Ohio Bank Signs Deal with Motorists Insurance Companies

Two subsidiaries of an affiliate bank of Peoples Bancorp Inc. will offer southeastern Ohio consumers a wide range of personal, commercial and life insurance products, according to Robert E. Evans, president and CEO of the Marietta-based bank holding company.

The subsidiaries, Northwest Territory Property and Casualty Insurance Agency, Inc. and Northwest Territory Life Insurance Agency, Inc., have been licensed by Columbus, OH-based Motorists Mutual Insurance Company, MICO Insurance Company and Motorists Life Insurance Company.

"The agencies will sell high quality, competitively priced auto, home, business, life and mortgage protection products in our markets,'' Evans says. "We are very pleased to add these superior products from Motorists to the list of diversified financial services offered through our subsidiaries that include banking, trust services, investments and other insurance coverages."

Life products will be gradually introduced in the third quarter of this year. It is expected a full line of property and casualty products will be offered during the fourth quarter of 1998.

Motorists' Chairman, President and CEO, Robert E. H. Rabold, says, "Motorists is very selective when it licenses agencies. The agencies of Peoples Bancorp have demonstrated they share our core values of quality, integrity, stability and superior service. We are confident the Agencies will help us increase market share in this particular area of the state."

Evans adds, "The agencies of Peoples Bancorp were the first corporate agencies affiliated with a financial institution to be licensed in the State of Ohio. Our announcement today is the next logical step in keeping our commitment to serve the insurance needs of consumers in the markets in which Peoples Bancorp operates. We are excited to be able to offer the products of a well-respected and service-oriented company as Motorists through the Northwest Territory Agencies."