Senior Housing Properties Trust begins offer of 4.5 million shares

Senior Housing commences share offering

NEWTON, Mass. — Senior Housing Properties Trust said Wednesday it commenced a public offering of 4.5 million shares.

The underwriters will also have the option to buy an additional 675,000 shares if there is demand.

The company said it will use the proceeds from the sale for general business purposes, including for pending or future acquisitions.

Shares in the trust fell 33 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $19.45 in after-hours trading, after closing up 17 cents at $19.78.