By Lauren Otis, The Packet Group
Martin Tuchman, former chairman and chief executive officer of Interpool, Inc., has acquired 24.9 percent of the common stock of Lawrence-based First Choice Bank.
Randy Hanks, president and CEO of First Choice Bank, confirmed that Mr. Tuchman had taken the stake in the community bank — reported in regulatory filings — which has been in operation since 2007.
”The bank is pleased to have him as a shareholder,” Mr. Hanks said. He said more details of Mr. Tuchman’s participation in the bank would be forthcoming.
Mr. Tuchman co-founded Interpool, a container and chassis lessor, in 1968. In July 2007 the company was acquired by private equity funds affiliated with Fortress Investment Group LLC.
Mr. Tuchman is chairman of the board of directors of Princeton International Properties, Inc., a family-owned real estate company, which owns and has interests in properties located in Princeton. He was a significant shareholder in Yardville National Bank, which was acquired by PNC Bank in 2007.

