Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp to be Combined as Beacon Financial Corporation and Beacon Bank Upon the Closing of their Merger of Equals

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp are merging to form a new holding company named Beacon Financial Corporation, which will trade under the ticker symbol BBT on the New York Stock Exchange. The merger is expected to be completed in Q3 2025, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions [1]. Group 1: Merger Details - The combined bank will be legally named Beacon Bank & Trust but will be commonly referred to as Beacon Bank [1]. - The merger is characterized as a "merger of equals," aiming to create a powerful financial institution with a broad and complementary footprint [4]. - The integration of banking systems is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with clients continuing to be served under existing brand names until the full transition to Beacon Bank [4]. Group 2: Branding and Vision - The name "Beacon Bank" symbolizes guidance, strength, and stability, reflecting the core principles of both legacy institutions [3]. - The logo design merges elements from both Berkshire and Brookline, using updated navy and gold colors to represent a modern approach [3]. - Leadership from both companies expressed a commitment to providing reliable financial guidance and maintaining local expertise post-merger [4]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - Berkshire Hills Bancorp has $12.0 billion in assets and operates 83 branches, focusing on community-driven banking solutions in New England and New York [6]. - Brookline Bancorp has $11.6 billion in assets and serves customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, offering a range of commercial and retail banking services [7].