Commenting on the announcement, Robert Sharpe, Chief Executive of Portman Building Society said, "I am delighted that the merger has now completed and I am very much looking forward to an exciting year as our enlarged Society continues to strengthen its position as a key player within the industry.
We undertook a rigorous rebranding exercise and have integrated the products and services of both organisations. All our members now have the option to transact at branches of both Portman and The Staffordshire and will be offered the same products, pricing and high standard of customer service that they have come to expect."
Bill Snaith, Managing Director of The Staffordshire added, "I believe that we have a very exciting time ahead of us as this merger represents a significant opportunity to; develop further our business, widen our range of competitively priced products and offer our staff enhanced career opportunities within the enlarged Group.
Portman’s commitment has already been underpinned by plans to place its Direct Mortgage Centre in Wolverhampton, which is resulting in over 20 new posts being created in the first quarter of 2004. The future looks extremely exciting for us all and we are all highly motivated to take on the challenges and opportunities that this partnership will bring."
