Curtis Securities Advises Beneficial Savings Bank
in the Acquisition of Paul Hertel & Co., Inc.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - January 17, 2005 -- Curtis Securities, LLC announced that Beneficial Savings Bank has acquired the assets of Paul Hertel & Co., Inc. Founded in 1908, Paul Hertel is a fourth generation agency and services the insurance needs of businesses, organizations and individuals in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Beneficial Savings Bank has more than $2 billion in assets and over 30 offices throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Curtis Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Beneficial Savings Bank in connection with the acquisition. Curtis and its professionals have assisted in over two dozen insurance agency engagements.

About Curtis Financial Group, LLC
Curtis Financial Group, LLC is an investment banking firm based in Philadelphia, PA that advises middle market companies on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, raising capital, and provides fairness opinions, business valuations, and related corporate finance advisory services. Our professionals have completed merger and acquisitions with over $1.5 billion in transaction value, financing transactions of over $1 billion, and over 100 fairness opinions and 1,000 valuations.

General Contact: Kevin J. Rudd, President, 215-972-2351