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


<P align="right" style="font-size: 10pt">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July&nbsp;23, 2004.



<P align="right" style="font-size: 10pt">Registration No.&nbsp;333-______



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<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -10px">

<P align="center" style="font-size: 14pt">UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

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


<P>
<HR noshade width="26%" align="center" size="1">
<P>



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

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



<P>
<HR noshade width="26%" align="center" size="1">
<P>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 24pt">SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="60%" align="center">
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="65%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="47%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Pennsylvania
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">23-2453088</TD>
</TR>

<TR style="font-size: 1px">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade>&nbsp;</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 Identification</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top">incorporation or organization)
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">Number)</TD>
</TR>

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</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.<BR>
1500 Market Street<BR>
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102<BR>
(215)&nbsp;557-4630<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade width="40%" align="center">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of Registrant&#146;s principal executive offices)</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan<BR>
Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan<BR>
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan<BR>
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan<BR>
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan<BR>
Massachusetts Fincorp, Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade width="42%" align="center">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Full title of Plans)</DIV>





<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">David A. Silverman, Esquire<BR>
General Counsel<BR>
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.<BR>
1130 Berkshire Boulevard<BR>
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610<BR>
(610)&nbsp;320-8400<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade width="38%" align="center">


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service)</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">1
</DIV>

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




<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Copies to:



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">David W. Swartz, Esquire<BR>
Stevens &#038; Lee, P.C.<BR>
111 North Sixth Street<BR>
P.O. Box 679<BR>
Reading, Pennsylvania 19603-0679<BR>
(610)&nbsp;478-2184<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade width="40%" align="center">



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



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="50%" align="center">


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="26%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>Title of each Class</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount of</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>of Securities to</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Amount to be</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Offering Price</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Aggregate</B></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Registration</B></TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><B>be Registered</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Registered (1)</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>per Share</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Offering Price</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><B>Fee</B><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px">Common Stock, no
par value<BR>
(and associated stock purchase rights)</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right">2,351,313</TD>
    <TD nowrap>(2)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right">$</TD>
    <TD align="right">22.00</TD>
    <TD nowrap>(3)</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right">$</TD>
    <TD align="right">51,728,886</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right">$</TD>
    <TD align="right">6,554.05</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

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</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><HR size="1" noshade width="50%" align="center">

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">(1)&nbsp;Pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416, this Registration Statement covers, in addition to the number of shares stated herein, an
indeterminate number of shares which may be subject to grant or otherwise issuable by reason of stock splits, stock
dividends, or similar transactions.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">(2)&nbsp;Represents shares of the common stock of the Registrant issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options previously
granted by Seacoast Financial Services Corporation (&#147;Seacoast&#148;) pursuant to the Seacoast Financial Services Corporation
2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc.
2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option
Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts Fincorp, Inc.
1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan, which plans and options were assumed by the Registrant in connection with the merger
contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January&nbsp;26, 2004, and amended as of April&nbsp;12, 2004, between
Registrant and Seacoast.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">(3)&nbsp;Estimated pursuant
to Rule 457(c) and (h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee
based upon the average of the high and low prices for a share of the Registrant&#146;s common stock on July&nbsp;21, 2004,
as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
<P>
<HR size="1" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -3px">
<HR size="4" noshade color="#000000" style="margin-top: -10px">

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">Explanatory Note



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On July&nbsp;23, 2004, Registrant acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Seacoast as the result of the merger of Seacoast with and into Registrant.
In connection with the merger, certain options previously granted under the
Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast
Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts
Fincorp, Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan, which were exercisable to
purchase Seacoast common stock, were assumed by Registrant and are now
exercisable to purchase Registrant&#146;s common stock. This Registration Statement
is being filed with respect to the shares of Registrant&#146;s common stock so
purchasable under options outstanding under the Seacoast Financial Services
Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast Financial Services
Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 2000
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts Fincorp,
Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">2
</DIV>

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

<!-- TOC -->
<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

<P><CENTER>
<TABLE border="0" width="90%" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="3%"></TD>
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	<TD width="3%"></TD>
	<TD width="76%"></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000"> PART II</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#001"> Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#002"> Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#003"> Item&nbsp;5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#004"> Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#005"> Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#006"> Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD></TD><TD colspan="8"><A HREF="#007"> Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#008"> SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#009">EXHIBIT INDEX</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="w99358exv3w1.txt">PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="w99358exv3w2.txt">BYLAWS OF SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="w99358exv5w1.txt">OPINION AND CONSENT OF STEVENS & LEE, P.C.</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="w99358exv23w1.txt">CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP</A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
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<!-- link1 " PART II" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>

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


<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In this Registration Statement, &#147;we,&#148; &#147;us&#148; and &#147;our&#148; refer to Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the &#147;SEC&#148;) are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and
made a part hereof:


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31,
2003;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March&nbsp;31,
2004;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January&nbsp;28, 2004,
March&nbsp;11, 2004,
March&nbsp;17, 2004, and April&nbsp;13, 2004;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July&nbsp;3,
2001, pursuant to which we registered our common stock under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any amendments or reports filed for
the purpose of updating such registration statement;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(e)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July&nbsp;3,
2001, pursuant to which we registered certain stock purchase rights under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any amendments or reports filed
for the purpose of updating such registration statement; and</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>


<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="1%" nowrap align="right">(f)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>all other documents filed by us after the date of this Registration
Statement under Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c),14, and 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to
the Registration Statement which indicates that all securities offered
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement and part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing
of such documents.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;4. Description of Securities.



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="003"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable.

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="004"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pennsylvania law provides that a Pennsylvania corporation may indemnify
directors, officers, employees and agents of the corporation against
liabilities they may incur in such capacities for any action taken or any
failure to act, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify the person under any provision of law, unless such action or failure
to act is determined by a court to have constituted recklessness or willful
misconduct. Pennsylvania law also permits the adoption of a bylaw amendment,
approved by shareholders, providing for the elimination of a director&#146;s
liability for monetary damages for any action taken or any failure to take any
action unless (1)&nbsp;the director has breached or failed to perform the duties of
his office and (2)&nbsp;the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing,
willful misconduct or recklessness.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our bylaws provide for (1)&nbsp;indemnification of our directors, officers,
employees and agents and (2)&nbsp;the elimination of a director&#146;s liability for
monetary damages, to the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">3
</DIV>

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

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directors and officers are also insured against certain liabilities for
their actions, as such, by an insurance policy obtained by us.

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="005"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable.

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="006"></A></DIV>

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



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

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="84%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><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 nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">3.1</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amended and restated provisions of Articles of Incorporation of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">3.2</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Bylaws of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. as amended and restated as of June&nbsp;24, 2004.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">4.1</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amended and restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June&nbsp;21, 2001, between Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.1
to Sovereign Bancorp&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K/A No.&nbsp;2 filed July&nbsp;3, 2001.)</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">5.1</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion and consent of Stevens &#038; Lee, P.C.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>


<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">23.1</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Ernst &#038; Young LLP.</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">23.2</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Stevens &#038; Lee, P.C. (Included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1.)</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top">24.1</TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers. (Included on signature page.)</TD>
</TR>


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



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">4
</DIV>

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<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">

<!-- link2 " Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="007"></A></DIV>

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">Item&nbsp;9. Undertakings



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;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 &#147;Calculation of Registration Fee&#148;
table in the effective registration statement.


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

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by these paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference herein.

<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;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.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;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.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant&#146;s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan&#146;s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">5
</DIV>

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<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 " SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="008"></A></DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">SIGNATURES



<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 of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and that it has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the Borough of Wyomissing, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on
July&nbsp;21, 2004.

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<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">SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.</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">
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">By /s/ Jay S. Sidhu</TD>
</TR>

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

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



<P align="left" style="font-size: 10pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Jay S. Sidhu, James D. Hogan, Lawrence M.
Thompson, Jr., and Joseph M. Harenza, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, as agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution
of him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacity, to sign any
or all 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 such 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 in and about the premises, as fully and to
all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their 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.

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="36%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="39%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&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>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>

<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Jay S. Sidhu<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Jay S. Sidhu</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief  Executive Officer and Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ P. Michael Ehlerman<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
P. Michael Ehlerman</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Brian Hard<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Brian Hard</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Andrew C. Hove, Jr.<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Andrew C. Hove, Jr.</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Daniel K. Rothermel<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Daniel K. Rothermel</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Cameron C. Troilo<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Cameron C. Troilo</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Director
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ James D. Hogan<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
James D. Hogan</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Chief Financial Officer
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</TD>
</TR>

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

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top">/s/ Mark R. McCollom<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>

Mark R. McCollom</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">
Chief Accounting Officer
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">July 21, 2004</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="009"></A></DIV>

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


<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="7%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="90%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"> 3.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amended and restated provisions of Articles of Incorporation of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.</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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"> 3.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Bylaws of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. as amended and restated as of June&nbsp;24, 2004.</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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"> 4.1
</DIV></TD>

    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Amended and restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June&nbsp;21, 2001, between Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.1
to Sovereign Bancorp&#146;s Current Report on Form&nbsp;8-K/A No.&nbsp;2 filed July&nbsp;3, 2001.)</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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">5.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Opinion and consent of Stevens &#038; Lee, P.C.</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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.1
</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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">23.2
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Consent of Stevens &#038; Lee, P.C. (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 align="center" valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">24.1
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers. (Included on signature page.)</TD>
</TR>

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




<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt">E-1
</DIV>

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sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 23, 2004.
Registration No. 333-______
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania
23-2453088
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification
incorporation or organization)
Number)
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
(215) 557-4630
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan
Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan
Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan
Massachusetts Fincorp, Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan
(Full title of Plans)
David A. Silverman, Esquire
General Counsel
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
1130 Berkshire Boulevard
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610
(610) 320-8400
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of agent for service)
1
Table of Contents
Copies to:
David W. Swartz, Esquire
Stevens & Lee, P.C.
111 North Sixth Street
P.O. Box 679
Reading, Pennsylvania 19603-0679
(610) 478-2184
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each Class
Proposed Maximum
Proposed Maximum
Amount of
of Securities to
Amount to be
Offering Price
Aggregate
Registration
be Registered
Registered (1)
per Share
Offering Price
Fee
Common Stock, no
par value
(and associated stock purchase rights)
2,351,313
(2)
$
22.00
(3)
$
51,728,886
$
6,554.05
(1) Pursuant to Rule 416, this Registration Statement covers, in addition to the number of shares stated herein, an
indeterminate number of shares which may be subject to grant or otherwise issuable by reason of stock splits, stock
dividends, or similar transactions.
(2) Represents shares of the common stock of the Registrant issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options previously
granted by Seacoast Financial Services Corporation ("Seacoast") pursuant to the Seacoast Financial Services Corporation
2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc.
2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option
Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts Fincorp, Inc.
1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan, which plans and options were assumed by the Registrant in connection with the merger
contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 26, 2004, and amended as of April 12, 2004, between
Registrant and Seacoast.
(3) Estimated pursuant
to Rule 457(c) and (h)(1) under the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee
based upon the average of the high and low prices for a share of the Registrant's common stock on July 21, 2004,
as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.
Explanatory Note
On July 23, 2004, Registrant acquired all of the outstanding capital stock
of Seacoast as the result of the merger of Seacoast with and into Registrant.
In connection with the merger, certain options previously granted under the
Seacoast Financial Services Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast
Financial Services Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 2000 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 1997 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp,
Inc. 1986 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts
Fincorp, Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan, which were exercisable to
purchase Seacoast common stock, were assumed by Registrant and are now
exercisable to purchase Registrant's common stock. This Registration Statement
is being filed with respect to the shares of Registrant's common stock so
purchasable under options outstanding under the Seacoast Financial Services
Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, the Seacoast Financial Services
Corporation 1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 2000
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1997
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Abington Bancorp, Inc. 1986
Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, and the Massachusetts Fincorp,
Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART II
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
BYLAWS OF SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.
OPINION AND CONSENT OF STEVENS & LEE, P.C.
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Table of Contents
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
In this Registration Statement, "we," "us" and "our" refer to Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc.
The following documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and
made a part hereof:
(a)
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2003;
(b)
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31,
2004;
(c)
our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 28, 2004,
March 11, 2004,
March 17, 2004, and April 13, 2004;
(d)
our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July 3,
2001, pursuant to which we registered our common stock under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any amendments or reports filed for
the purpose of updating such registration statement;
(e)
our Registration Statement on Form 8-A, filed with the SEC on July 3,
2001, pursuant to which we registered certain stock purchase rights under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any amendments or reports filed
for the purpose of updating such registration statement; and
(f)
all other documents filed by us after the date of this Registration
Statement under Section 13(a), 13(c),14, and 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment to
the Registration Statement which indicates that all securities offered
have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold,
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement and part of this Registration Statement from the date of filing
of such documents.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Interest of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Pennsylvania law provides that a Pennsylvania corporation may indemnify
directors, officers, employees and agents of the corporation against
liabilities they may incur in such capacities for any action taken or any
failure to act, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify the person under any provision of law, unless such action or failure
to act is determined by a court to have constituted recklessness or willful
misconduct. Pennsylvania law also permits the adoption of a bylaw amendment,
approved by shareholders, providing for the elimination of a director's
liability for monetary damages for any action taken or any failure to take any
action unless (1) the director has breached or failed to perform the duties of
his office and (2) the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing,
willful misconduct or recklessness.
Our bylaws provide for (1) indemnification of our directors, officers,
employees and agents and (2) the elimination of a director's liability for
monetary damages, to the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law.
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Directors and officers are also insured against certain liabilities for
their actions, as such, by an insurance policy obtained by us.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not Applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibits:
Number
Description
3.1
Amended and restated provisions of Articles of Incorporation of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
3.2
Bylaws of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. as amended and restated as of June 24, 2004.
4.1
Amended and restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2001, between Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to Sovereign Bancorp's Current Report on Form 8-K/A No. 2 filed July 3, 2001.)
5.1
Opinion and consent of Stevens & Lee, P.C.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent of Stevens & Lee, P.C. (Included in Exhibit 5.1.)
24.1
Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers. (Included on signature page.)
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Item 9. Undertakings
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective
amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities
offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that
which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the
estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus
filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than 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.
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by these paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference herein.
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.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion
of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and that it has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the Borough of Wyomissing, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on
July 21, 2004.
SOVEREIGN BANCORP, INC.
By /s/ Jay S. Sidhu
Jay S. Sidhu,
President and Chief Executive Officer
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Jay S. Sidhu, James D. Hogan, Lawrence M.
Thompson, Jr., and Joseph M. Harenza, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact, as agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution
of him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacity, to sign any
or all 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 such 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 in and about the premises, as fully and to
all intents and purposes as they might or could do in person, hereby ratifying
and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, 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.
Signature
Title
/s/ Jay S. Sidhu
Jay S. Sidhu
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief  Executive Officer and Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ P. Michael Ehlerman
P. Michael Ehlerman
Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ Brian Hard
Brian Hard
Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ Andrew C. Hove, Jr.
Andrew C. Hove, Jr.
Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ Daniel K. Rothermel
Daniel K. Rothermel
Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ Cameron C. Troilo
Cameron C. Troilo
Director
July 21, 2004
/s/ James D. Hogan
James D. Hogan
Chief Financial Officer
July 21, 2004
/s/ Mark R. McCollom
Mark R. McCollom
Chief Accounting Officer
July 21, 2004
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Number
Description
3.1
Amended and restated provisions of Articles of Incorporation of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc.
3.2
Bylaws of Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. as amended and restated as of June 24, 2004.
4.1
Amended and restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2001, between Sovereign
Bancorp, Inc. and Mellon Investor Services. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to Sovereign Bancorp's Current Report on Form 8-K/A No. 2 filed July 3, 2001.)
5.1
Opinion and consent of Stevens & Lee, P.C.
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2
Consent of Stevens & Lee, P.C. (Included in Exhibit 5.1.)
24.1
Powers of Attorney of Directors and Officers. (Included on signature page.)
E-1