Beverly-based real estate firm REALPRO Assoc. has merged with J. Barrett & Co., also of Beverly, in a deal both companies say will be mutually beneficial.

The agreement gives J. Barrett five offices in four North Shore communities: Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich and Manchester.

Owned by real estate broker Linda O’Connor, REALPRO provided real estate services independently for more than 20 years. Last year, the company was in the top 25 percent of all firms in Massachusetts in gross sales for single-family homes and was in the top 14 percent of all firms on the North Shore in gross sales, according to a statement.

"We see a mutual benefit with this extraordinary opportunity," O’Connor said. The Beverly resident has twice been named Realtor of the Year (1994 and 2008) and received the prestigious Life Member Award from the North Shore Association of Realtors in 2011. "Over the years there have been many opportunities, but I was never tempted until now. J. Barrett has the same successful business model that we use, the same high standards, and the same core values. This association is a perfect blend of two business cultures."

"This is an opportunity for continued growth in the Beverly-Salem market," J. Barrett President Jon Gray said in a statement. "We both believe in supporting our agents and providing them with the tools they need to be successful. The result is win-win outcomes for everyone."

Gray also said he was looking forward to working with a 29-year real estate veteran of O’Connor’s caliber.