Fleet takes over Jefferson National

ALBANY, N.Y. — Fleet Bank of New York has assumed the deposits of Jefferson National Bank as part of its efforts to expand its offices in upstate New York, bank officials said.

Fleet Bank on Friday assumed about $220 million in insured deposits and other liabilities from the Watertown-based Jefferson National from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the bank’s receiving and liquidating agent, said Erland E. Kailbourne, Fleet Bank president.

“The assumption of Jefferson’s deposits affords us an outstanding opportunity to broaden our customer base,” said Kailbourne. “We look forward to meeting the financial needs of our new customers in these communities.”

Fleet Bank has the option of purchasing Jefferson’s loans within a 45-day period as part of the agreement. Jefferson has 15 offices in upstate New York.