AUBURN — Anthoine Financial Group of Auburn and The Buckley Group of Portland announced the merger of their firms Thursday, forming BGA Financial.

According to a joint press release, the two organizations have merged their experience and expertise in the areas of employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans, individual insurance planning and investment strategies.

Offices will still be at 74 Main St. in Auburn and 75 Market St. in Portland. Staff will total 18, most of whom have more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance and financial services industry.

In addition to Mark Anthoine and Paul Buckley Jr., leaders of the two respective companies, Paul Allen and Steve Carew, both of the Buckley Group, are also partners of BGA Financial.

Anthoine said in the release: “This merger is aimed at maintaining the successful service models our two companies have employed over the years, while providing greater resources and complimentary professional expertise to our combined clientele.”

For more information, contact Anthoine at [email protected] or Buckley at [email protected]