Reed Smith partners with Alloy 26
Global law firm Reed Smith is joining Alloy 26, a co-working space in Nova Place, to provide weekly free legal support and quarterly programming to more than 100 companies — including technology startups, entrepreneurs, small businesses and freelancers — that call Alloy 26 home. Reed Smith will set up a dedicated desk, which will be staffed one day each week by one or more attorneys who provide legal consulting to companies on issues, including entity formation, capital raising, employment, intellectual property and commercial agreements.
Amazon launches Echo for hotels
Amazon has launched a version of Alexa for hotels that lets guests order room service through the voice assistant, ask for more towels or get restaurant recommendations without having to call the front desk. Marriott has signed up for the service and will place Amazon Echo smart speakers in 10 hotels this summer, including its Westin and St. Regis brands. Amazon already sells a version of Alexa for workplaces and has struck deals to place Alexa in cars and refrigerators.
People’s United buys Farmington Bank
People’s United Bank has agreed to acquire the holding company for Farmington Bank in a 100 percent stock transaction valued at about $544 million. People’s United Financial Inc., the holding company for People’s United Bank, announced the agreement to acquire First Connecticut Bancorp Inc. Bridgeport, Conn.-based People’s United has nearly 400 locations in New England and New York with $44 billion in assets. Farmington, Conn.-based First Connecticut Bancorp has 28 branches in Connecticut and Massachusetts with $3.1 billion in assets. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and approval of First Connecticut Bancorp shareholders.