Webster Closes Ametros Acquisition

Rhea-AI Summary

Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS) has completed the acquisition of Ametros Financial Corp, the nation’s largest professional administrator of medical insurance claim settlements. The business will continue to operate under the Ametros and CareGuard brands, providing Webster a fast-growing source of low-cost and long-duration deposits, further diversifying Webster’s deposits and noninterest income.

Positive

• Acquisition of Ametros provides a fast-growing source of low-cost and long-duration deposits for Webster Financial Corporation.
• The business will continue to operate under the Ametros and CareGuard brands, maintaining existing practices and serving members.
• The acquisition diversifies Webster's deposits and noninterest income.

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

The acquisition of Ametros by Webster Financial Corporation represents a strategic move that could potentially bolster Webster's financial position. By integrating Ametros, Webster stands to benefit from a new stream of low-cost and long-duration deposits, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy loan-to-deposit ratio and can enhance the bank's liquidity profile. Furthermore, the addition of noninterest income through Ametros's services could improve Webster's revenue diversification, mitigating risks associated with interest rate fluctuations.

From a financial perspective, the key metrics to watch post-acquisition would include the cost of deposit acquisition, the growth rate of new deposits and the impact on Webster's net interest margin (NIM). It is also important to consider the cost synergies that may arise from the integration of Ametros's operations into Webster's business model.

Market Research Analyst

The completion of Webster Bank's acquisition of Ametros positions the bank favorably within the competitive landscape of financial institutions managing medical insurance claim settlements. Ametros's proprietary technology platform and its CareGuard service are likely to provide Webster with a competitive edge in the healthcare banking niche. This could attract a specific customer segment that requires specialized services for managing medical care expenses.

Moreover, the decision to maintain the Ametros and CareGuard brands post-acquisition suggests a strategic approach to leverage brand equity and customer loyalty. Maintaining brand continuity can facilitate a smoother transition and retention of Ametros's existing customer base. The impact of this acquisition on Webster's market share and competitive positioning will be an area of interest for stakeholders.

Medical Insurance Expert

The acquisition of Ametros by Webster Bank underscores the growing intersection of financial services and healthcare management. Ametros's role as the nation's largest professional administrator of medical insurance claim settlements indicates the importance of specialized services in the healthcare sector. The ability to manage ongoing medical care expenses is a significant concern for individuals with long-term healthcare needs and Ametros's CareGuard service addresses this market demand.

For stakeholders, the operational efficiencies and technological capabilities that Ametros brings to the table could translate into more streamlined processes and improved customer experiences. The integration of such services within Webster's offerings is likely to enhance the bank's value proposition in the healthcare financial services domain, potentially leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS) today announced that its principal bank subsidiary Webster Bank, N.A. ("Webster") has completed the acquisition of Ametros Financial Corp (“Ametros”). The business will continue to operate under the Ametros and CareGuard brands following the acquisition.

Ametros, the nation’s largest professional administrator of medical insurance claim settlements, helps individuals manage their ongoing medical care through their CareGuard service and proprietary technology platform. Ametros will continue to serve members via existing practices.

The acquisition of Ametros provides Webster a fast-growing source of low-cost and long-duration deposits, further diversifying Webster’s deposits as well as noninterest income. Its operations will be fully integrated into Webster during the first quarter of 2024.

About Webster

Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) is the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. and its HSA Bank division. Webster is a leading commercial bank in the Northeast that provides a wide range of digital and traditional financial solutions across three differentiated lines of business including: Commercial Banking, Consumer Banking and its HSA Bank division, one of the country’s largest providers of one of the country’s largest providers of employee benefits solutions. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, Webster is a values-driven organization with more than

$70 billion in assets. Its core footprint spans the northeastern U.S. from New York to Massachusetts, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies. Webster Bank is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information about Webster, including past press releases and the latest annual report, visit the Webster website at www.websterbank.com.

About Ametros

Ametros is the industry leader in post-settlement medical administration and a trusted partner for thousands of members receiving funds from workers’ compensation and liability settlements. Headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Ametros may be reached at 877.275.7415 or via www.ametros.com.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain expectations about the benefits of the acquisition and the go-forward operations of Ametros. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this communication are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240124986232/en/

Media Contact:

Alice Ferreira, 203-578-2610

acferreira@websterbank.com

Investor Contact:

Emlen Harmon, 212-309-7646

eharmon@websterbank.com

Source: Webster Financial Corporation

What is the ticker symbol for Webster Financial Corporation?

The ticker symbol for Webster Financial Corporation is WBS.

What is the primary bank subsidiary of Webster Financial Corporation?

Webster Bank, N.A. is the principal bank subsidiary of Webster Financial Corporation.

What is the focus of Ametros Financial Corp?

Ametros Financial Corp is the nation’s largest professional administrator of medical insurance claim settlements, providing ongoing medical care management through their CareGuard service and proprietary technology platform.

When will Ametros operations be integrated into Webster?

Ametros operations will be fully integrated into Webster during the first quarter of 2024.