BOSTON, Aug. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc. (the ``Company'') today announced the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held August 19, 2008.

Stockholders of the Company approved all three proposals submitted by the Board of Directors for their consideration, including the re-election of four nominees to the Board -- Vincent D. Basile, James P. Del Rossi, James G. Sartori and Paul T. Sullivan. Each of the four nominees was elected to serve a three-year term of office.

In addition, the Company's stockholders approved the Company's 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and ratified the appointment of Wolf & Company, P.C. as its independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2008.

Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for East Boston Savings Bank. East Boston Savings Bank is a Massachusetts chartered stock savings bank that operates from 11 full service locations in the greater Boston metropolitan area. At June 30, 2008, the Company had total assets of $1.1 billion, total deposits of $802 million and total stockholders' equity of $199 million.

          Meridian Interstate Bancorp, Inc.
          Richard J. Gavegnano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
          (781) 592-2999