More than $5.4 million in merger-related expenses resulting from the acquisition of Rome Bancorp and Legacy Bancorp stung Pittsfield-based Berkshire Hills Bancorp’s bottom line in the second quarter, offsetting otherwise strong revenue gains.

Berkshire reported unaudited net income of approximately $1.88 million in the second quarter, down from roughly $3.44 million at the same time last year. Merger-related expenses and a more than $1 million increase in compensation and benefits conspired to offset otherwise strong top-line, year-over-year revenue growth of $5.89 million.

Unaudited total net revenue in the second quarter totaled $32.37 million, up from $26.48 million last year – a more than 22 percent jump – according to a statement.

Among other highlights, Berkshire Hills reported a 40 percent year-over-year increase in core earnings per share; 16 percent organic annualized commercial loan growth; 9 percent organic annualized total loan growth; and 3 percent organic annualized deposit growth. The bank also reported a 22 percent increase in wealth management fee income.

"Our solid core earnings growth reflects strong organic growth and sensible bank acquisitions that are improving the strength of our franchise and shareholder value," Berkshire Hills President and CEO Michael Daly said in a statement. "We have completed the Rome and Legacy acquisitions as planned. We fully expect to achieve the cost savings and earnings targets that we have previously set out for these mergers and for our overall operations, and we are also benefiting from a higher net interest margin. Our tangible book value per share at mid-year improved from where it was before we announced these acquisitions, reflecting our financial disciplines to produce strong earnings accretion while carefully managing any impact on tangible equity."