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DALLAS--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Former United States Securities and Exchange Commission attorney [ Willie Briscoe ] and the securities litigation firm of [ Powers Taylor, LLP ] are investigating the sale of [ Beacon Federal Bancorp, Inc. ] (aBeacona or aBFEDa) (NASDAQ: BFED) to Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. for shareholders. Under the proposed transaction, 50% of the outstanding Beacon shares will be exchanged for Berkshire shares at a fixed exchange ratio of 0.92 shares for each Beacon share, while the remaining 50% of Beacon shares will be exchanged for cash in the amount of $20.50 per share. Based upon the previous dayas closing price, the transaction is valued at approximately $20.35 per share of Beacon owned.

"Because of the nature of the transaction and other factors, we believe that the transaction may undervalue Beacon stock. Our lawsuit will seek to obtain the highest share price for all shareholders."

If you are an affected investor, and you want to learn more about the lawsuit or join the action, contact Patrick Powers at Powers Taylor, LLP, toll free (877) 728-9607, via e-mail at [ patrick@powerstaylor.com ], or Willie Briscoe at The Briscoe Law Firm, PLLC, (214) 706-9314, or via email at [ WBriscoe@TheBriscoeLawFirm.com ]. There is no cost or fee to you.

The definitive merger agreement is valued at approximately $132 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The investigation centers on whether Beacon shareholders are receiving adequate compensation for their shares in the buyout, whether the transaction undervalues Beacon stock, and whether Beaconas board attempted to obtain the highest share price for all shareholders prior to agreeing to the deal. According to shareholder rights attorney Willie Briscoe, aBecause of the nature of the transaction and other factors, we believe that the transaction may undervalue Beacon stock. Our lawsuit will seek to obtain the highest share price for all shareholders.a

[ The Briscoe Law Firm, PLLC ] is a full service business litigation and shareholder rights advocacy firm with more than 20 years of experience in complex litigation and transactional matters.

[ Powers Taylor, LLP ] is a boutique litigation law firm that handles a variety of complex business litigation matters, including claims of investor and stockholder fraud, shareholder oppression, shareholder derivative suits, and security class actions.