Beacon Financial Corporation Announces Debut of Beacon Bank

Rhea-AI Summary

Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT) announced the launch of Beacon Bank on February 23, 2026, combining four legacy banks into a single brand. The Bank now operates more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New England and New York and is described as one of the 100 largest banks in the United States.

The rebranding completes the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp, unifying Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island and PCSB Bank under one platform and promising expanded products, a modern online/mobile platform and greater lending capacity.

Positive

• Combined network of 145+ branches across New England and New York
• Merger of equals completed between Berkshire Hills and Brookline Bancorp
• Positioned as one of the 100 largest U.S. banks, expanding scale
• Expanded product suite including commercial, asset-based lending and wealth
• Launch of a best-in-class online and mobile banking platform

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Current price: $31.78 52-week range: $22.81 – $55.66 Branches and centers: More than 145 +4 more

7 metrics

Current price $31.78 Pre-news trading level

52-week range $22.81 – $55.66 52-week low and high

Branches and centers More than 145 Branches and commercial centers across New England and New York

Operating history Nearly 200 years Combined historical financial strength referenced in branding

Rebranded institutions Four banks Four financial institutions combined under Beacon Bank brand

Top bank cohort One of 100 largest Positioned among 100 largest U.S. banks

Rebranding timeframe Last 15 years One of largest multi-bank rebrands in Northeast in 15 years

Market Reality Check

Price: $30.66 Vol: Volume 749,018 is below t...

normal vol

$30.66 Last Close

Volume Volume 749,018 is below the 20-day average of 865,747, suggesting no unusual trading ahead of the branding news. normal

Technical Shares at 31.78 are trading below the 200-day MA of 36.71 and remain well under the 52-week high of 55.66.

Peers on Argus

BBT was up 2.88% while key peers were mixed: BHLB down 0.99%, but EFSC, FBNC, NB...

BBT was up 2.88% while key peers were mixed: BHLB down 0.99%, but EFSC, FBNC, NBTB and SYBT gained between 0.93% and 1.70%, pointing to stock-specific factors rather than a uniform sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 30 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 30	Annual meeting details	Neutral	-2.0%	Announced timing and format of the 2026 virtual annual stockholder meeting.
Jan 28	Q4 2025 earnings	Positive	+2.7%	Reported Q4 and full-year 2025 net income and operating earnings post-merger.
Jan 8	Q4 call schedule	Neutral	-0.6%	Set dates and access details for the Q4 2025 earnings release and call.
Oct 29	Q3 2025 earnings	Negative	-3.3%	Reported Q3 2025 net loss driven by large one-time merger-related costs.
Oct 6	Q3 call schedule	Neutral	-0.3%	Announced timing and access information for the Q3 2025 earnings call.

Pattern Detected

Recent news, especially earnings and merger-related updates, has generally seen price moves that align directionally with the nature of the announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past six months, Beacon Financial’s news flow focused on the Berkshire–Brookline merger and related earnings. Q3 2025 results reflected sizable one-time merger costs, while Q4 2025 showed net income of $53.4 million and full-year earnings recovery. Multiple releases set expectations around earnings calls and the 2026 virtual annual meeting. Today’s Beacon Bank launch represents the branding culmination of that Sept 1, 2025 merger of equals.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement completes the transition to Beacon Bank, unifying four legacy institutions into a ...

Analysis

This announcement completes the transition to Beacon Bank, unifying four legacy institutions into a single brand with more than 145 branches and nearly 200 years of combined history. It operationalizes the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills and Brookline, emphasizing scale, local decision-making and a broader product set. Investors may watch upcoming earnings and efficiency metrics to gauge how well the combined franchise converts branding and expanded reach into sustained financial performance.

Key Terms

merger of equals, asset-based lending

2 terms

merger of equals financial

"the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Brookline Bancorp, Inc."

A merger of equals is when two companies of similar size and value combine into a single business with shared ownership and leadership, rather than one company buying the other. Investors care because it reshuffles who owns and controls the combined company, aims to cut duplicate costs and strengthen market position, but also brings integration risks that can affect future profits and each company’s stock value.

asset-based lending financial

"including commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer, residential"

Asset-based lending is a type of loan where a borrower uses tangible assets — such as inventory, accounts receivable, equipment, or real estate — as collateral to secure credit. For investors, it matters because the quality and liquidity of the pledged assets affect the lender’s risk and the borrower’s borrowing capacity; like borrowing against items in a pawnshop, stronger assets generally mean safer loans and clearer recovery options if the borrower defaults.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

One of 100 largest banks in the United States

BOSTON, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT) (the "Company") today announced the successful combination of four storied financial institutions under one new brand, Beacon Bank (the "Bank"), one of the 100 largest banks in the United States.

With more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New England and New York, Beacon Bank differentiates itself by combining deep local roots with nearly 200 years of proven financial strength, expert guidance and highly personalized service. Unlike other banks that rely on distant decision makers, Beacon Bank makes decisions close to home, ensuring solutions are tailored to each client and community.

"Launching Beacon Bank represents a significant achievement for our organization and a critical step forward in our long-term strategy," stated Paul A. Perrault, CEO of the Company.

"By uniting our banks, we are enhancing the experience we deliver to clients and positioning the Company to generate sustainable value for our stockholders through improved performance, better efficiency and expanded opportunities for growth," he added. "This step also deepens our ability to invest in our colleagues and communities across our regions." 

Transitioning to Beacon Bank at all locations across Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont was the final step in the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of the former Berkshire Bank, and Brookline Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of the former Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank. It was also one of the largest multi-bank rebranding projects in the northeastern United States of the last 15 years.

In the coming months, clients and community members will continue to experience Beacon Bank in new ways as the Bank introduces additional components of its corporate identity and the multi-phase branding update at all locations is complete.

While the name of the Bank has changed, clients will still find the same familiar faces, exceptional service and trusted guidance for every stage of their financial journey. Clients will enjoy access to a suite of tailored banking solutions, including commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer, residential products and services, and wealth management.

The expanded capabilities also include access to a larger network of branches, ATMs, greater lending power, a best-in-class online and mobile banking platform and the all-new BeaconBank.com.

Media Contact:
Gary R. Levante
Chief Marketing Officer
413.447.1737
gary.levante@beaconbank.com 

Investor Relations:
Carl M. Carlson
Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
617.425.5331

About Beacon Financial Corporation 
Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT) is the holding company for Beacon Bank & Trust, commonly known as Beacon Bank, a full-service regional bank serving the Northeast that was created on September 1, 2025 through the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. and Brookline Bancorp, Inc. Headquartered in Boston, the Company has $23.2 billion in assets and more than 145 branches throughout New England and New York. Beacon Bank offers a full suite of tailored banking solutions including commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer and residential products and services. The Company also provides equipment financing through its Eastern Funding subsidiary, SBA lending through its 44 Business Capital division and private wealth services through Clarendon Private. Learn more at BeaconFinancialCorporation.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beacon-financial-corporation-announces-debut-of-beacon-bank-302694053.html

SOURCE Beacon Financial Corporation

FAQ

What did Beacon Financial (BBT) announce on February 23, 2026?

Beacon Financial announced the debut of Beacon Bank, combining four legacy banks into one brand. According to the company, the change completes the merger of equals and unifies Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island and PCSB Bank under Beacon Bank.

How many branches does Beacon Bank (BBT) operate after the rebrand?

Beacon Bank operates more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New England and New York. According to the company, the network spans Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont, increasing local footprint and customer access.

What products and services will Beacon Bank (BBT) offer after the relaunch?

Beacon Bank will offer commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer, residential and wealth management services. According to the company, clients will retain familiar bankers while gaining broader lending power and digital banking capabilities.

Does the Beacon Bank rebrand affect existing customers of the legacy banks (BBT)?

Existing customers will keep the same local bankers and service while adopting the new brand and platforms. According to the company, account relationships remain intact as locations transition to Beacon Bank in phased updates across regions.

What strategic benefits did Beacon Financial (BBT) cite for creating Beacon Bank?

The company said the rebrand aims to improve performance, efficiency and growth opportunities for shareholders. According to the company, unifying operations should enable better investment in colleagues, communities and expanded commercial capabilities.

Where can investors and customers find Beacon Bank online after the merger?

The new online destination is BeaconBank.com and a best-in-class mobile platform will be available. According to the company, digital access is part of the multi-phase branding rollout and larger network integration across regions.