UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): December 19, 2005,

CENTER BANCORP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

New Jersey 2-81353 52-1273725

(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer

of Incorporation) Identification No.)

2455 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (800) 862-3683

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

x Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act(17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 7.01. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On December 19, 2005, Center Bancorp, Inc. (the “Registrant”) issued a press release regarding steps taken and to be taken during the quarter ending December 31, 2005. A copy of this press release is being filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)Exhibits

Exhibit 99.1 - Press release, dated December 19, 2005.

Exhibit 99.1 is deemed "furnished", and not "filed", for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

	CENTER BANCORP, INC.
Dated: December 19, 2005	By:	/s/ John J. Davis
		Name:John J. Davis
		Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit 99.1 - Press release, dated December 19, 2005,