10.31.07 | Middlesex Savings Bank Selects TRANSFIRST as New Merchant Payment Processing Partner

Innovative Technology & Web-Based Payment Services Benefit Middlesex Savings Bank's Customers

NATICK, MA, and DALLAS (October 31, 2007) — Middlesex Savings Bank has partnered with TRANSFIRST, a leading provider of transaction processing services and payment technologies, to provide area businesses with state-of-the-art credit card processing and payment technology services.

Middlesex Savings Bank will utilize TRANSFIRST's proprietary processing platform and comprehensive web-based reporting system to deliver powerful credit/debit and ACH processing, along with a variety of easy-to-use and comprehensive merchant and portfolio reports. TRANSFIRST, known for its commitment to customer service, will deliver this program with account representatives that will be dedicated to serving Middlesex Savings Bank customers.

"Accepting a card as payment is becoming increasingly more important for businesses of all sizes and industries," remarked David G. Falwell, Middlesex Savings Bank executive vice president. "Even business-to-business card payments have grown rapidly in the last several years. Partnering with TRANSFIRST allows us to provide 'state-of-the-art' services using a business model typically only available to large commercial banks, while maintaining the outstanding service our customers expect from Middlesex Savings Bank."

In addition, Middlesex Savings Bank customers will benefit from TRANSFIRST's innovative technology solutions which:

• Enable payment processing - credit, debit, prepaid - through a comprehensive, secure platform.
• Support Internet and dial-up-based connectivity.
• Create easy implementations with reliable HelpDesk (24/7) for on-going support.
• Offer solutions for small to mid-size business needs, including virtual terminals.
• Provide access to robust online data delivery tools for reconciliation - where merchants can track sales, credits, charge backs and perform account management tasks anytime.
• Include equipment solutions with valuable, integrated offerings for their businesses.

"TRANSFIRST implemented the Partnership Program to offer our financial institution partners dedicated, superior customer service for their merchant and business customers in addition to the innovative, proprietary technology solutions merchants need," said Marla Knutson, president of TRANSFIRST's Financial Institutions division. "TRANSFIRST's sales team has unparalleled experience in working with small and medium-size merchants, allowing it to best represent the Middlesex Savings Bank philosophy. In working with TRANSFIRST, the bank now has the advantage of TRANSFIRST's knowledgeable merchant sales and account service experts who are in place to help merchants improve their businesses through transaction processing solutions."

About Middlesex Savings Bank
Middlesex Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank serving businesses and consumers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts since 1835. With assets in excess of $3 billion, the bank has the capacity and resources to provide a full array of business and consumer products and services through its business banking centers and retail branch network. With a reputation for superior customer service, the bank has grown to become one of the largest banks in the Commonwealth, with a team of seasoned bankers focused on small and medium-sized businesses. For more information on merchant services, please contact Kerry Morgan, vice president for cash management and merchant services, at (508) 315-5413 or at kmorgan@middlesexbank.com.

About TRANSFIRST
A premier provider of transaction processing services and payment enabling technologies, TRANSFIRST offers a first-rate suite of products and services and customized processing programs uniquely tailored for the special business needs of financial institutions, independent sales organizations and agents and its referral and reseller partners. Through its in-depth industry knowledge, partnership strategy and innovative solutions, TRANSFIRST provides a specialized approach to transaction processing for healthcare providers, public entities, online and other non-traditional merchants, as well as brick and mortar retailers. Founded in 1995, TRANSFIRST is a market leader in strategic mergers and acquisitions, which has allowed the company to gain significant market share and world-class expertise in growing and profitable industry segments. Built on a platform of personal service, customer commitment and flexible pricing, TRANSFIRST is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has operations facilities in Louisville, Colo., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Kan., Newport Beach, Calif., and Milwaukee, Wis. Company wide, TRANSFIRST currently processes approximately $25 billion in annual sales volume for more than 160,000 merchants and more than 965 financial institutions. TRANSFIRST can be reached at 1-800-745-2659 or at www.TRANSFIRST.com.