Provident Financial Services, the parent company of Provident Bank, agreed to merge with Lakeland Bancorp, the parent company of Lakeland Bank, in a $1.3bn deal. "We are excited to announce this transformational combination of two amazing organizations. The scale and profitability of the combined organization will enable us to invest in the future, better compete for market share, and better serve our customers and communities. We bring together a diverse group of employees who are committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers and the communities we serve. It is particularly gratifying to embark on this journey with our colleagues on the Lakeland team and Tom Shara, whom we have held in high regard for many years," Anthony Labozzetta, Provident President and CEO.