Daily News

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — People’s United Financial Inc., the holding company for People’s United Bank, N.A., announced an agreement to acquire United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, in a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $759 million. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and the approval of United Financial Bancorp shareholders.

“We are excited to welcome United Bank to People’s United,” said Jack Barnes, chairman and CEO of People’s United Financial. “With the fourth-largest deposit market share in the combined Hartford and Springfield market, a complementary array of commercial and retail capabilities, and a shared legacy of community giving, United will solidify our presence in the Central Connecticut market and strengthen our franchise in Western Massachusetts.”

Added William Crawford, president and CEO of United Financial Bancorp, “People’s United Bank has long been a premier brand in Connecticut that is committed to building meaningful relationships with its customers and communities. We are confident their broad array of products and services, in-market knowledge, and the size and strength of their balance sheet will deliver enhanced value to our stakeholders.”

Established in 1858 and headquartered in Hartford, Conn., United Bank is a full-service community financial-services firm with $7.3 billion in assets. The bank has nearly 60 branch locations concentrated in Central Conn. and Western Mass., offering customers commercial, small-business, wealth-management, and consumer-banking products and services. 

Barnes noted that “we look forward to welcoming their well-established customer base and delivering to them our enhanced technology and digital capabilities, combined with our network of expert bankers.”

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Melanson Heath announced the firm’s merger with longtime Nashua, N.H.-based accounting firm Seelye & Schulz PA CPAs. This merger aims to allow Seelye & Schulz PA CPAs and Melanson Heath professionals to continue to strengthen their position as a premier regional accounting, tax, and audit service provider.

Partners Paul Seelye and Anthony Engaldo have joined Melanson Heath along with their team. The combined firm will operate under the name Melanson Heath.

“Seelye & Schulz PA CPAs has had a successful 40-year history of providing clients with the very best service and advice. Merging with Melanson Heath will create new opportunities for our clients and staff,” said Seelye. “This merger will allow our team to provide a wider array of services to our clients. Melanson Heath is a perfect fit for us as they share in our values. They have exceeded all of our hopes for a firm to merge with and will allow us to continue to provide all of the services you need, while remaining small enough that you always feel welcome and at home.”

Scott Toothaker, managing principal of Melanson Heath, added that “Seelye & Schulz PA CPAs is a highly respected CPA firm in our area. Our objectives, goals, and ethical standards mirror one another. The combined firm will continue to offer a blend of professional expertise and personalized service. We are committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of not only our clients, but also our dedicated employees, and the betterment of our communities as a whole. We are excited to have their team join ours, and to have Paul and Anthony join us as principals in the firm.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the promotion of Matthew Nash from senior associate to audit manager.

Nash began as an intern at MBK in 2011 and was hired as an accounting associate later that year. Since then, he has developed as an expert accountant, leading technical audit engagements and mentoring junior staff through his eight years with the firm. He has a dedicated approach to service and has demonstrated expertise in commercial, benefit-plan, and nonprofit audits, as well as review and compilation engagements. 

“It is rewarding to see a young professional begin their career with our firm and develop into a highly skilled accountant,” said MBK Managing Partner James Barrett. “Matt is a great example of what hard work and determination look like, and we are proud that his career has flourished under our roof. His technical expertise and leadership will be of great value to our clients and staff.”

Nash received his bachelor’s degree from Nichols College and his MBA from Elms College. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and recently completed all sections of the CPA exam.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Registration is now open for the Holyoke Community College Foundation’s 32nd annual fundraising golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 9 at Springfield County Club in West Springfield.

Proceeds from the annual tournament will support student scholarships and academic-equipment purchases through the HCC Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of Holyoke Community College.

The golf outing begins with an 11:30 a.m. buffet lunch followed by a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. The $185 fee includes greens fees, golf cart, lunch, dinner, and refreshments on the course. After golf, participants can enjoy cocktails on the clubhouse porch with scenic views of the Pioneer Valley, followed by dinner and the opportunity to enter raffles and bid on dozens of items, including restaurant gift certificates, Red Sox memorabilia, wine baskets, golf outings, and more.

Over the past 31 years, the annual HCC Foundation Golf Classic has raised more than $500,000 for HCC scholarships and educational technology for HCC classrooms. 

Participants can arrange their own foursomes or sign up as singles. To register, visit www.hcc.edu/golf. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.