Government Properties Income Trust, a subsidiary of Newton-based HRPT Properties Trust, has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering of common shares.

Government Properties Income Trust will own 29 properties which are leased to the U.S. government and several state governments. Upon completion of the public offering, HRP will continue to own approximately 49.9 percent of Government Properties Income Trust, and public investors will own approximately 50.1 percent.

Merrill Lynch & Co. is listed as the bookrunning manager for this public offering.