People's United plans to acquire United Financial for $759 million

People's United Financial Inc. said late Monday it agreed to acquire United Financial Bancorp Inc. for about $759 million in stock. People's United shares declined 1.3% after hours following a 1.4% decline to finish the regular session at $16.61. United Financial shares were halted prior to the announcement following a 0.6% decline to close at $14.02. The deal values United Financial shares at $14.74, or at a 5% premium to Monday's close. People's United said it expects to close the deal in the fourth quarter.

Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.