Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Brookline Bancorp Inc. Announce Merger

BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Berkshire Bank, and Brookline Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank, announced they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Brookline will merge with and into Berkshire in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion, or $12.68 per share of Brookline common stock.

“Today marks a transformational milestone in the history of two storied institutions with a strong commitment to serving their clients and communities,” said Nitin Mhatre, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank. “The combined organization will be in an even stronger position to deliver exceptional client experience and create greater value for shareholders.”

In conjunction with the planned merger, Berkshire also announced it has entered into subscription agreements with investors to raise capital to support the merger. In aggregate, $100 million of Berkshire common stock will be issued at $29 per share. The capital raise is expected to close on Dec. 19. The proceeds of the capital raise are expected to support the pro forma bank’s balance sheet and regulatory capital ratios.

“This transaction presents an opportunity to bring together two historic franchises in the Northeast market,” said Paul Perrault, chairman and CEO of Brookline. “By bringing together two complementary cultures and geographic footprints with shared values and client focus, we will be better-positioned to serve our customers, employees, communities, and shareholders.”

Berkshire Chairperson David Brunelle added that “this highly compelling combination is a true merger of equals that will create a pre-eminent northeast financial institution. Scale and efficiency, combined with our shared culture of true community banking, is a powerful driver of value for all of our stakeholders.”