Bank of Nova Scotia plans a domestic public offering of 10 million preferred shares for for gross proceeds of $250 million, the bank said Monday.

The bank has agreed to sell the non-cumulative 3.85% 5-year rate reset preferred shares Series 30 to a syndicate of underwriters led by Scotia Capital Inc. on a bought deal basis for $25 per share.

The underwriters have been granted an option to purchase up to an additional 2 million Preferred Shares Series 30 at closing. This option is exercisable any time up to 48 hours before closing.

Closing is expected to occur on or after April 12.

The offering is part of Scotiabank’s ongoing and proactive management of its Tier 1 capital structure, the bank said.

Holders of shares will be entitled to receive a non-cumulative quarterly fixed dividend for the initial period ending April 25, 2015 yielding 3.85% per year. Thereafter, the dividend rate will reset every five years at a rate equal to 1.00% over the 5-year Government of Canada bond yield. Holders of Preferred Shares Series 30 will, subject to certain conditions, have the right to convert all or any part of their shares to non-cumulative floating rate preferred shares Series 31 (of Scotiabank on April 26, 2015 and on April 26 every five years thereafter.

Holders of the Preferred Shares Series 31 will be entitled to receive a non-cumulative quarterly floating dividend at a rate equal to the 3-month Government of Canada Treasury Bill yield plus 1.00%. Holders of Preferred Shares Series 31 will, subject to certain conditions, have the right to convert all or any part of their shares to Preferred Shares Series 30 on April 26, 2020 and on April 26 every five years thereafter.

IE