Acquisition of history Amherst Agency adds 22 insurance professionals and establishes MountainOne’s first Hampshire County office
MountainOne Insurance Agency, Inc. has acquired the Amherst-based Encharter Insurance Agency from Plymouth Rock Assurance. Effective October 1, 2026., the acquisition establishes MountainOne’s first insurance office in Hampshire County and expands its operations in western Massachusetts.
“What impressed me most about Encharter was the people and the reputation they’ve built over generations,” said Jonathan Denmark, Executive Vice President of MountainOne Bank and President and Chief Operating Officer of MountainOne Insurance. “They’ve earned the trust of their customers and become an important part of the Amherst community. We want to build on that success, giving their team even more tools and resources to take care of the people who count on them. That’s what makes this such an exciting opportunity for both organizations.”
The transaction brings 22 Encharter insurance professionals into MountainOne Insurance, along with Encharter’s Amherst office and a satellite location in Lexington. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the company’s October 21 announcement.
Encharter’s Nearly 150-Year History in Amherst
A fixture in the Amherst community since 1879, Encharter has served generations of individuals, families, and businesses for nearly 150 years. Formerly known as Blair, Cutting & Smith, the agency has built a strong reputation for its local expertise, longstanding customer relationships, and personalized service. As part of the acquisition, 22 Encharter insurance professionals join the MountainOne team, along with the agency’s Amherst office and satellite location in Lexington.
Prior to its sale, Plymouth Rock owned the agency for approximately 25 years. During that period, Encharter continued operating as an independent agency and maintained relationships with multiple insurance carriers.
Expanded Insurance Services for Encharter Customers
According to the terms of the transaction, Encharter customers will continue working with their existing insurance professionals while gaining access to additional carriers and insurance services as the two agencies integrate.
The additional services include Employee Benefits, Surety Bonding, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare, and dedicated in-house claims assistance.
“I’m confident our customers will be in good hands with MountainOne, an organization that shares our commitment to personal service and lasting relationships,” said Lisa Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Encharter Insurance. “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and the trust we’ve earned over the years. Joining MountainOne gives us an opportunity to build on that success together.”
MountainOne Expands Its Western Massachusetts Operations
The Amherst acquisition builds on MountainOne Insurance’s growing footprint throughout western Massachusetts, adding Hampshire County to its established network of local offices in Greenfield, Longmeadow, West Springfield, and Wilbraham, as well as communities throughout the Berkshires.
Encharter also joins MountainOne Insurance during a period of continued growth and industry recognition. MountainOne, whose origins date to 1848, also recently announced that its insurance agency received the Five Star Agency designation from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA). According to the company, MountainOne Insurance is one of 15 Massachusetts agencies holding that designation.
Encharter will gradually transition to the MountainOne Insurance Agency name and brand. The company also announced plans for a new Amherst office, although no timetable or location was specified.
During the transition, existing Encharter customers will continue to work with their current insurance professionals as MountainOne integrates the agency into its operations.
