Professional Services

Webster-based Commerce Insurance Co. agreed Monday to pay the state $14.6 million to settle claims that it overcharged motorcycle owners on their insurance policies.

On the same day that a legislative committee heard testimony about restricting the use of non-compete employment agreements, the Senate arrived at a compromise during its debate on a jobs bill that would limit the duration of such agreements to six months and prohibit their use for hourly employees.

Mass Web Printing's facility in Auburn will close July 3 as part of the company's sale, resulting in the loss of up to 33 jobs.

The Telgram & Gazette of Worcester laid off at least 20 news staffers Monday as a new owner took the helm.

The leading daily newspaper in Central Massachusetts will soon have its third owner in less than a year. The Telegram & Gazette of Worcester is being sold to Halifax Media Group of Daytona Beach Fla., the company announced Wednesday. The closing date for the newspaper, as well as its website, has not been announced, Halifax said in a statement. However, the T&G reported that the deal is expected to close by June 1 after the T&G reduces its 180-person staff by an undisclosed number.

The Hanover Insurance Group reported a 5.4-percent jump in first-quarter revenue and a 15-percent increase in operating income in spite of tougher winter weather that can lead to higher insurance claims from property damage.

Natick-based Eastern Insurance Group LLC said Thursday it has acquired Smith Buckley & Hunt, a 12-person insurance agency based in Brockton.

Massachusetts has been given an additional year to transition to a new system under the Affordable Care Act that would change the way insurance carriers calculate premiums for businesses and potentially drive up the cost for many employers.

Providence-based law firm Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP (PS&H), a business law and litigation firm with offices in Westborough, announced the opening of a new Boston office on Wednesday.

TelexFREE of Marlborough has denied allegations made by the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office that the telecommunications company is operating a $1.1 billion Ponzi scheme.