DEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 5, 2003 – Eastern Bank will open a new, full-service branch at the Dedham Mall later this month, as it continues its branch expansion program across Greater Boston, the bank announced today.

Located at 240 Providence Highway, the branch will be open seven days a week, extending service to Dedham residents and surrounding neighborhoods, and providing a new convenient location for existing bank customers.

“This will be our fourth new location this year, underscoring our commitment to growth and providing convenient access to consumers and businesses throughout Greater Boston,” said Mark Primeau, executive vice president for consumer banking at Eastern.

The 3,200-square-foot branch will officially open on Monday, Nov. 24. The branch will offer a full range of personal and commercial banking products, including free checking, home equity loans, investment services, and business checking accounts and loans. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 7 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. It has two drive-up teller windows, which open at 8 a.m. on weekdays, and a drive-up ATM.

With the opening of the Dedham branch, Eastern will have 11 offices throughout Greater Boston that are open seven days a week. The Dedham location is in a shopping plaza that is undergoing a major renovation by the property owner, The Flatley Co.

“We are excited about this opportunity to bring Eastern’s products and top-notch customer service to a great location in Dedham,” Primeau said. “This office expands our presence in Norfolk County to include nine locations, so it both improves convenience for customers living in that area, while providing us with the opportunity to attract new customers.”

Based in Boston, Eastern Bank is the largest independent, mutually owned commercial bank in New England. With $4.6 billion in assets and 50 branches in Greater Boston, Eastern offers a full range of financial products for consumers, businesses, investors, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Its wholly owned subsidiaries are Eastern Insurance, one of New England’s largest insurers, and Fantini & Gorga/iCap Realty Advisors, a real estate advisory firm.

For more information, contact: Joe Bartolotta, Public Relations Director, Eastern Bank,
(781) 596-4411, or e-mail Joe Bartolotta.