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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July&nbsp;2, 2004


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    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">Registration No.&nbsp;333-<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U></TD>
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<P align="center" style="font-size: 14pt"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549</B>
</DIV>


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<P align="center" style="font-size: 18pt"><B>FORM S-8</B>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 12pt"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>


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<P align="center" style="font-size: 24pt"><B>BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.</B>

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>

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<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
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    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Delaware</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>62-1691861</B></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(State or other jurisdiction of
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(I.R.S. Employer</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Identification Number)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>One Thousand Beverly Way</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>72919</B></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><B>Fort Smith, Arkansas</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(Zip Code)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.<BR>
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS&#146; STOCK OPTION PLAN</B><BR>
(Full Title of the Plan)



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Douglas J. Babb<BR>
One Thousand Beverly Way<BR>
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72919</B><BR>
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>(479)&nbsp;201-2000</B><BR>
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>


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    <TD width="0%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="0%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="0%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-bottom: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title of Securities</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount to be</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Offering Price</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Aggregate</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount of</B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>

    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>to be Registered</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Registered<SUP>(1)</SUP></B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Per Share</B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Offering Price<SUP>(2)</SUP></B></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Registration Fee<SUP>(3)</SUP></B></TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
                    <TD align="center" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Common Stock, par<BR>value $0.10 per share</DIV></TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">450,000</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">N/A</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">3,775,500</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-right: 1px solid #000000; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">$</TD>
    <TD align="right" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">478.36</TD>
    <TD style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%" style="border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left" colspan="23" style="border-top: 3px solid #000000">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

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<P>
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<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(1)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416(a), this Registration Statement also covers
additional securities that may be offered under the Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option Plan as a result of stock
splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(2)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(3)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule&nbsp;457(h)(1) based upon the
average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange on June&nbsp;29, 2004, which was $8.39.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
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<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">PART II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">SIGNATURE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#003">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="d16520exv5w1.htm">Opinion/Consent of John G. Arena, Esq.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="d16520exv23w2.htm">Consent of Ernst & Young LLP</A></TD></TR>
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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>NOTE</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The purpose of this Form S-8 is to increase by 450,000 the number of
shares of Beverly Enterprise, Inc. common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
which may be issued pursuant to awards under the Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
Non-Employee Directors&#146; Stock Option Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;). In accordance with
General Instruction E to the Form S-8, Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (the
&#147;Registrant&#148;) hereby incorporates herein by reference the Form S-8s previously
filed by the Registrant with respect to the Plan on December&nbsp;12, 1997 (SEC File
No.&nbsp;333-42131) and July&nbsp;27, 2001 (SEC File No.&nbsp;333-66018).


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>PART II</B>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</B>


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<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits.</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless otherwise indicated below as being incorporated by reference to
another filing of the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
each of the following exhibits is filed herewith:

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="77%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Exhibit No.</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Description</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Certificate of Incorporation of New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Registrant&#146;s
Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
1997)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
New Beverly Holdings Inc., changing its name to Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to
the Registrant&#146;s Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 1997)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">By-Laws of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.4 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration
Statement on Form&nbsp;S-1 filed on June&nbsp;4, 1997 (File No.
333-28521))</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of John G. Arena, Esq.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of John G. Arena, Esq. (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Power of Attorney (included as part of signature page)</TD>
</TR>

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<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
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<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>SIGNATURE</B>



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there-unto duly
authorized, in the City of Fort Smith, State of Arkansas, on this 2nd day of
July, 2004.

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR>
    <TD width="48%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="35%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><B>BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.</B><BR>
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">By:&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">/s/ Pamela H. Daniels
&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2">Senior Vice President,&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="2">Controller
and Chief Accounting
Officer&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD colspan="5">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY</B>




<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Douglas
J. Babb and John G. Arena, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, severally, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="36%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Signature</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Date</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ William R. Floyd
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Chairman of the Board,
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><HR size="1" noshade>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">President, Chief Executive Officer and</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">William R. Floyd
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Donald L. Seeley
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Donald L. Seeley</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="36%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="27%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Signature</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Date</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ John D. Fowler, Jr.
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">John D. Fowler, Jr.</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ John P. Howe, III
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">John P. Howe, III</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ James W. McLane
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">James W. McLane</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Marilyn R. Seymann
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Marilyn R. Seymann</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/ Ivan R. Sabel
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">July&nbsp;2, 2004</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Ivan R. Sabel</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<!-- link1 "EXHIBIT INDEX" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="55%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="12%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="77%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Exhibit</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>&nbsp;</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="left"><B>Number</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Description</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion of John G. Arena, Esq.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of John G. Arena, Esq.
(contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Body -->
</TABLE>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;
</DIV>

</BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "d16520sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 31722}]
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sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 2, 2004
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
62-1691861
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
One Thousand Beverly Way
72919
Fort Smith, Arkansas
(Zip Code)
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full Title of the Plan)
Douglas J. Babb
One Thousand Beverly Way
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72919
(Name and Address of Agent For Service)
(479) 201-2000
(Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent For Service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed Maximum
Proposed Maximum
Title of Securities
Amount to be
Offering Price
Aggregate
Amount of
to be Registered
Registered
(1)
Per Share
Offering Price
(2)
Registration Fee
(3)
Common Stock, par
value $0.10 per share
450,000
N/A
$
3,775,500
$
478.36
(1)
Pursuant to Rule 416(a), this Registration Statement also covers
additional securities that may be offered under the Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan as a result of stock
splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(2)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.
(3)
Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h)(1) based upon the
average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock on the New York
Stock Exchange on June 29, 2004, which was $8.39.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART II
Item 8. Exhibits.
SIGNATURE
EXHIBIT INDEX
Opinion/Consent of John G. Arena, Esq.
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Table of Contents
NOTE
The purpose of this Form S-8 is to increase by 450,000 the number of
shares of Beverly Enterprise, Inc. common stock, par value $0.10 per share,
which may be issued pursuant to awards under the Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). In accordance with
General Instruction E to the Form S-8, Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (the
"Registrant") hereby incorporates herein by reference the Form S-8s previously
filed by the Registrant with respect to the Plan on December 12, 1997 (SEC File
No. 333-42131) and July 27, 2001 (SEC File No. 333-66018).
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 8. Exhibits.
Unless otherwise indicated below as being incorporated by reference to
another filing of the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
each of the following exhibits is filed herewith:
Exhibit No.
Description
4.1
Certificate of Incorporation of New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997)
4.2
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of
New Beverly Holdings Inc., changing its name to Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1997)
4.3
By-Laws of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 4, 1997 (File No.
333-28521))
5.1
Opinion of John G. Arena, Esq.
23.1
Consent of John G. Arena, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
24.1
Power of Attorney (included as part of signature page)
Table of Contents
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there-unto duly
authorized, in the City of Fort Smith, State of Arkansas, on this 2nd day of
July, 2004.
BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
By:
/s/ Pamela H. Daniels
Senior Vice President,
Controller
and Chief Accounting
Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Douglas
J. Babb and John G. Arena, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, severally, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and
all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them or their or his 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.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ William R. Floyd
Chairman of the Board,
July 2, 2004
President, Chief Executive Officer and
William R. Floyd
Director
/s/ Donald L. Seeley
Director
July 2, 2004
Donald L. Seeley
Table of Contents
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ John D. Fowler, Jr.
Director
July 2, 2004
John D. Fowler, Jr.
/s/ John P. Howe, III
Director
July 2, 2004
John P. Howe, III
/s/ James W. McLane
Director
July 2, 2004
James W. McLane
/s/ Marilyn R. Seymann
Director
July 2, 2004
Marilyn R. Seymann
/s/ Ivan R. Sabel
Director
July 2, 2004
Ivan R. Sabel
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Description
5.1
Opinion of John G. Arena, Esq.
23.1
Consent of John G. Arena, Esq.
(contained in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP