6 and 9 hereof.

In the event of an oversubscription for shares of Conversion Stock by Eligible Account Holders, available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each such Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares which will make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed

 

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for or 100 shares. Any available shares remaining after each subscribing Eligible Account Holder has been allocated the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders in the proportion which the Qualifying Deposit of each such subscribing Eligible Account Holder bears to the total Qualifying Deposits of all such subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose orders are unfilled, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued. Subscription Rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also Directors or Officers and their Associates shall be subordinated to those of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent that they are attributable to increased deposits during the one-year period preceding the Eligibility Record Date.

Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The Tax Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan shall receive, without payment, Subscription Rights to purchase up to ten percent of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering. A Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan shall not be deemed to be an Associate or Affiliate of, or a Person Acting in Concert with, any Director or Officer of the Holding Company or the Bank. Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, the Bank may make scheduled discretionary contributions to a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan; provided , that such contributions do not cause the Bank to fail to meet its regulatory capital requirements.

Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. In the event that the Eligibility Record Date is more than 15 months prior to the date of the latest amendment to the Application for Conversion filed prior to OTS approval, then, and only in that event, a Supplemental Eligibility Record Date shall be set and each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall receive, without payment, Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $500,000 of Conversion Stock in the Subscription Offering (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering), (ii) one-tenth of 1% of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, and (iii) 15 times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of Conversion Stock offered in the Subscription Offering by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, in each case subject to Sections 6 and 9 hereof and the availability of shares of Conversion Stock for purchase after taking into account the shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Eligible Account Holders through the exercise of Subscription Rights under Section 5 hereof.

In the event of an oversubscription for shares of Conversion Stock by Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation (including the number of shares, if any, allocated to Eligible Account Holders) equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares. Any remaining available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in the proportion that the amount of their respective Qualifying Deposits bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all such subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose orders are unfilled, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

 

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Priority 4: Other Members. Each Other Member shall receive, without payment, Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $500,000 of Conversion Stock in the Subscription Offering (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering) and (ii) one-tenth of 1% of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, subject to Sections 6 and 9 hereof and the availability of shares of Conversion Stock for purchase after taking into account the shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Eligible Account Holders, the Tax Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if any, through the exercise of Subscription Rights under Section 5 hereof.

If Other Members subscribe for a number of shares of Conversion Stock in excess of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock remaining, available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Other Members so as to permit each such Other Member, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares which will make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares. Any remaining shares shall be allocated among subscribing Other Members on a pro rata basis in the same proportion as each such Other Member’s subscription bears to the total subscriptions of all such subscribing Other Members, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

B. Community Offering

Any shares of Common Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering may be offered for sale in a Community Offering. This will involve an offering of all unsubscribed shares directly to the general public with a preference first to the stockholders of record of the Mid-Tier Holding Company as of the Voting Record Date and then to those natural persons residing in the Community. Subject to the requirements set forth herein, the manner in which the Conversion Stock is sold in the Community Offering shall have as the objective the widest possible distribution of such stock.

In the event of a Community Offering, all shares of Conversion Stock which are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering shall be offered for sale by means of a direct community marketing program, which may provide for the use of brokers, dealers or investment banking firms experienced in the sale of financial institution securities.

Each order for Conversion Stock in the Community Offering shall be subject to the absolute right of the Primary Parties to accept or reject any such order in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following completion of the Community Offering. Available shares will be allocated first to each Person whose order is accepted in an amount equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by each such Person, if possible. Thereafter, unallocated shares shall be allocated among the Persons whose accepted orders remain unsatisfied in the same proportion that the unfilled order of each bears to the total unfilled orders of all Persons whose accepted orders remain unsatisfied, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

The amount of Conversion Stock that any Person may purchase in the Community Offering shall not exceed the greater of $500,000 of Conversion Stock or up to 5% of the total offering, provided, however, that this amount may be increased to up to 5% of the total offering

 

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of shares of Conversion Stock, subject to any required regulatory approval but without the further approval of Members of the Mutual Holding Company or the Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company; and provided further that, to the extent applicable, and subject to the preferences set forth and the limitations on purchases of Conversion Stock set forth in this section and Section 6 of this Plan, orders for Conversion Stock in the Community Offering shall first be filled to a maximum of 2% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings. Thereafter, unallocated shares shall be allocated among the Persons whose accepted orders remain unsatisfied in the same proportion that the unfilled order of each bears to the total unfilled orders of all Persons whose accepted orders remain unsatisfied, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued. The Primary Parties may commence the Community Offering concurrently with, at any time during, or as soon as practicable after the end of, the Subscription Offering, and the Community Offering must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the Subscription Offering, unless extended by the Primary Parties with any required regulatory approval.

C. Syndicated Community Offering

Subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as may be determined by the Primary Parties, all shares of Conversion Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering or ordered in the Community Offering may be sold by a syndicate of broker-dealers to the general public in a Syndicated Community Offering. Subject to the requirements set forth herein, the manner in which the Conversion Stock is sold in the Syndicated Community Offering shall have as the objective the achievement of a wide distribution of such stock. Each order for Conversion Stock in the Syndicated Community Offering shall be subject to the absolute right of the Primary Parties to accept or reject any such order in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable after completion of the Syndicated Community Offering. The amount of Conversion Stock that any Person may purchase in the Syndicated Community Offering shall not exceed $500,000 of Conversion Stock, provided, however, that this amount may be increased to up to 5% of the total offering of shares of Conversion Stock, subject to any required regulatory approval but without the further approval of Members of the Mutual Holding Company or the Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company; and subject to the limitations on purchases of Conversion Stock set forth in this section and Section 6 of this Plan. The Primary Parties may commence the Syndicated Community Offering concurrently with, at any time during, or as soon as practicable after the end of, the Subscription Offering and/or Community Offering, and the Syndicated Community Offering must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the Subscription Offering, unless extended by the Primary Parties with any required regulatory approval.

D. Public Offering Alternative

Subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as may be determined by the Primary Parties, any shares of Conversion Stock not sold in the Subscription Offering or the Community Offering may, as an alternative to or along with a Syndicated Community Offering, be offered for sale by the Holding Company to or through Underwriters. The limitations on purchases of Conversion Stock set forth in Section 6 of this Plan shall not be applicable to sales to Underwriters for purposes of such a Public Offering. Any such Underwriter shall agree to (a) purchase such shares from the Holding Company with a view to reoffering them to the general public; (b) use their

 

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best efforts, or make a firm commitment, to sell, for the account of the Holding Company, such shares to the general public; or (c) a combination of (a) and (b), subject to the following terms and conditions:

(1) Any Underwriting Agreement shall provide that the Underwriter shall agree to purchase all shares of the Conversion Stock not sold in the Subscription Offering or the Community Offering, if any such shares are purchased.

(2) The price paid to the Holding Company by or through the Underwriter for the Conversion Stock shall be the aggregate price at which such shares were offered in the Subscription Offering, less the amount of an underwriting discount as negotiated between the Bank, the Holding Company, and the Underwriters and approved by the OTS and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

(3) The Underwriting Agreement shall be subject to the following conditions and such other conditions as may be acceptable to the Bank, the Company and the OTS: (i) purchases in the Public Offering by Persons (other than Underwriters) shall be subject to the limitations of Section 6 of this Plan; and (ii) the Holding Company and its Underwriters shall use reasonable efforts to assure that the stock to be offered and sold in the Public Offering shall be offered and sold in a manner that, to the extent practicable, will achieve a wide distribution of such stock.

The amount of Conversion Stock that any Person may purchase in the Public Offering shall not exceed $500,000 of Conversion Stock, provided, however, that this amount may be increased to up to 5% of the total offering of shares of Conversion Stock, subject to any required regulatory approval but without the further approval of Members of the Mutual Holding Company or the Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company; and subject to the limitations on purchases of Conversion Stock set forth in this section and Section 6 of this Plan. The Primary Parties may commence the Public Offering concurrently with, at any time during, or as soon as practicable after the end of, the Subscription Offering and/or Community Offering and Syndicated Community Offering and the Public Offering must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the Subscription Offering, unless extended by the Primary Parties with any required regulatory approval.

If for any reason a Syndicated Community Offering or a Public Offering of shares of Holding Company Common Stock not sold in the Subscription and Community Offerings cannot be effected, or if any insignificant residue of shares of Conversion Stock is not sold in the Subscription and Community Offerings or in the Syndicated Community or Public Offering, other arrangements will be made for the disposition of unsubscribed shares by the Bank, if possible. Such other purchase arrangements will be subject to the approval of the OTS.

 

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6. ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASES OF CONVERSION STOCK.

The following limitations apply to the Offerings, in addition to those set forth in Section 5:

1. In addition to the other restrictions and limitations set forth herein, the maximum amount of Holding Company Common Stock which any Person together with any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert may, directly or indirectly, subscribe for or purchase in the Conversion shall not exceed $1,000,000.

2. The number of shares of Conversion Stock which Directors and Officers and their Associates may purchase in the aggregate in the Offerings shall not exceed 25% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings, including any shares which may be issued in the event of an increase in the maximum of the Estimated Price Range to reflect changes in market, financial and economic conditions after commencement of the Subscription Offering and prior to completion of the Offerings, excluding shares held by tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans attributable to Directors, Officers and their Associates.

3. No Person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings, to the extent such shares are available; provided, however, that if the Actual Purchase Price is greater than $20.00 per share, such minimum number of shares shall be adjusted so that the aggregate Actual Purchase Price for such minimum shares will not exceed $500.00. No Person(s) exercising subscription rights through a single Qualifying Account held jointly may purchase fewer than 25 shares or more than 50,000 shares.

4. For purposes of the foregoing limitations and the determination of Subscription Rights, (i) Directors, Officers and Employees shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group Acting in Concert solely as a result of their capacities as such and (ii) Exchange Shares shall be valued at the Actual Purchase Price.

5. Subject to any required regulatory approval and the requirements of applicable laws and regulations, but without further approval of the Members of the Mutual Holding Company or the Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Primary Parties may increase or decrease any of the individual or aggregate purchase limitations set forth herein to a percentage which does not exceed 5% of the total offering of shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Conversion whether prior to, during or after the Subscription Offering, Community Offering, Syndicated Community Offering and/or Public Offering. In the event that a purchase limitation is increased after commencement of the Subscription Offering or any other offering, the Primary Parties shall permit any Person who subscribed for the maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock to purchase an additional number of shares, so that such Person shall be permitted to subscribe for the then maximum number of shares permitted to be subscribed for by such Person, subject to the rights and preferences of any Person who has priority Subscription Rights. In the event that any of the individual or aggregate purchase limitations are decreased after commencement of the Subscription Offering or any other offering, the orders of any Person who subscribed for more than the new purchase limitation shall be decreased by the minimum amount necessary so that such Person shall be in compliance with the then maximum number of shares permitted to be subscribed for by such Person.

 

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6. The Primary Parties shall have the right to take all such action as they may, in their sole discretion, deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in order to monitor and enforce the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions contained in this section and elsewhere in this Plan and the terms, conditions and representations contained in the Order Form, including, but not limited to, the absolute right (subject only to any necessary regulatory approvals or concurrences) to reject, limit or revoke acceptance of any subscription or order and to delay, terminate or refuse to consummate any sale of Conversion Stock which they believe might violate, or is designed to, or is any part of a plan to, evade or circumvent such terms, conditions, limitations, restrictions and representations. Any such action shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, and the Primary Parties and their respective Boards shall be free from any liability to any Person on account of any such action.

7. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan and except as may otherwise be required by the OTS, the Public Shareholders will not have to sell any Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock or be limited in receiving Exchange Shares even if their ownership of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock when converted into Exchange Shares would exceed an applicable purchase limitation; provided, however, that a Public Shareholder who would exceed an applicable purchase limitation may be precluded from purchasing Conversion Stock in the Offerings.

8. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan, no person shall be entitled to purchase any Conversion Stock to the extent such purchase would be illegal under any federal law or state law or regulation or would violate regulations or policies of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. The Holding Company and/or its agents may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of such purchase and may refuse to honor any purchase order if such opinion is not timely furnished.

Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, no Person shall offer to transfer, or enter into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of any subscription rights or shares of Conversion Stock, except pursuant to this Plan. Each person purchasing Conversion Stock shall be deemed to confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the above purchase limitations contained in this Plan.

EACH PERSON PURCHASING CONVERSION STOCK IN THE OFFERINGS WILL BE DEEMED TO CONFIRM THAT PURCHASE DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE PURCHASE LIMITATIONS IN THIS PLAN. ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING WHETHER ANY PERSONS ARE ASSOCIATES OR A GROUP ACTING IN CONCERT OR WHETHER ANY PURCHASE CONFLICTS WITH THE PURCHASE LIMITATIONS IN THIS PLAN OR OTHERWISE VIOLATES ANY PROVISION OF THIS PLAN SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE PRIMARY PARTIES IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION. SUCH DETERMINATION SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE, FINAL AND BINDING ON ALL PERSONS AND THE PRIMARY PARTIES MAY TAKE ANY REMEDIAL ACTION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION REJECTING THE PURCHASE OR REFERRING THE MATTER TO THE OTS FOR ACTION, AS IN THEIR SOLE DISCRETION THE PRIMARY PARTIES MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE.

 

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7. TIMING OF SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING, MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS AND ORDER FORMS.

A. Timing of Subscription Offering.

The Subscription Offering may be commenced concurrently with or at any time after the mailing to Voting Members of the Mutual Holding Company and Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company of the proxy statement(s) to be used in connection with the Special Meeting and the Shareholders’ Meeting. The Subscription Offering may be closed before the Special Meeting and the Shareholders’ Meeting, provided that the offer and sale of the Conversion Stock shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Plan by the Voting Members of the Mutual Holding Company and the Shareholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company at the Special Meeting and the Shareholders’ Meeting, respectively.

The exact timing of the commencement of the Subscription Offering shall be determined by the Primary Parties in consultation with the Independent Appraiser and any financial or advisory or investment banking firm retained by them in connection with the Conversion. The Primary Parties may consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to, their current and projected future earnings, local and national economic conditions, and the prevailing market for stocks in general and stocks of financial institutions in particular. The Primary Parties shall have the right to withdraw, terminate, suspend, delay, revoke or modify any such Subscription Offering, at any time and from time to time, as they in their sole discretion may determine, without liability to any Person, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and any necessary regulatory approval or concurrence.

The Primary Parties shall, promptly after the SEC has declared the Registration Statement, which includes the Prospectus, effective and all required regulatory approvals have been obtained, distribute or make available the Prospectus, together with Order Forms for the purchase of Conversion Stock, to all Participants at their last known addresses appearing on the records of the Bank for the purpose of enabling them to exercise their respective Subscription Rights, subject to this section, and at the discretion of the Board of the Holding Company will be made available for use by those persons entitled to purchase in the Community Offering.

B. Order Forms; Return of Order Forms

A single Order Form for all Deposit Accounts maintained with the Bank by an Eligible Account Holder and any Supplemental Eligible Account Holder may be furnished, irrespective of the number of Deposit Accounts maintained with the Bank on the Eligibility Record Date and Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, respectively. No person holding a subscription right may exceed any otherwise applicable purchase limitation by submitting multiple orders for Conversion Stock. Multiple orders are subject to adjustment, as appropriate, on a pro rata basis and deposit balances will be divided equally among such orders in allocating shares in the event of an oversubscription.

The recipient of an Order Form shall have no less than 20 days and no more than 45 days from the date of mailing of the Order Form (with the exact termination date to be set forth on the Order Form) to properly complete and execute the Order Form and deliver it to the executive

 

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offices of Primary Parties. The Primary Parties may extend such period by such amount of time as they determine is appropriate. Failure of any Participant to deliver a properly executed Order Form to the Primary Parties, along with payment (or authorization for payment by withdrawal) for the shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for, within the time limits prescribed, shall be deemed a waiver and release by such person of any rights to subscribe for shares of Conversion Stock. Each Participant shall be required to confirm to the Primary Parties by executing an Order Form that such Person has fully complied with all of the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions in the Plan.

C. Requirements for Order Form

Each Order Form shall contain:

1. A specified date by which all order forms must be received by the Holding Company, which date shall be not less than 20, nor more than 45 days, as stated in subsection (b) above, following the date on which the order forms are mailed by the Holding Company, and which date will constitute the termination of the Subscription Offering;

2. The Initial Purchase Price per share for shares of Conversion Stock to be sold in the Offerings;

3. An explanation of the rights and privileges granted under this Plan to each class of persons granted subscription rights pursuant to this Plan with respect to the purchase of Conversion Stock;

4. Specifically designated blank spaces for dating and signing the order form;

5. A description of the minimum and maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock that may be subscribed for pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights or otherwise purchased in the Community Offering;

6. The amount which must be returned with the order form to subscribe for Conversion Stock. Such amount will be equal to the purchase price multiplied by the number of shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for in accordance with the terms of this Plan;

7. Instructions concerning how to indicate on such order form the extent to which the recipient elects to exercise subscription rights under this Plan, the name or names in which the shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for are to be registered, the address to which certificates representing such shares of Conversion Stock are to be sent and the alternative methods of payment for Conversion Stock which will be permitted;

8. An acknowledgment that the recipient of the order form has received a final copy of the Prospectus prior to execution of the order form;

9. A statement indicating the consequences of failing to properly complete and return the order form, including a statement to the effect that all subscription rights are nontransferable, will be void at the end of the Subscription Offering, and can only be exercised by delivering to the executive offices of the Holding Company within the subscription period

 

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such properly completed and executed order form, together with the full required payment as specified in the order form for the shares of Conversion Stock for which the recipient elects to subscribe in the Subscription Offering (or by authoring on the order form that the Holding Company withdraw said amount from the subscriber’s Deposit Account at the Bank); the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and Other Members are nontransferable. A statement that when registering stock purchases on the order form, a recipient should not add the name(s) of Person(s) who do not have subscription rights or who qualify on a lower purchase priority than the receipt to their order form;

10. Provision for certification to be executed by the recipient of the order form to the effect that, as to any shares of Conversion Stock which the recipient elects to purchase, such recipient is purchasing such shares of Conversion Stock for his own account only and has no present agreement or understanding regarding any subsequent sale or transfer of such shares of Conversion Stock; and

11. A statement to the effect that the executed order form, once received by the Holding Company at its executive offices, may not be modified or amended by the subscriber without the consent of the Holding Company; notwithstanding the above, the Bank and the Holding Company reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept or reject orders received on photocopied or facsimilied order forms.

D. Rejection of Order Forms; Interpretation of Order Forms

The Primary Parties shall have the absolute right, in their sole discretion and without liability to any Participant or other Person, to reject any Order Form, including, but not limited to, any Order Form that is (i) improperly completed or executed; (ii) not timely received; (iii) not accompanied by the proper payment (or authorization of withdrawal for payment) or, in the case of institutional investors in the Community Offering, not accompanied by an irrevocable order together with a legally binding commitment to pay the full amount of the purchase price prior to 48 hours before the completion of the Offerings; or (iv) submitted by a Person whose representations the Primary Parties believe to be false or who they otherwise believe, either alone, or Acting in Concert with others, is violating, evading or circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent, the terms and conditions of the Plan. Furthermore, in the event Order Forms (i) are not delivered or are returned to the executive offices of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company by the United States Postal Service, or (ii) are not mailed pursuant to a “no mail” order placed in effect by the account holder, the subscription rights of the person to which such rights have been granted will lapse as though such person failed to return the contemplated Order Form within the time period specified thereon. The Primary Parties may, but will not be required to, waive any irregularity on any Order Form or may require the submission of corrected Order Forms or the remittance of full payment for shares of Conversion Stock by such date as they may specify. The interpretation of the Primary Parties of the terms and conditions of the Order Forms shall be final and conclusive.

 

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8. PAYMENT FOR CONVERSION STOCK.

All payments for Conversion Stock subscribed for or ordered in the Subscription and Community Offerings must be delivered in full to the Bank along with a properly completed and executed Order Form on or prior to the expiration date specified on the Order Form unless such date is extended by the Holding Company. A properly completed original stock Order Form must be used to subscribe for Conversion Stock. Copies of an order form are not required to be accepted. The Bank shall not knowingly loan funds or otherwise extend credit to any Participant or other Person to purchase Conversion Stock. Each share of Conversion Stock shall be non-assessable upon payment in full of the Actual Purchase Price.

Payment for Conversion Stock will be permitted to be made in any of the following manners:

1. By personal check, bank check or money order, provided that checks will only be accepted subject to collection. Interest will be paid by the Bank at not less than the rate per annum being paid by the Bank on its passbook accounts at the time the Offerings commence, on payments for Conversion Stock received in the Offerings by check, or money order from the date payment is received until consummation or termination of the Conversion. The Bank shall be entitled to invest all amounts paid for subscriptions in the Offerings for its own account until completion or termination of the Conversion.

2. By appropriate authorization of withdrawal from designated types of deposit accounts in the Bank. The order forms will contain appropriate means by which authorization of such withdrawals may be made. For purposes of determining the withdrawable balance of such accounts, such withdrawals will be deemed to have been made upon receipt of appropriate authorization therefor, but interest at the rates applicable to the accounts from which the withdrawals have been deemed to have been made will be paid by the Bank on the amounts deemed to have been withdrawn until the date on which the Conversion is consummated, at which date the authorized withdrawal will actually be made. Such withdrawals may be made upon receipt of order forms authorizing such withdrawals, but interest will be paid by the Bank on the amounts withdrawn as if such amounts had remained in the accounts from which they were withdrawn until the date upon which the sales of Conversion Stock pursuant to exercise of subscription rights are actually consummated.

3. Payments for the purchase of Conversion Stock in the Offerings will be permitted through authorization of withdrawals from certificate accounts at the Bank without early withdrawal penalties. If the remaining balances of the certificate accounts after such withdrawals are less than the minimum qualifying balances under applicable regulations, the certificates evidencing the accounts will be canceled upon consummation of the Conversion, and the remaining balances will thereafter earn interest at the passbook rate.

9. ACCOUNT HOLDERS IN NONQUALIFIED STATES OR FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

The Primary Parties shall make reasonable efforts to comply with the securities laws of all jurisdictions in the United States in which Participants reside. However, no Participant will

 

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be offered or receive any Conversion Stock under the Plan if such Participant resides in a foreign country or resides in a jurisdiction of the United States with respect to which all of the following apply: (a) there are few Participants otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under this Plan who reside in such jurisdiction; (b) the granting of Subscription Rights or the offer or sale of shares of Conversion Stock to such Participants would require any of the Primary Parties or their respective Directors and Officers, under the laws of such jurisdiction, to register as a broker-dealer, salesman or selling agent or to register or otherwise qualify the Conversion Stock for sale in such jurisdiction, or any of the Primary Parties would be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or file a consent to service of process in such jurisdiction; and (c) such registration, qualification or filing in the judgment of the Primary Parties would be impracticable or unduly burdensome for reasons of cost or otherwise.

10. VOTING RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS.

Following consummation of the Conversion, voting rights with respect to the Bank shall be held and exercised exclusively by the Holding Company as holder of all of the Bank’s outstanding voting capital stock, and voting rights with respect to the Holding Company shall be held and exercised exclusively by the holders of the Holding Company’s voting capital stock.

11. LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT.

At the time of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, the Bank shall establish a liquidation account in an amount equal to the greater of (i) the Bank’s net worth as of the date of the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the initial formation of the Mutual Holding Company and related minority stock offering, or (ii) the percentage of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company owned by the Mutual Holding Company prior to the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, multiplied by the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total shareholders’ equity as reflected in its latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the Conversion. The function of the liquidation account will be to preserve the rights of certain holders of Deposit Accounts in the Bank who maintain such accounts in the Bank following the Conversion to a priority to distributions in the unlikely event of a liquidation of the Bank subsequent to the Conversion.

The liquidation account shall be maintained for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if any, who maintain their Deposit Accounts in the Bank after the Conversion. Each such account holder will, with respect to each Deposit Account held, have a related inchoate interest in a portion of the liquidation account balance, which interest will be referred to in this Section 11 as the “subaccount balance.” Account holders will not retain any voting rights based on their liquidation sub-accounts. All Deposit Accounts having the same social security number will be aggregated for purposes of determining the initial subaccount balance with respect to such Deposit Accounts, except as set forth below.

In the event of a complete liquidation of the Bank subsequent to the Conversion (and only in such event), each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, shall be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in the amount of the then current subaccount balances for Deposit Accounts then held (adjusted as

 

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described below) before any liquidation distribution may be made with respect to the capital stock of the Bank. No merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination transaction with another FDIC-insured institution in which the Bank is not the surviving entity shall be considered a complete liquidation for this purpose. In any such transaction, the liquidation account shall be assumed by the surviving entity.

The initial subaccount balance for a Deposit Account held by an Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, shall be determined by multiplying the opening balance in the liquidation account by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of such account holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if any. For Deposit Accounts in existence at both the Eligibility Record Date and the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, if any, separate initial subaccount balances shall be determined on the basis of the Qualifying Deposits in such Deposit Accounts on each such record date. Initial subaccount balances shall not be increased, and shall be subject to downward adjustment as provided below.

If the aggregate deposit balance in the Deposit Account(s) of any Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, at the close of business on any December 31 annual closing date, commencing on or after the effective date of the Conversion, is less than the lesser of (a) the aggregate deposit balance in such Deposit Account(s) at the close of business on any other annual closing date subsequent to such record dates or (b) the aggregate deposit balance in such Deposit Account(s) as of the Eligibility Record Date or the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, if any, the subaccount balance for such Deposit Account(s) shall be adjusted by reducing such subaccount balance in an amount proportionate to the reduction in such deposit balance. In the event of such a downward adjustment, the subaccount balance shall not be subsequently increased, notwithstanding any subsequent increase in the deposit balance of the related Deposit Account(s). The subaccount balance of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, will be reduced to zero if the Account Holder ceases to maintain a Deposit Account at the Bank that has the same social security number as appeared on his Deposit Account(s) at the Eligibility Record Date or, if applicable, the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date.

Subsequent to the Conversion, the Bank may not pay cash dividends generally on deposit accounts and/or capital stock of the Bank, or repurchase any of the capital stock of the Bank, if such dividend or repurchase would reduce the Bank’s regulatory capital below the aggregate amount of the then current subaccount balances for Deposit Accounts then held; otherwise, the existence of the liquidation account shall not operate to restrict the use or application of any of the net worth accounts of the Bank.

For purposes of this Section 11, a Deposit Account includes a predecessor or successor account which is held by an Account Holder with the same social security number.

In connection with the initial mutual holding company reorganization of the Bank, the Bank established a liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders as of December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000. This previously established liquidation account shall be terminated by the Board of the Bank at the Effective Time and it shall be superseded by the liquidation account established as described above in this Section 11. No Member will have a liquidation preference over the new liquidation account.

 

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12. REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWING CONVERSION FOR REGISTRATION, MARKET MAKING AND STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING.

In connection with the Conversion, the Holding Company shall register the Holding Company Common Stock pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall undertake not to deregister such stock for a period of three years thereafter. The Holding Company also shall use its best efforts to (i) encourage and assist a market maker to establish and maintain a market for the Holding Company Common Stock and (ii) list the Holding Company Common Stock on a national or regional securities exchange or to have quotations for such stock disseminated on the American Stock Exchange.

13. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Each person serving as a Director or Officer of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank at the time of the Conversion shall continue to serve as a Director or Officer of the Bank and shall become a Director or Officer of the Holding Company for the balance of the term for which the person was elected prior to the Conversion, and until a successor is elected and qualified. The number, names, business addresses and terms of the Directors of the Bank are set forth in the Plans of Merger included as Annex A , Annex B , and Annex C hereto.

14. RESTRICTIONS ON STOCK PURCHASES BY MANAGEMENT.

For a period of three years following the Conversion, the Directors and Officers of the Holding Company and the Bank and their Associates may not purchase, without the prior written approval of the OTS, Holding Company Common Stock except from a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. This provision shall be enforced by the applicable regulatory authority provided the applicable regulatory authority agrees in writing to enforce this OTS requirement. This prohibition shall not apply, however, to (i) a negotiated transaction arrived at by direct negotiation between buyer and seller and involving more than 1% of the outstanding Holding Company Common Stock and (ii) purchases of stock made by and held by any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan (and purchases of stock made by and held by any Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan following the receipt of shareholder approval of such plan) which may be attributable to individual officers or directors.

The foregoing restriction on purchases of Holding Company Common Stock shall be in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed by federal and state securities laws.

15. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF STOCK.

All shares of Conversion Stock which are purchased by Persons other than Directors and Officers shall be transferable without restriction, except in connection with a transaction proscribed by Section 16 of this Plan. Shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Directors and Officers of the Holding Company and the Bank on original issue from the Holding Company (by subscription or otherwise) shall be subject to the restriction that such shares shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of for value for a period of one year following the date of purchase, except

 

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for any disposition of such shares following the death of the original purchaser or pursuant to any merger or similar transaction approved by the OTS. The shares of Conversion Stock issued by the Holding Company to Directors and Officers shall bear the following legend giving appropriate notice of such one-year restriction:

“The shares of stock evidenced by this Certificate are restricted as to transfer for a period of one year from the date of this Certificate pursuant to Part 563b of the Rules and Regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision. These shares may not be transferred during such one-year period without a legal opinion of counsel for the Company that said transfer is permissible under the provisions of applicable law and regulation. This restrictive legend shall be deemed null and void after one year from the date of this Certificate.”

In addition, the Holding Company shall give appropriate instructions to the transfer agent for the Holding Company Common Stock with respect to the applicable restrictions relating to the transfer of restricted stock. Any shares issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to any such restricted stock shall be subject to the same holding period restrictions as may then be applicable to such restricted stock.

The foregoing restriction on transfer shall be in addition to any restrictions on transfer that may be imposed by federal and state securities laws.

16. RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF STOCK OF THE HOLDING COMPANY.

The Articles of Organization of the Holding Company shall prohibit any Person together with Associates or group of Persons Acting in Concert from offering to acquire or acquiring, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of the Holding Company, or of securities convertible into more than 10% of any such class, for a period of five (5) years following completion of the Conversion. The Articles of Organization of the Holding Company also shall provide that all equity securities beneficially owned by any Person in excess of 10% of any class of equity securities shall be considered “excess shares,” and that excess shares shall not be counted as shares entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any Person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matters submitted to the shareholders for a vote. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (i) any offer with a view toward public resale made exclusively to the Holding Company by underwriters or a selling group acting on its behalf, (ii) the purchase of shares by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan established for the benefit of the employees of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries which is exempt from approval requirements under 12 C.F.R. § 574.3(c)(1)(vi) or any successor thereto, and (iii) any offer or acquisition approved in advance by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors of the Holding Company. Directors, Officers or Employees of the Holding Company or the Bank or any subsidiary thereof shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group Acting in Concert with respect to their individual acquisitions of any class of equity securities of the Holding Company solely as a result of their capacities as such.

 

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17. TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS.

Consummation of the Conversion is conditioned upon prior receipt by the Primary Parties of either a ruling or an opinion of counsel with respect to federal tax laws, and either a ruling or an opinion with respect to Massachusetts tax laws, to the effect that consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby qualify as a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes and will not result in any adverse tax consequences to the Primary Parties or to account holders receiving Subscription Rights before or after the Conversion, except in each case to the extent, if any, that Subscription Rights are deemed to have fair market value on the date such rights are issued.

18. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS.

The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt stock option plans, restricted stock grant plans and other Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, provided that no stock options shall be granted, and no shares of Conversion Stock shall be purchased, pursuant to any of such plans prior to the earlier of (i) the one-year anniversary of the consummation of the Conversion or (ii) the receipt of shareholder approval of such plans at either an annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Holding Company held no earlier than six months following the Conversion.

The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to enter into employment or severance agreements with their executive officers.

19. DIVIDEND AND REPURCHASE RESTRICTIONS ON STOCK.

Following consummation of the Conversion, any repurchases of shares of capital stock by the Holding Company will be made in accordance with then applicable laws and regulations.

The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account. Any dividend declared or paid on, or repurchase of, the Bank’s capital stock also shall be in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

20. PAYMENT OF FEES TO BROKERS.

The Primary Parties may elect to offer to pay fees on a per share basis to securities brokers who assist purchasers of Conversion Stock in the Offerings.

21. EXPENSES.

The Holding Company and the Bank may retain and pay for the services of financial and other advisors and investment bankers to assist in connection with any or all aspects of the Conversion, including in connection with the Offerings. All fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Conversion and the Offerings must be reasonable, in accordance with OTS regulations.

 

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22. EFFECTIVE DATE OF CONVERSION.

The effective date of the Conversion shall be the date upon which the last of the following actions occurs: (i) the filing of Articles of Combination with the OTS with respect to the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, (ii) the filing of Articles of Combination with the OTS with respect to the Mutual Holding Company Merger, (iii) the filing of Articles of Combination with the OTS with respect to the Bank Merger, or (iv) the closing of the issuance of the shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings. The filing of Articles of Combination relating to the Mutual Holding Company Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger and the Bank Merger and the closing of the issuance of shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings shall not occur until all requisite regulatory, Member and Shareholder approvals have been obtained, all applicable waiting periods have expired and sufficient subscriptions and orders for the Conversion Stock have been received. It is intended that the closing of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, the Bank Merger, the sale of shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings shall occur consecutively and substantially simultaneously.

23. AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

If deemed necessary or desirable by the Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties, this Plan may be substantively amended, as a result of comments from regulatory authorities or otherwise, at any time prior to the solicitation of proxies from Members and Shareholders to vote on the Plan and at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS. Any amendment to this Plan made after approval by the Members and Shareholders with the concurrence of the OTS shall not necessitate further approval by the Members or Shareholders unless otherwise required by the OTS. This Plan shall terminate if the sale of all shares of Conversion Stock is not completed within 24 months from the date of the Special Meeting. Prior to the earlier of the Special Meeting and the Shareholders’ Meeting, this Plan may be terminated by the Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties without approval of the OTS; after the Special Meeting or the Shareholders’ Meeting, the Boards of Directors may terminate this Plan only with the approval of the OTS.

24. INTERPRETATION OF THE PLAN.

All interpretations of this Plan and application of its provisions to particular circumstances by a majority of each of the Boards of Directors of the Primary Parties shall be final, subject to the authority of the OTS.

25. SEVERABILITY.

If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Plan is held by a court or a federal or state regulatory agency of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions contained in this Plan shall remain in full force and effect, and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

 

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26. MISCELLANEOUS.

This Plan is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States. None of the cover page, the table of contents, or the section headings are to be considered a part of this Plan, but are included solely for convenience of reference and shall in no way define, limit, extend, or describe the scope or intent of any of the provisions hereof. Words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular. Except for such rights as are set forth herein for Members, this Plan shall create no rights in any Person.

 

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Annex A

PLAN OF MERGER

This PLAN OF MERGER (this “Plan of Merger”), dated as of                      , 2006, is by and among Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Federal Corporation”), a to-be-formed federal stock corporation, Westfield Bank (the “Bank” or the “Surviving Bank”), a federal stock savings bank, and Westfield Interim Savings Bank I (“Interim I”), an interim federal stock savings bank.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), a federal mutual holding company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank have adopted a Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance (the “Plan of Conversion”), pursuant to which (i) the Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to the Federal Corporation, and the Federal Corporation will immediately convert to Interim I and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger”) pursuant to which, among other things, all shares of Bank Common Stock held by the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be canceled; (ii) the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim II”) and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mutual Holding Company Merger”); (iii) the Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Holding Company”); (iv) the Holding Company will form an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim III”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary; (v) Interim III will merge with and into the Bank (the “Bank Merger”); and (vi) the Holding Company will offer shares of its common stock in the manner set forth in the Plan of Conversion;

WHEREAS , the Mid-Tier Holding Company owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Bank, par value $0.10 per share (“Bank Common Stock”);

WHEREAS , Interim I and the Bank (“Constituent Banks”) desire to provide for the terms and conditions of the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE , the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1. Effective Date . The Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger shall be effective upon the filing of Article of Combination with the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”).

2. The Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger and Effect Thereof . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and the prior approval of the OTS of the Conversion, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, and the expiration of all applicable waiting periods, the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall convert to the Federal Corporation and the Federal Corporation shall immediately convert to Interim I, and Interim I shall merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank surviving (the “Surviving Bank”). Upon consummation of the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, the Surviving Bank shall be considered the same business and corporate entity as each of the Constituent Banks and thereupon and thereafter all the property, rights, powers and franchises of each of the Constituent Banks shall vest in the Surviving Bank and the Surviving Bank shall be subject to and be deemed to have assumed all of the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of each of the Constituent Banks and shall have succeeded to all of each of their relationships, fiduciary or otherwise, as fully and to the same extent as if such property, rights,


privileges, powers, franchises, debts, obligations, duties and relationships had been originally acquired, incurred or entered into by the Surviving Bank. Deposit accounts shall be deemed issued in the name of the Surviving Bank in accordance with applicable OTS and FDIC regulations. In addition, any reference to either of the Constituent Banks in any contract, will or document, whether executed or taking effect before or after the Effective Date, shall be considered a reference to the Surviving Bank if not inconsistent with the other provisions of the contract, will or document; and any pending action or other judicial proceeding to which either of the Constituent Banks is a party shall not be deemed to have abated or to have been discontinued by reason of the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, but may be prosecuted to final judgment, order or decree in the same manner as if the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger had not occurred or the Surviving Bank may be substituted as a party to such action or proceeding, and any judgment, order or decree may be rendered for or against it that might have been rendered for or against either of the Constituent Banks if the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger had not occurred.

3. Cancellation of Bank Common Stock Held by the Mid-Tier Holding Company and Member Interests; Liquidation Account .

(a) On the Effective Date, (i) each share of common stock of the Bank (“Bank Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date and held by the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall, by virtue of the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled, (ii) the interests in the Mutual Holding Company of any person, firm or entity who or which qualified as a member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its mutual charter and bylaws and the laws of the United States prior to the Mutual Holding Company’s conversion from mutual to stock form (the “Members”) shall, by virtue of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, which shall occur substantially simultaneously with the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled, and (iii) the Bank shall establish a liquidation account on behalf of each depositor member of the Mutual Holding Company, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan of Conversion.

(b) At or after the Effective Date and prior to the Bank Merger, each certificate or certificates theretofore evidencing issued and outstanding shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than any such certificate or certificates held by the Mutual Holding Company, which shall be canceled, shall be deemed to represent issued and outstanding shares of Bank Common Stock which shall be exchanged as provided by the Bank Merger.

4. Dissenting Shares . No shareholder of the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall have any dissenters’ or appraisal rights in connection with the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger.

5. Name of the Surviving Bank . The name of the Surviving Bank shall be “Westfield Bank.”

6. Directors of the Surviving Bank . At the Effective Date, the number of directors of the Surviving Bank shall be eleven. The names of those persons who shall be directors of the Surviving Bank at the Effective Date are set forth below. Each such director shall serve for the term which expires at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Surviving Bank in the year set forth after his or her respective name, and until a successor is elected and qualified.

 

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Name

  

Address

   Term Expires
Victor J. Carra   

7 Jered Lane

Southwick, MA 01077

   2007
David C. Colton, Jr.   

452 Loomis Street

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009
Robert T. Crowley, Jr.   

65 Ridgecrest Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

   2008
Harry C. Lane   

131 Granville Road

Southwick, MA 01077

   2008
William H. McClure   

92 Morningside Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

   2008
Mary C. O’Neil   

419 Southwick Road R75

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009
Richard C. Placek   

110 Whitaker Road

Westfield, MA 01085

   2007
Paul R. Pohl   

55 Tecumseh Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

   2008
Charles E. Sullivan   

25 Hayes Avenue

West Springfield, MA 01089

   2007
Thomas C. Sullivan   

P.O. Box 525

East Otis, MA 01029

   2007
Donald A. Williams   

146 Glenwood Drive

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009

7. Officers of the Surviving Bank . The officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the officers of the Surviving Bank.

8. Offices . At the Effective Date, the home office of the Surviving Bank shall be located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085. The locations of the other offices of the Surviving Bank shall be as set forth below, except for the addition of deposit-taking offices authorized or the deletion of deposit-taking offices closed subsequent to the date hereof and the Effective Date.

 

655 Main Street

Agawam, MA 01001

  

462 College Highway

Southwick, MA 01077

  

206 Park Street

West Springfield, MA 01089

382 N. Main Street

E. Longmeadow, MA 01028

  

1500 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

  

26 Arnold Street

Westfield, MA 01085

1642 Northampton St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

  

1342 Liberty Street

Springfield, MA 01104

  

300 Southampton Road

Westfield, MA 01085

9. Charter and Bylaws . On and after the Effective Date, the charter of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the charter of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law. On and after the Effective Date, the bylaws of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law.

 

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10. Shareholder and Member Approvals . The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Mutual Holding Company, and the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) at least a majority of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than the Mutual Holding Company, or (b) two-thirds of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Federal Corporation, and Interim I. The approval of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, as the sole holder of the Bank Common Stock, shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Bank.

11. Director Approval . At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of each of the parties hereto have approved this Plan of Merger.

12. Abandonment of Agreement . This Plan of Merger may be abandoned by either the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Bank at any time before the Effective Date in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion.

13. Amendments . This Plan of Merger may be amended in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion by a subsequent writing signed by the parties hereto upon the approval of the Board of Directors of each of the parties hereto.

14. Successors . This Agreement shall be binding on the successors of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank.

15. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the laws of the United States of America.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank, the Federal Corporation and Interim I have caused this Plan of Merger to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

 

Attest:  

WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

(a Massachusetts corporation)

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:   WESTFIELD BANK

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 

WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

(a federal corporation)

Attest:   WESTFIELD INTERIM SAVINGS BANK I

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Annex B

 

PLAN OF MERGER

This PLAN OF MERGER (this “Plan of Merger”), dated as of                      , 2006, is by and among Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), federal mutual holding company, Westfield Bank (the “Bank” or the “Surviving Bank”), a federal stock savings bank, and Westfield Interim Savings Bank II (“Interim II”), an interim federal stock savings bank.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , the Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, and the Bank have adopted a Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance (the “Plan of Conversion”), pursuant to which (i) the Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to a federal corporation, which will immediately convert to an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim I”) and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger”); (ii) the Mutual Holding Company, which owns more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, par value $0.01 (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock”), will convert to Interim II and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mutual Holding Company Merger”) pursuant to which, among other things, all interests of members in the Mutual Holding Company and all shares of Mid-Tier Common Stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled; (iii) the Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Holding Company”); (iv) the Holding Company will form an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim III”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary; (v) Interim III will merge with and into the Bank (the “Bank Merger”); and (vi) the Holding Company will offer shares of its common stock in the manner set forth in the Plan of Conversion;

WHEREAS , Interim II and the Bank (“Constituent Banks”) desire to provide for the terms and conditions of the Mutual Holding Company Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE , the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1. Effective Date . The Mutual Holding Company Merger shall be effective upon the filing of Article of Combination with the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”).

2. The Mutual Holding Company Merger and Effect Thereof . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and the prior approval of the OTS of the Conversion, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, and the expiration of all applicable waiting periods, the Mutual Holding Company shall convert to Interim II, and Interim II shall merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank surviving (the “Surviving Bank”). Upon consummation of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, the Surviving Bank shall be considered the same business and corporate entity as each of the Constituent Banks and thereupon and thereafter all the property, rights, powers and franchises of each of the Constituent Banks shall vest in the Surviving Bank and the Surviving Bank shall be subject to and be deemed to have assumed all of the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of each of the Constituent Banks and shall have succeeded to all of each of their relationships, fiduciary or otherwise, as fully and to the same extent as if such property, rights, privileges, powers, franchises, debts, obligations, duties and relationships had been originally


acquired, incurred or entered into by the Surviving Bank. Deposit accounts shall be deemed issued in the name of the Surviving Bank in accordance with applicable OTS and FDIC regulations. In addition, any reference to either of the Constituent Banks in any contract, will or document, whether executed or taking effect before or after the Effective Date, shall be considered a reference to the Surviving Bank if not inconsistent with the other provisions of the contract, will or document; and any pending action or other judicial proceeding to which either of the Constituent Banks is a party shall not be deemed to have abated or to have been discontinued by reason of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, but may be prosecuted to final judgment, order or decree in the same manner as if the Mutual Holding Company Merger had not occurred or the Surviving Bank may be substituted as a party to such action or proceeding, and any judgment, order or decree may be rendered for or against it that might have been rendered for or against either of the Constituent Banks if the Mutual Holding Company Merger had not occurred.

3. Cancelation of Mid-Tier Common Stock Held by the Mutual Holding Company and Member Interests; Liquidation Account .

(a) On the Effective Date, (i) each share of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date and held by the Mutual Holding Company shall, by virtue of the Mutual Holding Company Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled, (ii) the interests in the Mutual Holding Company of any person, firm or entity who or which qualified as a member of the Mutual Holding Company in accordance with its mutual charter and bylaws and the laws of the United States prior to the Mutual Holding Company’s conversion from mutual to stock form (the “Members”) shall, by virtue of the Mutual Holding Company Merger, which shall occur substantially simultaneously with the Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger, and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled, and (iii) the Bank shall establish a liquidation account on behalf of each depositor member of the Mutual Holding Company, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, in accordance with Section 11 of the Plan of Conversion.

(b) At or after the Effective Date and prior to the Bank Merger, each certificate or certificates theretofore evidencing issued and outstanding shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than any such certificate or certificates held by the Mutual Holding Company, which shall be canceled, shall be deemed to represent issued and outstanding shares of Bank Common Stock which shall be exchanged as provided by the Bank Merger.

4. Dissenting Shares . No shareholder of the Mutual Holding Company shall have any dissenters’ or appraisal rights in connection with the Mutual Holding Company Merger.

5. Name of the Surviving Bank . The name of the Surviving Bank shall be “Westfield Bank.”

6. Directors of the Surviving Bank . At the Effective Date, the number of directors of the Surviving Bank shall be eleven. The names of those persons who shall be directors of the Surviving Bank at the Effective Date are set forth below. Each such director shall serve for the term which expires at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Surviving Bank in the year set forth after his or her respective name, and until a successor is elected and qualified.

 

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Name

  

Address

   Term Expires
Victor J. Carra   

7 Jered Lane

Southwick, MA 01077

   2007
David C. Colton, Jr.   

452 Loomis Street

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009
Robert T. Crowley, Jr.   

65 Ridgecrest Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

   2008
Harry C. Lane   

131 Granville Road

Southwick, MA 01077

   2008
William H. McClure   

92 Morningside Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

   2008
Mary C. O’Neil   

419 Southwick Road R75

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009
Richard C. Placek   

110 Whitaker Road

Westfield, MA 01085

   2007
Paul R. Pohl   

55 Tecumseh Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

   2008
Charles E. Sullivan   

25 Hayes Avenue

West Springfield, MA 01089

   2007
Thomas C. Sullivan   

P.O. Box 525

East Otis, MA 01029

   2007
Donald A. Williams   

146 Glenwood Drive

Westfield, MA 01085

   2009

7. Officers of the Surviving Bank . The officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the officers of the Surviving Bank.

8. Offices . At the Effective Date, the home office of the Surviving Bank shall be located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085. The locations of the other offices of the Surviving Bank shall be as set forth below, except for the addition of deposit-taking offices authorized or the deletion of deposit-taking offices closed subsequent to the date hereof and the Effective Date.

 

655 Main Street

Agawam, MA 01001

  

462 College Highway

Southwick, MA 01077

  

206 Park Street

West Springfield, MA 01089

382 N. Main Street

E. Longmeadow, MA 01028

  

1500 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

  

26 Arnold Street

Westfield, MA 01085

1642 Northampton St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

  

1342 Liberty Street

Springfield, MA 01104

  

300 Southampton Road

Westfield, MA 01085

9. Charter and Bylaws . On and after the Effective Date, the charter of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the charter of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law. On and after the Effective Date, the bylaws of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law.

 

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10. Shareholder and Member Approvals . The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Mutual Holding Company, and the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) at least a majority of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than the Mutual Holding Company, or (b) two-thirds of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Federal Corporation, and Interim I. The approval of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, as the sole holder of the Bank Common Stock, shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Bank.

11. Director Approval . At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of each of the parties hereto have approved this Plan of Merger.

12. Abandonment of Agreement . This Plan of Merger may be abandoned by either the Mutual Holding Company or the Bank at any time before the Effective Date in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion.

13. Amendments . This Plan of Merger may be amended in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion by a subsequent writing signed by the parties hereto upon the approval of the Board of Directors of each of the parties hereto.

14. Successors . This Agreement shall be binding on the successors of the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank.

15. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the laws of the United States of America.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and Interim II have caused this Plan of Merger to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

 

Attest:  

WESTFIELD MUTUAL HOLDING

COMPANY

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:   WESTFIELD BANK

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:  

WESTFIELD INTERIM SAVINGS

BANK II

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Annex C

 

PLAN OF MERGER

This PLAN OF MERGER (this “Plan of Merger”), dated as of                      , 2006, is by and among Westfield Bank (the “Bank” or the “Surviving Bank”), a federal stock savings bank, New Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, and Westfield Interim Savings Bank III (“Interim III”), an interim federal stock savings bank.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), a federal mutual holding company, Westfield Financial, Inc (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, and the Bank have adopted a Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance (the “Plan of Conversion”), pursuant to which (i) the Mid-Tier Holding Company will convert to a federal corporation, which will immediately convert to an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim I”) and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company Merger”); (ii) the Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim II”) and merge with and into the Bank (the “Mutual Holding Company Merger”); (iii) the Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Holding Company”); (iv) the Holding Company will form Interim III as a wholly-owned subsidiary; (v) Interim III will merge with and into the Bank (the “Bank Merger”); and (vi) the Holding Company will offer shares of its common stock in the manner set forth in the Plan of Conversion;

WHEREAS , Interim III and the Bank (“Constituent Banks”) desire to provide for the terms and conditions of the Bank Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE , the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1. Effective Date . The Bank Merger shall be effective upon the filing of Article of Combination with the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”).

2. The Bank Merger and Effect Thereof . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and the prior approval of the OTS of the Conversion, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, and the expiration of all applicable waiting periods, Interim III shall merge with and into the Bank, with the Bank surviving (the “Surviving Bank”). Upon consummation of the Bank Merger, the Surviving Bank shall be considered the same business and corporate entity as each of the Constituent Banks and thereupon and thereafter all the property, rights, powers and franchises of each of the Constituent Banks shall vest in the Surviving Bank and the Surviving Bank shall be subject to and be deemed to have assumed all of the debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of each of the Constituent Banks and shall have succeeded to all of each of their relationships, fiduciary or otherwise, as fully and to the same extent as if such property, rights, privileges, powers, franchises, debts, obligations, duties and relationships had been originally acquired, incurred or entered into by the Surviving Bank. Deposit accounts shall be deemed issued in the name of the Surviving Bank in accordance with applicable OTS and FDIC regulations. In addition, any reference to either of the Constituent Banks in any contract, will or document, whether executed or taking effect before or after the Effective Date, shall be considered a reference to the Surviving Bank if not inconsistent with the other provisions of the


contract, will or document; and any pending action or other judicial proceeding to which either of the Constituent Banks is a party shall not be deemed to have abated or to have been discontinued by reason of the Bank Merger, but may be prosecuted to final judgment, order or decree in the same manner as if the Bank Merger had not occurred or the Surviving Bank may be substituted as a party to such action or proceeding, and any judgment, order or decree may be rendered for or against it that might have been rendered for or against either of the Constituent Banks if the Bank Merger had not occurred.

3. Conversion of Stock .

(a) On the Effective Date, (i) each share of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, by virtue of the Bank Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into the right to receive shares of common stock of the Holding Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Holding Company Common Stock”) based on the Exchange Ratio, as defined in the Plan of Conversion, (ii) each share of common stock of Interim III, par value $0.10 per share (“Interim III Common Stock”), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, by virtue of the Bank Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted into one share of the common stock of the Bank, par value $0.10 per share (“Bank Common Stock”), and (iii) each share of Holding Company Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall, by virtue of the Bank Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be canceled. By voting in favor of this Plan of Merger, the Holding Company, as the sole shareholder of Interim III, shall have agreed (i) to issue shares of Holding Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms hereof and (ii) to cancel all previously issued and outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the Bank Merger.

(b) On and after the Effective Date, there shall be no registrations of transfers on the stock transfer books of Interim III, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Bank of shares of Interim Common Stock, Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock or Bank Common Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no fractional shares of Holding Company Common Stock shall be issued to holders of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock. In lieu thereof, each holder of shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock entitled to a fraction of a share of Holding Company Common Stock shall, at the time of surrender of the certificate or certificates representing such holder’s shares, receive an amount of cash equal to the product arrived at by multiplying such fraction of a share of Holding Company Common Stock by the Actual Purchase Price, as defined in the Plan of Conversion. No such holder shall be entitled to dividends, voting rights or any other rights in respect of any fractional share.

4. Exchange of Shares .

(a) At or after the Effective Date, each holder of a certificate or certificates theretofore evidencing issued and outstanding shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common

 

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Stock, upon surrender of the same to an agent, duly appointed by the Holding Company (“Exchange Agent”), shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate or certificates representing the number of full shares of Holding Company Common Stock for which the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock theretofore represented by the certificate or certificates so surrendered shall have been converted as provided in Section 3(a) above. The Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of an outstanding certificate which immediately prior to the Effective Date evidenced shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, and which is to be exchanged for Holding Company Common Stock as provided in Section 3(a) above, a form of letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title to such certificate shall pass, only upon delivery of such certificate to the Exchange Agent) advising such holder of the terms of the exchange effected by the Bank Merger and of the procedure for surrendering to the Exchange Agent such certificate in exchange for a certificate or certificates evidencing Holding Company Common Stock.

(b) No holder of a certificate theretofore representing shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock shall be entitled to receive any dividends in respect of the Holding Company Common Stock into which such shares shall have been converted by virtue of the Bank Merger until the certificate representing such shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock is surrendered in exchange for certificates representing shares of Holding Company Common Stock. In the event that dividends are declared and paid by the Holding Company in respect of Holding Company Common Stock after the Effective Date but prior to surrender of certificates representing shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, dividends payable in respect of shares of Holding Company Common Stock not then issued shall accrue (without interest). Any such dividends shall be paid (without interest) upon surrender of the certificates representing such shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock. The Holding Company shall be entitled, after the Effective Date, to treat certificates representing shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock as evidencing ownership of the number of full shares of Holding Company Common Stock into which the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock represented by such certificates shall have been converted, notwithstanding the failure on the part of the holder thereof to surrender such certificates.

(c) The Holding Company shall not be obligated to deliver a certificate or certificates representing shares of Holding Company Common Stock to which a holder of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock would otherwise be entitled as a result of the Bank Merger until such holder surrenders the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock for exchange as provided in this Section 4, or, in default thereof, an appropriate Affidavit of Loss and Indemnity Agreement and/or a bond as may be required in each case by the Holding Company. If any certificate evidencing shares of Holding Company Common Stock is to be issued in a name other than that in which the certificate evidencing Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock surrendered in exchange therefor is registered, it shall be a condition of the issuance thereof that the certificate so surrendered shall be properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for transfer and that the person requesting such exchange pay to the Exchange Agent any transfer or other tax required by reason of the issuance of a certificate for shares of Holding Company Common Stock in any name other than that of the registered holder of the certificate surrendered or otherwise establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not payable.

 

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(d) If, between the date hereof and the Effective Date, the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock shall be changed into a different number or class of shares by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, split-up, combination, exchange of shares or readjustment, or a stock dividend thereon shall be declared with a record date within said period, the Exchange Ratio specified in the Plan of Conversion shall be adjusted accordingly.

5. Dissenting Shares . No shareholder of the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall have any dissenters’ or appraisal rights in connection with the Bank Merger.

6. Name of the Surviving Bank . The name of the Surviving Bank shall be “Westfield Bank.”

7. Directors of the Surviving Bank . At the Effective Date, the number of directors of the Surviving Bank shall be eleven. The names of those persons who shall be directors of the Surviving Bank at the Effective Date are set forth below. Each such director shall serve for the term which expires at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Surviving Bank in the year set forth after his or her respective name, and until a successor is elected and qualified.

 

Name

 

Address

 

Term Expires

Victor J. Carra

 

7 Jered Lane

Southwick, MA 01077

  2007

David C. Colton, Jr.

 

452 Loomis Street

Westfield, MA 01085

  2009

Robert T. Crowley, Jr.

 

65 Ridgecrest Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

  2008

Harry C. Lane

 

131 Granville Road

Southwick, MA 01077

  2008

William H. McClure

 

92 Morningside Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

  2008

Mary C. O’Neil

 

419 Southwick Road R75

Westfield, MA 01085

  2009

Richard C. Placek

 

110 Whitaker Road

Westfield, MA 01085

  2007

Paul R. Pohl

 

55 Tecumseh Drive

Longmeadow, MA 01106

  2008

Charles E. Sullivan

 

25 Hayes Avenue

West Springfield, MA 01089

  2007

Thomas C. Sullivan

 

P.O. Box 525

East Otis, MA 01029

  2007

Donald A. Williams

 

146 Glenwood Drive

Westfield, MA 01085

  2009

8. Officers of the Surviving Bank . The officers of the Bank immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the officers of the Surviving Bank.

9. Offices . At the Effective Date, the home office of the Surviving Bank shall be located at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085. The locations of the other offices of the Surviving Bank shall be as set forth below, except for the addition of deposit-taking offices authorized or the deletion of deposit-taking offices closed subsequent to the date hereof and the Effective Date.

 

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655 Main Street

Agawam, MA 01001

 

462 College Highway

Southwick, MA 01077

 

206 Park Street

West Springfield, MA 01089

382 N. Main Street

E. Longmeadow, MA 01028

 

1500 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

 

26 Arnold Street

Westfield, MA 01085

1642 Northampton St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

 

1342 Liberty Street

Springfield, MA 01104

 

300 Southampton Road

Westfield, MA 01085

10. Charter and Bylaws . On and after the Effective Date, the charter of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the charter of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law. On and after the Effective Date, the bylaws of the Bank as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Bank until amended in accordance with the terms thereof and applicable law.

11. Savings Accounts . Upon the Effective Date, any savings accounts of Interim III, without reissue, shall be and become savings accounts of the Surviving Bank without change in their respective terms, including, without limitation, maturity, minimum required balances or withdrawal value.

12. Shareholder and Member Approvals . The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Mutual Holding Company, and the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) at least a majority of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, other than the Mutual Holding Company, or (b) two-thirds of the outstanding Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock, shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Federal Corporation, and Interim I. The approval of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, as the holder of all of the Bank Common Stock, shall be required to approve the Plan of Conversion, of which this Plan of Merger is a part, on behalf of the Bank.

13. Director Approval . At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of each of the parties hereto have approved this Plan of Merger.

14. Registration; Other Approvals . In addition to the approvals set forth in Sections 1 and 13 hereof and the Plan of Conversion, the parties’ obligations to consummate the Bank Merger shall be subject to the Holding Company Common Stock to be issued hereunder in exchange for Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock being registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and registered or qualified under applicable state securities laws, as well as the receipt of all other approvals, consents or waivers as the parties may deem necessary or advisable.

15. Abandonment of Agreement . This Plan of Merger may be abandoned by either the Bank or Interim III at any time before the Effective Date in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion.

 

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16. Amendments . This Plan of Merger may be amended in the manner set forth in Section 23 of the Plan of Conversion by a subsequent writing signed by the parties hereto upon the approval of the Board of Directors of each of the parties hereto.

17. Successors . This Agreement shall be binding on the successors of the Bank and Interim III.

18. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the laws of the United States of America.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Bank, the Holding Company and Interim III have caused this Plan of Merger to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first written above.

 

Attest:   NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:   WESTFIELD BANK

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Attest:   WESTFIELD INTERIM SAVINGS BANK III

 

  By:  

 

Philip R. Smith     Donald A. Williams
Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Annex D

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

OF

NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

ARTICLE I

NAME

The exact name of the corporation is “New Westfield Financial, Inc.” (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in the following business activities: to buy, sell, deal in, or hold securities of every kind and description; to operate as a holding company and to carry on any business permitted to holding companies under applicable laws and regulations; and in general to carry on any business permitted to corporations organized under Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws as now in force or hereafter amended.

ARTICLE III

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

The total number of shares and par value of each class of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is as follows:

 

Common:

  75,000,000 shares, $.01 par value

Preferred:

  5,000,000 shares, $.01 par value

ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 1. Common Stock. Except as provided by law or in this Article IV (or in any Articles of Amendment), holders of the common stock shall exclusively possess all voting power. Each holder of shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote on all matters for each share held by such holder. Shareholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes for election of directors.

Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class of stock having preference over the common stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount of dividends and of sinking fund, retirement fund or other retirement payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the common stock, then dividends may be paid on the common stock and on any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends; but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors.


In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after there shall have been paid to or set aside for the holders of any class having preferences over the common stock in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the full preferential amounts of which they are respectively entitled, the holders of the common stock, and of any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith, in whole or in part, as to distribution of assets, shall be entitled, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation, to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution, in cash or in kind, in proportion to their holdings.

Each share of common stock shall have the same relative rights as, and be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of common stock.

Section 2. Preferred Stock. Subject to any limitations prescribed by law, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized, by vote or votes from time to time adopted, to provide for the issuance of one or more classes of preferred stock, which shall be separately identified. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to divide any authorized class of preferred stock of the Corporation into one or more series, to establish or change from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix and state the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of any series so established and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. Each series shall be separately designated so as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of one or more of the following:

(a) The distinctive serial designation and the number of shares constituting such series;

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

(c) The voting powers, full or limited, if any, of shares of such series;

(d) Whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, such shares may be redeemed;

(e) The amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation;

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

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

 

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(h) The price or other consideration for which the shares of such series shall be issued;

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

(j) Such other powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as are permitted by law and as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may deem advisable.

Any such vote shall become effective when the Corporation files Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Each share of each series of preferred stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other shares of the same series.

Subject to the authority of the Board of Directors as set forth in subsection (i) above, any shares of preferred stock shall, upon reacquisition thereof by the Corporation, be restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock under this Section 2.

Except as specifically provided in these Articles, the holders of preferred stock or common stock shall not be entitled to any vote and shall not have any voting rights concerning the designation or issuance of any shares of preferred stock authorized by and complying with the conditions of these Articles, and subject to the authority of the Board of Directors or any authorized committee thereof as set forth above, the right to any such vote is expressly waived by all present and future holders of the capital stock of the Corporation.

ARTICLE V

LIMITATION ON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF STOCK

Section 1. Applicability of Article . The provisions of this Article V shall become effective upon the acquisition by the Corporation of all of the outstanding capital stock of Westfield Bank (the “Effective Date”). All terms used in this Article V and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Articles VI through XVII below.

Section 2. Prohibitions Relating to Beneficial Ownership of Voting Stock . No Person (as defined in Article IX) other than the Corporation, any Subsidiary (as defined in Article IX) or any pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus or other compensation plan maintained by the Corporation, any Subsidiary or by a member of a controlled group of corporations or trades or businesses of which the Corporation or any Subsidiary is a member for the benefit of the employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or any trust or custodial arrangement established in connection with any such plan), shall directly or indirectly acquire or hold the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of

 

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Voting Stock (as defined in Article IX) of the Corporation. Any Person so prohibited who directly or indirectly acquires or holds the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock, in violation of this Section 2 shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this Article V. The Corporation is authorized to refuse to recognize a transfer or attempted transfer of any shares of Voting Stock to any Person who beneficially owns, or who the Corporation believes would become by virtue of such transfer the beneficial owner of, more than ten percent (10%) of shares of the Voting Stock.

Section 3. Excess Shares . If, notwithstanding the foregoing prohibition, a Person subject to the foregoing prohibition shall voluntarily or involuntarily become or attempt to become the purported beneficial owner (the “Purported Owner”) of shares of Voting Stock in excess of ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock, the number of shares in excess of ten percent (10%) shall be deemed to be “Excess Shares.” The holder of any Excess Shares shall be entitled to cast only one one-hundredth (1/100) of one vote per share for each Excess Share.

The restrictions set forth in this Article V shall be noted conspicuously on all certificates evidencing ownership of shares of Voting Stock.

Section 4 . Powers of the Board of Directors .

(a) The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by Bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the express provisions of this Article V for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Article V. Such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary and the transfer agent, shall be made available for inspection by the public and, upon request, shall be mailed to any holder of shares of Voting Stock of the Corporation.

(b) When it appears that a particular Person has become a Purported Owner of Excess Shares in violation of Section 2 of this Article V, or of the regulations or procedures of the Board of Directors with respect to this Article V, and that the provisions of this Article V require application, interpretation or construction, then a majority of the Directors of the Corporation shall have the power and duty to interpret all of the terms and provisions of this Article V and to determine on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry all facts necessary to ascertain compliance with this Article V, including, without limitation, (i) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any Person or Purported Owner, (ii) whether a Person or Purported Owner is an Affiliate (as defined in Article IX) or Associate (as defined in Article IX) of, or is acting in concert with, any other Person or Purported Owner, (iii) whether a Person or Purported Owner has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with any other Person or Purported Owner as to the voting or disposition of any shares of the Voting Stock, (iv) the application of any other definition or operative provision of this Article V to the given facts or (v) any other matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Article V.

The Board of Directors shall have the right to demand that any Person who is reasonably believed to be a Purported Owner of Excess Shares (or who holds of record shares of Voting

 

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Stock beneficially owned by any Person reasonably believed to be a Purported Owner in excess of such limit) supply the Corporation with complete information as to (x) the record owner(s) of all shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by such Person or Purported Owner and (y) any other factual matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Article V as may reasonably be requested of such Person or Purported Owner.

Any applications, interpretations, constructions or any other determinations made by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Article V, in good faith and on the basis of such information and assistance as was then reasonably available for such purpose, shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and its shareholders, and neither the Corporation nor any of its shareholders shall have the right to challenge any such application, interpretation, construction or determination.

Section 5. Severability . In the event any provision (or portion thereof) of this Article V shall be found to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions (or portions thereof) of this Article V shall remain in full force and effect, and shall be construed as if such invalid, prohibited or unenforceable provision had been stricken here from or otherwise rendered inapplicable, it being the intent of this Corporation and its shareholders that each such remaining provision (or portion thereof) of this Article V remain, to the fullest extent permitted by law, applicable and enforceable as to all shareholders, including Purported Owners, if any, notwithstanding any such finding.

Section 6. Exclusions . This Article V shall not apply to (a) any offer or sale with a view towards public resale made exclusively by the Corporation to any underwriter or underwriters acting on behalf of the Corporation, or to the selling group acting on such underwriter’s or underwriters’ behalf, in connection with a public offering of the common stock; or (b) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction or reorganization that does not have the effect, directly or indirectly, of changing the beneficial ownership interests of the Corporation’s shareholders, other than pursuant to the exercise of any dissenters’ appraisal rights, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments, which changes do not exceed, in the aggregate, one percent (1%) of the issued and outstanding shares of such class of equity or convertible securities.

 

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ARTICLE VI

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its Directors and shareholders:

Section 1. Board of Directors . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by these Articles of Organization or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the Directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

Section 2. Shareholder Meetings . Any action to be taken by the shareholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by the unanimous consent in writing by such shareholders.

Section 3. Special Shareholder Meetings . Special meetings of shareholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directorships (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption) (the “Whole Board”), provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder (as defined in Article IX), any such call by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors (as defined in Article IX) then in office. Special meetings shall be called by the Secretary, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the Secretary, by any other officer, upon written application of one or more shareholders who hold at least eighty percent (80%) in interest of the capital stock entitled to vote at such meeting. Application to a court pursuant to Section 7.03 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, or successor provisions, requesting the call of a special meeting of shareholders, may be ordered if (i) on application of any shareholder of the Corporation entitled to participate in an annual meeting if an annual meeting was not held within the earlier of six (6) months after the end of the Corporation’s fiscal year or fifteen (15) months after its last annual meeting; or (ii) on application of a shareholder who signed a demand for a special meeting valid under Section 7.02 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, if notice of the special meeting was not given within thirty (30) days after the date the demand was delivered to the Secretary or within such further time as the court may order under the circumstances or the special meeting was not held in accordance with the notice. At a special meeting of shareholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been stated in the written notice of the special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law.

ARTICLE VII

DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition of the Board of Directors . The number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by

 

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a majority of the Whole Board. The Directors shall be divided into three classes, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of shareholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders two years thereafter. At each annual meeting of shareholders following such initial classification and election, Directors elected to succeed those Directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders after their election. No person shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment or reappointment to the Board if such person reached seventy-two (72) years of age or older on appointment or reappointment to the Board.

Section 2. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum, (provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder, any such action by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office). Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been chosen expires. No decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

Section 3. Shareholder Nominations . Advance notice of shareholder nominations for the election of Directors and of business to be brought by shareholders before any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 4. Removal . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, any Director may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of either (i) two-thirds of the Whole Board or (ii) the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class. At least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting of the Board of Directors or shareholders, written notice shall be sent to the Director whose removal will be considered at the meeting and, if the removal is for cause, the Director will be provided an opportunity to be heard before the Board of Directors or shareholders, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS

The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Whole Board (unless at the time of such action there shall be an Interested Shareholder, in which case such action shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office). The shareholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation;

 

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provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal any provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Section 1. Vote Required . In addition to any affirmative vote required by law or these Articles, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article IX:

(a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary with (i) any Interested Shareholder, or (ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Shareholder) which is, or after such merger or consolidation would be, an Affiliate of an Interested Shareholder; or

(b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) to or with any Interested Shareholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder, of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as defined in this Article IX) equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries; or

(c) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of the Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder in exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Fair Market Value of the outstanding common stock of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, except for any issuance or transfer pursuant to an employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any Subsidiary thereof (established with the approval of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office); or

(d) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder; or

(e) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Shareholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder;

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of Directors (the “Voting Stock”), voting together as a single class. Such affirmative vote shall

 

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be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage may be specified, by law or by any other provisions of these Articles or any Articles of Amendment or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.

Section 2. Definition of Business Combination . The term “Business Combination” as used in this Article IX shall mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of paragraphs (a) through (e) of Section 1 of this Article IX.

Section 3. Exceptions to Vote Requirement . The provisions of Section 1 of this Article IX shall not be applicable to any particular Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, or such vote (if any), as is required by law or by these Articles, if, in the case of any Business Combination that does not involve any cash or other consideration being received by the shareholders of the Corporation solely in their capacity as shareholders of the Corporation, the condition specified in the following paragraph 1 is met or, in the case of any other Business Combination, all of the conditions specified in either of the following paragraphs (a) or (b) are met:

(a) The Business Combination shall have been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office.

(b) All of the following conditions shall have been met:

(1) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by the holders of common stock in such Business Combination shall at least be equal to the higher of the following

(A) if applicable, the Highest Per Share Price (as defined in this Article IX), including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees, paid by the Interested Shareholder or any of its Affiliates for any shares of common stock acquired by it (i) within the two-year period immediately prior to the first public announcement of the proposal of the Business Combination (the “Announcement Date”), or (ii) in the transaction in which it became an Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher.

(B) the Fair Market Value per share of common stock on the Announcement Date or on the date on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder (the “Determination Date”), whichever is higher.

(2) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of shares of any class of outstanding Voting Stock other than common stock shall be at least equal to the highest of the following (it being intended that the requirements of this subparagraph (2) shall

 

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be required to be met with respect to every such class of outstanding Voting Stock, whether or not the Interested Shareholder has previously acquired any shares of a particular class of Voting Stock):

(A) if applicable, the Highest Per Share Price, including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees, paid by the Interested Shareholder for any shares of such class of Voting Stock acquired by it (i) within the two-year period immediately prior to the Announcement Date, or (ii) in the transaction in which it became an Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher;

(B) if applicable, the highest preferential amount per share to which the holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; and

(C) the Fair Market Value per share of such class of Voting Stock on the Announcement Date or on the Determination Date, whichever is higher.

(3) The consideration to be received by holders of a particular class of outstanding Voting Stock, including common stock, shall be in cash or in the same form as the Interested Shareholder has previously paid for shares of such class of Voting Stock. If the Interested Shareholder has paid for shares of any class of Voting Stock with varying forms of consideration, the form of consideration to be received per share by holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the largest number of shares of such class of Voting Stock previously acquired by the Interested Shareholder. The price determined in accordance with Subsection (b) of this Section 3 shall be subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or similar event.

(4) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder and prior to the consummation of such Business Combination: (1) except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, there shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the regular date therefore any full quarterly dividends (whether or not cumulative) on any outstanding stock having preference over the common stock as to dividends or liquidation; (2) there shall have been (i) no reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid on the common stock (except as necessary to reflect any subdivision of the common stock), except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, and (ii) an increase in such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification (including any reverse stock split), recapitalization, reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of the common stock, unless the failure to so increase such annual rate is approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, and (3) neither such Interested Shareholder or any of its Affiliates shall have become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Stock except as part of the transaction which results in such Interested Shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder.

 

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(5) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder, such Interested Shareholder shall not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or any tax credits or other tax advantages provided, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, whether in anticipation of or in connection with such Business Combination or otherwise.

(6) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed Business Combination and complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations there under (or any subsequent provisions replacing such Act, and the rules or regulations there under) shall be mailed to shareholders of the Corporation at least 30 days prior to the consummation of such Business Combination (whether or not such proxy or information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or subsequent provisions).

Section 4. Definitions . For the purposes of these Articles of Organization:

(a) A “Person” shall include an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint venture, a pool, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities or any other entity.

(b) “Interested Shareholder” shall mean any person (other than the Corporation or any Holding Company or Subsidiary thereof) who or which:

(1) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Voting Stock; or

(2) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or

(3) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of Voting Stock which were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(c) “Beneficial Ownership” shall be determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any successor rule or statutory provision), or, if said Rule 13d-3 shall be rescinded and there shall be no successor rule or statutory provision thereto, pursuant to said Rule 13d-3 as in effect on the

 

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date of filing of these Articles; provided, however, that a person shall, in any event, also be deemed the “Beneficial Owner” of any common stock:

(1) which such person or any of its affiliates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly; or

(2) which such person or any of its affiliates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of an agreement, contract, or other arrangement with this Corporation to effect any transaction which is described in any one or more clauses of Subsection (a) of this Section 4) or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options or otherwise, or (ii) sole or shared voting or investment power with respect thereto pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of shareholders, pursuant to a public solicitation of proxies for such meeting, with respect to shares of which neither such person nor any such affiliate is otherwise deemed the beneficial owner); or

(3) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its affiliates acts as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of this Corporation; and provided further, however, that (1) no Director or Officer of this Corporation (or any affiliate of any such Director or Officer) shall, solely by reason of any or all of such Directors or Officers acting in their capacities as such, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any common stock beneficially owned by another such Director or Officer (or any affiliate thereof, and (2) neither any employee stock ownership plan or similar plan of this Corporation or any Subsidiary of this Corporation, nor any trustee with respect thereto or any affiliate of such trustee (solely by reason of such capacity of such trustee), shall be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any common stock held under any such plan. For purposes of computing the percentage beneficial ownership of common stock of a person, the outstanding common stock shall include shares deemed owned by such person through application of this subsection but shall not include any other common stock which may be issuable by this Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. For all other purposes, the outstanding common stock shall include only common stock then outstanding and shall not include any common stock which may be issuable by this Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

 

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(d) “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in effect on the date of filing of these Articles.

(e) “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the definition of Interested Shareholder set forth in Paragraph 2 this Article IX, the term “Subsidiary” shall mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

(f) “Disinterested Director” means any member of the Board of Directors who is unaffiliated with the Interested Shareholder and was a member of the Board of Directors prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder, and any Director who is thereafter chosen to fill any vacancy of the Board of Directors or who is elected and who, in either event, is unaffiliated with the Interested Shareholder and in connection with his or her initial assumption of office is recommended for appointment or election by a majority of Disinterested Directors then in office.

(g) “Fair Market Value” means:

(1) in the case of stock, the highest closing sales price of the stock during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question of a share of such stock on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or any system then in use, or, if such stock is admitted to trading on a principal United States securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Fair Market Value shall be the highest sale price reported during the 30-day period preceding the date in question, or, if no such quotations are available, the Fair Market Value on the date in question of a share of such stock as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith, in each case with respect to any class of stock, appropriately adjusted for any dividend or distribution in shares of such stock or any stock split or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a greater number of shares of such stock or any combination or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a smaller number of shares of such stock, and

(2) in the case of property other than cash or stock, the Fair Market Value of such property on the date in question as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.

(h) Reference to “Highest Per Share Price” shall in each case with respect to any class of stock reflect an appropriate adjustment for any dividend or distribution in shares of such stock or any stock split or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a greater number of shares of such stock or any combination or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a smaller number of shares of such stock.

(i) In the event of any Business Combination in which the Corporation survives, the phrase “consideration other than cash to be received” as used in this Article IX shall include the shares of common stock and/or the shares of any other class of outstanding Voting Stock retained by the holders of such shares.

 

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Section 5. Determination by Board of Directors . A majority of the Directors of the Corporation then in office (provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder, any such determination shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office) shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Section 4, on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry: (a) whether a person is an Interested Shareholder; (b) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any person; (c) whether a person is an Affiliate or Associate of another; and (d) whether the assets which are the subject of any Business Combination have, or the consideration to be received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation or any Subsidiary in any Business Combination has, an aggregate Fair Market Value equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Fair Market Value of the common stock of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. A majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office shall have the further power to interpret all of the terms and provisions of this Article IX.

Section 6. Fiduciary Obligations . Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be construed to relieve any Interested Shareholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.

Section 7. Amendment . Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the Voting Stock required by law or pursuant to these Articles or any Articles of Amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal this Article IX.

ARTICLE X

STANDARDS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ EVALUATION OF OFFERS

The Board of Directors of the Corporation, in determining whether the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders will be served by any offer of another Person to (a) make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of the Corporation, (b) merge or consolidate the Corporation with or into another institution, or (c) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Corporation, may consider the interests of the Corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state, region and nation, community and societal considerations, and the long-term and short-term interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

Holders of the capital stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation which may be issued.

 

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ARTICLE XII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Right to Indemnification . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director or an Officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnity”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a Director, Officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a Director, Officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Massachusetts General Laws, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnity in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section C hereof with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnity in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnity only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Section 2. Advance Payment . The right to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this Article XII shall include, in the case of a Director or officer at the level of Vice President or above, and in the case of any other Officer or any employee may include (in the discretion of the Board of Directors), the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses incurred by an indemnity in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding may be paid only upon the Corporation’s receipt of an undertaking by the indemnity to repay such payment if he or she shall be adjudicated or determined to be not entitled to indemnification under applicable law. The Corporation may accept such undertaking without reference to the financial ability of the Indemnity to make such repayment.

Section 3. Indemnification of former Director, Officer, Employee or Agent . The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article XII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnity who has ceased to be a Director, Officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnities heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 4. Enforcement of Right to Indemnification . If a claim under Sections 1, 2 or 3 of this Article XII is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty days, the indemnity may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If

 

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successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnity also shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (a) any suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (b) in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, he or she shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnity is proper in the circumstances because the indemnity has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the indemnity has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnity has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnity, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnity is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article XII or otherwise, shall be on the Corporation.

Section 4. Rights not Exclusive . The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article XII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Corporation’s Articles, Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.

Section 5. Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Massachusetts General Laws.

Section 6. Grants and Agreements . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article XII with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Directors and Officers of the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation may enter into specific agreements, commitments or arrangements for indemnification on any terms not prohibited by law which it deems to be appropriate.

Section 7. Merger or Consolidation . If the Corporation is merged into or consolidated with another corporation and the Corporation is not the surviving corporation, the surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations of the Corporation under this Article XII with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts occurring at or prior to the date of such merger or consolidation.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Limitation of Liability . No Director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability; provided, however, that this Article XIII shall not eliminate or limit any liability of a Director (a) for any breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) for improper distributions under Section 6.40 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, or (d) with respect to any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit.

Section 2. Amendment . No amendment or repeal of this Article XIII shall adversely affect the rights and protection afforded to a Director of this Corporation under this Article XIII for acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the Massachusetts General Laws are hereafter amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of Directors or to authorize corporate action to further eliminate or limit such liability, then the liability of the Directors of this Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws, as so amended.

ARTICLE XIV

TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED PERSONS

Section 1. Transactions with Interested Persons not Void or Voidable . Unless entered into in bad faith, no contract or transaction by the Corporation shall be void, voidable or in any way affected by reason of the fact that it is with an Interested Person (as defined in Section 3 of Article XIV).

Section 2. Interested Persons not Liable . Unless such contract or transaction was entered into in bad faith, no Interested Person, because of such interest, shall be liable to the Corporation or to any other person or organization for any loss or expense incurred by reason of such contract or transaction or shall be accountable for any gain or profit realized from such contract or transaction.

Section 3. Definition of Interested Person . For the purposes of this Article, “Interested Person” means any person or organization in any way interested in the Corporation whether as a director, officer, shareholder, employee or otherwise, and any other entity in which any such person or organization of the Corporation is in any way interested.

Section 4. Interested Person Necessary for Quorum or Vote . The provisions of this Article shall be operative notwithstanding the fact that the presence of an Interested Person was necessary to constitute a quorum at a meeting of Directors or shareholders of the Corporation at which such contract or transaction was authorized or that the vote of an Interested Person was necessary for the authorization of such contract or transaction.

 

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ARTICLE XV

ACTING AS A PARTNER

The Corporation may be a partner in any business enterprise which it would have power to conduct by itself.

ARTICLE XVI

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Meetings of shareholders may be held at such place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or, if permitted by applicable law, elsewhere in the United States as the Board of Directors may determine.

ARTICLE XVII

AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

These Articles may be amended at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders called expressly for such purpose, by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the total votes eligible to be cast by shareholders on such amendment, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that if the Board of Directors recommends, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then in office at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors (unless at any time within the 60 day period immediately preceding the meeting at which the shareholder vote is to be taken, there shall be an Interested Shareholder, in which case such action shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office), that shareholders approve such amendment at such meeting of shareholders, such amendment shall only require the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by shareholders on such amendment, voting together as a single class.

 

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ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

OF

NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

ARTICLE I

NAME

The exact name of the corporation is “New Westfield Financial, Inc.” (the “Corporation”).

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in the following business activities: to buy, sell, deal in, or hold securities of every kind and description; to operate as a holding company and to carry on any business permitted to holding companies under applicable laws and regulations; and in general to carry on any business permitted to corporations organized under Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws as now in force or hereafter amended.

ARTICLE III

AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

The total number of shares and par value of each class of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is as follows:

 

Common:

  75,000,000 shares, $.01 par value

Preferred:

  5,000,000 shares, $.01 par value

ARTICLE IV

CAPITAL STOCK

Section 1. Common Stock. Except as provided by law or in this Article IV (or in any Articles of Amendment), holders of the common stock shall exclusively possess all voting power. Each holder of shares of common stock shall be entitled to one vote on all matters for each share held by such holder. Shareholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes for election of directors.

Whenever there shall have been paid, or declared and set aside for payment, to the holders of the outstanding shares of any class of stock having preference over the common stock as to the payment of dividends, the full amount of dividends and of sinking fund, retirement fund or other retirement payments, if any, to which such holders are respectively entitled in preference to the common stock, then dividends may be paid on the common stock and on any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith as to dividends, out of any assets legally available for the payment of dividends; but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors.


In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after there shall have been paid to or set aside for the holders of any class having preferences over the common stock in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the full preferential amounts of which they are respectively entitled, the holders of the common stock, and of any class or series of stock entitled to participate therewith, in whole or in part, as to distribution of assets, shall be entitled, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Corporation, to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution, in cash or in kind, in proportion to their holdings.

Each share of common stock shall have the same relative rights as, and be identical in all respects with, all the other shares of common stock.

Section 2. Preferred Stock. Subject to any limitations prescribed by law, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized, by vote or votes from time to time adopted, to provide for the issuance of one or more classes of preferred stock, which shall be separately identified. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to divide any authorized class of preferred stock of the Corporation into one or more series, to establish or change from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix and state the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of the shares of any series so established and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. Each series shall be separately designated so as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of one or more of the following:

(a) The distinctive serial designation and the number of shares constituting such series;

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

(c) The voting powers, full or limited, if any, of shares of such series;

(d) Whether the shares of such series shall be redeemable and, if so, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions on which, such shares may be redeemed;

(e) The amount or amounts payable upon the shares of such series in the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation;

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

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

 

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(h) The price or other consideration for which the shares of such series shall be issued;

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

(j) Such other powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof as are permitted by law and as the Board of Directors of the Corporation may deem advisable.

Any such vote shall become effective when the Corporation files Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Each share of each series of preferred stock shall have the same relative rights as and be identical in all respects with all the other shares of the same series.

Subject to the authority of the Board of Directors as set forth in subsection (i) above, any shares of preferred stock shall, upon reacquisition thereof by the Corporation, be restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred stock under this Section 2.

Except as specifically provided in these Articles, the holders of preferred stock or common stock shall not be entitled to any vote and shall not have any voting rights concerning the designation or issuance of any shares of preferred stock authorized by and complying with the conditions of these Articles, and subject to the authority of the Board of Directors or any authorized committee thereof as set forth above, the right to any such vote is expressly waived by all present and future holders of the capital stock of the Corporation.

ARTICLE V

LIMITATION ON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF STOCK

Section 1. Applicability of Article . The provisions of this Article V shall become effective upon the acquisition by the Corporation of all of the outstanding capital stock of Westfield Bank (the “Effective Date”). All terms used in this Article V and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Articles VI through XVII below.

Section 2. Prohibitions Relating to Beneficial Ownership of Voting Stock . No Person (as defined in Article IX) other than the Corporation, any Subsidiary (as defined in Article IX) or any pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus or other compensation plan maintained by the Corporation, any Subsidiary or by a member of a controlled group of corporations or trades or businesses of which the Corporation or any Subsidiary is a member for the benefit of the employees of the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or any trust or custodial arrangement established in connection with any such plan), shall directly or indirectly acquire or hold the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of

 

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Voting Stock (as defined in Article IX) of the Corporation. Any Person so prohibited who directly or indirectly acquires or holds the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock, in violation of this Section 2 shall be subject to the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of this Article V. The Corporation is authorized to refuse to recognize a transfer or attempted transfer of any shares of Voting Stock to any Person who beneficially owns, or who the Corporation believes would become by virtue of such transfer the beneficial owner of, more than ten percent (10%) of shares of the Voting Stock.

Section 3. Excess Shares . If, notwithstanding the foregoing prohibition, a Person subject to the foregoing prohibition shall voluntarily or involuntarily become or attempt to become the purported beneficial owner (the “Purported Owner”) of shares of Voting Stock in excess of ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Voting Stock, the number of shares in excess of ten percent (10%) shall be deemed to be “Excess Shares.” The holder of any Excess Shares shall be entitled to cast only one one-hundredth (1/100) of one vote per share for each Excess Share.

The restrictions set forth in this Article V shall be noted conspicuously on all certificates evidencing ownership of shares of Voting Stock.

Section 4 . Powers of the Board of Directors .

(a) The Board of Directors may, to the extent permitted by law, from time to time establish, modify, amend or rescind, by Bylaw or otherwise, regulations and procedures not inconsistent with the express provisions of this Article V for the orderly application, administration and implementation of the provisions of this Article V. Such procedures and regulations shall be kept on file with the Secretary and the transfer agent, shall be made available for inspection by the public and, upon request, shall be mailed to any holder of shares of Voting Stock of the Corporation.

(b) When it appears that a particular Person has become a Purported Owner of Excess Shares in violation of Section 2 of this Article V, or of the regulations or procedures of the Board of Directors with respect to this Article V, and that the provisions of this Article V require application, interpretation or construction, then a majority of the Directors of the Corporation shall have the power and duty to interpret all of the terms and provisions of this Article V and to determine on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry all facts necessary to ascertain compliance with this Article V, including, without limitation, (i) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any Person or Purported Owner, (ii) whether a Person or Purported Owner is an Affiliate (as defined in Article IX) or Associate (as defined in Article IX) of, or is acting in concert with, any other Person or Purported Owner, (iii) whether a Person or Purported Owner has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with any other Person or Purported Owner as to the voting or disposition of any shares of the Voting Stock, (iv) the application of any other definition or operative provision of this Article V to the given facts or (v) any other matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Article V.

The Board of Directors shall have the right to demand that any Person who is reasonably believed to be a Purported Owner of Excess Shares (or who holds of record shares of Voting

 

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Stock beneficially owned by any Person reasonably believed to be a Purported Owner in excess of such limit) supply the Corporation with complete information as to (x) the record owner(s) of all shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by such Person or Purported Owner and (y) any other factual matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Article V as may reasonably be requested of such Person or Purported Owner.

Any applications, interpretations, constructions or any other determinations made by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Article V, in good faith and on the basis of such information and assistance as was then reasonably available for such purpose, shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and its shareholders, and neither the Corporation nor any of its shareholders shall have the right to challenge any such application, interpretation, construction or determination.

Section 5. Severability . In the event any provision (or portion thereof) of this Article V shall be found to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions (or portions thereof) of this Article V shall remain in full force and effect, and shall be construed as if such invalid, prohibited or unenforceable provision had been stricken here from or otherwise rendered inapplicable, it being the intent of this Corporation and its shareholders that each such remaining provision (or portion thereof) of this Article V remain, to the fullest extent permitted by law, applicable and enforceable as to all shareholders, including Purported Owners, if any, notwithstanding any such finding.

Section 6. Exclusions . This Article V shall not apply to (a) any offer or sale with a view towards public resale made exclusively by the Corporation to any underwriter or underwriters acting on behalf of the Corporation, or to the selling group acting on such underwriter’s or underwriters’ behalf, in connection with a public offering of the common stock; or (b) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction or reorganization that does not have the effect, directly or indirectly, of changing the beneficial ownership interests of the Corporation’s shareholders, other than pursuant to the exercise of any dissenters’ appraisal rights, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments, which changes do not exceed, in the aggregate, one percent (1%) of the issued and outstanding shares of such class of equity or convertible securities.

 

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ARTICLE VI

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following provisions are inserted for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its Directors and shareholders:

Section 1. Board of Directors . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. In addition to the powers and authority expressly conferred upon them by statute or by these Articles of Organization or the Bylaws of the Corporation, the Directors are hereby empowered to exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation.

Section 2. Shareholder Meetings . Any action to be taken by the shareholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of shareholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by the unanimous consent in writing by such shareholders.

Section 3. Special Shareholder Meetings . Special meetings of shareholders of the Corporation may be called only by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directorships (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board for adoption) (the “Whole Board”), provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder (as defined in Article IX), any such call by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors (as defined in Article IX) then in office. Special meetings shall be called by the Secretary, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the Secretary, by any other officer, upon written application of one or more shareholders who hold at least eighty percent (80%) in interest of the capital stock entitled to vote at such meeting. Application to a court pursuant to Section 7.03 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, or successor provisions, requesting the call of a special meeting of shareholders, may be ordered if (i) on application of any shareholder of the Corporation entitled to participate in an annual meeting if an annual meeting was not held within the earlier of six (6) months after the end of the Corporation’s fiscal year or fifteen (15) months after its last annual meeting; or (ii) on application of a shareholder who signed a demand for a special meeting valid under Section 7.02 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, if notice of the special meeting was not given within thirty (30) days after the date the demand was delivered to the Secretary or within such further time as the court may order under the circumstances or the special meeting was not held in accordance with the notice. At a special meeting of shareholders, only such business shall be conducted, and only such proposals shall be acted upon, as shall have been stated in the written notice of the special meeting, unless otherwise provided by law.

ARTICLE VII

DIRECTORS

Section 1. Composition of the Board of Directors . The number of Directors shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by

 

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a majority of the Whole Board. The Directors shall be divided into three classes, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of shareholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders two years thereafter. At each annual meeting of shareholders following such initial classification and election, Directors elected to succeed those Directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders after their election. No person shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment or reappointment to the Board if such person reached seventy-two (72) years of age or older on appointment or reappointment to the Board.

Section 2. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum, (provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder, any such action by the Board of Directors shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office). Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been chosen expires. No decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

Section 3. Shareholder Nominations . Advance notice of shareholder nominations for the election of Directors and of business to be brought by shareholders before any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

Section 4. Removal . Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, any Director may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of either (i) two-thirds of the Whole Board or (ii) the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class. At least thirty (30) days prior to such meeting of the Board of Directors or shareholders, written notice shall be sent to the Director whose removal will be considered at the meeting and, if the removal is for cause, the Director will be provided an opportunity to be heard before the Board of Directors or shareholders, as applicable.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS

The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Whole Board (unless at the time of such action there shall be an Interested Shareholder, in which case such action shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office). The shareholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation;

 

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provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required to adopt, amend or repeal any provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

CERTAIN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Section 1. Vote Required . In addition to any affirmative vote required by law or these Articles, and except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article IX:

(a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any Subsidiary with (i) any Interested Shareholder, or (ii) any other corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Shareholder) which is, or after such merger or consolidation would be, an Affiliate of an Interested Shareholder; or

(b) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) to or with any Interested Shareholder, or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder, of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as defined in this Article IX) equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the combined assets of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries; or

(c) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of the Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder in exchange for cash, securities or other property (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Fair Market Value of the outstanding common stock of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries, except for any issuance or transfer pursuant to an employee benefit plan of the Corporation or any Subsidiary thereof (established with the approval of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office); or

(d) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation proposed by or on behalf of an Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder; or

(e) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an Interested Shareholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the outstanding shares of any class of equity or convertible securities of the Corporation or any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by any Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder;

shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of Directors (the “Voting Stock”), voting together as a single class. Such affirmative vote shall

 

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be required notwithstanding the fact that no vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage may be specified, by law or by any other provisions of these Articles or any Articles of Amendment or in any agreement with any national securities exchange or otherwise.

Section 2. Definition of Business Combination . The term “Business Combination” as used in this Article IX shall mean any transaction which is referred to in any one or more of paragraphs (a) through (e) of Section 1 of this Article IX.

Section 3. Exceptions to Vote Requirement . The provisions of Section 1 of this Article IX shall not be applicable to any particular Business Combination, and such Business Combination shall require only the affirmative vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote, or such vote (if any), as is required by law or by these Articles, if, in the case of any Business Combination that does not involve any cash or other consideration being received by the shareholders of the Corporation solely in their capacity as shareholders of the Corporation, the condition specified in the following paragraph 1 is met or, in the case of any other Business Combination, all of the conditions specified in either of the following paragraphs (a) or (b) are met:

(a) The Business Combination shall have been approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office.

(b) All of the following conditions shall have been met:

(1) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by the holders of common stock in such Business Combination shall at least be equal to the higher of the following

(A) if applicable, the Highest Per Share Price (as defined in this Article IX), including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees, paid by the Interested Shareholder or any of its Affiliates for any shares of common stock acquired by it (i) within the two-year period immediately prior to the first public announcement of the proposal of the Business Combination (the “Announcement Date”), or (ii) in the transaction in which it became an Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher.

(B) the Fair Market Value per share of common stock on the Announcement Date or on the date on which the Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder (the “Determination Date”), whichever is higher.

(2) The aggregate amount of the cash and the Fair Market Value as of the date of the consummation of the Business Combination of consideration other than cash to be received per share by holders of shares of any class of outstanding Voting Stock other than common stock shall be at least equal to the highest of the following (it being intended that the requirements of this subparagraph (2) shall

 

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be required to be met with respect to every such class of outstanding Voting Stock, whether or not the Interested Shareholder has previously acquired any shares of a particular class of Voting Stock):

(A) if applicable, the Highest Per Share Price, including any brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealers’ fees, paid by the Interested Shareholder for any shares of such class of Voting Stock acquired by it (i) within the two-year period immediately prior to the Announcement Date, or (ii) in the transaction in which it became an Interested Shareholder, whichever is higher;

(B) if applicable, the highest preferential amount per share to which the holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock are entitled in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation; and

(C) the Fair Market Value per share of such class of Voting Stock on the Announcement Date or on the Determination Date, whichever is higher.

(3) The consideration to be received by holders of a particular class of outstanding Voting Stock, including common stock, shall be in cash or in the same form as the Interested Shareholder has previously paid for shares of such class of Voting Stock. If the Interested Shareholder has paid for shares of any class of Voting Stock with varying forms of consideration, the form of consideration to be received per share by holders of shares of such class of Voting Stock shall be either cash or the form used to acquire the largest number of shares of such class of Voting Stock previously acquired by the Interested Shareholder. The price determined in accordance with Subsection (b) of this Section 3 shall be subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares or similar event.

(4) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder and prior to the consummation of such Business Combination: (1) except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, there shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the regular date therefore any full quarterly dividends (whether or not cumulative) on any outstanding stock having preference over the common stock as to dividends or liquidation; (2) there shall have been (i) no reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid on the common stock (except as necessary to reflect any subdivision of the common stock), except as approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, and (ii) an increase in such annual rate of dividends as necessary to reflect any reclassification (including any reverse stock split), recapitalization, reorganization or any similar transaction which has the effect of reducing the number of outstanding shares of the common stock, unless the failure to so increase such annual rate is approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office, and (3) neither such Interested Shareholder or any of its Affiliates shall have become the beneficial owner of any additional shares of Voting Stock except as part of the transaction which results in such Interested Shareholder becoming an Interested Shareholder.

 

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(5) After such Interested Shareholder has become an Interested Shareholder, such Interested Shareholder shall not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or any tax credits or other tax advantages provided, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation, whether in anticipation of or in connection with such Business Combination or otherwise.

(6) A proxy or information statement describing the proposed Business Combination and complying with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations there under (or any subsequent provisions replacing such Act, and the rules or regulations there under) shall be mailed to shareholders of the Corporation at least 30 days prior to the consummation of such Business Combination (whether or not such proxy or information statement is required to be mailed pursuant to such Act or subsequent provisions).

Section 4. Definitions . For the purposes of these Articles of Organization:

(a) A “Person” shall include an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint venture, a pool, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities or any other entity.

(b) “Interested Shareholder” shall mean any person (other than the Corporation or any Holding Company or Subsidiary thereof) who or which:

(1) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding Voting Stock; or

(2) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock; or

(3) is an assignee of or has otherwise succeeded to any shares of Voting Stock which were at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question beneficially owned by any Interested Shareholder, if such assignment or succession shall have occurred in the course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(c) “Beneficial Ownership” shall be determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or any successor rule or statutory provision), or, if said Rule 13d-3 shall be rescinded and there shall be no successor rule or statutory provision thereto, pursuant to said Rule 13d-3 as in effect on the

 

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date of filing of these Articles; provided, however, that a person shall, in any event, also be deemed the “Beneficial Owner” of any common stock:

(1) which such person or any of its affiliates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly; or

(2) which such person or any of its affiliates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of an agreement, contract, or other arrangement with this Corporation to effect any transaction which is described in any one or more clauses of Subsection (a) of this Section 4) or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options or otherwise, or (ii) sole or shared voting or investment power with respect thereto pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of shareholders, pursuant to a public solicitation of proxies for such meeting, with respect to shares of which neither such person nor any such affiliate is otherwise deemed the beneficial owner); or

(3) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other person with which such first mentioned person or any of its affiliates acts as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of this Corporation; and provided further, however, that (1) no Director or Officer of this Corporation (or any affiliate of any such Director or Officer) shall, solely by reason of any or all of such Directors or Officers acting in their capacities as such, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any common stock beneficially owned by another such Director or Officer (or any affiliate thereof, and (2) neither any employee stock ownership plan or similar plan of this Corporation or any Subsidiary of this Corporation, nor any trustee with respect thereto or any affiliate of such trustee (solely by reason of such capacity of such trustee), shall be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any common stock held under any such plan. For purposes of computing the percentage beneficial ownership of common stock of a person, the outstanding common stock shall include shares deemed owned by such person through application of this subsection but shall not include any other common stock which may be issuable by this Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. For all other purposes, the outstanding common stock shall include only common stock then outstanding and shall not include any common stock which may be issuable by this Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise.

 

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(d) “Affiliate” and “Associate” shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in effect on the date of filing of these Articles.

(e) “Subsidiary” means any corporation of which a majority of any class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided, however, that for the purposes of the definition of Interested Shareholder set forth in Paragraph 2 this Article IX, the term “Subsidiary” shall mean only a corporation of which a majority of each class of equity security is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

(f) “Disinterested Director” means any member of the Board of Directors who is unaffiliated with the Interested Shareholder and was a member of the Board of Directors prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder became an Interested Shareholder, and any Director who is thereafter chosen to fill any vacancy of the Board of Directors or who is elected and who, in either event, is unaffiliated with the Interested Shareholder and in connection with his or her initial assumption of office is recommended for appointment or election by a majority of Disinterested Directors then in office.

(g) “Fair Market Value” means:

(1) in the case of stock, the highest closing sales price of the stock during the 30-day period immediately preceding the date in question of a share of such stock on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System or any system then in use, or, if such stock is admitted to trading on a principal United States securities exchange registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Fair Market Value shall be the highest sale price reported during the 30-day period preceding the date in question, or, if no such quotations are available, the Fair Market Value on the date in question of a share of such stock as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith, in each case with respect to any class of stock, appropriately adjusted for any dividend or distribution in shares of such stock or any stock split or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a greater number of shares of such stock or any combination or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a smaller number of shares of such stock, and

(2) in the case of property other than cash or stock, the Fair Market Value of such property on the date in question as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.

(h) Reference to “Highest Per Share Price” shall in each case with respect to any class of stock reflect an appropriate adjustment for any dividend or distribution in shares of such stock or any stock split or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a greater number of shares of such stock or any combination or reclassification of outstanding shares of such stock into a smaller number of shares of such stock.

(i) In the event of any Business Combination in which the Corporation survives, the phrase “consideration other than cash to be received” as used in this Article IX shall include the shares of common stock and/or the shares of any other class of outstanding Voting Stock retained by the holders of such shares.

 

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Section 5. Determination by Board of Directors . A majority of the Directors of the Corporation then in office (provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder, any such determination shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office) shall have the power and duty to determine for the purposes of this Section 4, on the basis of information known to them after reasonable inquiry: (a) whether a person is an Interested Shareholder; (b) the number of shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any person; (c) whether a person is an Affiliate or Associate of another; and (d) whether the assets which are the subject of any Business Combination have, or the consideration to be received for the issuance or transfer of securities by the Corporation or any Subsidiary in any Business Combination has, an aggregate Fair Market Value equaling or exceeding twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Fair Market Value of the common stock of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries. A majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office shall have the further power to interpret all of the terms and provisions of this Article IX.

Section 6. Fiduciary Obligations . Nothing contained in this Article IX shall be construed to relieve any Interested Shareholder from any fiduciary obligation imposed by law.

Section 7. Amendment . Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles or any provision of law which might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any affirmative vote of the holders of any particular class or series of the Voting Stock required by law or pursuant to these Articles or any Articles of Amendment, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, shall be required to alter, amend or repeal this Article IX.

ARTICLE X

STANDARDS FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ EVALUATION OF OFFERS

The Board of Directors of the Corporation, in determining whether the interests of the Corporation and its shareholders will be served by any offer of another Person to (a) make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of the Corporation, (b) merge or consolidate the Corporation with or into another institution, or (c) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Corporation, may consider the interests of the Corporation’s employees, suppliers, creditors and customers, the economy of the state, region and nation, community and societal considerations, and the long-term and short-term interests of the Corporation and its shareholders, including the possibility that these interests may be best served by the continued independence of the Corporation.

ARTICLE XI

PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS

Holders of the capital stock of the Corporation shall not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares of the capital stock of the Corporation which may be issued.

 

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ARTICLE XII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1. Right to Indemnification . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a Director or an Officer of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a Director, Officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an “indemnity”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a Director, Officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a Director, Officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the Massachusetts General Laws, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnity in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section C hereof with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnity in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnity only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

Section 2. Advance Payment . The right to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this Article XII shall include, in the case of a Director or officer at the level of Vice President or above, and in the case of any other Officer or any employee may include (in the discretion of the Board of Directors), the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, expenses incurred by an indemnity in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding may be paid only upon the Corporation’s receipt of an undertaking by the indemnity to repay such payment if he or she shall be adjudicated or determined to be not entitled to indemnification under applicable law. The Corporation may accept such undertaking without reference to the financial ability of the Indemnity to make such repayment.

Section 3. Indemnification of former Director, Officer, Employee or Agent . The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections 1 and 2 of this Article XII shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnity who has ceased to be a Director, Officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnities heirs, executors and administrators.

Section 4. Enforcement of Right to Indemnification . If a claim under Sections 1, 2 or 3 of this Article XII is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty days, the indemnity may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If

 

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successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnity also shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (a) any suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (b) in any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, he or she shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the Corporation. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnity is proper in the circumstances because the indemnity has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the Massachusetts General Laws, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that the indemnity has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnity has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnity, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnity to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnity is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article XII or otherwise, shall be on the Corporation.

Section 4. Rights not Exclusive . The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article XII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, the Corporation’s Articles, Bylaws, agreement, vote of shareholders or Disinterested Directors or otherwise.

Section 5. Insurance . The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any Director, Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under the Massachusetts General Laws.

Section 6. Grants and Agreements . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article XII with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of Directors and Officers of the Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Corporation may enter into specific agreements, commitments or arrangements for indemnification on any terms not prohibited by law which it deems to be appropriate.

Section 7. Merger or Consolidation . If the Corporation is merged into or consolidated with another corporation and the Corporation is not the surviving corporation, the surviving Corporation shall assume the obligations of the Corporation under this Article XII with respect to any action, suit, proceeding or investigation arising out of or relating to any actions, transactions or facts occurring at or prior to the date of such merger or consolidation.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Limitation of Liability . No Director of the Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability; provided, however, that this Article XIII shall not eliminate or limit any liability of a Director (a) for any breach of the Director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its shareholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) for improper distributions under Section 6.40 of Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, or (d) with respect to any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit.

Section 2. Amendment . No amendment or repeal of this Article XIII shall adversely affect the rights and protection afforded to a Director of this Corporation under this Article XIII for acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal. If the Massachusetts General Laws are hereafter amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of Directors or to authorize corporate action to further eliminate or limit such liability, then the liability of the Directors of this Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts General Laws, as so amended.

ARTICLE XIV

TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED PERSONS

Section 1. Transactions with Interested Persons not Void or Voidable . Unless entered into in bad faith, no contract or transaction by the Corporation shall be void, voidable or in any way affected by reason of the fact that it is with an Interested Person (as defined in Section 3 of Article XIV).

Section 2. Interested Persons not Liable . Unless such contract or transaction was entered into in bad faith, no Interested Person, because of such interest, shall be liable to the Corporation or to any other person or organization for any loss or expense incurred by reason of such contract or transaction or shall be accountable for any gain or profit realized from such contract or transaction.

Section 3. Definition of Interested Person . For the purposes of this Article, “Interested Person” means any person or organization in any way interested in the Corporation whether as a director, officer, shareholder, employee or otherwise, and any other entity in which any such person or organization of the Corporation is in any way interested.

Section 4. Interested Person Necessary for Quorum or Vote . The provisions of this Article shall be operative notwithstanding the fact that the presence of an Interested Person was necessary to constitute a quorum at a meeting of Directors or shareholders of the Corporation at which such contract or transaction was authorized or that the vote of an Interested Person was necessary for the authorization of such contract or transaction.

 

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ARTICLE XV

ACTING AS A PARTNER

The Corporation may be a partner in any business enterprise which it would have power to conduct by itself.

ARTICLE XVI

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

Meetings of shareholders may be held at such place in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or, if permitted by applicable law, elsewhere in the United States as the Board of Directors may determine.

ARTICLE XVII

AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

These Articles may be amended at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders called expressly for such purpose, by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the total votes eligible to be cast by shareholders on such amendment, voting together as a single class; provided, however, that if the Board of Directors recommends, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the Directors then in office at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors (unless at any time within the 60 day period immediately preceding the meeting at which the shareholder vote is to be taken, there shall be an Interested Shareholder, in which case such action shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors then in office), that shareholders approve such amendment at such meeting of shareholders, such amendment shall only require the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by shareholders on such amendment, voting together as a single class.

 

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BYLAWS

OF

NEW WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

ARTICLE I

SHAREHOLDERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting . An annual meeting of the shareholders, for the election of Directors to succeed those whose terms expire and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held on the third Tuesday of May each year or on such other day (other than a legal holiday or day of religious significance) as the Board of Directors shall designate. The time and place of the annual meeting shall be designated by the Board of Directors.

Section 1. Annual Meeting . Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock of the Corporation, special meetings of shareholders of the Corporation may be called by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of Directors which the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies on the Board of Directors (hereinafter, the “Whole Board”) or otherwise as set forth in the Articles of Organization. The hour, date and place of any special meeting and the record date for determining the shareholders having the right to notice of and to vote at any such meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors or the President.

Section 3. Notice of Meetings. Written notice of the place, date, and time of all meetings of the shareholders shall be given at least seven (7) days but no more than sixty (60) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held to each shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law (meaning, here and hereinafter, as required from time to time by Chapter 156D of the Massachusetts General Laws, any successor provisions thereto).

When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the date of any adjourned meeting is more than thirty (30) days after the date for which the meeting was originally noticed, or if a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date, and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

Section 4. Quorum . At any meeting of the shareholders, the holders of a majority of all of the shares of the stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, unless or except to the extent that the presence of a larger number may be required by law. Where a separate vote by a class or classes is required, a majority of the shares of such class or classes present in person or represented by proxy shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. The shareholders present at a duly constituted meeting may continue to transact business until adjournment notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum.


If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairman of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock entitled to vote who are present, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time.

Section 5. Organization . The President or, in the absence of the President, the Chairman of the Board of the Corporation or, in his or her absence, a Vice President of the Corporation, shall call to order any meeting of the shareholders and act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary of the Corporation, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairman appoints. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power, among other things, to adjourn such meeting at any time and from time to time. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at every meeting of shareholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting.

Section 6. Conduct of Business .

(a) The chairman of any meeting of shareholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him or her to be in order. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the shareholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting.

(b) At any annual meeting of the shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting: (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (ii) by any shareholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote with respect thereto and who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(b). For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder, the business must relate to a proper subject matter for shareholder action and the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than one-hundred twenty (120) calendar days nor more than one-hundred fifty (150) days in advance of the date of the Corporation’s proxy statement which was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, with respect to the Corporation’s first annual meeting of shareholders, to be timely notice shall be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date of the annual meeting except that in the event less than one-hundred thirty (130) days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. A shareholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter such shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (A) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (B) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of the shareholder proposing such business; (C) the class and number of shares of the Corporation’s capital stock that are beneficially owned by such shareholder; and (D) any material interest of such shareholder in such business.

At any special meeting of the shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) as a

 

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result of a written application for a special meeting brought by shareholders in accordance with the Articles of Organization. Any such written application for a special meeting by one or more shareholders shall set forth as to each matter proposed to be brought before the special meeting the information described in subsections (A) through (D) of this Section 6(b).

Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be brought before or conducted at a meeting of shareholders except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(b). The Officer of the Corporation or other person presiding over the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(b) and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business so determined to be not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

(c) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws shall be eligible for election as Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of shareholders at which Directors are to be elected only: (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (ii) by any shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of Directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(c). Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made by timely notice in writing to the Secretary. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than one-hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the date of the Corporation’s proxy statement which was released to shareholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, with respect to the Corporation’s first annual meeting of shareholders, to be timely notice shall be received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than one-hundred twenty (120) days prior to the date of the annual meeting except that in the event less than one-hundred thirty (130) days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to shareholders, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Such shareholder’s notice shall set forth: (i) as to each person whom such shareholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a Director, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a Director if elected); and (ii) as to the shareholder giving notice of (x) the name and address, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, of such shareholder and (y) the class and number of shares of the Corporation’s capital stock that are beneficially owned by such shareholder. At the request of the Board of Directors any person nominated by the Board of Directors for election as a Director shall furnish to the Secretary that information required to be set forth in a shareholder’s notice of nomination which pertains to the nominee. No person shall be eligible for election as a Director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c). The Officer of the Corporation or other person presiding at the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with such provisions and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded.

 

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(d) Nothing contained in this Section 6 shall require proxy materials distributed by the management of the Corporation to include any information with respect to nominations or other proposals by shareholders.

Section 7. Proxies and Voting . At any meeting of the shareholders, every shareholder entitled to vote may vote in person or by proxy authorized by an instrument in writing or by a transmission permitted by law filed in accordance with the procedure established for the meeting. Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to this paragraph may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission. Proxies shall be in written form and shall be dated not more than six (6) months before the meeting named therein, unless the proxy is coupled with an interest and provides otherwise. Proxies shall be filed with the Secretary at the meeting, or of any adjournment thereof, before being voted. Proxies solicited on behalf of the management shall be voted as directed by the shareholder or, in the absence of such direction, as determined by a majority of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise limited therein, proxies shall entitle the persons authorized thereby to vote at any adjournment of such Meeting, but they shall not be valid after final adjournment of such meeting. A proxy with respect to stock held in the name of two or more persons shall be valid if executed by one of them unless at or prior to exercise of the proxy the Secretary receives a specific written notice to the contrary from any one of them. Whenever stock is held in the name of two or more persons, in the absence of specific written notice to the Corporation to the contrary, at any meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation any one or more of such shareholders may cast, in person or by proxy, all votes to which such ownership is entitled. In the event an attempt is made to cast conflicting votes, in person or by proxy, by the several persons in whose names shares of stock stand, the vote or votes to which those persons are entitled shall be cast as directed by a majority of those holding such stock and present in person or by proxy at such meeting, but no votes shall be cast for such stock if a majority does not agree. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a shareholder shall be deemed valid unless successfully challenged at or prior to its exercise, and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger.

Every vote shall be taken by ballots, each of which shall state the name of the shareholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. The Corporation shall, in advance of any meeting of shareholders, appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. The Corporation may designate one or more persons as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of shareholders, the person presiding at the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of his or her ability.

 

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All elections shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by the Articles of Organization or by law, all other matters shall be determined by a majority of the votes present and cast at a properly called meeting of shareholders.

ARTICLE II

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. General Powers, Number and Term of Office . The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be under the direction of its Board of Directors. The number of Directors who shall constitute the Whole Board shall be such number as the Board of Directors shall from time to time have designated. The Board of Directors may annually elect a Chairman of the Board from among its members who shall, when present, preside at its meetings. In the absence of a Chairman of the Board, meetings of the Board of Directors will be chaired by a Director selected by the Board of Directors from among its members.

The Directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any class or series of preferred stock, shall be divided, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of shareholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class to expire at the annual meeting of shareholders two years thereafter, with each Director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of shareholders, commencing with the first annual meeting, Directors elected to succeed those Directors whose terms then expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders after their election, with each Director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. No person shall be eligible for election, reelection, appointment or reappointment to the Board if such person reached seventy-two (72) years of age or older on appointment or reappointment to the Board.

Section 2. Newly Created Directorships and Vacancies . Subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of preferred stock then outstanding, newly created Directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of Directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum (provided, however, that if there is an Interested Shareholder (as defined in Article VII), such action shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors (as defined in Article VII) then in office). Directors so chosen shall hold office for a term specified by the Directors then in office or, if not so specified, for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of office of the class to which they have been elected expires and until such Director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of authorized Directors constituting the Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director.

Section 3. Regular Meetings . Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all Directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required.

 

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Section 4. Special Meetings . Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by a majority of the Directors then in office or by the President and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as they or he/she shall fix. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each Director by whom it is not waived by mailing written notice in person or by telephone or sent to his or her business or home address by telecommunication at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting, or by written notice mailed to his or her business or home address at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the mail so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Unless otherwise indicated in the notice thereof, any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting. Notice of any special meeting may be waived in accordance with Article VI, Section 2, hereof.

Section 5. Quorum . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.

Section 6. Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone . Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other and such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting but shall not constitute attendance for the purpose of compensation pursuant to Section 9 of this Article II, unless the Board of Directors by resolution so provides.

Section 7. Conduct Of Business . At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the Directors present, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Action may be taken by the Board of Directors without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.

Section 8. Powers . The Board of Directors may, except as otherwise required by law, exercise all such powers and do all such acts and things as may be exercised or done by the Corporation, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the unqualified power:

(a) To declare, and the Corporation may pay, dividends on outstanding shares of its capital stock;

(b) To issue or reserve for issue from time to time the whole or any part of the capital stock of the Corporation which may be authorized from time to time, to such persons or organizations, for such consideration, whether cash, property, services or expenses, and on such terms as the Board of Directors or a designated committee thereof may determine, including without limitation the granting of options, warrants, or conversion or other rights to subscribe to said capital stock;

 

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(c) To purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine;

(d) To authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith;

(e) To remove any Officer of the Corporation with or without cause, and from time to time to devolve the powers and duties of any Officer upon any other person for the time being;

(f) To confer upon any Officer of the Corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers, employees and agents;

(g) To adopt from time to time such stock, option, stock purchase, bonus or other compensation plans for Directors, Officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine;

(h) To adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for Directors, Officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; and

(i) To adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs.

Section 9 . Compensation of Directors . Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors, fixed fees and other compensation for their services as Directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the Board of Directors.

Section 10. Action by Consent . Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors at any meeting may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the Directors then in office. Such written consents shall be filed with the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors and shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 11. Presumption of Assent . A Director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any Corporation matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent or abstention has been entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he or she has filed a written dissent to such action with the person acting as the Secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or has forwarded such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary within five (5) days after the date such dissenting Director receives a copy of the minutes of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director who voted in favor of such action.

 

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Section 12. Removal . A Director may be removed only for cause as provided Corporation’s Articles of Organization. Any Director may resign at any time giving notice to the Chairman of the Board or the Secretary.

ARTICLE III

COMMITTEES

Section 1. Committees of the Board of Directors . The Board of Directors, by a vote of a majority of the Whole Board, may from time to time designate committees of the Board, with such lawfully delegable powers and duties as it thereby confers, to serve at the pleasure of the Board and shall, for those committees and any others provided for herein, elect a Director or Directors to serve as the member or members, designating, if it desires, other Directors as alternate members who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee and any alternate member in his or her place, the member or members of the committee present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he, she or they constitute a quorum, may by unanimous vote appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of the absent or disqualified member.

Section 2. Conduct of Business . Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings. Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if all members thereof consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee.

Section 3. Nominating Committee . The Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee of the Board consisting of not less than three (3) members. The Nominating Committee shall have authority (a) to review any nominations for election to the Board of Directors made by a shareholder of the Corporation pursuant to Section 6 of Article I of these Bylaws in order to determine compliance with such Bylaw provision, and (b) to recommend to the Whole Board nominees for election to the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

OFFICERS

Section 1. Generally. The Board of Directors as soon as may be practicable after the annual meeting of shareholders may choose a Chairman of the Board, and shall choose a President, a Treasurer, a Secretary and one or more Vice Presidents, and from time to time may choose such other Officers as it may deem proper. The Chairman of the Board, if any, shall be chosen from among the Directors. Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

(a) The term of office of all Officers shall be until the next annual election of Officers and until their respective successors are chosen, but any Officer may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office.

 

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(b) All Officers chosen by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article IV. Such Officers shall also have such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board of Directors or by any committee thereof.

Section 2. Chairman of the Board . The Chairman of the Board, if one is chosen, shall be the Chief Executive Officer unless the Board of Directors, by special vote confer the duties of Chief Executive Officer upon the President. The Chairman of the Board shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chairman of the Board or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. He or she shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation which are authorized.

Section 3. President . The President or such other Chief Executive Officer shall have general responsibility for the management and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation and shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of President or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. Subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, and in the absence of a Chairman of the Board, the President shall have all of the powers and perform all of the duties of the Chairman of the Board (as designated in Section 2), and shall also have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation which are authorized and shall have general supervision of all of the other Officers (other than the Chairman of the Board, if any), employees and agents of the Corporation.

Section 4. Vice Presidents . The Vice President or Vice Presidents shall perform the duties and exercise the powers usually incident to their respective offices and/or such other duties and powers as may be properly assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. A Vice President or Vice Presidents may be designated as Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President.

Section 5. Treasurer, Vice Treasurers, and Assistant Treasurers . The Treasurer shall, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, have general charge of the financial affairs of the Corporation and shall cause to be kept accurate books of account. He or she shall have custody of all funds, securities, and valuable documents of the Corporation, except as the Board of Directors may otherwise provide. The Treasurer shall also perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate. Any Vice Treasurer and any Assistant Treasurer shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer may from time to time designate.

Section 6. Secretary . The Secretary shall issue notices of meetings, shall keep their minutes, shall have charge of the seal and the corporate books, shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as are usually incident to such offices and/or such other duties and powers as are properly assigned thereto by the Board of Directors or the President.

Section 7. Assistant Secretaries and Other Officers . The Board of Directors may appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and such other Officers who shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as are provided in these Bylaws or as may be assigned to them by the Board of Directors or the President.

 

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Section 8. Action With Respect to Securities of Other Corporations . Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, the President or any Officer of the Corporation authorized by the President shall have power to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or in which the Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which the Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities in such other corporation.

ARTICLE V

STOCK

Section 1. Certificates of Stock . Each shareholder shall be entitled to a certificate of the capital stock of the Corporation in such form as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors. Such certificate shall be signed by the Chairman of the Board, President or a Vice President and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, and sealed with the corporate seal or a facsimile thereof. Such signatures may be facsimile if the certificate is signed by a transfer agent, or by a registrar, other than a Director, Officer or employee of the Corporation. In case any Officer who has signed or whose signature has been placed on such certificate shall have ceased to be such Officer before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he or she were such Officer at the time of its issue. Each certificate for shares of capital stock shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified. Every certificate for shares of stock which is subject to any restriction on transfer and every certificate issued when the Corporation is authorized to issue more than one class or series of stock shall contain such legend with respect thereto as is required by law.

Section 2. Transfers of Stock . Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. Except where a certificate is issued in accordance with Section 4 of Article V of these Bylaws, an outstanding certificate for the number of shares involved shall be surrendered for cancellation before a new certificate is issued therefore.

Section 3. Record Date . The Board of Directors may fix in advance a time of not more than sixty (60) days preceding the date of any meeting of shareholders, or the date for the payment of any dividend or the making of any distribution to shareholders, or the last day on which the consent or dissent of shareholders may be effectively expressed for any purpose, as the record date for determining the shareholders having the right to notice of and to vote at such meeting, and any adjournment thereof, or the right to receive such dividend or distribution or the right to give such consent or dissent. In such case only shareholders of record on such record date shall have such right, notwithstanding any transfer of stock on the books of the Corporation after the record date. Without fixing such record date the Board of Directors may for any of such purposes close the transfer books for all or any part of such period.

 

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A determination of shareholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

If no record date is fixed and the transfer books are not closed, (a) the record date for determining shareholders having the right to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, and (b) the record date for determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors acts with respect thereto.

Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates . In the event of the loss, theft or destruction of any certificate of stock, another may be issued in its place pursuant to such regulations as the Board of Directors may establish concerning proof of such loss, theft or destruction and concerning the giving of a satisfactory bond or bonds of indemnity.

Section 5. Regulations . The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.

ARTICLE VI

NOTICES

Section 1. Notices . Except as otherwise specifically provided herein or required by law, all notices required to be given to any shareholder, Director, Officer, employee or agent shall be in writing and may in every instance be effectively given by hand delivery to the recipient thereof, by depositing such notice in the mails, postage paid, or by sending such notice by telecommunication. Any such notice shall be addressed to such shareholder, Director, Officer, employee or agent at his or her last known address as the same appears on the books of the Corporation. The time when such notice is received, if hand delivered, or dispatched, if delivered through the mails or by telecommunication, shall be the time of the giving of the notice.

Section 2. Waivers . A written waiver of any notice, signed by a shareholder, Director, Officer, employee or agent, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to the notice required to be given to such shareholder, Director, Officer, employee or agent. Neither the business nor the purpose of any meeting need be specified in such a waiver.

ARTICLE VII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Facsimile Signatures . In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile signatures of any Officer or Officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

Section 2. Corporate Seal . The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, containing the name of the Corporation, which seal shall be in the charge of the Secretary. If and when so directed by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof, duplicates of the seal may be kept and used by the Comptroller or by an Assistant Secretary or an assistant to the Comptroller.

 

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Section 3. Reliance Upon Books, Reports and Records . Each Director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each Officer of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its Officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters which such Director or committee member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

Section 4. Fiscal Year . The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as fixed by the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Time Periods . In applying any provision of these Bylaws which requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded, and the day of the event shall be included.

Section 6. Execution of Instruments . All deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, bonds, notes and other instruments and obligations to be entered into by the Corporation in the ordinary course of its business without Board of Directors action may be executed on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, President, any Vice President, Treasurer or any other Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation as the Board of Directors may authorize.

Section 7. Articles of Organization . All references in these Bylaws to the Articles of Organization shall be deemed to refer to the Articles of Organization of the Corporation, as amended and in effect from time to time.

Section 8. Powers of Corporation . The Corporation shall have and may exercise all the powers, privileges and authority, express, implied and incidental, now or hereafter conferred by applicable law and the Corporation’s Articles of Organization.

Section 9. Interested Shareholder and Disinterested Directors . As used in these Bylaws, the terms “Interested Shareholder” and “Disinterested Director” shall have the same respective meanings assigned to them in the Corporation’s Articles of Organization. Any determination of beneficial ownership of securities under these Bylaws shall be made in the manner specified in the Articles of Organization.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENT

Section 1. Amendment by Directors . The Bylaws of the Corporation may be amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Whole Board at a duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors, unless at the time of such action there shall be an Interested Shareholder, in

 

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which case such action shall also require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Disinterested Directors (as such term is defined in the Articles of Organization) then in office at such meeting. Not later than the time of giving notice of the annual meeting of shareholders next following the amending or repealing by the Directors of any Bylaw, notice thereof stating the substance of such change shall be given to all shareholders entitled to vote on amending the Bylaws.

Section 2. Amendment by Shareholders . The Bylaws of the Corporation may be amended or repealed at a duly constituted meeting of shareholders called expressly for such purpose, by the affirmative vote of at least eighty percent (80%) of the total voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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Exhibit 4.1

 

No. Sample    Zero Shares
   CUSIP                     

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

I NCORPORATED UNDER THE L AWS OF THE C OMMONWEALTH OF M ASSACHUSETTS

This Certifies that ____________________________is the owner of

__________________________________

fully paid and non-assessable Shares, par value $0.01 per share, of the COMMON STOCK of

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

(the “Company”), a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The shares represented by this Certificate are transferable only on the stock transfer books of the Company by the holder hereof in person or by his or her duly authorized attorney or legal representative upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The shares represented by this Certificate are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government agency.

I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has caused this Certificate to be executed by the signature of its duly authorized officers and has caused its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed.

 

  [SEAL]  

 

   

 

Secretary     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Dated:                             

   


N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC .

The shares represented by this Certificate are issued subject to all the provisions of the Articles of Organization and Bylaws of N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC ., incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the “Company”), as from time to time amended (copies of which are on file at the principal office of the Company), to all of which the holder by acceptance hereof assents.

The Articles of Organization of the Company contains certain provisions, applicable upon the effective date of the consummation of the reorganization of Westfield Bank (the “Bank”) from a mutual holding company structure to a savings and loan holding company structure and the concurrent acquisition by the Company of all the outstanding capital stock of the Bank. The Articles of Organization provides that no person other than the Company, any subsidiary or any pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus or other compensation plan maintained by the Company, or by a member of a controlled group of corporations or trades or business of which the Company is a member for the benefit of the employees of the Company or any subsidiary, or any trust or custodial arrangement established in connection with any such plan) shall directly or indirectly acquire or hold the beneficial ownership of more than ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the voting stock of the Company. The Articles of Organization contain provisions pursuant to which any person that voluntarily or involuntarily becomes or attempts to become the purported beneficial owner of shares of voting stock in excess of ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of voting stock, the number of shares in excess of ten percent (10%) shall be deemed to be “Excess Shares.” The holder of any Excess Shares shall be entitled to cast only one one-hundredth (1/100) of one vote per share for each Excess Share. In addition, the Company is authorized to refuse to recognize and transfer or attempted transfer of any shares of voting stock to any person who beneficially owns, or who the Company believes would become by virtue of such transfer, the beneficial owner of more than ten percent (10%) of shares of the voting stock.

The Articles of Organization of the Company contain provisions providing that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote in the election of directors may be required to approve certain business combinations.

The Company will furnish to any stockholder upon written request and without charge, a statement of the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights. Such request may be made to the Company of to its transfer agent and registrar.

For value received,                                          hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto                      shares of capital stock evidenced by this Certificate, and do(es) hereby irrevocably constitute(s) and appoint(s)                                          as Attorney, to transfer the said shares on the books of the herein named Company, with full power of substitution.

 

Date:

 

 

    Signature  

 

      Signature  

 

NOTICE:   The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the Certificate, in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatsoever.

Exhibit 5.1

[Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP letterhead]

                          , 2006

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01086

 

  Re: New Westfield Financial, Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the proposed registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by the Company of an aggregate of 34,411,599 shares of common stock, $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “Shares”), and the related preparation and filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission of a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc., and Westfield Bank (the “Plan”). In rendering the opinion set forth below, we do not express any opinion concerning law other than the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified, of such documents, corporate records and other instruments, and have examined such matters of law, as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of rendering the opinion set forth below. As to matters of fact, we have examined and relied upon the factual representations of the Company contained in the Registration Statement and, where we have deemed appropriate, representations or certificates of officers of the Company or public officials. We have assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity of natural persons and the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies. In making our examination of any documents, we have assumed that all parties, other than the Company, had the corporate power and authority to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder, and, as to such parties, we have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, the due execution and delivery of such documents, and the validity and binding effect and enforceability thereof.

Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement and the Plan, will be validly issued and outstanding, fully paid and non-assessable.


In rendering the opinion set forth above, we have not passed upon and do not purport to pass upon the application of securities or “blue-sky” laws of any jurisdiction (except federal securities laws).

This opinion is given solely for the benefit of the Company and investors who purchase Shares of common stock of the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement, and may not be relied upon by any other person or entity, nor quoted in whole or in part, or otherwise referred to in any document without our express written consent.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the reference to our name in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement under the heading “Legal and Tax Opinions.”

Very truly yours,

Exhibit 8.1

[Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP letterhead]

 

                             , 2006

Westfield Mutual Holding Company

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, MA 01086

Ladies and Gentlemen:

You have asked our opinion regarding certain federal tax consequences of the proposed conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, a federal mutual holding company (“Westfield Mutual Holding Company”) to stock form and reorganization of Westfield Bank, a federal savings bank (“Westfield Bank”), pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“Westfield Financial”) and Westfield Bank dated June 20, 2006 (the “Plan of Conversion”). We are rendering this opinion pursuant to filing requirements for applications for conversions to stock form and applications to acquire a savings association as set forth in applicable regulations promulgated by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) and the OTS Application Handbook. All capitalized terms used but not defined in this letter shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Plan.

In connection with the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction of the Plan of Conversion and of such corporate records of the parties to the Conversion as we have deemed appropriate. We have assumed that the parties to the Conversion will act in accordance with the Plan of Conversion. In addition, we have made such investigations of law as we have deemed appropriate to form a basis for the opinions expressed below.

Based on and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that for federal income tax purposes, under current law:

(1) the conversion of Westfield Financial from a Massachusetts corporation to a federally-chartered stock corporation and then a conversion of Westfield Financial as a federally-chartered stock corporation to a federal interim stock savings association, and the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company from mutual form to a federal interim stock savings institution, will each qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by Westfield Financial or Westfield Mutual Holding Company by reason of such conversions;


Westfield Mutual Holding Company

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Bank

                             ,  2006

   Page 2

(2) the merger of Westfield Financial and the merger of Westfield Mutual Holding Company into Westfield Bank, will each qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by Westfield Financial, Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or Westfield Bank by reason of such mergers;

(3) the merger of the federal interim stock savings association formed by New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (“New Westfield Financial”), with and into Westfield Bank (the “Bank Merger”) will qualify either as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(2)(E) of the Code or as an exchange under Section 351 of the Code, and no gain or loss will be recognized by such interim federal savings association, Westfield Bank, or New Westfield Financial by reason of the Bank Merger;

(4) no gain or loss will be recognized by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial upon the receipt of shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial pursuant to the Bank Merger, except to the extent of any cash received in lieu of a fractional share interest in New Westfield Financial;

(5) the aggregate tax basis of the shares of New Westfield Financial common stock to be received by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial will be equal to the aggregate tax basis of Westfield Financial common stock surrendered in exchange therefor, reduced by the basis allocable to a fractional share interest in Westfield Financial for which cash is received;

(6) the holding period of the shares of New Westfield Financial common stock to be received by the current stockholders of Westfield Financial will include the holding period of the shares of Westfield Financial common stock, provided that Westfield Financial common stock was held as a capital asset on the date of the Bank Merger;

(7) a holder of shares of Westfield Financial who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of New Westfield Financial common stock will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the portion of such holder’s tax basis of the shares of Westfield Financial allocable to the fractional share; such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if such shares were held as a capital asset as of the date of the Bank Merger, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such holder’s holding period in the shares of Westfield Financial common stock is more than one year on the date of the Bank Merger;

(8) no gain or loss will be recognized by New Westfield Financial upon the sale of shares of common stock in the stock offering;

(9) no gain or loss will be recognized by members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company upon the issuance to them of interests in the liquidation account in Westfield Bank pursuant to the merger of Westfield Mutual Holding Company into Westfield Bank;


Westfield Mutual Holding Company

New Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Bank

                             ,  2006

   Page 3

(10) it is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial to be issued to Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members (the “Subscription Rights”) is zero and accordingly, that no income will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and Other Members upon the issuance to them of the Subscription Rights or upon the exercise of the Subscription Rights;

(11) it is more likely than not that the tax basis to the holders of shares of New Westfield Financial common stock purchased in the stock offering pursuant to the exercise of Subscription Rights will be the amount paid therefor, and that the holding period for such shares of common stock will begin on the date of the completion of the offerings; and

(12) the holding period for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial purchased in the community offering or syndicated community offering will begin on the day after the date of purchase.

The opinions set forth in (10) and (11), above, are based on the position that the Subscription Rights do not have any market value at the time of distribution and at the time they are exercised. Although the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not issue rulings on whether subscription rights have a market value, we are unaware of any instance in which the IRS has taken the position that nontransferable subscription rights issued by a converting financial institution have a market value. We understand that the Subscription Rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be nontransferable and of short duration, and will afford the recipients the right only to purchase shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial at a price equal to its estimated fair market value, which will be the same price as the purchase price for the unsubscribed shares of such common stock. Based on the foregoing, we believe that it is more likely than not (i.e., that there is a more than a 50% likelihood) that the Subscription Rights have no market value for federal income tax purposes.

Very truly yours,

Exhibit 8.3

RP ® FINANCIAL, LC.

Financial Services Industry Consultants

August 4, 2006

Board of Directors

Westfield MHC

Westfield Financial Inc.

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085-2980

 

Re: Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance

Westfield MHC

Westfield Financial Inc.

Westfield Bank

Members of the Boards of Directors:

All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this letter have the meanings given such terms in the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance (the “Plan”) adopted by the Board of Directors of Westfield, MHC (the “Mutual Holding Company”) Westfield Financial, Inc.(the “Company”) and Westfield Bank (the “Bank”). The Plan provides for the conversion of the Mutual Holding Company into the capital stock form of organization. Pursuant to the Plan, Westfield Financial, which owns 100% of the Bank, will be succeeded by a new Massachusetts corporation named New Westfield Financial, which will change its name to Westfield Financial after the completion of the conversion. As part of the conversion, the Company will sell shares of common stock in an offering that will represent the ownership interest in Westfield Financial currently owned by the MHC.

We understand that in accordance with the Plan, subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock in the Company are to be issued to: (1) Eligible Account Holders; (2) the Employee Stock Ownership Plan; (3) Supplemental Eligible Account Holders; and (4) Other Members. Based solely upon our observation that the subscription rights will be available to such parties without cost, will be legally non-transferable and of short duration, and will afford such parties the right only to purchase shares of common stock at the same price as will be paid by members of the general public in the community offering, but without undertaking any independent investigation of state or federal law or the position of the Internal Revenue Service with respect to this issue, we are of the belief that, as a factual matter:

 

  (1) the subscription rights will have no ascertainable market value; and,

 

  (2) the price at which the subscription rights are exercisable will not be more or less than the pro forma market value of the shares upon issuance.

Changes in the local and national economy, the legislative and regulatory environment, the stock market, interest rates, and other external forces (such as natural disasters or significant world events) may occur from time to time, often with great unpredictability and may materially impact the value of thrift stocks as a whole or the Company’s value alone. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that persons who subscribe to shares of common stock in the subscription offering will thereafter be able to buy or sell such shares at the same price paid in the subscription offering.


RP Financial, LC.

Board of Directors

December      , 1999

Page 2

 

LOGO

Sincerely,

RP FINANCIAL, LC.

 

Washington Headquarters  

Rosslyn Center

 

1700 North Moore Street, Suite 2210

  Telephone: (703) 528-1700

Arlington, VA 22209

  Fax No.: (703) 528-1788

Exhibit 10.9

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of              , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between W ESTFIELD B ANK , federally-chartered savings bank having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Bank”) and D ONALD A. W ILLIAMS , an individual residing at 146 Glenwood Drive, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, a subsidiary of Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Company”);

W HEREAS , the Bank desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Bank and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment .

The Bank agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement, plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) The Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”) shall conduct an annual review of the Executive’s performance on or about each anniversary of the Effective Date (each, an “Anniversary Date”) and may, on the basis of such review and by written notice to the Executive, offer to extend the Employment Period for an additional one-year period. In such event, the Employment Period shall be deemed extended in the absence of objection from the Executive by written notice to the Bank given within ten (10) business days after his receipt of the Bank’s offer of extension. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the day of the third (3 rd )


anniversary of the last Anniversary Date as of which the Employment Period was extended pursuant to this Section 2(b).

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Bank at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Bank and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Bank and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Bank.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Bank shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[              ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Bank’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Bank for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Bank and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Bank’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability

 

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for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Bank or service in other capacities at the request of the Bank. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Bank.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities .

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Bank and generally applicable to all similarly situated Executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Bank’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Bank and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Bank shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Bank and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Bank shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Bank and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Bank shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Bank shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in each case upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require.

 

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  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Bank stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Bank to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Bank’s Restated Organization Certificate, the Bank’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Bank’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Bank of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Bank is terminated by the Bank for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

 

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(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Bank shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment

 

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shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of

 

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the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of

 

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any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and

(ix) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile

 

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under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Bank and the Executive further agree that the Bank may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Bank may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Bank, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Bank shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

 

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A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Bank and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Bank shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Bank shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 30 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Bank (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Bank shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Bank’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith

 

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opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such

 

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Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided; however, that this section 12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a

 

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Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Bank (or, if less, for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period), he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 13 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to benefits under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix).

 

  Section 14. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Bank, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 14 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Bank’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 15. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide

 

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services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

  Section 16. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Bank’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Bank is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 17. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Bank, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Bank may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Bank to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Bank’s obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

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  Section 18. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

Donald A. Williams

146 Glenwood Drive

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

If to the Bank:

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

 

  Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

 

  Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

  Section 19. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits pursuant to a judgment, decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or of an arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding. The determination whether the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits and is therefore entitled to such indemnification, shall be made by the court or arbitrator, as applicable. In the event of a settlement pursuant to a settlement agreement, any indemnification payment under this section 19 shall be made only after a determination by the members of the Board (other than the Executive and any other member of the Board to which the Executive is related by blood or marriage) that the Executive has acted in good faith and that such indemnification payment is in the best interests of the Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

 

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  Section 20. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 21. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 22. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 23. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 24. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 25. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 26. Non-duplication .

In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Company or any other direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Bank hereunder.

 

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  Section 27. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 13, 14 or 15 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 27(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

  Section 28. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

  Section 29. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Bank:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the aggregate amount of compensation payable to the Executive under section 9(b) hereof exceed the three times the Executive’s average annual compensation (within the meaning of OTS Regulatory Bulletin 27a or any successor thereto) for the last five consecutive calendar years to end prior to his termination of employment with the Bank (or for his entire period of employment with the Bank if less than five calendar years).

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Bank, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement

 

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shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Bank, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Bank’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Bank is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Bank hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Bank has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

    E XECUTIVE
             
      Donald A. Williams

 

ATTEST:

    W ESTFIELD B ANK
By         

By

    
  Secretary     Name:  
      Title:  

[Seal]

 

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Exhibit 10.10

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                      , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between W ESTFIELD B ANK , federally-chartered savings bank having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Bank”) and M ICHAEL J. J ANOSCO , J R . , an individual residing at 41 Wilder Road, Sterling, Massachusetts 01564 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, a subsidiary of Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Company”);

W HEREAS , the Bank desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Bank and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment .

The Bank agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement, plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) The Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”) shall conduct an annual review of the Executive’s performance on or about each anniversary of the Effective Date (each, an “Anniversary Date”) and may, on the basis of such review and by written notice to the Executive, offer to extend the Employment Period for an additional one-year period. In such event, the Employment Period shall be deemed extended in the absence of objection from the Executive by written notice to the Bank given within ten (10) business days after his receipt of the Bank’s offer of extension. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the day of the third (3 rd )


anniversary of the last Anniversary Date as of which the Employment Period was extended pursuant to this Section 2(b).

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Bank at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Bank and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Bank and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Bank.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Bank shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[                      ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Bank’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Bank for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Bank and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Bank’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability

 

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for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Bank or service in other capacities at the request of the Bank. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Bank.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities .

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Bank and generally applicable to all similarly situated Executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Bank’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Bank and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Bank shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Bank and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Bank shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Bank and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Bank shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Bank shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in each case upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require.

 

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  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Bank stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Bank to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Bank’s Restated Organization Certificate, the Bank’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Bank’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Bank of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Bank is terminated by the Bank for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

 

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(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Bank shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment

 

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shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of

 

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the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of

 

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any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and

(ix) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile

 

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under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Bank and the Executive further agree that the Bank may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Bank may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Bank, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Bank shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

 

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A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Bank and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Bank shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Bank shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 30 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Bank (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Bank shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Bank’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith

 

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opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such

 

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Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided; however, that this section 12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a

 

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Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Bank (or, if less, for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period), he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 13 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to benefits under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix).

 

  Section 14. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Bank, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 14 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Bank’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 15. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide

 

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services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

  Section 16. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Bank’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Bank is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 17. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Bank, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Bank may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Bank to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Bank’s obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

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  Section 18. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

41 Wilder Road

Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

If to the Bank:

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

  Section 19. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits pursuant to a judgment, decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or of an arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding. The determination whether the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits and is therefore entitled to such indemnification, shall be made by the court or arbitrator, as applicable. In the event of a settlement pursuant to a settlement agreement, any indemnification payment under this section 19 shall be made only after a determination by the members of the Board (other than the Executive and any other member of the Board to which the Executive is related by blood or marriage) that the Executive has acted in good faith and that such indemnification payment is in the best interests of the Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

 

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  Section 20. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 21. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 22. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 23. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 24. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 25. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 26. Non-duplication .

In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Company or any other direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Bank hereunder.

 

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  Section 27. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 13, 14 or 15 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 27(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

  Section 28. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

  Section 29. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Bank:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the aggregate amount of compensation payable to the Executive under section 9(b) hereof exceed the three times the Executive’s average annual compensation (within the meaning of OTS Regulatory Bulletin 27a or any successor thereto) for the last five consecutive calendar years to end prior to his termination of employment with the Bank (or for his entire period of employment with the Bank if less than five calendar years).

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Bank, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement

 

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shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Bank, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Bank’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Bank is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Bank hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Bank has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

    E XECUTIVE
             
     

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

   
ATTEST:     W ESTFIELD B ANK
       
   
By         

By

    
  Secretary    

Name:

Title:

[Seal]

 

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Exhibit 10.11

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                                      , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between W ESTFIELD B ANK , federally-chartered savings bank having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Bank”) and J AMES C. H AGAN , an individual residing at 57 Wildflower Circle, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, a subsidiary of Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Company”);

W HEREAS , the Bank desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Bank and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment .

The Bank agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement, plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) The Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”) shall conduct an annual review of the Executive’s performance on or about each anniversary of the Effective Date (each, an “Anniversary Date”) and may, on the basis of such review and by written notice to the Executive, offer to extend the Employment Period for an additional one-year period. In such event, the Employment Period shall be deemed extended in the absence of objection from the Executive by written notice to the Bank given within ten (10) business days after his receipt of the Bank’s offer of extension. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the day of the third (3 rd )


anniversary of the last Anniversary Date as of which the Employment Period was extended pursuant to this Section 2(b).

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Bank at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Bank and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Bank and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Bank.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Bank shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[                                  ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Bank’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Bank for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Bank and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Bank’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or

 

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contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Bank or service in other capacities at the request of the Bank. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Bank.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Bank shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities.

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Bank and generally applicable to all similarly situated Executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Company on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Bank’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Bank and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Bank shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Bank and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Bank shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Bank and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Bank shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Bank shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the

 

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performance of his duties under this Agreement, in each case upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require.

 

  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Bank stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Bank to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Bank’s Restated Organization Certificate, the Bank’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Bank’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Bank of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Bank cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Bank of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

 

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(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Bank is terminated by the Bank for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Bank shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the

 

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“Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the

 

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Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is

 

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equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and

 

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(ix) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Bank and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Bank and the Executive further agree that the Bank may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii) and (ix) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Bank terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Bank may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Bank, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Bank shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first

 

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payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Bank shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Bank and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Bank shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Bank shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 30 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Bank (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Bank shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Bank’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or

 

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without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

 

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(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided; however, that this section 12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Bank (or, if less, for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period), he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 13 and section 15 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to benefits under section 12.

 

  Section 14. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Bank, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable

 

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from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 14 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Bank’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 15. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

  Section 16. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Bank’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or

 

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programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Bank is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 17. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Bank, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Bank may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Bank to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Bank’s obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

  Section 18. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

James C. Hagan

57 Wildflower Circle

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

If to the Bank:

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

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  Section 19. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits pursuant to a judgment, decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or of an arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding. The determination whether the Executive shall have substantially prevailed on the merits and is therefore entitled to such indemnification, shall be made by the court or arbitrator, as applicable. In the event of a settlement pursuant to a settlement agreement, any indemnification payment under this section 19 shall be made only after a determination by the members of the Board (other than the Executive and any other member of the Board to which the Executive is related by blood or marriage) that the Executive has acted in good faith and that such indemnification payment is in the best interests of the Bank. For purposes of this Agreement, any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

 

  Section 20. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 21. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 22. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 23. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

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  Section 24. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 25. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 26. Non-duplication .

In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Company or any other direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Bank hereunder.

 

  Section 27. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 13, 14 or 15 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 27(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

  Section 28. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

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  Section 29. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Bank:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the aggregate amount of compensation payable to the Executive under section 9(b) hereof exceed the three times the Executive’s average annual compensation (within the meaning of OTS Regulatory Bulletin 27a or any successor thereto) for the last five consecutive calendar years to end prior to his termination of employment with the Bank (or for his entire period of employment with the Bank if less than five calendar years). The compensation payable to the Executive hereunder shall be further reduced (but not below zero) if such reduction would avoid the assessment of excise taxes on excess parachute payments (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code).

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Bank, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Bank, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Bank’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Bank is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Bank hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or

 

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his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Bank has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

    E XECUTIVE
             
      J AMES C. H AGAN
   
ATTEST:     W ESTFIELD B ANK
       
   
By         

By

    
  Secretary    

Name:

Title:

 

[Seal]

 

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Exhibit 10.12

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                      , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC . , a business corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Company”) and D ONALD A. W ILLIAMS , an individual residing at 146 Glenwood Drive, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”);

W HEREAS , the Company desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment .

The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement (each, an “Anniversary Date”), plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) Except as provided in section 2(c) and subject to section 11(b), beginning on the Effective Date, the Employment Period shall automatically be extended for one additional day each day, unless either the Company or the Executive elects not to extend the Agreement further by giving written notice thereof to the other party, in which case the Employment Period shall end on the third anniversary of the date on which such written notice is given. For all purposes of this Agreement, the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the last day of the Employment Period taking into account any extensions under this section 2(b). Upon termination of the


Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, any daily extensions provided pursuant to this section 2(b), if not theretofore discontinued, shall automatically cease.

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Company at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Company and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to Section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Company and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Company.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Company shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[                      ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Company for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Company and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Company’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability

 

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for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Company or service in other capacities at the request of the Company. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Company.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities .

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Company and generally applicable to all similarly situated executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Bank on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall continue to perform services for the Company in accordance with this Agreement but shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Company and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Company shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Company and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Company shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Company and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Company shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in

 

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each case upon presentation to the Company of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Company may reasonably require.

 

  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Company stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Company to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Company’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Company of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the

 

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Company, and the Company has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal

 

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short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the

 

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Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of

 

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three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment;

(ix) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of options or appreciation

 

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rights issued to the Executive under any stock option and appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the excess of (I) the Fair Market Value of a Share, over (II) the exercise price per share for such option or appreciation right, as specified in or under the relevant plan or program; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares with respect to which options or appreciation rights are being surrendered.

For the purpose of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all options and appreciation rights under any stock option or appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan or program;

(x) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of any shares awarded to the Executive under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, the Company shall make a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the Fair Market Value of a Share granted under such plan; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares which are being surrendered.

For purposes of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all shares awarded under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan; and

(xi) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Company and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Company and the Executive further agree that the Company may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions

 

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which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Company, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Company shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Company and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

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  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Company shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 45 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Company (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Company shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided, however, that this section

 

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12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that

 

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occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Tax Indemnification .

(a) If the Executive’s employment terminates under circumstances entitling him (or in the event of his death, his estate) to the benefits described in section 9(b), the Company shall pay to the Executive (or in the event of his death, his estate) an additional amount intended to indemnify him against the financial effects of the excise tax imposed on excess parachute payments under section 280G of the Code (the “Tax Indemnity Payment”). The Tax Indemnity Payment shall be determined under the following formula:

 

X     =      E x P   
     1 - [(FI x (1 - SLI)) + SLI + E + M]   

where

 

  E = the percentage rate at which an excise tax is assessed under section 4999 of the Code;

 

  P = the amount with respect to which such excise tax is assessed, determined without regard to this section 13;

 

  FI = the highest marginal rate of income tax applicable to the Executive under the Code for the taxable year in question;

 

  SLI = the sum of the highest marginal rates of income tax applicable to the Executive under all applicable state and local laws for the taxable year in question; and

 

  M = the highest marginal rate of Medicare tax applicable to the Executive under the Code for the taxable year in question.

Such computation shall be made at the expense of the Company by an attorney or a firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Executive and reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Tax Advisor”) and shall be based on the following assumptions: (i) that a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets, of the Bank or the Company has occurred within the meaning of section 280G of the Code (a “280G Change of Control”); (ii) that all direct or indirect payments made to or benefits conferred upon the Executive on account of his termination of employment are “parachute payments” within the meaning of section 280G of the Code; and (iii) that no portion of such payments is reasonable compensation for services rendered prior to the Executive’s termination of employment.

(b) With respect to any payment that is presumed to be a parachute payment for purposes of section 280G of the Code, the Tax Indemnity Payment shall be made to the Executive on the earlier of the date the Company, the Bank or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank is required to withhold such tax or the date the tax is required to be paid by the Executive, unless, prior to such date, the Company delivers to the

 

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Executive the written opinion, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, of the Tax Advisor or of an attorney or firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Company and reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, to the effect that the Executive has a reasonable basis on which to conclude that (i) no 280G Change in Control has occurred, or (ii) all or part of the payment or benefit in question is not a parachute payment for purposes of section 280G of the Code, or (iii) all or a part of such payment or benefit constitutes reasonable compensation for services rendered prior to the 280G Change of Control, or (iv) for some other reason which shall be set forth in detail in such letter, no excise tax is due under section 4999 of the Code with respect to such payment or benefit (the “Opinion Letter”). If the Company delivers an Opinion Letter, the Tax Advisor shall recompute, and the Company shall make, the Tax Indemnity Payment in reliance on the information contained in the Opinion Letter.

(c) In the event that the Executive’s liability for the excise tax under section 4999 of the Code for a taxable year is subsequently determined to be different than the amount with respect to which the Tax Indemnity Payment is made, the Executive or the Company, as the case may be, shall pay to the other party at the time that the amount of such excise tax is finally determined, an appropriate amount, plus interest, such that the payment made under section 13(b), when increased by the amount of the payment made to the Executive under this section 13(c), or when reduced by the amount of the payment made to the Company under this section 13(c), equals the amount that should have properly been paid to the Executive under this section 13(c). The interest paid to the Company under this section 13(c) shall be determined at the rate provided under section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. The payment made to the Executive shall include such amount of interest as is necessary to satisfy any interest assessment made by the Internal Revenue Service and an additional amount equal to any monetary penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue Service on account of an underpayment of the excise tax. To confirm that the proper amount, if any, was paid to the Executive under this section 13, the Executive shall furnish to the Company a copy of each tax return which reflects a liability for an excise tax, at least 20 days before the date on which such return is required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Nothing in this Agreement shall give the Company any right to control or otherwise participate in any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive is a party as a result of positions taken on his federal income tax return with respect to his liability for excise taxes under section 4999 of the Code.

 

  Section 14. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 14 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi).

 

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  Section 15. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Company, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 15 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Company’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 16. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 14;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 14; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the county specified in section 14;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

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  Section 17. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Company or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Company’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Company is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 18. Other Termination .

Upon the expiration of this Agreement other than on account of the Executive’s refusing to accept an extension offered by the Company or the Executive’s giving of a notice of non-extension, unless the Company shall offer to the Executive continued service either: (i) in the same position in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement with cash compensation and pension and welfare benefits no less favorable than those in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement; or (ii) in another position acceptable to the Executive and upon mutually and reasonably agreeable terms, the Executive shall be entitled to receive for a period of twelve (12) months after the expiration of the Agreement (in this event, the “Severance Period”) and continuation of base salary at the rate then in effect plus medical, dental, life-insurance and disability coverage; provided, that the Executive’s continued participation is permissible or otherwise practicable under the general terms and provisions of such plans. To the extent that continued participation is neither permissible nor practicable, the Company shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide the Executive with substantially comparable benefits (without additional cost to the Executive) outside the scope of such plans. If the Executive engages in regular employment after his termination of employment (whether as an executive or as a self-employed person), any employee welfare benefits received by the Executive during the Severance Period in consideration of such employment which are similar in nature to the employee welfare benefits provided by the Company will relieve the Company of their obligations under this section 18 to provide comparable benefits to the extent of the benefits so received. This section 18 shall have no application if, prior to the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment has terminated in a termination to which section 9, 10, 11 or 12 applies or if, after the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment is terminated with Cause.

 

  Section 19. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Company, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Company to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Company’s

 

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obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

  Section 20. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

Donald A. Williams

146 Glenwood Drive

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

If to the Company:

Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street Westfield,

Massachusetts 01085

Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

  Section 21. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, any settlement agreement which provides for payment of any amounts in settlement of the Company’s or the Bank’s obligations hereunder shall be conclusive evidence of the Executive’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder, and any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

(b) The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may

 

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have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

 

  Section 22. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 23. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 24. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 25. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 26. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 27. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 28. Non-duplication .

The Company hereby agrees to guarantee the payment by the Bank of any benefits and compensation to which the Executive is, or may be, entitled under the terms and conditions of the employment agreement of even date herewith between the Bank and the Executive. In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Bank or any other direct

 

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or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Company hereunder, it being intended that this Agreement set forth the aggregate compensation and benefits payable to the Executive for all services to the Company, the Bank and all of their respective direct or indirect subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

  Section 29. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 14, 15 or 16 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 29(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

  Section 30. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

  Section 31. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Company pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by

 

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appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Company, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Company’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Company’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Company is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Company hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

    E XECUTIVE
        
     

Donald A. Williams

ATTEST:

    N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC .
By         

By

    
  Secretary    

Name:

 
      Title:  

[Seal]

 

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Exhibit 10.13

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                                  , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC . , a business corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Company”) and M ICHAEL J. J ANOSCO , J R . , an individual residing at 41 Wilder Road, Sterling, Massachusetts 01564 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”);

W HEREAS , the Company desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment .

The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement (each, an “Anniversary Date”), plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) Except as provided in section 2(c) and subject to section 11, beginning on the Effective Date, the Employment Period shall automatically be extended for one additional day each day, unless either the Company or the Executive elects not to extend the Agreement further by giving written notice thereof to the other party, in which case the Employment Period shall end on the third anniversary of the date on which such written notice is given. For all purposes of this Agreement, the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the last day of the Employment Period taking into account any extensions under this section 2(b). Upon termination of the


Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, any daily extensions provided pursuant to this section 2(b), if not theretofore discontinued, shall automatically cease.

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Company at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Company and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to Section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Company and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Company.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Company shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[                                  ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”) shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Company for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Company and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Company’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability

 

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for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Company or service in other capacities at the request of the Company. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Company.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities .

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Company and generally applicable to all similarly situated executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Bank on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall continue to perform services for the Company in accordance with this Agreement but shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Company and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Company shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Company and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Company shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Company and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Company shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in

 

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each case upon presentation to the Company of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Company may reasonably require.

 

  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Company stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Company to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Company’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Company of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the

 

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Company, and the Company has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal

 

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short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the

 

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Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of

 

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three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment;

(ix) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of options or appreciation

 

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rights issued to the Executive under any stock option and appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the excess of (I) the Fair Market Value of a Share, over (II) the exercise price per share for such option or appreciation right, as specified in or under the relevant plan or program; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares with respect to which options or appreciation rights are being surrendered.

For the purpose of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all options and appreciation rights under any stock option or appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan or program;

(x) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of any shares awarded to the Executive under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, the Company shall make a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the Fair Market Value of a Share granted under such plan; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares which are being surrendered.

For purposes of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all shares awarded under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan; and

(xi) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Company and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Company and the Executive further agree that the Company may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions

 

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which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Company, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Company shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Company and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

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  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Company shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 45 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Company (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Company shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided, however, that this section

 

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12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that

 

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occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Tax Indemnification .

(a) If the Executive’s employment terminates under circumstances entitling him (or in the event of his death, his estate) to the benefits described in section 9(b), the Company shall pay to the Executive (or in the event of his death, his estate) an additional amount intended to indemnify him against the financial effects of the excise tax imposed on excess parachute payments under section 280G of the Code (the “Tax Indemnity Payment”). The Tax Indemnity Payment shall be determined under the following formula:

 

X

  =      E x P   
     1 - [(FI x (1 - SLI)) + SLI + E + M]   

where

 

  E  = the percentage rate at which an excise tax is assessed under section 4999 of the Code;

 

  P  = the amount with respect to which such excise tax is assessed, determined without regard to this section 13;

 

  FI  = the highest marginal rate of income tax applicable to the Executive under the Code for the taxable year in question;

 

  SLI  = the sum of the highest marginal rates of income tax applicable to the Executive under all applicable state and local laws for the taxable year in question; and

 

  M  = the highest marginal rate of Medicare tax applicable to the Executive under the Code for the taxable year in question.

Such computation shall be made at the expense of the Company by an attorney or a firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Executive and reasonably satisfactory to the Company (the “Tax Advisor”) and shall be based on the following assumptions: (i) that a change in ownership, a change in effective ownership or control, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets, of the Bank or the Company has occurred within the meaning of section 280G of the Code (a “280G Change of Control”); (ii) that all direct or indirect payments made to or benefits conferred upon the Executive on account of his termination of employment are “parachute payments” within the meaning of section 280G of the Code; and (iii) that no portion of such payments is reasonable compensation for services rendered prior to the Executive’s termination of employment.

(b) With respect to any payment that is presumed to be a parachute payment for purposes of section 280G of the Code, the Tax Indemnity Payment shall be made to the Executive on the earlier of the date the Company, the Bank or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank is required to withhold such tax or the date the tax is required to be paid by the Executive, unless, prior to such date, the Company delivers to the

 

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Executive the written opinion, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, of the Tax Advisor or of an attorney or firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Company and reasonably satisfactory to the Executive, to the effect that the Executive has a reasonable basis on which to conclude that (i) no 280G Change in Control has occurred, or (ii) all or part of the payment or benefit in question is not a parachute payment for purposes of section 280G of the Code, or (iii) all or a part of such payment or benefit constitutes reasonable compensation for services rendered prior to the 280G Change of Control, or (iv) for some other reason which shall be set forth in detail in such letter, no excise tax is due under section 4999 of the Code with respect to such payment or benefit (the “Opinion Letter”). If the Company delivers an Opinion Letter, the Tax Advisor shall recompute, and the Company shall make, the Tax Indemnity Payment in reliance on the information contained in the Opinion Letter.

(c) In the event that the Executive’s liability for the excise tax under section 4999 of the Code for a taxable year is subsequently determined to be different than the amount with respect to which the Tax Indemnity Payment is made, the Executive or the Company, as the case may be, shall pay to the other party at the time that the amount of such excise tax is finally determined, an appropriate amount, plus interest, such that the payment made under section 13(b), when increased by the amount of the payment made to the Executive under this section 13(c), or when reduced by the amount of the payment made to the Company under this section 13(c), equals the amount that should have properly been paid to the Executive under this section 13(c). The interest paid to the Company under this section 13(c) shall be determined at the rate provided under section 1274(b)(2)(B) of the Code. The payment made to the Executive shall include such amount of interest as is necessary to satisfy any interest assessment made by the Internal Revenue Service and an additional amount equal to any monetary penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue Service on account of an underpayment of the excise tax. To confirm that the proper amount, if any, was paid to the Executive under this section 13, the Executive shall furnish to the Company a copy of each tax return which reflects a liability for an excise tax, at least 20 days before the date on which such return is required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Nothing in this Agreement shall give the Company any right to control or otherwise participate in any action, suit or proceeding to which the Executive is a party as a result of positions taken on his federal income tax return with respect to his liability for excise taxes under section 4999 of the Code.

 

  Section 14. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 14 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi).

 

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  Section 15. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Company, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 15 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Company’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 16. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 14;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 14; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the county specified in section 14;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

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  Section 17. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Company or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Company’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Company is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 18. Other Termination .

Upon the expiration of this Agreement other than on account of the Executive’s refusing to accept an extension offered by the Company or the Executive’s giving of a notice of non-extension, unless the Company shall offer to the Executive continued service either: (i) in the same position in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement with cash compensation and pension and welfare benefits no less favorable than those in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement; or (ii) in another position acceptable to the Executive and upon mutually and reasonably agreeable terms, the Executive shall be entitled to receive for a period of twelve (12) months after the expiration of the Agreement (in this event, the “Severance Period”) and continuation of base salary at the rate then in effect plus medical, dental, life-insurance and disability coverage; provided, that the Executive’s continued participation is permissible or otherwise practicable under the general terms and provisions of such plans. To the extent that continued participation is neither permissible nor practicable, the Company shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide the Executive with substantially comparable benefits (without additional cost to the Executive) outside the scope of such plans. If the Executive engages in regular employment after his termination of employment (whether as an executive or as a self-employed person), any employee welfare benefits received by the Executive during the Severance Period in consideration of such employment which are similar in nature to the employee welfare benefits provided by the Company will relieve the Company of their obligations under this section 18 to provide comparable benefits to the extent of the benefits so received. This section 18 shall have no application if, prior to the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment has terminated in a termination to which section 9, 10, 11 or 12 applies or if, after the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment is terminated with Cause.

 

  Section 19. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Company, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Company to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Company’s

 

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obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

  Section 20. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

Michael J. Janosco, Jr.

41 Wilder Road

Sterling, Massachusetts 01564

If to the Company:

Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

  Section 21. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, any settlement agreement which provides for payment of any amounts in settlement of the Company’s or the Bank’s obligations hereunder shall be conclusive evidence of the Executive’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder, and any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

(b) The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may

 

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have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

 

  Section 22. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 23. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 24. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 25. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 26. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 27. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 28. Non-duplication .

The Company hereby agrees to guarantee the payment by the Bank of any benefits and compensation to which the Executive is, or may be, entitled under the terms and conditions of the employment agreement of even date herewith between the Bank and the Executive. In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Bank or any other direct

 

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or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Company hereunder, it being intended that this Agreement set forth the aggregate compensation and benefits payable to the Executive for all services to the Company, the Bank and all of their respective direct or indirect subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

  Section 29. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 14, 15 or 16 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 29(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

  Section 30. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

  Section 31. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Company pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by

 

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appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Company, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Company’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Company’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Company is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Company hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

    E XECUTIVE
        
      Michael J. Janosco, Jr.
ATTEST:     N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC .
By         

By

    
  Secretary     Name:  
      Title:  
[Seal]      

 

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Exhibit 10.14

E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT

This E MPLOYMENT A GREEMENT (“the Agreement”) is made and entered into as of              , 2006 (the “Effective Date”) by and between N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC . , a business corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Company”) and J AMES C. H AGAN , an individual residing at 57 Wildflower Circle, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Executive”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

W HEREAS , the Executive currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”);

W HEREAS , the Company desires to assure for itself the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement and the ability of the Executive to perform such services with a minimum of personal distraction in the event of a pending or threatened Change of Control (as hereinafter defined); and

W HEREAS , the Executive is willing to continue to serve the Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

  Section 1. Employment.

The Company agrees to continue to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to such continued employment, during the period and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

 

  Section 2. Employment Period; Remaining Unexpired Employment Period .

(a) The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be and remain in effect during the period of employment established under this section 2 (“Employment Period”). The Employment Period shall be for an initial term of three years beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the third anniversary date of this Agreement, plus such extensions, if any, as are provided pursuant to section 2(b).

(b) Except as provided in section 2(c) and subject to section 11, beginning on the Effective Date, the Employment Period shall automatically be extended for one additional day each day, unless either the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) or the Executive elects not to extend the Agreement further by giving written notice thereof to the other party, in which case the Employment Period shall end on the third anniversary of the date on which such written notice is given. Or all purposes of this Agreement, the term “Remaining Unexpired Employment Period” as of any date shall mean the period beginning on such date and ending on the last day of the Employment Period taking into account any extensions under this section 2(b). Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason


whatsoever, any daily extensions provided pursuant to this section 2(b), if not theretofore discontinued, shall automatically cease.

(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit the Company at any time from terminating the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without notice for any reason; provided, however , that the relative rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive in the event of any such termination shall be determined under this Agreement.

 

  Section 3. Duties .

The Executive shall serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, having such power, authority and responsibility and performing such duties as are prescribed by or under the By-Laws of the Company and as are customarily associated with such position. Subject to Section 7 of this Agreement, the Executive shall devote his full business time and attention (other than during weekends, holidays, approved vacation periods, and periods of illness or approved leaves of absence) to the business and affairs of the Company and shall use his best efforts to advance the interests of the Company.

 

  Section 4. Cash Compensation .

In consideration for the services to be rendered by the Executive hereunder, the Company shall continue to pay to him a salary at an annual rate of $[              ], payable in approximately equal installments in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices for senior officers. The Board of Directors of the Company shall review the Executive’s annual rate of salary at such times during the Employment Period as it deems appropriate, but not less frequently than once every twelve months, and may, in its discretion, approve an increase therein. In addition to salary, the Executive may receive other cash compensation from the Company for services hereunder at such times, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Board may determine from time to time.

 

  Section 5. Employee Benefit Plans and Programs .

During the Employment Period, the Executive shall be treated as an employee of the Company and shall be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any and all qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, any and all group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans, and any other employee benefit and compensation plans (including, but not limited to, any incentive compensation plans or programs, stock option and appreciation rights plans and restricted stock plans) as may from time to time be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company in accordance with the terms and conditions of such employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs and consistent with the Company’s customary practices.

 

  Section 6. Indemnification and Insurance .

(a) During the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall cause the Executive to be covered by and named as an insured under any policy or contract of insurance obtained by it to insure its directors and officers against personal liability

 

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for acts or omissions in connection with service as an officer or director of the Company or service in other capacities at the request of the Company. The coverage provided to the Executive pursuant to this section 6 shall be of the same scope and on the same terms and conditions as the coverage (if any) provided to other officers or directors of the Company.

(b) To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, during the Employment Period and for a period of six years thereafter, the Company shall indemnify the Executive against and hold him harmless from any costs, liabilities, losses and exposures to the fullest extent and on the most favorable terms and conditions that similar indemnification is offered to any director or officer of the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof.

 

  Section 7. Outside Activities .

The Executive may serve as a member of the boards of directors of such business, community and charitable organizations as he may disclose to and as may be approved by the Board (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however , that such service shall not materially interfere with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Executive may also engage in personal business and investment activities which do not materially interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder; provided, however , that such activities are not prohibited under any code of conduct or investment or securities trading policy established by the Company and generally applicable to all similarly situated executives. The Executive may also serve as an officer or director of the Bank on such terms and conditions as the Company and the Bank may mutually agree upon, and such service shall not be deemed to materially interfere with the Executive’s performance of his duties hereunder or otherwise result in a material breach of this Agreement. If the Executive is discharged or suspended, or is subject to any regulatory prohibition or restriction with respect to participation in the affairs of the Bank, he shall continue to perform services for the Company in accordance with this Agreement but shall not directly or indirectly provide services to or participate in the affairs of the Bank in a manner inconsistent with the terms of such discharge or suspension or any applicable regulatory order.

 

  Section 8. Working Facilities and Expenses .

The Executive’s principal place of employment shall be at the Company’s executive offices at the address first above written or at such other location as the Company and the executive may mutually agree upon. The Company shall provide the Executive at his principal place of employment with a private office, secretarial services and other support services and facilities suitable to his position with the Company and necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of his assigned duties under this Agreement. The Company shall provide to the Executive for his exclusive use an automobile owned or leased by the Company and appropriate to his position, to be used in the performance of his duties hereunder, including commuting to and from his personal residence. The Company shall reimburse the Executive for his ordinary and necessary business expenses, including, without limitation, all expenses associated with his business use of the aforementioned automobile, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as the Executive and the Company shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate for business purposes, and his travel and entertainment expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, in

 

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each case upon presentation to the Company of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Company may reasonably require.

 

  Section 9. Termination of Employment with Severance Benefits .

(a) The Executive shall be entitled to the severance benefits described in section 9(b) in the event that:

(i) his employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period as a result of the Executive’s voluntary resignation within 90 days following:

(A) the failure of the Board to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Executive to the position with the Company stated in section 3 of this Agreement;

(B) if the Executive is a member of the Board, the failure of the shareholders of the Company to elect or re-elect the Executive to the Board or the failure of the Board (or the nominating committee thereof) to nominate the Executive for such election or re-election;

(C) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material failure, whether by amendment of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the Company’s By-Laws, action of the Board or the Company’s shareholders or otherwise, to vest in the Executive the functions, duties, or responsibilities prescribed in section 3 of this Agreement, unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(D) the expiration of a 30-day period following the date on which the Executive gives written notice to the Company of its material breach of any term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement (including, without limitation any reduction of the Executive’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time and any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Executive participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package), unless, during such 30-day period, the Company cures such failure;

(E) a change in the Executive’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five miles away from the Executive’s principal residence and more than twenty-five miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the date of this Agreement; or

(F) any material breach by the Company of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided, however, that the Executive shall have given notice of such materials adverse effect to the

 

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Company, and the Company has not fully cured such failure within thirty days after such notice is deemed given; or

(ii) the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “cause” as provided in section 11(a).

(b) Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in section 9(a) of this Agreement, the Company shall pay and provide to the Executive (or, in the event of his death thereafter and prior to payment, to his estate):

(i) his earned but unpaid salary (including, without limitation, all items which constitute wages under applicable law and the payment of which is not otherwise provided for in this section 9(b)) as of the date of the termination of his employment with the Company and the Bank, such payment to be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after termination of employment;

(ii) the benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the Company’s and the Bank’s officers and employees;

(iii) continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Executive’s termination for the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period for the Executive and his dependents. The coverage provided under this section 9(b)(iii) may, at the election of the Company, be secondary to the coverage provided pursuant to section 9(b)(ii) and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 9(b)(iii);

(iv) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Salary Severance Payment”). The Salary Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

 

SSP= S n 1         [     (BS/PR)   ]
  [1 + (I/PR)] n  

where “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BS” is the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination; “PR” is the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s normal payroll practices; “I” equals the applicable federal

 

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short term rate established under section 1274 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) for the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “Short Term AFR”) and “n” equals the product of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the Executive’s termination of employment (expressed in years and fractions of years) multiplied by the number of payroll periods that occur during a year under the Company’s and the Bank’s normal payroll practices. The Salary Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of base salary which the Executive might otherwise have and in lieu of cash severance benefits under any severance benefits program which may be in effect for officers or employees of the Bank or the Company;

(v) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the annual bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Bonus Severance Payment”). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

BSP = SSP x (ABP / ASP)

where “BSP” is the amount of the Bonus Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “BP” is the aggregate of the annual bonuses paid or declared (whether or not paid) for the most recent period of three (3) calendar years to end on or before the Executive’s termination of employment; and “SP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during such period of three (3) calendar years (excluding any year for which no bonus was declared or paid). The Bonus Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in annual bonus plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vi) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the long-term incentive bonuses that the Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Incentive Severance Payment”). The Incentive Severance Payment shall be computed using the following formula:

ISP = (SSP / RUP) x (ALTIP / ALTSP) x Y

where “ISP” is the amount of the Incentive Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before the deduction of applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “ALTIP” is the aggregate of the most recently paid or declared (whether or not paid) long-term incentive compensation payments (but not more than three (3) such payments) for performance periods that end on or before the Executive’s

 

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termination of employment; “ALTSP” is the aggregate base salary actually paid to the Executive during the performance periods covered by the payments included in “ALTIP” and excluding base salary paid for any period for which no long-term incentive compensation payment was declared or paid; “RUP” is the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, expressed in years and fractions of years; and “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period plus the number of years and fraction of years that have elapsed since the end of the last performance period for which a long-term incentive payment has been declared and paid. In the event that the Executive’s employment terminates prior to the payment date under any long-term incentive compensation plan, then for purposes of computing the Incentive Severance Payment, the “ALTIP” shall be deemed to be the average of the target and maximum award level under such plan and the “ALTSP” shall be deemed to be the Executive’s annual base salary as in effect on the Executive’s termination of employment. The Incentive Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to a continuation of participation in cash long-term incentive compensation plans of the Bank or the Company which the Executive might otherwise have;

(vii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of: (A) the present value of the aggregate benefits to which he would be entitled under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined benefit plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank (the “Pension Plans”) if he had continued working for the Company and the Bank during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period; over (B) the present value of the benefits to which the Executive and his spouse and/or designated beneficiaries are actually entitled under such plans (the “Pension Severance Payment”). The Pension Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

PSP = PPB - APB

where “PSP” is the amount of the Pension Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “APB” is the aggregate lump sum present value of the actual vested pension benefits payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis of the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin, determined by reference to Table VI of section 1.72-9 of the Income Tax Regulations (the “Assumed Life Expectancy”), and on the basis of an interest rate assumption equal to the average bond-equivalent yield on United States Treasury Securities with a Constant Maturity of 30 Years for the month prior to the month in which the Executive’s termination of employment occurs (the “30-Year Treasury Rate”); and “PPB” is the lump sum present value of the pension benefits (whether or not vested) that would be payable under the Pension Plans in the form of a straight life annuity beginning at the earliest date permitted under the Pension Plans, computed on the basis that the Executive’s actual age at termination of employment is his attained age as of his last birthday that would occur during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his service for benefit accrual purposes under the Pension Plans is equal to the aggregate of his actual service plus the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period, that his average compensation figure used in determining his accrued benefit is

 

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equal to the highest annual rate of salary achieved by the Executive during the period of three (3) years ending immediately prior to the date of termination, that the Executive’s life expectancy at the earliest date on which payments under the Pension Plans could begin is the Assumed Life Expectancy and that the interest rate assumption used is equal to the 30-Year Treasury Rate. The Pension Severance Payment shall be made within five (5) business days after the Executive’s termination of employment and shall be in lieu of any claim to any actual increase in his accrued benefit in the Pension Plans in respect of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period;

(viii) a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the present value of the additional employer contributions that would have been credited directly to his account(s) under any and all tax-qualified and non-tax-qualified defined contribution plans maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “Non-ESOP DC Plans”), plus the fair market value of the additional shares of employer securities or other property that would have been allocated to his account as a result of employer contributions or dividends under any tax-qualified leveraged employee stock ownership plan and any related non-tax-qualified supplemental plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank and the Company (the “ESOP Plans”) if he had continued in employment during the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Defined Contribution Severance Payment”). The Defined Contribution Severance Payment shall be computed according to the following formula:

DCSP = [SSP x (EC / BS)] + [(STK + PROP) x Y]

where: “DCSP” is the amount of the Defined Contribution Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “SSP” is the amount of the Salary Severance Payment (before deductions for applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes); “EC” is the amount of employer contributions actually credited to the Executive’s accounts under the Non-ESOP Plans for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; “BS” is the Executive’s compensation taken into account in computing EC; “Y” is the aggregate (expressed in years and fractions of years) of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period and the number of years and fractions of years that have elapsed between the end of plan year for which EC was computed and the date of the Executive’s termination of employment; “STK” is the fair market value (determined on the basis of the mid-point of the highest and lowest reported sales price for a share of stock of the same class during the 30-day period ending on the day of the Executive’s termination of employment (the “Fair Market Value of a Share”)) of the employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment; and “PROP” is the fair market value (determined as of the day before the Executive’s termination of employment using the same valuation methodology used to value the assets of the ESOP Plans) of the property other than employer securities actually allocated to the Executive’s accounts under the ESOP Plans in respect of employer contributions and dividends applied to loan amortization payments for the last plan year to end before his termination of employment;

 

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(ix) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of options or appreciation rights issued to the Executive under any stock option and appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the excess of (I) the Fair Market Value of a Share, over (II) the exercise price per share for such option or appreciation right, as specified in or under the relevant plan or program; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares with respect to which options or appreciation rights are being surrendered.

For the purpose of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all options and appreciation rights under any stock option or appreciation rights plan or program maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan or program;

(x) at the election of the Company made within 30 days following the Executive’s termination of employment, upon the surrender of any shares awarded to the Executive under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, the Company shall make a lump sum payment in an amount equal to the product of:

(A) the Fair Market Value of a Share granted under such plan; multiplied by

(B) the number of shares which are being surrendered.

For purposes of computing this payment, the Executive shall be deemed fully vested in all shares awarded under any restricted stock plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Company or the Bank, even if he is not vested under such plan; and

(xi) within the 60-day period following Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall have the right to purchase, in cash, the automobile provided to Executive by the Company or the Bank for use during Executive’s employment at a price equal to the trade-in value of such automobile as reported in the most recently published version of the Kelley Blue Book or such similar publication as mutually agreed to by Executive and the Company. In the event that the automobile used by Executive is leased by the Company or the Bank and Executive elects to purchase the automobile under this provision, the Bank or the Company shall arrange to purchase the automobile from the lessor for immediate resale to Executive at a like price.

The Company and the Executive hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Executive following any such termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the payments and benefits contemplated by this section 9(b) constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Executive’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Company and the Executive further agree that the Company

 

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may condition the payments and benefits (if any) due under sections 9(b)(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x) and (xi) on the receipt of the Executive’s resignation from any and all positions which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Company, the Bank or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them.

 

  Section 10. Death and Disability Benefits .

(a) In the event the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates during the Employment Period because of the Executive’s death, then the Company shall pay to the Executive’s estate the benefits listed in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii) of this Agreement.

(b) The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment upon a determination, by vote of a majority of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Company, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to them, that the Executive is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Executive from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(i) The Company shall pay and deliver to the Executive (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii).

(ii) In addition to the benefits described in sections 9(b)(i) and 9(b)(ii), the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (A) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (B) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (C) the date of his death; and (D) the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Company shall continue to pay the Executive his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period.

A termination of employment due to disability under this section 10 shall be effected by notice of termination given to the Executive by the Company and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Executive.

 

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  Section 11. Termination without Additional Company Liability .

In the event that the Executive’s employment with the Company shall terminate during the Employment Period on account of:

(a) the discharge of the Executive for “cause,” which, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean a discharge of the Executive due to the Executive’s (i) personal dishonesty, (ii) incompetence, (iii) willful misconduct, (iii) breach of fiduciary duties involving personal profit, (iv) intentional failure to perform stated duties, (v) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or (vi) material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however , that, if the Executive engages in any of the acts described in section 11(a)(vi) above, the Company shall provide the Executive with written notice of its intent to discharge the Executive for cause, and the Executive shall have 45 days from the date on which the Executive receives such notice to cure any such acts; and provided, further , that on and after the date that a Change of Control occurs, a determination under this section 11 shall require the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members of the Board acting in good faith and such vote shall not be made prior to the expiration of a 60-day period following the date on which the Board shall, by written notice to the Executive, furnish to him a statement of its grounds for proposing to make such determination, during which period the Executive shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to make oral and written presentations to the members of the Board, and to be represented by his legal counsel at such presentations, to refute the grounds for the proposed determination; or

(b) the Executive’s voluntary resignation from employment with the Company (including retirement) for reasons other than those specified in section 9(a)(i) or Section 12;

then the Company shall have no further obligations under this Agreement, other than the payment to the Executive of his earned but unpaid salary as of the date of the termination of his employment and the provision of such other benefits, if any, to which he is entitled as a former employee under the Company’s employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs. For purposes of this section 11, no act or failure to act, on the part of the Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. Any act, or failure to act, based upon authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or based upon the written advice of counsel for the Company shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company. The cessation of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for “cause” within the meaning of section 11(a) unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in section 11(a) above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

 

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  Section 12. Termination Upon or Following a Change of Control .

(a) A Change of Control of the Company (“Change of Control”) shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company, respectively, with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended “Exchange Act”) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and

(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert, or approval by the stockholders of the Company of any transaction which would result in such an acquisition;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(I) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such Board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

 

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(II) upon election by the stockholders of the Company to serve as a member of the Board of the Company, but only if nominated for election by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination; provided, however, that this section 12(a)(iv) shall only apply if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents other than by or on behalf of the Board of the Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 12(a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of: (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them; or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 12(a), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(b) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Company terminates due to death or disability within one (1) year after the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control and if a Change of Control occurs within two (2) years after such termination of employment, he (or in the event of his death, his estate) shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would have been payable if a Change of Control had occurred on the date of his termination of employment and he had resigned pursuant to section 9(a)(i) immediately thereafter; provided , that payment shall be deferred without interest until, and shall be payable immediately upon, the actual occurrence of a Change of Control.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) in the event of the Executive’s resignation within sixty (60) days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, he shall be entitled to receive the benefits described in section 9(b) that would be payable if his resignation were pursuant to section 9(a)(i), without regard to the actual circumstances of his resignation; and (ii) for a period of one (1) year after the occurrence of a Change of Control, no discharge of the Executive shall be deemed a discharge with Cause unless the votes contemplated by section 11(a) of this Agreement are supported by at least two-thirds of

 

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the members of the Board of Directors of the Company at the time the vote is taken who were also members of the Board of Directors of the Company immediately prior to the Change of Control.

(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of computing the benefits described in section 9(b) due upon a termination of employment that occurs, or is deemed to have occurred, after a Change of Control, the Remaining Unexpired Employment Period shall be deemed to be three (3) full years.

 

  Section 13. Covenant Not To Compete .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, in the event of his termination of employment with the Company prior to the expiration of the Employment Period, for a period of one year following the date of his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, become an officer, employee, consultant, director or trustee of any savings bank, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, bank or bank holding company, or any direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of any such entity, that entails working within Hampden county or any other county in which the Company or the Bank maintains an office; provided, however , that this section 13 and section 15 shall not apply if the Executive is entitled to the benefits under section 12.

 

  Section 14. Confidentiality .

Unless he obtains the prior written consent of the Company, the Executive shall keep confidential and shall refrain from using for the benefit of himself, or any person or entity other than the Company or any entity which is a subsidiary of the Company or of which the Company is a subsidiary, any material document or information obtained from the Company, or from its parent or subsidiaries, in the course of his employment with any of them concerning their properties, operations or business (unless such document or information is readily ascertainable from public or published information or trade sources or has otherwise been made available to the public through no fault of his own) until the same ceases to be material (or becomes so ascertainable or available); provided, however , that nothing in this section 14 shall prevent the Executive, with or without the Company’s consent, from participating in or disclosing documents or information in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation, inquiry or proceeding to the extent that such participation or disclosure is required under applicable law.

 

  Section 15. Solicitation .

The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Company, he shall not, without the written consent of the Company, either directly or indirectly:

(a) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan

 

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association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 13;

(b) provide any information, advice or recommendation with respect to any such officer or employee of any savings bank, savings and loan company, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the counties specified in section 14; that is intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Company, the Bank, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate his employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any savings bank, savings and loan association, bank, bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or other institution engaged in the business of accepting deposits, making loans or doing business within the county specified in section 13;

(c) solicit, provide any information, advice or recommendation or take any other action intended, or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect, to have the effect of causing any customer of the Company, the Bank or any of their respective subsidiaries to terminate an existing business or commercial relationship with any of them.

 

  Section 16. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Executive’s employment during the term of this Agreement or thereafter, whether by the Company or by the Executive, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Company’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Company from time to time; provided, however , that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Executive to which the Company is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 17. Other Termination .

Upon the expiration of this Agreement other than on account of the Executive’s refusing to accept an extension offered by the Company or the Executive’s giving of a notice of non-extension, unless the Company shall offer to the Executive continued service either: (i) in the same position in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement with cash compensation and pension and welfare benefits no less favorable than those in effect immediately prior to the expiration of this Agreement; or (ii) in another position acceptable to the Executive and upon mutually and reasonably agreeable terms, the Executive shall be entitled to receive for a period of twelve (12) months after the expiration of the Agreement (in this event, the “Severance Period”) and continuation of base salary at the rate then in effect plus medical, dental, life-insurance and disability coverage; provided, that the Executive’s continued participation is permissible or otherwise practicable under the general terms and provisions of

 

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such plans. To the extent that continued participation is neither permissible nor practicable, the Company shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide the Executive with substantially comparable benefits (without additional cost to the Executive) outside the scope of such plans. If the Executive engages in regular employment after his termination of employment (whether as an executive or as a self-employed person), any employee welfare benefits received by the Executive during the Severance Period in consideration of such employment which are similar in nature to the employee welfare benefits provided by the Company will relieve the Company of their obligations under this section 17 to provide comparable benefits to the extent of the benefits so received. This section 17 shall have no application if, prior to the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment has terminated in a termination to which section 9, 10, 11 or 12 applies or if, after the expiration of this Agreement, the Executive’s employment is terminated with Cause.

 

  Section 18. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Executive, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Company, and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Company to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Company’s obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

 

  Section 19. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Executive:

James C. Hagan

57 Wildflower Circle

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

If to the Company:

Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

Attention: Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

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with a copy to:

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 800

Washington, D.C. 20006

Attention: Richard A. Schaberg, Esq .

 

  Section 20. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

(a) The Company shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Executive against reasonable costs, including legal fees and expenses, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, any settlement agreement which provides for payment of any amounts in settlement of the Company’s or the Bank’s obligations hereunder shall be conclusive evidence of the Executive’s entitlement to indemnification hereunder, and any such indemnification payments shall be in addition to amounts payable pursuant to such settlement agreement, unless such settlement agreement expressly provides otherwise.

(b) The Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against the Executive or others. In no event shall the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement and such amounts shall not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment.

 

  Section 21. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 22. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 23. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 24. Governing Law .

Except to the extent preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of

 

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Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 25. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 26. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 27. Non-duplication .

The Company hereby agrees to guarantee the payment by the Bank of any benefits and compensation to which the Executive is, or may be, entitled under the terms and conditions of the employment agreement of even date herewith between the Bank and the Executive. In the event that the Executive shall perform services for the Bank or any other direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of the Company or the Bank, any compensation or benefits provided to the Executive by such other employer shall be applied to offset the obligations of the Company hereunder, it being intended that this Agreement set forth the aggregate compensation and benefits payable to the Executive for all services to the Company, the Bank and all of their respective direct or indirect subsidiaries and affiliates.

 

  Section 28. Dispute Resolution .

(a) The Executive acknowledges and agrees that upon any breach by the Executive of his obligations under sections 13, 14 or 15 hereof, the Company and Bank will have no adequate remedy at law, and accordingly will be entitled, in addition to monetary damages, to specific performance and other appropriate injunctive and equitable relief.

(b) Excluding only requests for equitable relief by the Company or Bank under section 28(a) of this Agreement, in the event that there is any claim or dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and the parties hereto shall not have resolved such claim or dispute within 60 days after written notice from one party to the other setting forth the nature of such claim or dispute, then such claim or dispute shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association by an arbitrator mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto or, in the absence of such agreement, by an arbitrator selected according to such Rules. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either the Company and Bank or the Executive shall request, such arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, one selected by the Company and Bank, one selected by the Executive and the third selected by agreement of the first two, or, in the absence of such agreement, in accordance with such Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by such arbitrator(s) shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof upon the application of either party.

 

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  Section 29. Survival .

Any provision of this Agreement which, by its terms, contemplates performance after the expiration of the Employment Period or other termination of this Agreement shall be deemed to survive the expiration of this Agreement.

 

  Section 30. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the aggregate amount of compensation payable to the Executive under section 9(b) hereof exceed the three times the Executive’s average annual compensation (within the meaning of OTS Regulatory Bulletin 27a or any successor thereto) for the last five consecutive calendar years to end prior to his termination of employment with the Company (or for his entire period of employment with the Company if less than five calendar years). The compensation payable to the Executive hereunder shall be further reduced (but not below zero) if such reduction would avoid the assessment of excise taxes on excess parachute payments (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code).

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Executive by the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Company pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Company’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Company, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while the Company’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Company’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Company is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all obligations of the Company under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Company and the Executive shall not be affected.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all obligations of the Company hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights of the parties shall not be affected by such action.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed and the Executive has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

    E XECUTIVE
        
      James C. Hagan

ATTEST:

    N EW W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC .
By         

By

    
  Secretary     Name:  
      Title:  

[Seal]

 

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Exhibit 10.16

O NE -Y EAR C HANGE OF C ONTROL A GREEMENT

This C HANGE OF C ONTROL A GREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of                      by and among W ESTFIELD B ANK , a savings bank organized and operating under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Bank”), W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC . , a business corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and having an office at 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085 (the “Company”) and                      (the “Officer”).

I NTRODUCTORY S TATEMENT

The Board of Directors of the Bank has concluded that it is in the best interests of the Bank, the Company and their prospective shareholders to establish a working environment for the Officer which minimizes the personal distractions that might result from possible business combinations in which the Company or the Bank might be involved. To this end, the Bank has decided to provide the Officer with assurance that his compensation will be continued for a minimum period of one (1) year following termination of employment (the “Assurance Period”) if his employment terminates under specified circumstances related to a business combination. The Board of Directors of the Bank has decided to formalize this assurance by entering into this Change of Control Agreement with the Officer. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the Company to guarantee the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement.

The terms and conditions which the Bank, the Company and the Officer have agreed to are as follows.

A GREEMENT

 

  Section  1. Effective Date; Term; Change of Control and Pending Change of Control Defined .

(a) This Agreement shall take effect as of the date written above (the “Effective Date”) and shall be in effect during the period (the “Term”) beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which the Bank notifies the Executive of its intent to discontinue the Agreement (the “Initial Expiration Date”) or, if later, the first anniversary of the latest Change of Control or Pending Change of Control, as defined below, that occurs after the Effective Date and before the Initial Expiration Date.

(b) For all purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred upon the happening of any of the following events:

(i) the consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the Company with one or more other persons, other than a transaction following which:

(A) at least 51% of the equity ownership interests of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the outstanding equity ownership interests in the Company; and


(B) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the entity resulting from such transaction are beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) in substantially the same relative proportions by persons who, immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) at least 51% of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;

(ii) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors by any person or by any persons acting in concert;

(iii) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

(iv) the occurrence of any event if, immediately following such event, at least 50% of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company do not belong to any of the following groups:

(A) individuals who were members of the Board of Directors of the Company on the date of this Agreement; or

(B) individuals who first became members of the Board of Directors of the Company after the date of this Agreement either:

(1) upon election to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company by affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of such board, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first election; or

(2) upon election by the shareholders of the Board of Directors of the Company to serve as a member of such board, but only if nominated for election by

 

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affirmative vote of three-quarters of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company, or of a nominating committee thereof, in office at the time of such first nomination;

provided, however , that such individual’s election or nomination did not result from an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents (within the meaning of Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act) other than by or on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company; provided, however, that this section 1(b)(iv) shall only apply if the Company is not majority owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company; or

(v) any event which would be described in section 1(b)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) if the term “Bank” were substituted for the term “Company” therein.

In no event, however, shall a Change of Control be deemed to have occurred as a result of (i) any acquisition of securities or assets of the Company, the Bank, or a subsidiary of either of them, by the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of either of them, or by any employee benefit plan maintained by any of them or (ii) the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form company and the issuance of additional shares of the Company in connection therewith. For purposes of this section 1(b), the term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it under sections 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act.

(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Pending Change of Control” shall mean: (i) the signing of a definitive agreement for a transaction which, if consummated, would result in a Change of Control; (ii) the commencement of a tender offer which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; or (iii) the circulation of a proxy statement seeking proxies in opposition to management in an election contest which, if successful, would result in a Change of Control; provided, however, that the Change of Control contemplated does, in fact, occur.

 

  Section 2. Discharge Prior to a Pending Change of Control .

The Bank may discharge the Officer at any time prior to the occurrence of a Pending Change of Control for any reason or for no reason. In such event:

(a) The Bank shall pay to the Officer (or, in the event of his death, his estate) his earned but unpaid compensation (including, without limitation, salary and all other items which constitute wages under applicable law) as of the date of his termination of employment. This payment shall be made at the time and in the manner prescribed by law applicable to the payment of wages but in no event later than 30 days after the date of the Officer’s termination of employment.

 

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(b) The Bank shall provide the benefits, if any, due to the Officer (or, in the event of his death, his estate, surviving dependents or his designated beneficiaries) under the employee benefit plans and programs and compensation plans and programs maintained for the benefit of the officers and employees of the Bank. The time and manner of payment or other delivery of these benefits and the recipients of such benefits shall be determined according to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and programs.

The payments and benefits described in sections 2(a) and (b) shall be referred to in this Agreement as the “Standard Termination Entitlements.”

 

  Section 3. Termination of Employment Due to Death .

The Officer’s employment with the Bank shall terminate, automatically and without any further action on the part of any party to this Agreement, on the date of the Officer’s death. In such event, the Bank shall pay and deliver to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable, the Standard Termination Entitlements.

 

  Section 4. Termination Due to Disability after Change of Control or Pending Change of Control .

The Bank may terminate the Officer’s employment during the Term and after the occurrence of a Change of Control or a Pending Change of Control upon a determination, by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors of the Bank, acting in reliance on the written advice of a medical professional acceptable to it, that the Officer is suffering from a physical or mental impairment which, at the date of the determination, has prevented the Officer from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year ending with the date of the determination or is likely to result in death or prevent the Officer from performing his assigned duties on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least ninety (90) days during the period of one (1) year beginning with the date of the determination. In such event:

(a) The Bank shall pay and deliver to the Officer (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the Standard Termination Entitlements.

(b) In addition to the Standard Termination Entitlements, the Bank shall continue to pay the Officer his base salary, at the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during a period ending on the earliest of: (i) the expiration of ninety (90) days after the date of termination of his employment; (ii) the date on which long-term disability insurance benefits are first payable to him under any long-term disability insurance plan covering employees of the Bank (the “LTD Eligibility Date”); (iii) the date of his death; and (iv) the expiration of the Assurance Period (the “Initial Continuation Period”). If the end of the Initial Continuation Period is neither the LTD Eligibility Date nor the date of his death, the Bank shall continue to pay the Officer his base salary, at an annual rate equal to sixty percent (60%) of the annual rate in effect for him immediately prior to the termination of his employment, during an additional period ending on the earliest of the LTD Eligibility Date, the date of his death and the expiration of the Assurance Period.

 

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A termination of employment due to disability under this section 4 shall be effected by a notice of termination given to the Officer by the Bank and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Officer.

 

  Section 5. Discharge with Cause after Change of Control or Pending Change of Control .

(a) The Bank may terminate the Officer’s employment with “Cause” during the Term and after the occurrence of a Change of Control or Pending Change of Control, but a termination shall be deemed to have occurred with “Cause” only if:

(i) the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Board of Directors of the Company, by separate majority votes of their entire membership, determine that the Executive should be discharged because of personal dishonesty, incompetence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) or final cease and desist order, or any material breach of this Agreement; and

(ii) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the vote contemplated by section 1(b)(i), the Bank has provided the Officer with notice of its intent to discharge the Officer for Cause, detailing with particularity the facts and circumstances which are alleged to constitute Cause (the “Notice of Intent to Discharge”); and

(iii) after the giving of the Notice of Intent to Discharge and before the taking of the vote contemplated by section 5(a)(i), the Officer (together with his legal counsel, if he so desires) is afforded a reasonable opportunity to make both written and oral presentations before the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of refuting the alleged grounds for Cause for his discharge; and

(iv) after the vote contemplated by section 5(a)(i), the Bank has furnished to the Officer a notice of termination which shall specify the effective date of his termination of employment (which shall in no event be earlier than the date on which such notice is deemed given) and include a copy of a resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank, certified by its corporate secretary and signed by each member of the Board of Directors voting in favor of adoption of the resolution(s), authorizing the termination of the Officer’s employment with Cause and stating with particularity the facts and circumstances found to constitute Cause for his discharge (the “Final Discharge Notice”).

 

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(b) If the Officer is discharged with Cause during the Term and after a Change of Control or Pending Change of Control, the Bank shall pay and provide to him (or, in the event of his death, to his estate, his surviving beneficiaries and his dependents) the Standard Termination Entitlements only. Following the giving of a Notice of Intent to Discharge, the Bank may temporarily suspend the Officer’s duties and authority and, in such event, may also suspend the payment of salary and other cash compensation, but not the Officer’s participation in retirement, insurance and other employee benefit plans. If the Officer is not discharged, or is discharged without Cause, within forty-five (45) days after the giving of a Notice of Intent to Discharge, payments of salary and cash compensation shall resume, and all payments withheld during the period of suspension shall be promptly restored. If the Officer is discharged with Cause not later than forty-five (45) days after the giving of the Notice of Intent to Discharge, all payments withheld during the period of suspension shall be deemed forfeited and shall not be included in the Standard Termination Entitlements. If a Final Discharge Notice is given later than forty-five (45) days, but sooner than ninety (90) days, after the giving of the Notice of Intent to Discharge, all payments made to the Officer during the period beginning with the giving of the Notice of Intent to Discharge and ending with the Officer’s discharge with Cause shall be retained by the Officer and shall not be applied to offset the Standard Termination Entitlements. If the Bank does not give a Final Discharge Notice to the Officer within ninety (90) days after giving a Notice of Intent to Discharge, the Notice of Intent to Discharge shall be deemed withdrawn and any future action to discharge the Officer with Cause shall require the giving of a new Notice of Intent to Discharge.

 

  Section 6. Discharge without Cause .

The Bank may discharge the Officer without Cause at any time after the occurrence of a Change of Control or Pending Change of Control, and in such event:

(a) The Bank shall pay and deliver to the Officer (or in the event of his death before payment, to his estate and surviving dependents and beneficiaries, as applicable) the Standard Termination Entitlements.

(b) In addition to the Standard Termination Entitlements:

(i) During the Assurance Period, the Bank shall provide for the Officer and his dependents continued group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long-term disability insurance benefits on substantially the same terms and conditions (including any required premium-sharing arrangements, co-payments and deductibles) in effect for them immediately prior to the Officer’s resignation. The coverage provided under this section 6(b)(i) may, at the election of the Bank, be secondary to the coverage provided as part of the Standard Termination Entitlements and to any employer-paid coverage provided by a subsequent employer or through Medicare, with the result that benefits under the other coverages will offset the coverage required by this section 6(b)(i).

 

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(ii) The Bank shall make a lump sum payment to the Executive (or, in the event of his death before payment, to his estate), in an amount equal to the estimated present value of the salary that Executive would have earned if he had continued working for the Bank during the Assurance Period at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during that portion of the employment period which is prior to Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank, where such present value is to be determined using a discount rate equal to the applicable short-term federal rate prescribed under section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), compounded using the compounding period corresponding to the Bank’s regular payroll periods for its officers. Such lump sum shall be paid in lieu of all other payments of salary provided for under this Agreement in respect of the period following any such termination.

(iii) The Bank shall make a lump sum payment to the Executive (or, in the event of his death before payment, to his estate), in an amount equal to the payments that would have been made to Executive under any cash bonus or long-term or short-term cash incentive compensation plan maintained by, or covering employees of, the Bank if he had continued working for the Bank during the Assurance Period and had earned the maximum bonus or incentive award in each calendar year that ends during the Assurance Period, such payment to be equal to the product of:

(A) the maximum percentage rate at which an award was ever available to Executive under such incentive compensation plan; multiplied by

(B) the salary that would have been paid to Executive during each such calendar year at the highest annual rate of salary achieved during that portion of the employment period which is prior to Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank.

Such payment shall be made (without discounting for early payment) within thirty (30) days following the Executive’s termination of employment.

The payments and benefits described in section 6(b) are referred to in this Agreement as the “Additional Change of Control Entitlements”.

 

  Section 7. Resignation .

(a) The Officer may resign from his employment with the Bank at any time. A resignation under this section 7 shall be effected by notice of resignation given by the Officer to the Bank and shall take effect on the later of the effective date of termination specified in such notice or the date on which the notice of termination is deemed given to the Officer. The Officer’s resignation of any of the positions within the Bank or the Company to which he has been assigned shall be deemed a resignation from all such positions.

 

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(b) The Officer’s resignation shall be deemed to be for “Good Reason” if the effective date of resignation occurs during the Term, but on or after the effective date of a Change of Control, and is on account of:

(i) the failure of the Bank (whether by act or omission of the Board of Directors, or otherwise) to appoint or re-appoint or elect or re-elect the Officer to the position with Bank that he held immediately prior to the Change of Control (the “Assigned Office”) or to a more senior office;

(ii) a material failure by the Bank, whether by amendment of the certificate of incorporation or organization, by-laws, action of the Board of Directors of the Bank or otherwise, to vest in the Officer the functions, duties, or responsibilities customarily associated with the Assigned Office; provided that the Officer shall have given notice of such failure to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such failure within thirty (30) days after such notice is deemed given;

(iii) any reduction of the Officer’s rate of base salary in effect from time to time, whether or not material, or any failure (other than due to reasonable administrative error that is cured promptly upon notice) to pay any portion of the Officer’s compensation as and when due;

(iv) any change in the terms and conditions of any compensation or benefit program in which the Officer participates which, either individually or together with other changes, has a material adverse effect on the aggregate value of his total compensation package; provided that the Officer shall have given notice of such material adverse effect to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such material adverse effect within thirty (30) days after such notice is deemed given;

(v) any material breach by the Bank of any material term, condition or covenant contained in this Agreement; provided that the Officer shall have given notice of such material adverse effect to the Bank, and the Bank has not fully cured such material adverse effect within thirty (30) days after such notice is deemed given; or

(vi) a change in the Officer’s principal place of employment to a place that is not the principal executive office of the Bank, or a relocation of the Bank’s principal executive office to a location that is both more than twenty-five (25) miles away from the Officer’s principal residence and more than twenty-five (25) miles away from the location of the Bank’s principal executive office on the day before the occurrence of the Change of Control.

 

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In all other cases, a resignation by the Officer shall be deemed to be without Good Reason. In the event of resignation, the Officer shall state in his notice of resignation whether he considers his resignation to be a resignation with Good Reason, and if he does, he shall state in such notice the grounds which constitute Good Reason. The Officer’s determination of the existence of Good Reason shall be conclusive in the absence of fraud, bad faith or manifest error.

(c) In the event of the Officer’s resignation for any reason, the Bank shall pay and deliver the Standard Termination Entitlements. In the event of the Officer’s resignation with Good Reason, the Bank shall also pay and deliver the Additional Termination Entitlements.

 

  Section 8. Terms and Conditions of the Additional Termination Entitlements .

The Bank and the Officer hereby stipulate that the damages which may be incurred by the Officer following any termination of employment are not capable of accurate measurement as of the date first above written and that the Additional Termination Entitlements constitute reasonable damages under the circumstances and shall be payable without any requirement of proof of actual damage and without regard to the Officer’s efforts, if any, to mitigate damages. The Bank and the Officer further agree that the Bank may condition the payment and delivery of the Additional Termination Entitlements on the receipt of: (a) the Officer’s resignation from any and all positions which he holds as an officer, director or committee member with respect to the Bank or the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of either of them; and (b) a release of the Bank and its officers, directors, shareholders, subsidiaries and affiliates, in form and substance satisfactory to the Bank, of any liability to the Officer, whether for compensation or damages, in connection with his employment with the Bank and the termination of such employment except for the Standard Termination Entitlements and the Additional Termination Entitlements.

 

  Section 9. No Effect on Employee Benefit Plans or Programs .

The termination of the Officer’s employment during the Assurance Period or thereafter, whether by the Bank or by the Officer, shall have no effect on the rights and obligations of the parties hereto under the Bank’s qualified or non-qualified retirement, pension, savings, thrift, profit-sharing or stock bonus plans, group life, health (including hospitalization, medical and major medical), dental, accident and long term disability insurance plans or such other employee benefit plans or programs, or compensation plans or programs, as may be maintained by, or cover employees of, the Bank from time to time; provided, however, that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to duplicate any compensation or benefits provided under any agreement, plan or program covering the Officer to which the Bank or Company is a party and any duplicative amount payable under any such agreement, plan or program shall be applied as an offset to reduce the amounts otherwise payable hereunder.

 

  Section 10. Successors and Assigns .

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Officer, his legal representatives and testate or intestate distributees, and the Company and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns, including any successor by merger or consolidation or a

 

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statutory receiver or any other person or firm or corporation to which all or substantially all of the assets and business of the Company or the Bank may be sold or otherwise transferred. Failure of the Bank to obtain from any successor its express written assumption of the Company’s or Bank’s obligations hereunder at least 60 days in advance of the scheduled effective date of any such succession shall, if such succession constitutes a Change of Control, constitute Good Reason for the Officer’s resignation on or at any time during the Term following the occurrence of such succession.

 

  Section 11. Notices .

Any communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement, including any notice, direction, designation, consent, instruction, objection or waiver, shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given at such time as it is delivered personally, or five days after mailing if mailed, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to such party at the address listed below or at such other address as one such party may by written notice specify to the other party:

If to the Officer:

[                                             ]

[                                             ]

[                                             ]

If to the Company or the Bank:

Westfield Financial, Inc.

141 Elm Street

Westfield, MA 01085

Attention: Chairman, Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

  Section 12. Indemnification for Attorneys’ Fees .

The Bank shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Officer against reasonable costs, including legal fees, incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved, as a result of his efforts, in good faith, to defend or enforce the terms of this Agreement; provided, however, that the Officer shall have substantially prevailed on the merits pursuant to a judgment, decree or order of a court of competent jurisdiction or of an arbitrator in an arbitration proceeding. The determination whether the Officer shall have substantially prevailed on the merits and is therefore entitled to such indemnification, shall be made by the court or arbitrator, as applicable. In the event of a settlement pursuant to a settlement agreement, any indemnification payment under this section 12 shall be made only after a determination by the members of the Board (other than the Officer and any other member of the Board to which the Officer is related by blood or marriage) that the Officer has acted in good faith and that such indemnification payment is in the best interests of the Bank.

 

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  Section 13. Severability .

A determination that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof.

 

  Section 14. Waiver .

Failure to insist upon strict compliance with any of the terms, covenants or conditions hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such term, covenant, or condition. A waiver of any provision of this Agreement must be made in writing, designated as a waiver, and signed by the party against whom its enforcement is sought. Any waiver or relinquishment of any right or power hereunder at any one or more times shall not be deemed a waiver or relinquishment of such right or power at any other time or times.

 

  Section 15. Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.

 

  Section 16. Governing Law .

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the federal laws of the United States and, to the extent that federal law is inapplicable, in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed entirely within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

  Section 17. Headings and Construction .

The headings of sections in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to qualify the meaning of any section. Any reference to a section number shall refer to a section of this Agreement, unless otherwise stated.

 

  Section 18. Entire Agreement; Modifications .

This instrument contains the entire agreement of the parties relating to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes in its entirety any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations relating to the subject matter hereof. No modifications of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

 

  Section 19. Required Regulatory Provisions .

The following provisions are included for the purposes of complying with various laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Bank:

(a) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, in no event shall the aggregate amount of compensation payable to the Officer hereunder exceed three times the Officer’s average annual compensation (within the meaning of OTS Regulatory Bulletin 27a or any successor thereto) for the last five consecutive calendar years to end prior to his

 

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termination of employment with the Bank (or for his entire period of employment with the Bank if less than five calendar years). The compensation payable to the Officer hereunder shall be further reduced (but not below zero) if such reduction would avoid the assessment of excise taxes on excess parachute payments (within the meaning of section 280G of the Code).

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to the Officer by the Bank, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Officer is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank pursuant to a notice served under section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(3) or 1818(g)(1), the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in such notice are dismissed, the Bank, in its discretion, may (i) pay to the Officer all or part of the compensation withheld while the Bank’s obligations hereunder were suspended and (ii) reinstate, in whole or in part, any of the obligations which were suspended.

(d) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1818(e)(4) or (g)(1), all prospective obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights and obligations of the Bank and the Executive shall not be affected.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, if the Bank is in default (within the meaning of section 3(x)(1) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1813(x)(1), all prospective obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but vested rights and obligations of the Bank and the Officer shall not be affected.

(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, all prospective obligations of the Bank hereunder shall be terminated, except to the extent that a continuation of this Agreement is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank: (i) by the Director of the OTS or his designee or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in section 13(c) of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. §1823(c); (ii) by the Director of the OTS or his designee at the time such Director or designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to the operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by such Director to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. The vested rights and obligations of the parties shall not be affected.

If and to the extent that any of the foregoing provisions shall cease to be required or by applicable law, rule or regulation, the same shall become inoperative as though eliminated by formal amendment of this Agreement.

 

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  Section 20. Guaranty .

The Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to the Officer the payment of all amounts, and the performance of all other obligations, due from the Bank in accordance with the terms of this Agreement as and when due without any requirement of presentment, demand of payment, protest or notice of dishonor or nonpayment.

 

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I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed and the Officer has hereunto set his hand, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

        
    W ESTFIELD B ANK
Attest:    
By          By     
  Name:       Name:
  Title:       Title:
[Seal]    
    W ESTFIELD F INANCIAL , I NC .
Attest:    
By          By     
  Name:       Name:
  Title:       Title:

[Seal]

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the use in this Prospectus and Registration Statement of Westfield Financial, Inc. on Form S-1 of our report, dated March 10, 2006, except for Note 23, as to which the date is June 20, 2006, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Westfield Financial, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 and for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2005, and to the use of our name and the references to us, as appearing under the headings “Tax Aspects” and “Experts” in this Prospectus and Registration Statement.

We also consent to the use of our State Tax Opinion appearing as an exhibit to the Prospectus and Registration Statement.

LOGO

Boston, Massachusetts

August 30, 2006

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 10, 2004 relating to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003 of Westfield Financial, Inc. appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Hartford, Connecticut

August 30, 2006

Exhibit 23.4

RP ® FINANCIAL, LC.

Financial Services Industry Consultants

August 30, 2006

Board of Directors

Westfield MHC Westfield Financial, Inc.

Westfield Bank

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085-2980

Members of the Boards of Directors:

We hereby consent to the use of our firm’s name in the Form AC Application for Conversion and in the Form S-1 Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, for Westfield Financial, Inc. We also hereby consent to the inclusion of, summary of and references to our Appraisal and our statement concerning subscription rights in such filings including the prospectus of Westfield Financial, Inc.

 

LOGO
Sincerely,
RP ® FINANCIAL, LC.

 

Washington Headquarters   
Rosslyn Center    Telephone: (703) 528-1700
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 2210    Fax No.: (703) 528-1788
Arlington, VA 22209    Toll-Free No.: (866) 723-0594
www.rpfinancial.com    E-Mail: mail@rpfinancial.com

Exhibit 99.4

[LOGO]

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

(413) 568-1911

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on              , 2006

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of stockholders of Westfield Financial, Inc. (the “Special Meeting”) will be held at the Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085, on          day,                      , 2006 at __:00 __.m., Eastern time, to consider and vote upon:

 

  1. A plan of conversion and stock issuance (the “Plan” or “Plan of Conversion”) pursuant to which Westfield Mutual Holding Company will be merged into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Financial will be merged into Westfield Bank, and will be succeeded by a new Massachusetts corporation with the name “New Westfield Financial, Inc.”, which has been established for the purpose of completing the conversion. Pursuant to the Plan, shares of New Westfield Financial common stock representing Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s ownership interest in Westfield Financial will be offered for sale in a subscription offering and, possibly, a community offering. Common stock of Westfield Financial currently held by public stockholders will be converted into shares of New Westfield Financial pursuant to an exchange ratio that will ensure that stockholders at the time of the conversion will own approximately the same percentage of New Westfield Financial after the conversion as was held of Westfield Financial immediately prior thereto, exclusive of cash received in lieu of fractional shares. After the completion of the conversion and stock offering, the name “New Westfield Financial, Inc.” will be changed to “Westfield Financial, Inc.”; and

 

  2. Any other matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting or an Adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

  Note : Management is not aware of any such other business at this time.

The Board of Directors has fixed                      , 2006, as the Record Date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and at an Adjournment or postponement thereof.

The following proxy statement is a summary of information about Westfield Financial and the proposed conversion and stock offering. A more detailed description of Westfield Financial and the proposed conversion and stock offering is included in the accompanying prospectus, which constitutes a part of this proxy statement and the Plan of Conversion, which is attached hereto as Appendix A .


Upon written request addressed to the Secretary of Westfield Financial at the address given above, stockholders may obtain an additional copy of the prospectus and/or a copy of the Plan of Conversion and exhibits thereto. In order to assure timely receipt of the additional copy of the prospectus and/or the Plan of Conversion, the written request should be received by Westfield Financial by                      , 2006. In addition, all such documents may be obtained by calling our Stock Information Center at (413)                       , Monday through Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

Donald A. Williams

President and Chief Executive Officer

Westfield, Massachusetts

                     , 2006

 

The Board of Directors recommends that you promptly sign, date and mark the enclosed proxy card in favor of the adoption of the Plan of Conversion and promptly return it in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-prepaid proxy reply envelope. Returning the proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person at the Special Meeting.

Your prompt vote is very important. Failure to vote will have the same effect as voting against the Plan of Conversion.

 

We have mailed a proxy card and an order form with this proxy statement and the accompanying prospectus to each of our registered stockholders. If you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered in your name, you will not receive an order form with your proxy card, this proxy statement and the accompanying prospectus. If you desire to obtain an order form you must contact the Stock Information Center at the number above. The stock offering deadline is                      , 2006.

 

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FOR STOCKHOLDERS OF WESTFIELD FINANCIAL

You should read this document, the Plan of Conversion, and the accompanying prospectus for more information about the conversion and stock offering. The Plan of Conversion described herein has been conditionally approved by our regulators.

The Proxy Vote

 

Q. What are stockholders being asked to approve?

 

A. Westfield Financial stockholders as of                      , 2006 are asked to vote on the Plan of Conversion. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, Westfield Mutual Holding Company will convert from the mutual holding company form to a stock holding company, and as part of such conversion, New Westfield Financial will offer for sale, in the form of shares of it common stock, Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s 57.6% ownership interest in Westfield Financial. In addition to the shares of common stock to be issued to those who purchase shares in the stock offering, public stockholders of Westfield Financial as of the completion of the conversion, will receive shares of New Westfield Financial common stock in exchange for their existing shares.

 

Q. What are reasons for the second-step conversion and related stock offering?

 

A. The primary reasons for the conversion and stock offering are to increase the liquidity of our common stock, to continue programs of dividends or repurchases, to finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time), and to fund other general corporate purposes. Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio, expanding the products and services that it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services), opening or acquiring additional branch offices, and funding other general corporate purposes.

 

Q. What will stockholders receive for their existing Westfield Financial shares?

 

A. As more fully described in the prospectus section entitled “ The Conversion and Stock Offering ,” depending on the number of shares sold in the stock offering, each share of common stock that you own upon completion of the conversion and stock offering will be exchanged for between 2.27378 new shares at the minimum and 3.07629 new shares at the maximum of the offering range (cash will be paid in lieu of fractional shares).

 

Q. Why will the shares that I receive be based on a price of $10.00 per share rather than the trading price of the common stock prior to the conversion?

 

A. The Board of Directors of Westfield Financial selected a price of $10.00 per share for the stock offered for sale because it is a commonly selected per share price for mutual-to-stock conversions. The number of new shares you receive for your existing Westfield Financial shares does not depend on the market price of Westfield Financial common stock. It will depend on the number of shares sold in the stock offering, which will in turn depend on the final independent appraisal of the pro forma market value of Westfield Financial, assuming completion of the conversion and the stock offering. The result will be that each existing stockholder will own the same percentage of New Westfield Financial after the conversion and stock offering as was held in Westfield Financial just prior thereto, exclusive of (1) any shares purchased by the stockholder in the stock offering, and (2) cash received in lieu of fractional shares.


Q. Should I submit my stock certificates now?

 

A. No. If you hold your certificate(s), instructions for exchanging the shares will be sent to you after completion of the conversion and stock offering. If your shares are held in “street name,” rather than in certificate form, the share exchange will occur automatically upon completion of the conversion and stock offering.

 

Q. Will my dividends decrease?

 

A. Initially, yes. Westfield Financial paid a cash dividend of $0.15 per share on August 24, 2006, or $0.60 per share on an annualized basis. After the conversion and stock offering, New Westfield Financial expects the initial annualized dividends paid to equal, on a per share pre-offering basis, $0.20. Those amounts represent an annual dividend yield of 2.0%, based upon a price of $10.00 per share. The amount of dividends that we intend to pay to our stockholders following the conversion is intended to preserve the per share dividend amount, adjusted to reflect the exchange ratio, that our stockholders currently receive on their shares of Westfield Financial common stock. However, the dividend rate and the continued payment of dividends will depend on a number of factors including our capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will not reduce, or eliminate, dividends in the future.

 

Q. If my shares are held in street name, will my broker automatically vote on my behalf?

 

A. No. Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares, using the directions that your broker provides to you.

 

Q. What if I do not give voting instructions to my broker?

 

A. Your vote is important. If you do not instruct your broker to vote your shares by proxy, each unvoted share will have the same effect as a vote against the Plan of Conversion.

The Stock Offering

 

Q. May I place an order to purchase shares in the stock offering, in addition to the shares that I will receive in the exchange?

 

A. You may be able to purchase shares in the stock offering. By regulation, non-transferable rights to purchase shares of common stock in a subscription offering have been granted in the following order of eligibility priority:

Priority #1 – Westfield Bank’s depositors with a minimum of $50 on deposit on March 31, 2005.

Priority #2 – Our Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Priority #3 – Westfield Bank’s depositors with a minimum of $50 on deposit on September 30, 2006.

Priority #4 – Members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company as of [Record Date].

The shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered to the general public in a “community offering,” with preference granted to stockholders of Westfield Financial as of [Record Date] and then to natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts. A community offering may begin concurrently with, during or immediately following the subscription offering.

 

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We have mailed a proxy card and an order form with this proxy statement and the accompanying prospectus to each of our registered stockholders. If you are a stockholder whose shares are not registered in your name, you will not receive an order form with your proxy card, this proxy statement and the accompanying prospectus. If you desire to obtain an order form you must contact the Stock Information Center at the number below.

 

Q. When does the offering period expire?

 

A. The stock offering deadline is 12:00 noon, Eastern time, on                          , 2006 . By that time, stock order forms accompanied by full payment, must be received (not postmarked) by our Stock Information Center.

Further Questions?

For answers to other questions, please read this proxy statement and the enclosed prospectus. Questions about the stock offering or voting may be directed to the Stock Information Center by calling (413)               , Monday—Friday, from 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time.

 

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WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on                  , 2006

General

This proxy statement of Westfield Financial, together with the prospectus of New Westfield Financial, the proposed stock holding company for Westfield Bank, which constitutes a part of this proxy statement, is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Westfield Financial of proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting to be held at the Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085, on      day,                  , 2006 at      :00 __.m., Eastern time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank (the “Plan of Conversion”), pursuant to which:

1. Westfield Financial will convert into or exchange its charter for that of a federal corporation, which will immediately thereafter exchange its charter for that of an interim federal stock savings bank and then merge with and into Westfield Bank, with Westfield Bank as the surviving entity;

2. Westfield Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings bank and simultaneously merge with and into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Mutual Holding Company will thus cease to exist and a new liquidation account will be established by Westfield Bank for the benefit of the Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s members;

3. Westfield Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, which will become the holding company of Westfield Bank upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering;

4. New Westfield Financial will in turn form an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary;

5. Immediately following the formation of Interim, Interim will then merge with and into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Bank will thus become a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Westfield Financial. In connection therewith, each share of Westfield Financial common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time thereof shall be automatically converted, without further action by the holder thereof, into and become the right to receive shares of New Westfield Financial based on the exchange ratio, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share interest; and

6. In connection with the conversion, New Westfield Financial will offer shares of its common stock in a subscription offering and, possibly, a community stock offering.

The conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the related issuance and exchange of stock by New Westfield Financial is referred to herein as the “conversion and stock offering.”


This proxy statement, together with the accompanying proxy card(s), is first being mailed or delivered to members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company on or about                      , 2006.

Voting in favor of or against the Plan of Conversion includes a vote for or against the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form holding company and all other transactions contemplated by the Plan of Conversion. Voting in favor of the Plan of Conversion will not obligate you to purchase any common stock and will not affect the balance, interest rate or federal deposit insurance of any deposits at Westfield Bank.

 

The Board of Directors recommends that you promptly sign, date and mark the enclosed proxy card in favor of the adoption of the Plan of Conversion and return the card in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-prepaid proxy reply envelope. Returning the proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person if you attend the Special Meeting. Your prompt vote is very important. A failure to vote will have the same effect as a vote against the Plan of Conversion.

 

Voting Rights

You are entitled to one vote at the Special Meeting for each share of Westfield Financial common stock that you owned of record at the close of business on                      , 2006 (the “Record Date.”) On the Record Date, there were              shares of common stock outstanding.

You may vote your shares at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy. To vote in person, you must attend the Special Meeting and obtain and submit a ballot, which we will provide to you at the Special Meeting. To vote by proxy, you must complete, sign and return the enclosed proxy card. If you properly complete your proxy card and send it to us in time to vote, your “proxy” (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares as you have directed. If you sign the proxy card but do not make specific choices, your proxy will vote your shares “FOR” the proposal identified in the Notice of Special Meeting.

If any other matter is presented, your proxy will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters as a majority of the Board of Directors determines. As of the date of this proxy statement, we know of no other matters that may be presented at the Special Meeting, other than that listed in the Notice of Special Meeting.

Quorum

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. If the holders of at least a majority of the total number of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote are represented in person or by proxy at the Special Meeting, a quorum will exist. We will include proxies marked as abstentions and broker non-votes to determine the number of shares present at the Special Meeting.

Vote Required

Proposal 1: Approval of the Plan of Conversion. We must obtain the affirmative vote of the greater of (a) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial, other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or (b) the holders of two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders of Westfield Financial, including Westfield Mutual Holding Company. Pursuant to OTS regulations and the Plan of Conversion, completion of the conversion and stock offering is also subject to the approval of the Plan of Conversion by the OTS and by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total eligible votes of the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (i.e., depositors of Westfield Bank).

 

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Effect of Broker Non-Votes

If your broker does not vote on the proposal, this will constitute a “broker non-vote.” Broker non-votes and abstentions will have the same effect as shares not voted in favor of the Plan of Conversion. Westfield Mutual Holding Company is expected to vote all of its shares to approve the Plan of Conversion.

Revoking Your Proxy

You may revoke your grant of proxy at any time before it is voted by:

 

    filing a written revocation of the proxy with the Secretary;

 

    submitting a signed proxy card bearing a later date; or

 

    attending and voting in person at the Special Meeting, but you also must file a written revocation with the Secretary of the Special Meeting prior to the voting.

If your shares are not registered in your own name, you will need appropriate documentation from your shareholder of record to vote personally at the Special Meeting. Examples of such documentation include a broker’s statement, letter or other document that will confirm your ownership of shares of Westfield Financial.

Solicitation of Proxies

This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting by the Board of Directors. Westfield Financial will pay the costs of soliciting proxies from its shareholders. To the extent necessary to permit approval of the Plan of Conversion, directors, officers or employees of Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank may solicit proxies by mail, telephone and other forms of communication. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation.

We will also reimburse banks, brokers, nominees and other fiduciaries for the expenses they incur in forwarding the proxy materials to you. We have engaged Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist us in soliciting the votes of our stockholders for the Special Meeting for a fee of $7,500, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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DISCUSSION OF PROPOSALS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD

 


PROPOSAL 1

APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION

 


 

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Financial, Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank have approved the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion also has been approved by the OTS, subject to approval by the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the stockholders of Westfield Financial entitled to vote on the matter. OTS approval does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Plan of Conversion.

 

General

On June 20, 2006, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Bank, Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Financial unanimously adopted the Plan of Conversion pursuant to which Westfield Bank will reorganize from a “two-tiered” mutual holding company structure to a stock form holding company structure. As part of the conversion, Westfield Bank formed New Westfield Financial, Inc. Stockholders of Westfield Financial will receive shares in New Westfield Financial based on an exchange ratio. Following the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Mutual Holding Company will no longer exist and New Westfield Financial will be the parent corporation of Westfield Bank.

This conversion to a stock holding company structure also includes the offering by New Westfield Financial of its outstanding shares to qualifying depositors of Westfield Bank and other members of Westfield Bank in a subscription offering and to certain other persons in a community offering and/or syndicated community offering. The conversion and stock offering will be effected as described under “ Reasons for the Conversion ” in the prospectus or in any other manner that is permitted by the OTS and is consistent with the intent of the Plan of Conversion. See the subsection entitled “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ” in the “ Summary ” of the prospectus for a chart which reflects our structure before and after the conversion and stock offering, and “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ” section of the prospectus for additional information concerning the conversion and stock offering.

Purposes of the Conversion and Stock Offering

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank believe that a conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to stock form is in the best interests of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank, as well as in the best interests of their respective members and stockholders.

We believe that the conversion and stock offering will result in the raising of additional capital for New Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank and is expected to result in a more active and liquid market for New Westfield Financial common stock than currently exists for Westfield Financial common stock.

 

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The conversion and stock offering are intended to provide an additional source of capital not currently available to us. The stock offering will allow New Westfield Financial to:

 

    increase the liquidity of its common stock;

 

    continue programs of dividends or repurchases;

 

    finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time); and

 

    for general corporate purposes.

Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by:

 

    increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio;

 

    expanding the products and services it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services);

 

    opening or acquiring additional branch offices; and

 

    funding other general corporate purposes.

The Board of Directors and senior management of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank also believe that the conversion and stock offering will be beneficial to the population within our primary market area. The Board of Directors and senior management believe that, through increased stock liquidity and expanded local stock ownership, current local customers and non-customers who purchase the common stock of New Westfield Financial will seek to enhance the financial success of Westfield Bank through consolidation of their banking business and increased referrals to Westfield Bank.

After considering the advantages and risks of the conversion and stock offering, as well as applicable fiduciary duties, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Bank, Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company approved the conversion and stock offering as being in the best interests of the companies and the respective members and stockholders and the communities that they serve.

Share Exchange Ratio

Pursuant to OTS regulations, as a result of the proposed conversion, you will be entitled to exchange your shares for common stock of Westfield Financial for shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial. Each publicly-held share of Westfield Financial common stock (those not owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company) will, on the effective date of the conversion, be cancelled. You will automatically receive the right to a number of shares of New Westfield Financial common stock in exchange for your current shares of Westfield Financial. The number of new shares of common stock will be determined pursuant to an exchange ratio which ensures that the public stockholders of Westfield Financial common stock will own the same percentage of common stock in New Westfield Financial after the conversion as they held in Westfield Financial immediately prior to the conversion, exclusive of any

 

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purchase of additional shares in the offering, and the receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares. For more information on the exchange ratio see the section of the prospectus captioned “ The Conversion and Stock Offering — Share Exchange Ratio For Current Stockholders .”

The following table shows how the exchange ratio and number of exchange shares will adjust, assuming no option exercises, based on the number of shares issued in the stock offering.

 

                             Total Shares
of Common
    
     Shares of Common Stock
to be Sold
    Shares to be Received in
Exchange
   

Stock to be
Outstanding

After the
Conversion

   Exchange
Ratio
   Amount    Percent     Amount    Percent       

Minimum

   12,750,000    57.65 %   9, 367,096    42.35 %   22,117,096    2.27378

Midpoint

   15,000,000    57.65     11,020,113    42.35     26,020,130    2.67504

Maximum

   17,250,000    57.65     12,673,130    42.35     29,923,130    3.07629

15% above maximum

   19,837,500    57.65     14,574,099    42.35     34,411,599    3.53774

Outstanding options to purchase shares of Westfield Financial common stock also will be converted into and become options to purchase shares of New Westfield Financial common stock. The number of shares of common stock to be received upon exercise of these options will be adjusted for the exchange ratio. The aggregate exercise price, duration and vesting schedule of these options will not be affected.

Exchange of Shares

The conversion of your shares of Westfield Financial common stock into the right to receive shares of New Westfield Financial common stock will occur automatically on the effective date of the conversion and stock offering, although you will need to exchange your stock certificate(s) if you hold shares in certificate form. As soon as practicable after the effective date of the conversion, our exchange agent will send a transmittal form to you. The transmittal forms are expected to be mailed promptly after the effective date and will contain instructions on how to submit the stock certificate(s) representing existing shares of Westfield Financial common stock.

No fractional shares of New Westfield Financial common stock will be issued to you when the conversion is completed. For each fractional share that would otherwise be issued to a stockholder who holds a certificate, you will be paid by check an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the fractional share interest to which you would otherwise be entitled by $10.00. If your shares are held in street name, you will automatically receive cash in lieu of fractional shares. For more information regarding the exchange of your shares see the section of the prospectus captioned “ Exchange Of Shares Of Current Stockholders .”

Structure of the Conversion

The conversion will be structured as set forth on page 1 of this proxy statement. Our current organizational structure and our proposed structure following the conversion and stock offering can also be found on page 8 of the prospectus.

 

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Purchase of Shares

This proxy statement is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy shares in the stock offering. The offer is made only by the prospectus.

If you wish to purchase shares in the stock offering, please see the prospectus. Eligible depositors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company have priority subscription rights allowing them to purchase common stock in the subscription offering. Shares not purchased in the subscription offering may be available for sale to the public in a community offering and you, as a stockholder of record on the Record Date, will be given a preference over natural persons residing in Westfield Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act assessment area, which consists of the municipalities of Agawam, Blandford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Russell, Springfield, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and West Springfield, Massachusetts.

For more information regarding the purchase of shares of common stock of New Westfield Financial you may also call the Stock Information Center at (413)               , Monday - Friday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Conditions to the Conversion and Stock Offering

Consummation of the conversion and stock offering are subject to the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including various approvals of the OTS. No assurance can be given that all regulatory approvals will be received. Receipt of such approvals from the OTS will not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the Plan of Conversion or the stock offering by the OTS. Consummation of the conversion and stock offering also are subject to approval by the stockholders of Westfield Financial and the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, as well as the receipt of opinions of counsel with respect to the tax consequences of the conversion and stock offering. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Tax Aspects ” in the prospectus.

Stock Compensation Plans

As part of the conversion, the Board of Directors of New Westfield Financial intends, subject to stockholder approval at a meeting to be held at least six months following the conversion and stock offering, to consider the implementation of a restricted stock plan, called a management recognition and retention plan (the “RRP”) and stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) which will be authorized to award common stock and grant options for common stock. No shares shall be issued pursuant to the RRP unless it is approved by stockholders of New Westfield Financial, and no options shall be awarded under the Stock Option Plan unless it is approved by stockholders of New Westfield Financial. The exercise price of the options permitted thereby shall be the fair value on the date such options are granted. Shares awarded pursuant to the RRP, and shares issued upon exercise of options, may be authorized but unissued shares of New Westfield Financial’s common stock, or shares of common stock purchased by New Westfield Financial or such plan on the open market. Our employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase up to 8.0% of the common stock in the subscription offering. See “ Management — Future Stock Benefit Plans ” in the prospectus.

 

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Amendment or Termination of the Plan of Conversion

All interpretations of the Plan of Conversion by the Board of Directors will be final, subject to the authority of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion provides that, if deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, the Plan of Conversion may be substantively amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors as a result of comments from regulatory authorities or otherwise, at any time prior to the submission of proxy materials to our members and stockholders. Amendment of the Plan of Conversion thereafter requires a majority vote of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any time prior to the earlier of approval of the plan by the OTS and the date of the Special Meeting and the special meeting of stockholders of Westfield Financial, and may be terminated at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion shall be terminated if the conversion is not completed within 24 months from the date on which the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company approve the Plan of Conversion, and may not be extended by us or the OTS.

Interest of Management and Directors in Matters to be Acted Upon

Management and Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company have an interest in the matters that will be acted upon because New Westfield Financial intends to acquire additional stock for its Employee Stock Ownership Plan, to consider the implementation of the RRP and Stock Option Plan, and intends to enter into an employment agreements with Donald A. Williams, Michael J. Janosco, Jr. and James C. Hagan. See “ Management – Future Employment Agreements ” and “ Management—Future Stock Benefit Plans .”

Approval of the Plan of Conversion

All persons receiving this proxy statement are also being given a prospectus that describes the conversion and stock offering. The prospectus, in its entirety, is incorporated herein and made a part hereof. Although the prospectus is incorporated herein, this proxy statement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase the common stock offered thereby. We urge you to carefully read the following sections of the prospectus:

 

    management and directors and compensation of such persons (see “ Management ”);

 

    business (see “ Business Of Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank ”);

 

    reasons for the conversion and stock offering and management’s belief that the conversion and stock offering are in the best interests of Westfield Financial and its stockholders (see “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ”);

 

    an employment agreement and employee stock benefit plans that New Westfield Financial plans to implement (see “ Management —Future Employment Agreements ” and “ Management—Future Stock Benefit Plans ”);

 

    common stock (see “ Description Of Capital Stock Of New Westfield Financial ”);

 

    pro forma capitalization, capital compliance, and pro forma information with respect to the conversion (see “ Bank Regulatory Capital Compliance ,” “ Holding Company Capitalization ,” and “ Pro Forma Data ”);

 

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    intended use of proceeds from the offering (see “ How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Stock Offering ”);

 

    restrictions and anti-takeover devices on acquisitions of New Westfield Financial (see “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank — Anti-Takeover Effects Of New Westfield Financial’s Articles Of Organization, Bylaws And Benefit Plans Adopted In The Conversion ” and “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank — Regulatory Restrictions ); and

 

    the consolidated financial statements.

Legal and Tax Opinions

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP, Washington, D.C. issued its opinion to us on the legality of the issuance of the common stock being offered and certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and federal taxation. Wolf & Company, P.C. issued its opinion to us on certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and Massachusetts taxation. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for KBW by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C.

 

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the adoption of the Plan of Conversion. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Reasons For The Conversion And Stock Offering ” in the prospectus.

 

How to Obtain Additional Information

The prospectus contains audited financial statements of Westfield Financial, including:

 

    statements of income for the past three years;

 

    management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Westfield Financial;

 

    a description of lending, savings and investment activities;

 

    remuneration and other benefits of directors and officers;

 

    further information about the business and financial condition of Westfield Financial; and

 

    additional information about the conversion, the subscription offering, and, if held, the community offering and/or the syndicated community offering.

The Plan of Conversion sets forth the terms, conditions and provisions of the proposed conversion and stock offering.

 

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If you would like to receive an additional copy of the prospectus, or a copy of the Plan of Conversion, the Articles of Organization or bylaws of New Westfield Financial, you may request such material in writing, addressed to the Secretary of Westfield Mutual Holding Company at Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s address given above. Such requests must be received by Westfield Mutual Holding Company no later than                      , 2006. Requesting such materials does not obligate you to purchase the shares. If Westfield Mutual Holding Company does not receive your request by                      , 2006, you will not be entitled to have such materials mailed to you. A copy of the Plan of Conversion and its exhibits is available for inspection at each of Westfield Bank’s branches. See “ Where You Can Find Additional Information ” in the prospectus.

Other Matters

As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not know of any other matters to be brought before the stockholders at the Special Meeting. If, however, any other matters not now known are properly brought before the meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters in such manner as shall be determined by a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

Donald A. Williams

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Westfield, Massachusetts

                         , 2006

 

To assure that you are represented at the Special Meeting, please promptly sign, date and promptly return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-paid proxy reply envelope provided.

 

 

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Exhibit 99.5

WESTFIELD MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY

141 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

(413) 568-1911

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

To Be Held on                      , 2006

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of members (depositors) of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (the “Special Meeting”) will be held at the Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085, on      day,                      , 2006 at      :00      .m., Eastern time, to consider and vote upon:

 

  1. A plan of conversion and stock issuance (the “Plan of Conversion”) pursuant to which Westfield Mutual Holding Company will be merged into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Financial, Inc., the mid-tier holding company of Westfield Bank, will be succeeded by a new Massachusetts corporation named “New Westfield Financial, Inc.”, which has been established for the purpose of completing the conversion and stock offering of New Westfield Financial common stock. Pursuant to the Plan, shares of New Westfield Financial common stock representing Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s ownership interest in Westfield Financial will be offered for sale in a subscription offering and, possibly, a community offering by New Westfield Financial. Common stock of Westfield Financial currently held by public stockholders will be converted into shares of New Westfield Financial pursuant to an exchange ratio that will ensure that stockholders will own the same percentage of New Westfield Financial after the conversion and stock offering as they held of Westfield Financial immediately prior thereto, exclusive of any shares purchased by a stockholder in the offering and cash received in lieu of fractional shares. After the completion of the conversion and stock offering, the name “New Westfield Financial, Inc.” will be changed to “Westfield Financial, Inc.”; and

 

  2. Any other matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

     Note : Management is not aware of any such other business at this time.

The Board of Directors has fixed                      , 2006 as the record date for the determination of members entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. All depositors of Westfield Bank are members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company.

The following proxy statement is a summary of information about the proposed conversion and stock offering. A more detailed description of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank and the proposed conversion and stock offering is included in the prospectus accompanying this proxy statement. A copy of the Plan of Conversion is available for inspection at every Westfield Bank branch.


Upon written request addressed to the Secretary of Westfield Mutual Holding Company at the address given above, you may obtain an additional copy of the prospectus, a copy of the Plan of Conversion and exhibits thereto, and/or a copy of the articles of organization and bylaws of New Westfield Financial. In order to assure timely receipt of the additional copy of the prospectus and/or the Plan of Conversion, the written request should be received by Westfield Mutual Holding Company by                      , 2006. In addition, all such documents may be obtained by calling our Stock Information Center at the number shown below.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Donald A. Williams
President and Chief Executive Officer

Westfield, Massachusetts

                     , 2006

 

Our Board of Directors recommends that you promptly sign, date and mark the enclosed proxy card(s) in favor of the adoption of the Plan of Conversion and return the card(s) in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-prepaid proxy reply envelope. Proxy cards must be received prior to the commencement of the Special Meeting. Returning a proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person at the Special Meeting.

Depending on the ownership structure of your deposit accounts, you may receive more than one proxy card. Please vote all cards that you receive in this package. None are duplicates. Your vote is very important. Failure to vote will have the same effect as voting against the Plan of Conversion.

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Financial, Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank have approved the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion also has been approved by the OTS, subject to approval by the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the stockholders of Westfield Financial entitled to vote on the matter. OTS approval does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Plan of Conversion.

 

Questions?

 

If you have any questions about voting or the stock offering, please call our Stock Information Center at (413)               , Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays.

 

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL — THE CONVERSION

Our Board of Directors has determined that the conversion is in the best interests of our employees, customers and the communities we serve.

 

Q: What is the Conversion?

 

A: The conversion is a change in corporate form. In 1995, Westfield Bank reorganized into a mutual holding company structure and formed Westfield Mutual Holding Company. In 2001, Westfield Mutual Holding Company formed a mid-tier stock holding company, Westfield Financial, Inc. Westfield Mutual Holding Company is a mutual (meaning no stock outstanding) holding company, and Westfield Financial, Inc. is a stock holding company. A majority (57.6%) of the outstanding shares of Westfield Financial common stock are owned by Westfield Mutual Holding Company, while public stockholders own the remainder. Westfield Financial is the holding company of Westfield Bank.

Pursuant to the terms of our Plan of Conversion, the 57.6% ownership interest of Westfield Mutual Holding Company is being offered for sale through our common stock offering. As a result of the stock offering, Westfield Financial will be 100% owned by public stockholders. In addition to the shares of common stock to be issued to those who purchase shares in the stock offering, public stockholders of Westfield Financial as of the completion of the conversion, will receive shares of New Westfield Financial common stock in exchange for their existing shares. Upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Mutual Holding Company will cease to exist. On page 8 of the prospectus, there are charts of our organizational structure before and after the conversion.

 

Q: What are the reasons for the conversion?

 

A: The primary reasons for the conversion and stock offering are to increase the liquidity of Westfield Financial’s common stock, to continue programs of dividends or repurchases, to finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time), and to fund other general corporate purposes. Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio, expanding the products and services that it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services), opening or acquiring additional branch offices, and funding other general corporate purposes.

 

Q: Will customers notice any change in Westfield Bank’s day-to-day activities as a result of the conversion?

 

A: No. The conversion is an internal change in corporate structure. There will be no change to Westfield Bank’s management, staff or branches as a result of the conversion.

 

Q: Will the conversion affect customers’ deposit accounts or loans?

 

A: No. The conversion will not affect the balance or terms of deposit accounts or loans, and deposits will continue to be federally-insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to the maximum legal limit. Deposit accounts are not being converted to stock.

 

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THE PROXY VOTE

 

Q. Are all customers eligible to vote on the Plan of Conversion?

 

A. All depositors of Westfield Bank as of [Record Date] are eligible to vote, and have been mailed a proxy statement and proxy card(s).

 

Q. Why should I vote?

 

A. You are not required to vote, but regulations require that we solicit your vote. In order for us to implement the Plan of Conversion, we must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by our members (depositors of Westfield Bank). The Plan of Conversion will not have any effect on your deposit or loan accounts. Voting does not obligate you to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

 

Q. What happens if I don’t vote?

 

A. Your vote is very important. Not voting all the proxy card(s) you receive will have the same effect as voting “ Against ” the Plan of Conversion. Without sufficient favorable votes, we will not proceed with the conversion and related stock offering.

 

Q. How do I vote?

 

A. Mark your vote, sign each proxy card enclosed and return the card(s) to us, in the enclosed proxy reply envelope. PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY. NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “ AGAINST ” THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 

Q. How many votes are available to me?

 

A. Depositors are entitled to one vote for each $100 on deposit, or each fraction thereof. No member may cast more than 1,000 votes. Proxy cards are not imprinted with the applicable numbers of votes. However, votes will be automatically tallied by computer upon receipt of the returned proxy cards.

 

Q. Why did I receive more than one proxy card?

 

A. If you had more than one deposit account on [Record Date], you may have received more than one proxy card, depending on the ownership structure of your accounts. There are no duplicate cards. Please promptly vote all the proxy cards that we sent to you.

 

Q. More than one name appears on my proxy card(s). Who must sign?

 

A. The names reflect the registration of your deposit account(s). Proxy cards for joint deposit accounts require the signature of only one of the owners. Proxy cards for trust or custodian accounts must be signed by the trustee or the custodian, not the listed beneficiary.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

A Stock Information Center has been established at Westfield Bank’s executive office. For assistance, you may call the Stock Information Center at (413)               from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The Center is not open on weekends or on bank holidays.

 

ii


WESTFIELD MUTUAL HOLDING COMPANY

PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE

SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

To Be Held on                      , 2006

General

This proxy statement of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, together with the prospectus of New Westfield Financial, the proposed stock holding company for Westfield Bank, which constitutes a part of this proxy statement, is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company of proxies to be voted at the Special Meeting to be held at Westfield Bank, 141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01086 on      day,              , 2006 at      :00    .m., Eastern time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

The purpose of the Special Meeting is to consider and vote upon the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank (the “Plan of Conversion”), pursuant to which:

1. Westfield Financial will convert into or exchange its charter for that of a federal corporation, which will immediately thereafter exchange its charter for that of an interim federal stock savings bank and then merge with and into Westfield Bank, with Westfield Bank as the surviving entity;

2. Westfield Mutual Holding Company will convert to an interim federal stock savings bank and simultaneously merge with and into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Mutual Holding Company will thus cease to exist and a new liquidation account will be established by Westfield Bank for the benefit of the Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s members;

3. Westfield Bank will form a wholly-owned subsidiary to be known as New Westfield Financial, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation, which will become the holding company of Westfield Bank upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering;

4. New Westfield Financial will in turn form an interim federal stock savings bank (“Interim”) as a wholly-owned subsidiary;

5. Immediately following the formation of Interim, Interim will then merge with and into Westfield Bank, and Westfield Bank will thus become a wholly-owned subsidiary of New Westfield Financial. In connection therewith, each share of Westfield Financial common stock outstanding immediately prior to the effective time thereof shall be automatically converted, without further action by the holder thereof, into and become the right to receive shares of New Westfield Financial based on the exchange ratio, plus cash in lieu of any fractional share interest; and

6. In connection with the conversion, New Westfield Financial will offer shares of its common stock in a subscription offering and, possibly, a community stock offering.

The conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the related issuance and exchange of stock by New Westfield Financial is referred to herein as the “conversion and stock offering.”


This proxy statement, together with the accompanying proxy card(s), is first being mailed or delivered to members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company on or about                      , 2006.

Voting for or against the Plan of Conversion includes a vote for or against the conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to a stock form holding company and all other transactions contemplated by the Plan of Conversion. Voting for the Plan of Conversion will not obligate you to purchase any common stock and will not affect the balance, interest rate or federal deposit insurance of any deposits.

 

Our Board of Directors recommends that you promptly sign, date and mark the enclosed proxy card(s) in favor of the adoption of the Plan of Conversion and return the card(s) in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-prepaid proxy reply envelope. Proxy cards must be received prior to the commencement of the Special Meeting. Returning a proxy card will not prevent you from voting in person if you attend the Special Meeting.

 

Depending on the ownership structure of your deposit accounts you may receive more than one proxy card. Please vote all cards that you receive in this package. None are duplicates. Your vote is very important. Failure to vote will have the same effect as voting against the Plan of Conversion.

 

Record Date and Voting Rights

The Board of Directors has fixed                      , 2006 as the record date (the “Voting Record Date”) for the determination of members entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. All of Westfield Bank’s depositors are members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company. Only those members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company as of the Voting Record Date, who continue to be members on the date of the Special Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting or any such adjournment or postponement. Such members are referred to herein as “Voting Members.”

At the Special Meeting, each depositor of Westfield Bank who is a Voting Member will be entitled to cast one vote for each $100, or fraction thereof, of the aggregate withdrawal value of all of his or her deposit accounts in Westfield Bank as of the Voting Record Date. No member shall cast more than 1,000 votes. In general, accounts held in different ownership capacities will be treated as separate memberships for purposes of applying the 1,000 vote limitation. For example, if two persons hold a $100,000 account in their joint names and each of the persons also holds a separate account for $100,000 in their own name, each person would be entitled to 1,000 votes for the separate account and they would together be entitled to cast 1,000 votes on the basis of their joint account.

Deposits held in a trust or other fiduciary capacity may be voted by the trustee or other fiduciary to whom voting rights are delegated under the trust instrument or other governing document or applicable law. In the case of Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) and Keogh trusts established at Westfield Bank, the beneficiary may direct the trustee’s vote on the Plan of Conversion by returning a completed proxy card to Westfield Bank. If no proxy card is returned from IRA and Keogh account beneficiaries , Westfield Bank, as trustee, will vote FOR approval of the Plan of Conversion on behalf of such beneficiary.

 

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Vote Required

Pursuant to Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) regulations and the Plan of Conversion, completion of the conversion and stock offering is subject to the approval of the Plan of Conversion by the OTS and by an affirmative vote of a majority of the total eligible votes of the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company (i.e., depositors of Westfield Bank). As of the Voting Record Date for the Special Meeting, Westfield Mutual Holding Company had              members who are entitled to cast a total of              votes at the Special Meeting. In addition, the transactions incident to the conversion and stock offering and the Plan of Conversion must be approved by the affirmative vote of the greater of (a) the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Westfield Financial, other than Westfield Mutual Holding Company, or (b) the holders of two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders of Westfield Financial, including Westfield Mutual Holding Company. If there are insufficient votes for approval of the Plan of Conversion at the time of the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be adjourned by the Board of Directors to permit further solicitation of proxies.

Revocability of Proxies

You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by filing written revocation of the proxy with the Secretary of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, by submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending and voting in person at the Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The presence of a member at the Special Meeting shall not revoke a proxy unless a written revocation is filed with the Secretary at the Special Meeting prior to the voting of such proxy. The proxies being solicited by the Board of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company are only for use at the Special Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof and will not be used for any other meeting.

Solicitation of Proxies

This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting by the Board of Directors. To the extent necessary to permit approval of the Plan of Conversion, officers, directors or employees of Westfield Bank may solicit proxies by telephone or through other forms of communication. Westfield Mutual Holding Company will bear all costs of this solicitation, and will reimburse such persons for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with such solicitation. Westfield Mutual Holding Company has also engaged Georgeson Shareholder Communications, Inc. to assist us in soliciting the votes of our stockholders for the Special Meeting for a fee of $1,500, plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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DISCUSSION OF PROPOSALS RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD

 


PROPOSAL 1

APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION

 


 

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Financial, Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank have approved the Plan of Conversion. The Plan of Conversion also has been approved by the OTS, subject to approval by the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and the stockholders of Westfield Financial entitled to vote on the matter. OTS approval does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the Plan of Conversion.

 

General

On June 20, 2006, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Bank, Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Financial unanimously adopted the Plan of Conversion pursuant to which Westfield Bank will reorganize from a “two-tiered” mutual holding company structure to a stock form holding company structure. As part of the conversion, Westfield Bank formed New Westfield Financial, Inc. Stockholders of Westfield Financial will receive shares in New Westfield Financial based on an exchange ratio. Following the conversion and stock offering, Westfield Mutual Holding Company will no longer exist and New Westfield Financial will be the parent corporation of Westfield Bank.

This conversion to a stock holding company structure also includes the offering by New Westfield Financial of its outstanding shares to qualifying depositors of Westfield Bank and other members of Westfield Bank in a subscription offering and, possibly, to certain other persons in a direct community offering and/or syndicated community offering. The conversion and stock offering will be effected as described on page 1 of this proxy statement or in any other manner that is permitted by the OTS and is consistent with the intent of the Plan of Conversion. See the subsection entitled “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ” in the “ Summary ” of the prospectus for a chart which reflects our structure before and after the conversion and stock offering and “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ” section of the prospectus for additional information concerning the conversion and stock offering.

Purposes of the Conversion and Stock Offering

The Boards of Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank believe that a conversion of Westfield Mutual Holding Company to stock form is in the best interests of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank, as well as in the best interests of their respective members and stockholders.

We believe that the conversion and stock offering will result in the raising of additional capital for New Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank and is expected to result in a more active and liquid market for New Westfield Financial common stock than currently exists for Westfield Financial common stock.

 

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The conversion and stock offering are intended to provide an additional source of capital not currently available to us. The stock offering will allow New Westfield Financial to:

 

    increase the liquidity of its common stock;

 

    continue programs of dividends or repurchases;

 

    finance acquisitions of other financial institutions or other businesses related to banking (although no mergers or acquisitions are planned at the present time); and

 

    for general corporate purposes.

Funds raised in the stock offering will allow Westfield Bank to better serve the needs of its community by:

 

    increasing lending, especially to support continued growth in its commercial loan portfolio;

 

    expanding the products and services it currently offers (including the possible introduction of new products and services);

 

    opening or acquiring additional branch offices; and

 

    funding other general corporate purposes.

The Board of Directors and senior management of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial and Westfield Bank also believe that the conversion and stock offering will be beneficial to the population within our primary market area. The Board of Directors and senior management believe that, through increased stock liquidity and expanded local stock ownership, current local customers and non-customers who purchase the common stock of New Westfield Financial will seek to enhance the financial success of Westfield Bank through consolidation of their banking business and increased referrals to Westfield Bank.

After considering the advantages and risks of the conversion and stock offering, as well as applicable fiduciary duties, the Boards of Directors of Westfield Bank, Westfield Financial and Westfield Mutual Holding Company approved the conversion and stock offering as being in the best interests of the companies and the respective members and stockholders and the communities that they serve.

Structure of the Conversion

The conversion and stock offering will be structured as set forth on page 1 of the proxy statement. Our current organizational structure and our proposed structure following the conversion can be found on page 8 of the prospectus.

 

5


Effects of the Conversion and Stock Offering on Members and Depositors

General . Prior to the conversion and stock offering, each depositor in Westfield Bank has both a deposit account in the institution and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company based upon the balance in his or her account, which interest may only be realized in the event of a liquidation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company. This ownership interest, however, is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from such deposit account. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the account but nothing for his ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.

Consequently, the depositors in a stock subsidiary of a mutual holding company normally have no way to realize the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank are liquidated. In such event, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of Westfield Mutual Holding Company after other claims are paid.

Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, the normal business of Westfield Bank of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. Westfield Bank will continue to be a federally-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the OTS. After the conversion, Westfield Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors serving Westfield Financial at the time of the conversion will serve as our directors after the conversion and stock offering.

Effect on Deposit Accounts . Under the Plan of Conversion, each depositor in Westfield Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the FDIC to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates, passbooks and other evidences of their accounts.

Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from Westfield Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed prior to the conversion.

Effect on Voting Rights of Members . At present, depositors of Westfield Bank are members of, and have voting rights in, Westfield Mutual Holding Company as to all matters requiring membership action as set forth in Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s Charter. Upon completion of the conversion, depositors will cease to be members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and will no longer have voting rights. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in Westfield Bank will be vested in its successor, New Westfield Financial, as the sole stockholder of Westfield Bank. The stockholders of New Westfield Financial will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to New Westfield Financial common stock.

Tax Effects. Westfield Financial will receive an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with regard to federal and state income taxation to the effect that the conversion will not be taxable for federal or state income tax purposes to Westfield Mutual Holding Company or its members, Westfield Financial or its stockholders, Westfield Bank or New Westfield Financial. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Tax Aspects ” in the prospectus.

 

6


Effect on Liquidation Rights . Each qualifying depositor in Westfield Bank has both a deposit account in Westfield Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of Westfield Mutual Holding Company based upon the balance in his or her account. This interest may only be realized in the event of a complete liquidation of Westfield Mutual Holding Company and Westfield Bank.

In connection with the organization of the mid-tier holding company by Westfield Bank and Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial established a liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders as of December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000. Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, this liquidation account will be terminated and superseded by the liquidation account being established in connection with the conversion and stock offering.

In the unlikely event that Westfield Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, also would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to depositors as of March 31, 2005 and September 30, 2006 who continue to maintain their deposit accounts as of the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to New Westfield Financial as the holder of Westfield Bank’s capital stock. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Liquidation Rights ” in the prospectus.

Conditions to the Conversion

Consummation of the conversion and stock offering is subject to the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including various approvals of the OTS. No assurance can be given that all regulatory approvals will be received. Receipt of such approvals from the OTS will not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the Plan of Conversion or the offering by the OTS. Consummation of the conversion and stock offering also is subject to approval by the stockholders of Westfield Financial and members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, as well as the receipt of an opinion of counsel with respect to the tax consequences of the conversion and stock offering. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Tax Aspects ” in the prospectus.

Stock Compensation Plans

The Board of Directors of New Westfield Financial intends, subject to stockholder approval at a meeting to be held at least six months following the conversion and stock offering, to consider the implementation of a restricted stock plan, called a management recognition and retention plan (the “RRP”) and stock option plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) which will be authorized to award common stock and grant options for common stock. No shares shall be issued pursuant to the RRP unless it is approved by stockholders of New Westfield Financial, and no options shall be awarded under the Stock Option Plan unless it is approved by stockholders of New Westfield Financial. The exercise price of the options permitted thereby shall be the fair value on the date such options are granted. Shares awarded pursuant to the RRP, and shares issued upon exercise of options, may be authorized but unissued shares of New Westfield Financial’s common stock, or shares of common stock purchased by New Westfield Financial or such plan on the open market. New Westfield Financial’s employee stock ownership plan intends to purchase up to 8.0% of the common stock in the subscription offering. See “ Management — Future Stock Benefit Plans ” in the prospectus.

 

7


Amendment or Termination of the Plan of Conversion

All interpretations of the Plan of Conversion by the Board of Directors will be final, subject to the authority of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion provides that, if deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, the Plan of Conversion may be substantively amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors as a result of comments from regulatory authorities or otherwise, at any time prior to the submission of proxy materials to our members and stockholders. Amendment of the Plan of Conversion thereafter requires a majority vote of the Board of Directors, with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any time prior to the earlier of approval of the plan by the OTS and the date of the Special Meeting and the special meeting of stockholders of Westfield Financial, and may be terminated at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OTS. The Plan of Conversion shall be terminated if the conversion is not completed within 24 months from the date on which the members of Westfield Mutual Holding Company approve the Plan of Conversion, and may not be extended by us or the OTS.

Interest of Management and Directors in Matters to be Acted Upon

Management and Directors of Westfield Mutual Holding Company have an interest in the matters that will be acted upon because New Westfield Financial intends to acquire additional stock for its Employee Stock Ownership Plan, to consider the implementation of the RRP and Stock Option Plan, and intends to enter into an employment agreements with Donald A. Williams, Michael J. Janosco, Jr. and James C. Hagan. See “ Management — Future Employment Agreements ” and “ Management — Future Stock Benefit Plans .

Approval of the Plan of Conversion

All persons receiving this proxy statement are also being given a prospectus that describes the conversion and stock offering. The prospectus, in its entirety, is incorporated herein and made a part hereof. Although the prospectus is incorporated herein, this proxy statement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase the common stock offered thereby. We urge you to carefully read the following sections of the prospectus:

 

    management and directors and compensation of such persons (see “ Management ”);

 

    business (see “ Business Of Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank ”);

 

    reasons for the conversion and stock offering and management’s belief that the conversion and stock offering are in the best interests of Westfield Financial and its stockholders (see “ The Conversion And Stock Offering ”);

 

    an employment agreement and employee stock benefit plans that New Westfield Financial plans to implement (see “ Management — Future Employment Agreements ” and “ Management—Future Stock Benefit Plans ”);

 

    common stock (see “ Description Of Capital Stock Of New Westfield Financial ”);

 

    pro forma capitalization, capital compliance, and pro forma information with respect to the conversion (see “ Bank Regulatory Capital Compliance ,” “ Holding Company Capitalization ,” and “ Pro Forma Data ”);

 

8


    intended use of proceeds from the offering (see “ How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Stock Offering ”);

 

    restrictions and anti-takeover devices on acquisitions of New Westfield Financial (see “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank — Anti-Takeover Effects Of New Westfield Financial’s Articles Of Organization, Bylaws And Benefit Plans Adopted In The Conversion ” and “ Restrictions On Acquisition Of New Westfield Financial And Westfield Bank — Regulatory Restrictions ); and

 

    the consolidated financial statements.

Legal and Tax Opinions

Thacher Proffitt & Wood LLP, Washington, D.C. issued its opinion to us on the legality of the issuance of the common stock being offered and certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and federal taxation. Wolf & Company, P.C. issued its opinion to us on certain matters relating to the conversion and stock offering and Massachusetts taxation. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for KBW by Luse Gorman Pomerenk & Schick, P.C., Washington, D.C.

 

The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “FOR” the adoption of the Plan of Conversion. See “ The Conversion And Stock Offering — Reasons For The Conversion And Stock Offering ” in the prospectus.

 

How to Obtain Additional Information

If you would like to receive an additional copy of the prospectus, or a copy of the Plan of Conversion, the Articles of Organization or bylaws of New Westfield Financial, you may request such material in writing, addressed to the Secretary of Westfield Mutual Holding Company at Westfield Mutual Holding Company’s address given above. Such requests must be received by Westfield Mutual Holding Company no later than                      , 2006. Requesting such materials does not obligate you to purchase the shares. If Westfield Mutual Holding Company does not receive your request by                      , 2006, you will not be entitled to have such materials mailed to you. A copy of the Plan of Conversion and its exhibits is available for inspection at each of Westfield Bank’s branches. See “ Where You Can Find Additional Information ” in the prospectus.

 

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Other Matters

As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not know of any other matters to be brought before the members at the Special Meeting. If, however, any other matters not now known are properly brought before the meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the shares represented by all properly executed proxies on such matters in such manner as shall be determined by a majority of the Board of Directors.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Donald A. Williams
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Westfield, Massachusetts

                         , 2006

 

To assure that you are represented at the Special Meeting, please promptly sign, date and promptly return the accompanying proxy card(s) in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-paid proxy reply envelope provided.

 

QUESTIONS? If you have any questions about voting or the stock offering please call our Stock Information Center at (413)               , Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays

 

 

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