Article: Rhode Island-Based Washington Trust Bancorp to Purchase First Financial.

By Lisa Biank Fasig, Providence Journal, R.I. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Nov. 14--In a move that will expand New England's oldest community bank north into central Rhode Island, Washington Trust Bancorp Inc. said it has agreed to buy First Financial Corp. in a deal valued at about $39 million.

Although not a large acquisition, First Financial offers Westerly-based Washington Trust key businesses in markets that have commercial promise. The deal would give the 13-branch Washington Trust four additional branches -- three in new markets -- and it would add $174.1 million in assets to Washington Trust's $1.36-billion asset base.

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