Webster Eyes Possible Capital Raise

Webster Financial Corp. in Waterbury, Conn., has notified investors that it is considering raising more capital for the purpose investing in new business lines, bolstering its capital levels and perhaps making acquisitions.

The $18 billion-asset company filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday and in its prospectus it said that it may seek to raise capital "from time to time" by offering debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants or any combination of these instruments.

Webster did not cite a specific need for capital now, but said it might want it down the road if it sees a need to refinance, reduce or repay debt, invest in its Webster Bank or other subsidiaries, or if it sees opportunities to make acquisitions or expand its business lines.

In late trading Wednesday, Webster's shares were up about 1% from Tuesday's close, to $19.94.