ROCKLAND, Mass., Feb. 27, 2006 – Eastern Insurance Group today announced the acquisition of Howland’s Insurance Agency in Rockland, giving Howland’s customers access to a broader range of insurance products and services.

For Eastern Insurance, the acquisition increases its customer base south of Boston, where it already has seven locations. In all, Natick-based Eastern Insurance has 18 locations in eastern and central Massachusetts, making it one of New England’s largest insurance agencies.

“We’re pleased to be welcoming Howland’s Insurance and its customers to our team, which is dedicated to providing consumers and businesses with a superior range of insurance products and services,” said Hope Aldrich, president of Eastern Insurance, a subsidiary of Eastern Bank.

“Howland’s Insurance has a great reputation in the industry,” Aldrich said. “We will continue Howland’s tradition of providing top-notch service to customers.”

The acquisition will be seamless to Howland’s Insurance customers. Owner Doug Cole will remain with Eastern Insurance, as will full-time employees Geraldine Munroe and John Priest. The team will ultimately join the existing Eastern Insurance staff at Eastern’s location at 300 Union St., Rockland.

“This is great news for our customers,” Cole said. “They now have access to a broader range of insurance products and services, while still receiving the same quality service they have come to expect from us over the years.”

Howland Insurance’s roots date back to 1851. Cole purchased the agency in 1979.  Combined, Cole, Munroe and Priest have 60 years of experience in the insurance industry, serving both consumers and businesses.

About Eastern Insurance
Founded in 1935, Eastern Insurance Group, LLC is one of the largest insurance agencies in New England, serving approximately 80,000 consumers and businesses. A subsidiary of Eastern Bank, Eastern Insurance provides a full range of personal and commercial insurance products, and employee benefits services including group health and life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) planning. 

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