The Short Hills-based target brings with it approximately 1 million customers.

Alvita Ayers joined the financial institution's Small Business Administration and commercial lending teams in 2014.

The boost — the state's second in less than a month — comes from S&P Global Ratings, marking the first positive move from the agency since 2005.

As of Dec. 31, the target had approximately $8.3 billion in assets, $5.8 billion of diverse commercial loans and $7.1 billion of low-cost deposits.

The deal to purchase Eaton Vance WaterOak Advisors brings the Englewood-headquartered advisory's total assets under advisement to more than $35 billion.

The round was led by Eldridge and Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc., Whale Rock and Hanaco Ventures.

SumRidge Partners will join the firm's Fixed Income Capital Markets division under the leadership of its co-founders, CEO and President Tom O’Brien and Chairman Kevin Morano, both of whom will become senior managing directors.

The CEO of OceanFirst Financial returns to discuss the outlook for inflation, hiring and the industries showing strength amid the turmoil.

The deal, initially valued at approximately $3.5 billion, is scheduled for a spring closing.

Among those included in the inaugural list, three that took home the No. 1 spot in their respective industries.

Wealth Advisory Group was established in 1993 by Richard Craft and Michael Bass to provide investment advice for 401(k) and 403(b) plans and high net-worth individuals. In 2007, they founded Corporate Benefits Alliance to offer comprehensive employee benefits strategies for fully insured and self-funded health plans.

Principals David and Neil Owens and their team, which has provided insurance and risk management services in the area for more than 90 years, will join the Hilb Group's Tri-State regional operations.