Independent Bank Corp., Rockland, Massachusetts - approval to acquire Benjamin Franklin Bancorp, Inc., Franklin, Massachusetts

Independent Bank Corp., (Petitioner), Rockland, Massachusetts, has petitioned the Board of Bank Incorporation (Board) pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 167A, sections 2 and 4 for approval to acquire Benjamin Franklin Bancorp, Inc., (Bancorp), Franklin, Massachusetts. Bancorp is the holding company for Benjamin Franklin Bank, Franklin, Massachusetts. In the Commonwealth, the Petitioner is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, Rockland, Massachusetts.

In determining whether or not to approve the petition the Board must decide whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably effected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted by this proposal. A public hearing will be given to all interested parties on the petition before the Board on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 10:30 am, in Hearing Room A, Fifth Floor, One South Station, Boston, Massachusetts.

Any interested party other than the Petitioner should file communications, including briefs in favor or protest, with the Board by February 20, 2009, at the following address. The applications and all communications relative to these matters are available for public inspection at One South Station, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02110.

Board of Bank
Incorporation

Steven L. Antonakes
______________________
Commissioner of Banks


Navjeet K. Bal
______________________
Commissioner of Revenue


Timothy P. Cahill
______________________
Treasurer and Receiver-General