J.M. Doherty Insurance Agency Inc. has entered into an agreement with Partners Insurance Group LLC, an affiliate of BayCoast Bank, to become the sixth privately owned local insurance agency to join the Partners Insurance Group network. 

J.M. Doherty Insurance will maintain its name and identity and all J.M. Doherty employees will join the Partners Insurance Group team.

J.M. Doherty Insurance will continue to operate out of its New Bedford location on Mount Pleasant Street

"I am enthusiastic about joining Partners Insurance Group," Jim Doherty, the insurance agency’s principal, said in a statement. Not only does it allow us to grow the agency but it gives us the ability to provide the best policies and service to our clients."

"We are thrilled to welcome Jim Doherty and his professional staff to our growing network of insurance agencies on the South Coast," Lawrence Wilson, president and CEO of Partners Insurance Group, said in a statement. "The addition of J.M. Doherty Insurance will allow Partners Insurance Group to better serve the insurance needs of the people in the greater New Bedford area."