The merger between Hartford-based United Bank and Bridgeport, Connecticut-based People’s United Bank could happen as early as next week now that United’s shareholders have approved the proposal.

United Bank’s holding company, United Financial Bancorp, held a special shareholder meeting on Oct. 22 to seek approval to merge into People’s United Bank. About 77 percent of the eligible shares were represented in the vote either at the meeting or by proxy. The vote exceeded the two-thirds majority needed to approve the merger, with about 72 percent of the shares favoring the proposal. Shareholders also approved an executive compensation package, with about 60 percent of the vote. Only a majority was needed.

Major United Shareholder William McGurk had mounted a long-shot campaign to get the merger voted down. He has also filed one of several lawsuits seeking to stop the merger.

In an SEC filing last week, United Financial said the merger was expected to be completed on Nov. 1 once shareholder approval was received and customary closing conditions were met. In response to lawsuits filed by six shareholders seeking to delay the merger, United Financial last week also released more details about the merger’s background and the opinion of United’s financial adviser.

United Bank has about $7.3 billion in total assets, with People’s United holding about $51.3 billion. In Massachusetts, People’s United recently expanded by acquiring Farmington Bank in 2018 and Belmont Savings Bank earlier this year.