In Brief: Southeast Pa. Bank to Buy Insurance Firm

First National Bank of Leesport (Pa.) has a deal to buy Essick & Barr Insurance, a 104-year-old company that does business in three southeastern Pennsylvania counties.

Terms of the deal were not announced.

Raymond H. Melcher Jr., president of $211 million-asset First National, said he believes his customers will buy insurance from the bank.

"We are regularly asked for referrals to insurance agents," Mr. Melcher said. "The addition of Essick & Barr is a logical way to provide our customers with professional consultation and property, casualty, and financial services products."

The deal, expected to close during the fourth quarter, calls for Essick & Barr to become a subsidiary of First National.

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