Company Notebook

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Brookline Bancorp Adopt New Name After Merger

BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp announced their merged entity will operate as Beacon Financial Corp. and Beacon Bank following completion of their merger of equals expected in the third quarter of 2025. The combined holding company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol BBT. The legal name of the merged bank will be Beacon Bank & Trust, commonly referred to as Beacon Bank, according to the press release statement. Paul Perrault, chairman and CEO of Brookline Bancorp, who will serve as CEO of the combined company, said the merger will create a financial institution with local roots and a broad footprint. David Brunelle, chairperson of Berkshire Hills Bancorp who will continue as chairperson of the combined entity’s board, added that the new name honors both legacy institutions while looking toward the future. The merger remains subject to regulatory approvals and normal closing conditions. Berkshire Hills operates with $12.0 billion in assets and 83 branches, while Brookline Bancorp holds $11.6 billion in assets with locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. Following the merger’s completion, customers will continue to be served under the existing Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank brands operating as divisions of Beacon Bank & Trust. The companies plan a full transition to the Beacon Bank brand alongside banking systems integration in the first quarter of 2026. Both companies’ boards of directors unanimously approved the Beacon Bank name and logo design, which incorporates navy and gold colors representing each institution’s legacy branding.

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Named a Legacy Law Firm

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced its inclusion in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s first-ever “In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms” list, honoring firms that have thrived for 25 years or more while continuing to demonstrate excellence. Founded in 1969 by former legal services attorneys, the firm has established a strong regional presence with 18 attorneys offering deep experience in business planning, estate planning, commercial and tax-exempt financing, real estate development and permitting, litigation, bankruptcy, and more. Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin represents individuals, family enterprises, nonprofits, and multi-national businesses throughout Western New England and Eastern New York. Known for its practical, cost-effective approach, the firm frequently employs advanced legal strategies, such as grantor-retained annuity trusts and ESOP buyouts, to help clients achieve their long-term goals. A hallmark of the firm has been its work in government-assisted housing programs, not-for-profit law, and other complex regulatory matters, along with a commitment to serving underserved communities. Each attorney actively contributes to charitable and economic development initiatives, reflecting the firm’s deep-rooted connection to the region it serves.

MassMutual Foundation Donates $275,000 to Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Foundation has awarded $275,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations across the U.S. through its annual Community Service Award (CSA) program. These charitable contributions — which include two $25,000 awards, 15 $10,000 awards, and 15 $5,000 awards — are given in honor of financial professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to nonprofit organizations in their local communities. Last year, participating financial professionals in the CSA program donated more than 8,000 hours of service to nonprofit organizations across the country. One of this year’s two $25,000 CSA donations is being awarded to Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts in honor of Jessica Holloway with the Jamrog Group. At Girls on the Run, trained volunteer coaches lead dynamic, research-based programs that combine physical activity with critical life skill development. Through fun, interactive lessons, participants build confidence, set goals, and learn to manage emotions while forming healthy friendships, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond. More than 400 donations totaling more than $4.2 million have been donated to nonprofit organizations through the Community Service Award program since its inception in 1997.

Country Bank Grants $20,000 to Revitalize CDC

WARE — Country Bank recently continued its longtime support of Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) with a $20,000 donation. Revitalize performs free critical repairs, modifications, and rehabilitation on the homes of low-income families with children, the elderly, veterans, and individuals with disabilities; helps bridge food insecurity gaps through delivery of fresh foods; and positions community members toward healthier lives through education and support for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. Since its founding in 1992, Revitalize CDC has served about 30,000 individuals, investing more than $52 million into Western Mass.

Braman Acquires Fusion Pest Management

AGAWAM — Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced its acquisition of Springfield-based Fusion Pest Management, effective Aug. 1. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Braman’s ongoing growth strategy. Fusion Pest Management, also a family-owned company with a strong residential expertise, brings a loyal customer base and deep local roots to the Braman portfolio. With this acquisition, Braman expands its residential footprint by an estimated 10% in key suburban and rural markets where Fusion had established a presence. Fusion customers can expect their service to continue seamlessly, with no immediate changes to pricing or agreements. During a brief transition period, clients may see both brand names in communications, but all services and correspondence will ultimately be unified under the Braman brand. The acquisition also supports Braman’s long-term operational goals by improving service efficiency and expanding technician coverage. Fusion customers can expect to benefit from Braman’s broader range of services, including commercial pest control and wildlife solutions.

Liberty Bank Foundation Supports Revitalize CDC

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) announced a $10,000 grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation to support its annual #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild program. This investment underscores Liberty Bank’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, healthier communities throughout Western Mass. and Connecticut. The #GreenNFit program brings together volunteers, corporate partners, and community organizations to repair and rehabilitate homes for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, all in a single neighborhood over the course of one day. In addition to this financial contribution, Liberty Bank employees also roll up their sleeves and volunteer at #GreenNFit events, making a direct and lasting impact on the lives of local residents. In addition to Liberty’s support of Revitalize CDC, Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer at the bank, serves on Revitalize CDC’s board of directors.

Farm Credit East Awards $76,500 to Farmers Markets

ENFIELD, Conn. — In conjunction with National Farmers Market Week, Farm Credit East announced its recent awarding of $76,500 in small grants to 141 farmers markets and farmers market organizations across the Northeast. Farm Credit East recognizes that farmers markets are an important channel for many of the region’s producers to distribute farm-fresh produce to both rural and urban consumers. Collectively, the farmers markets receiving grant funds support more than 2,000 producers. The recipient farmers markets will use grant funds to support marketing efforts, complete market enhancements, or support participating farmers. Additionally, many markets will use funds to improve access to fresh, local food for those in underserved communities and supplement funds from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.