**Beacon Financial Corporation Announces Change in Certifying Accountant Following Merger** On September 1, 2025, Beacon Financial Corporation, previously known as Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., completed a merger with Brookline Bancorp, Inc. This transaction led to significant changes in the company's accounting practices. As a result of the merger, Beacon Financial's Audit Committee approved the dismissal of Crowe LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm. Subsequently, KPMG LLP, Brookline's former accounting firm, was appointed as Beacon Financial's new independent registered public accountant for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The change in accounting firms follows the merger, which was treated as a reverse acquisition with Brookline as the accounting acquirer. The audit reports from Crowe for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024 were free of adverse opinions or disclaimers and there were no disagreements on accounting principles or practices. Crowe has been notified of the changes and has been asked to confirm their agreement with the statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission.