UCFC Buys James & Sons Insurance

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – United Community Financial Corp., holding company of The Home Savings and Loan Co., has signed a definitive agreement to purchase James & Sons Insurance, the holding company announced this morning.

James & Sons will continue to operate in the same location, 4444 Market St. in Boardman, under the same name. Tom Costello, who has worked at James & Sons for 35 years, will continue as president of the insurance agency.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with the James & Sons organization. They are a well established and highly regarded agency with a rich history in the Valley,” said Gary Small, president and CEO of Home Savings, in a release. “We are proud to have the opportunity to carry on their legacy as we share the same high standards for customer service and a strong commitment to the community.”

The purchase, expected to close in the first quarter, is the first step toward the creation of The Home Savings Insurance Group, UCFC said. The group will expand through organic growth and selective acquisitions.

“We are delighted to partner with the Home Savings team. Together, we will continue the strong James & Sons tradition established by Bill and Gib James. Our entire staff remains committed to the service of our clients and our community,” Costello said.

James & Sons was founded in 1921 and, as an independent agency, works with regional and national insurance companies to offer both business and residential insurance.

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