LANCASTER, PA-In unrelated transactions, two locally based institutions join the continuing spate of bank mergers. Fulton buys First Washington for $124.4 million, adding 16 branches. Sterling acquires Pennsylvania State Banking for $44 million, adding six branches.

PHILADELPHIA-The locally based commercial real estate advisory joins the Plano, TX-based consortium of independents. Headed by principal Jack Soloff Jr., SSH completes more than $100 million a year in transactions in this area.

PHILADELPHIA-After assuming full ownership of the facility following foreclosure proceedings, the Virginia-based meat processor will shutter the plant, now operating as Showcase Foods. A $226-million food fight looms as Pennexx files suit.

BETHLEHEM, PA-Broad Street Advisors sells the 85,000-sf office/manufacturing facility in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VI here. It was built for B. Braun Biotech, which will occupy it under a new 10-year, triple-net lease.

PARKESBURG, PA-The lease contains an expansion and renewal option allowing it to double warehousing operations here to 60,000 sf under a term ending in 2012. Rental rate in the 42-acre complex is $3.65 per sf.

PHILADELPHIA-AFC Realty Capital, a New York-based firm with ties to Philadelphia, and locally based Altman Group rescue prime real estate, abandoned in the 1990s, for Liberty Court at Society Hill, a $42-million, 35-unit townhouse development.

POTTSTOWN, PA-Bala Cynwyd, PA-based Stoltz Real Estate Fund I pays just over $133 per sf for the 800,000-sf regional mall. It is more than 98% occupied, anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods, Sears, Boscov's and Bon Ton.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA-The chairman and CEO of Waltham, MA-based Epoch Senior Living Inc. joins the REIT's board of trustees for a three-year term. Kramont shareholders also re-elect Bernard Korman for a three-year term.