Charles River Banks, Medway, Massachusetts - permission to reorganize into a mutual holding company

Charles River Bank, Medway, Massachusetts, has petitioned the Division of Banks (Division) and the Board of Bank Incorporation (Board) pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapters 167A and 167H, for permission to reorganize into a mutual holding company. This multi-step transaction will involve the creation of a new mutual co-operative bank, which will reorganize into a mutual holding company under the name Charles River Bancorp, MHC (MHC) with a subsidiary banking institution in stock form. The MHC will then form a subsidiary stock holding company, Charles River Bancorp, Inc. (the "Holding Company"). Thereupon, Charles River Bank will merge with and into the newly formed stock co-operative bank and operate under the name Charles River Bank. Applications addressing the several statutory requirements and seeking all related authorities have been filed with the Board and the Division.

In determining whether or not to approve these applications, the Board and the Division must decide, among other things, whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted by these proposals. A public hearing before the Board will be held at 10:30 a.m. on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009, Hearing Room A, Fifth Floor, One South Station, Boston, Massachusetts.

Any comments in favor or protest should be filed with the Board or Division prior to the close of business on November 13, 2009 at One South Station, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The applications and all communications relative to this matter are available at the Division at the above address.

Steven L. Antonakes
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Commissioner of Banks


Navjeet Bal
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Commissioner of Revenue


Timothy P. Cahill
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Treasurer and Receiver-General