People's of Maine Enters Four New Communities

PORTLAND, Maine - People's Heritage Financial Group is expanding its branch network into four new Maine communities and doubling the number of automated teller machines to 60 throughout the state.

The bank will open new branches during the next year in Augusta, the state capital; Gorham, a Portland suburb; and Brewer, near Bangor. The bank will enter Saco, the state's 12th-largest city, in October with a supermarket branch, its third.

The $2.8 billion-asset holding company is also enhancing its telephone banking system to add 24-hour service through a toll-free number. By the fall, customers will be able to use the service to transfer money between accounts and inquire about consumer and commercial loans.

Franklin Smith and wire reports.