Waterstone in Wisconsin to Hold Second-Step Conversion

Waterstone Financial (WSBF) in Wauwatosa, Wis., has begun a common stock offering tied to its second-step conversion.

The $1.6 billion-asset company said Thursday that it is selling the 73.5% stake owned by its holding company, Lamplighter Financial. Waterstone is offering 18.7 million to 25.3 million shares of common stock at $10 each to depositors and community members.

At the end of the conversion and offering, each share of common stock held by Lamplighter shareholders will be exchanged for 800,000 to 1 million shares of Waterstone stock.

Any shares not sold in the subscription and community offering will be sold to underwriters.

Sandler O'Neill & Partners is assisting Waterstone with the offerings.