North Star Leasing Company is now a division of Peoples Bank. The acquisition became effective on April 1, with North Star Leasing’s business operations remaining in Burlington, VT.

Founded in 1979, North Star Leasing provides specialized lease solutions for vendors and commercial customers across multiple industries, including automotive, plumbing, healthcare, pet supply and foodservice. North Star Leasing works with more than 10,000 equipment vendors, manufacturers and resellers to help customers finance and access equipment. With a portfolio ranked 119th by Monitor, North Star Leasing has grown its originations 18% annually from 2014 to 2020. North Star Leasing has 42 employees.

“We are excited about North Star Leasing becoming part of Peoples Bank and our being able to offer equipment leasing to our commercial clients,” Chuck Sulerzyski, president and CEO of Peoples Bank, said. “There’s a strong team in place at North Star Leasing committed to serving clients and driving future growth. North Star Leasing’s culture and commitment to community is a natural fit with Peoples Bank.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to join forces with one of the best community banks in America,” Dan Feeney, CEO of North Star Leasing, said. “We have an aggressive growth plan, and being part of Peoples Bank will provide us with the opportunity to grow our business to new levels.”

Peoples Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Peoples Bancorp.