USI in the News

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced the closing of the acquisition of Molton, Allen & Williams, LLC ("MAW"), headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. The transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed. By combining MAW with the existing USI Birmingham office under MAW’s chairman and chief executive officer, John W. Williams, USI adds to its presence as one of the largest property and casualty and employee benefits firms in the Southeast region and nationally.

Founded in 1886 Molton, Allen & Williams, LLC, is one of the largest privately-held independent insurance agencies in Birmingham, Ala. MAW offers commercial and personal lines and employee benefits to clients across the Southeast from its offices in Birmingham and Pensacola, Fla.

Michael J. Sicard, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, of USI Insurance Services, said: "MAW’s reputation of delivering on large, complex risks is perfectly aligned with USI’s approach, which applies deep knowledge and technical resources to produce a breadth of solutions that drive down costs and strengthen a balance sheet. Through this acquisition, we partner with an experienced staff that will not only extend our presence in the Southeast but will help us realize our vision of becoming the national brand in the middle-market insurance brokerage industry."

"We have always thought of our company as a 127-year old startup company that continues to add new talent and fresh ideas to our core of experience, and I see those same values with USI,"said John W. Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, of MAW. "Through our partnership, our clients will now have the benefits that come from a nationally recognized broker while still maintaining the deep, local relationships that have been cultivated over our many years. We are excited to be joining USI, and I look forward to continuing to provide our clients an unparalleled sales experience that is now complemented by an expanded set of resources."

About Molton, Allen & Williams, LLC

Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., Molton, Allen & Williams, LLC, is a privately-owned, independent insurance brokerage and advisory firm. The Company serves commercial and individual clients across the Southeast from offices in Birmingham and Pensacola, Fla. Visit: www.mawins.com

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today that James P. Kane will join the Company as senior vice president of personal lines effective January 1, 2014. Kane will be responsible for USI’s nationwide personal insurance practice and will be located at the Mount Laurel, N.J. office.

"We’re excited to be adding Jim to our executive team, said Michael J. Sicard, USI’s president, chief executive officer and chairman. His extensive industry experience will play a critical role in USI’s drive to become the number one brand in the U.S. personal insurance brokerage industry. Jim’s ability to successfully design and implement individual risk management programs will also be invaluable as we continue to expand this key vertical by investing in new people, products and solutions.".

For over 25 years Kane has held positions with local and regional insurance agencies. Before joining USI, he was president of HUB International Personal Insurance and, prior to that, he was senior vice president of PLI Brokerage, which was sold to HUB International in 2005. Kane has also worked at CBIZ Insurance as vice president of personal insurance and at Sigel Insurance Group as a vice president.

Jim Kane said: "For almost 20 years, USI has been one of the leading insurance brokerage firms in the United States and among the top three largest personal lines brokers. They are known for regularly exceeding their client’s expectations and their high-touch service and proven industry knowledge matches perfectly with my approach to personal lines insurance. I am excited to be joining USI and I look forward to working with Mike and his team."

Kane’s commitment to the insurance industry also extends to education with teaching positions at the Insurance Society of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a faculty member from 1995-2005, he taught a Personal Risk Management Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) course as well as edited the homeowner’s chapters on personal risk management in the course’s textbook. Kane holds both the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and Certified Risk Managers (CRM) designations from the National Alliance.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today the appointment of Laurie Hoag-Winkler to senior vice president, employee benefits practice leader, for USI Colorado, formerly known as Van Gilder Insurance Corporation ("Van Gilder")”). In this new role, Hoag-Winkler will be responsible for managing the employee benefits practice in USI’s newly formed Rocky Mountain region and will be located in USI Colorado’s Denver office.

"Laurie brings more than 20 years experience in both the insurance and healthcare arenas, and she will play a critical role in helping us rapidly grow our employee benefits practice in the Rocky Mountain region," said Donald McG. Woods, USI Colorado’s regional chief executive officer. "As a former employee of Van Gilder, Laurie understands our clients’ needs and the high level of customer attention they have come to expect. She brings a wealth of talent and industry knowledge to our company, and I am excited to be working with Laurie."

Hoag-Winkler had been with Van Gilder for 14 years from 1996-2010, starting out as an employee benefits manager and eventually going on to become vice president of employee benefits. Prior to joining USI, she was vice president of employee benefits and group programs at IMA of Colorado, a retail insurance broker and subsidiary of The IMA Financial Group. In that role, Hoag-Winkler was responsible for the management of the employee benefits practice which included sales, underwriting and client service teams in three markets, producing a significant amount of new business over a three-year period.

Hoag-Winkler has a degree from Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology, and is a member of the Colorado Group Insurance Association, a non-profit professional organization committed to the challenges within the healthcare industry.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") today announced that it officially closed the previously announced acquisition of Van Gilder Insurance Corporation ("Van Gilder"), a full-service insurance brokerage firm serving clients in the Rocky Mountain region and across the United States. This acquisition reinforces USI’s mission of becoming the number one brand in the middle-market insurance brokerage industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Van Gilder’s name will be changing to USI Colorado.

Commenting on the acquisition Michael J. Sicard, president, chief executive officer and chairman of USI, said: "Van Gilder and USI have shared strengths of delivering unparalleled, local service by a team of professionals who have deep industry knowledge and always go the extra mile for their clients. Through this acquisition, we are expanding into the Rocky Mountain region, an area that USI did not have a large presence in previously. I am pleased to welcome Don and his team and, together, I look forward to growing our business in this region."

"We are excited to become a part of USI’s growing family and look forward to rapidly growing in the Rocky Mountain region. We will continue to be a leader in the industry and remain focused on ensuring our customers receive the same, great service they have enjoyed for more than one hundred and eight years," said current Van Gilder president, Donald McG. Woods, who will become the regional chief executive officer for the newly formed Rocky Mountain region which will focus on Colorado and select western states.

Dell Van Gilder, Jr., former chairman of Van Gilder’s board of directors, said: "The combination of our two businesses will enable us to offer our clients additional solutions while maintaining a high level of specialized customer attention we have become known for providing throughout the Rocky Mountain region. We have a great partnership underway with Mike and his team, and I look forward to building new customer relationships of trust in the coming years."

About Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Van Gilder Insurance is a privately held insurance brokerage firm serving clients in the Rocky Mountain region and across the U.S. The company offers business insurance, employee benefits programs, risk management services and personal insurance products.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today that James P. Kane will join the Company as senior vice president of personal lines effective January 1, 2014. Kane will be responsible for USI’s nationwide personal insurance practice and will be located at the Mount Laurel, N.J. office.

Founded in 1905, Van Gilder is a full-service insurance brokerage firm serving clients in the Rocky Mountain region and across the United States. The company offers business insurance, employee benefits programs, risk management services and personal insurance products for individuals. By acquiring Van Gilder, USI’s footprint has been extended into the Rocky Mountain region and further strengthens the Company vision of becoming the number one brand in the middle-market insurance brokerage industry.

While Van Gilder will change its name to USI Colorado, the company’s office and employees will remain in Denver to continue serving clients. Van Gilder president, Donald McG. Woods, and chief financial officer, Edward M. Harrington, Jr., will remain in their leadership roles.

Michael J. Sicard, president, chief executive officer and chairman of USI, said: "For over a century, Van Gilder has been working with clients to listen, learn and assess their needs. In addition to delivering top-notch solutions that are competitively priced, their experienced staff provides ongoing education, advice and guidance to make the insurance process even easier. Through this acquisition, we are not only expanding our national footprint, but our mutual strengths in client service and industry knowledge will benefit both Van Gilder and USI’s clients. I am pleased to be partnering with Don and his team, and I look forward to working together to become the middle-market leader with unparalleled depth and breadth of resources."

"Our acquisition by USI represents a very important step in our current strategic plan to grow our services and products for clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region," Woods said. "For our customers and employees, it will remain business as usual. Our customers will continue to receive the same high level of service, and there won’t be any changes to current policies. We’ll be focused on ensuring a smooth transition in the coming months and collaborating with the USI team."

Dell Van Gilder, Jr., former chairman of Van Gilder’s board of directors, said: "Selling Van Gilder to USI is a positive decision for our company, our people and customers. As a part of USI, our priority will remain serving clients with integrity and best-in-class risk management solutions, just as we’ve done for nearly 110 years."

About Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Van Gilder Insurance is a privately held insurance brokerage firm serving clients in the Rocky Mountain region and across the U.S. The company offers business insurance, employee benefits programs, risk management services and personal insurance products.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") today announced the launch of a private insurance exchange to help clients manage their employee benefits. As a leading national benefits broker and consultant, USI has developed a broad and deep set of solutions to help employers control the costs of their benefits plans. This private exchange offering will be integrated with USI’s solutions and will provide clients and their employees with an additional tool to help them budget for, evaluate and purchase their employee benefits.

USI is launching this new partnership with Liazon, operator of the Bright Choices^® Exchange, the industry-leading private benefits exchange for businesses across the U.S. The Bright Choices Exchange is a proven technology that is available immediately and is easy to deploy and communicate to employees. With this platform, USI’s clients have an additional tool that can help to save time and money on employee benefits while transitioning to a defined contribution funding strategy. At the same time, the client’s employees will be able to personalize their benefits package and make smarter benefits selections that best fit their individual circumstances.

Michael Sicard, chairman, president and chief executive officer of USI, said, "USI is offering a private exchange option with plan designs and consumer-engagement tools. We will be integrating the Bright Choices Exchange with our extensive set of solutions to help consumers and the employers who help subsidize their choices better control costs as the Affordable Care Act plays out in the commercial market."

"Progressive brokers like USI are looking for new solutions to bring better benefits options to their clients," said Liazon’s chief executive officer and co-founder, Ashok Subramanian. "Bright Choices helps businesses control costs while increasing employee satisfaction – a rare combination."

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced the closing of the acquisition of Richard J. Princinsky & Associates, Inc., (“RJP”) located in Hunt Valley, MD. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Established in 1976, RJP has partnered with businesses, both corporate and non-profit, to provide a one source solution for employee benefits programs focusing on strategic planning, regulatory compliance, HR support, corporate wellness solutions, custom benefits communications and retirement plan services. The acquisition expands USI’s employee benefit practice into the state of Maryland, and further enhances the Company’s position as one of the leading employee benefits brokerage firms in the MidAtlantic region and nationally.

"For more than 37 years, RJP has been successfully helping employers develop, understand and manage their group insurance and benefits so they can focus on what they do best – running their businesses," said Michael J. Sicard, president, chief executive officer and chairman of USI. "With Rick and the entire team, USI welcomes a talented group of expert professionals, and I look forward to leveraging our combined strengths as a market leader with unique breadth and depth of resources."

"RJP’s strong relationships are a perfect match for USI’s consultative approach of providing custom insurance solutions in the middle market space," said Richard J. Princinsky, president and owner of RJP. "Through this partnership, our clients will have access to USI’s full suite of customized risk management and benefit products while enjoying the high level of service that they have come to expect. We are pleased to be joining the USI team, and I look forward to continuing our long-standing tradition of providing the personal attention and comprehensive services that benefit our clients’ businesses."

John J. Micale, USI DC Metro’s president and healthcare practice leader, said," RJP’s ability to deliver high quality, cost effective employee benefit solutions fit perfectly with our strategy. Our new partner will significantly accelerate our current expansion into healthcare reform navigation, strategic benefits planning and wellness solutions for our MidAtlantic clients. We couldn't be more pleased to have Rick and his team join us and welcome them to the USI family."

About Richard J. Princinsky & Associates, Inc.

Located in Hunt Valley, MD, RJP is a one source solution for employee benefits programs, focusing on strategic planning, regulatory compliance, HR support, corporate wellness solutions, custom benefits communications, and retirement plan services.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced the closing of the acquisition of Alliance Benefit Solutions located in Shelton, CT. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2002, Alliance Benefit Solutions designs and implements employee benefits and wellness programs for individuals, families and companies of all sizes. By combining the existing USI Westport, CT office with Alliance Benefit Solutions office, USI reaffirms its marketshare position as one of the largest employee benefits brokerage firms in the New England region.

Joseph J. Fico, regional chief executive officer of USI New England, said, "Alliance Benefit Solutions has a reputation for helping customers navigate through complex healthcare landscapes, and delivering them a superior benefits plan with value-added support. They build long-lasting partnerships with both individuals and businesses by focusing on the client’s specific challenges and requirements, and then offering a solution that drives better value for the spend. USI leverages a resource-intensive, consultative process that aligns perfectly with their client focus and group specialization business model. This acquisition will undoubtedly further strengthen our position as a leading employee benefits broker in New England and plays an important role in USI’s vision of becoming the national brand in the middle market and specialty market. I am pleased to have Larry and his experienced team join us and welcome them to USI."

"We are excited to be joining the talented folks at USI," said Laurence J. Cass, Jr., president and founder of Alliance Benefit Solutions. "The combination of our employee benefits practices will enable us to offer additional products and services to individuals, families and businesses, and it also allows for strategic partnering in future growth opportunities. With this acquisition, we will continue to provide the local, intimate attention our customers currently enjoy, but they will now have the added benefit of tapping into a deep pool of technical resources that comes from partnering with a nationally-recognized insurance brokerage firm."

About Alliance Benefit Solutions

Located in Shelton, CT, Alliance Benefit Solutions provides group health benefits, individual health insurance, and health and wellness programs. The Company designs creative, cost-effective benefits solutions that help customers stay in compliance, enjoy lower health insurance premiums and successfully meet their healthcare plan goals. Visit: www.alliancebenefitsolutions.com

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced today that it is ranked 100 in the 2013 InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation's most innovative users of business technology. USI has ranked in InformationWeek's top 500 for the past two years, but this is the Company's first time earning a prestigious spot in the top 100.

This award was given in recognition of USI's innovation in collaborating across the industry with carrier partners to electronically receive insurance documents, verify the document types, and then automatically route them via a workflow engine to the appropriate recipient and work process, thus saving significant time and resources.

Stewart Gibson, USI's senior vice president and chief information officer, said, "We are extremely honored to have ranked 100 in this year's InformationWeek's 500 ranking. Being selected to be in the top 100 is an extraordinary testament to USI's commitment to enhancing our technological resources through innovation and investment."

"The theme of this year's InformationWeek 500 is digital business. It's a movement, rooted in data analytics, mobile computing, social networking and other customer-focused technologies that are turning companies and industries on their ear," said InformationWeek editor in chief, Rob Preston. "Every enterprise is now a digital business-or needs to become one fast. The companies in our ranking are leading the way."

Gibson added, "As USI continues to be on the fast track for growth, our technology must grow and evolve, too. We have responded to the increasing digital demands of our clients and employees by constantly looking for ways to improve how we interact and communicate. I am excited to be in this top-tier group of technology innovators, and I look forward to USI continuing to lead the charge in our industry for years to come."

technology with its annual InformationWeek 500 listing, and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments, and administrative practices of some of the best known organizations in the country. Its rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. USI Insurance Services is one of only a select few insurance brokerage firms to make this prestigious list for three consecutive years. Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found at www.informationweek.com/iw500/.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

About InformationWeek Business Technology Network

For more than 30 years, InformationWeek has provided millions of IT executives worldwide with the insight and perspective they need to leverage the business value of technology. InformationWeek provides CIOs and IT executives with commentary, analysis and research through its online community, digital issues, webcasts, proprietary research and live, in person events. InformationWeek is produced by UBM Tech, a global media business that offers a full range of marketing services based on its content and technology market expertise, including custom events, content marketing solutions, community development and demand generation programs. Visit www.informationweek.com for more information.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") announced the closing of the acquisition of Cohen-Seltzer, Inc., in Fort Washington, PA. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A third generation family-owned insurance agency formed in 1926, Cohen-Seltzer, Inc., provides comprehensive risk management programs and financial solutions for both commercial and personal lines of business. By combining the existing USI Plymouth Meeting, PA office with Cohen-Seltzer, USI extends its reach as one of the largest middle-market insurance brokerage firms in the MidAtlantic region.

Michael J. Sicard, president, chief executive officer and chairman of USI, said, "I am very excited to be expanding our existing operations with Cohen-Seltzer. Bob and his team are known for not just selling policies, but offering creative business solutions that successfully reduce risk and protect assets continually. As a customer-centric organization that prides itself on a team-shared approach, their core values align perfectly with USI’s resource-intensive, consultative business model. This acquisition enables us to further expand our market share in the MidAtlantic and plays an important role in USI’s mission of becoming the national brand in the middle market and specialty market. I couldn't be more pleased to have Bob, Dan and their talented team join us."

“We look forward to partnering with USI,” said Robert S. Seltzer, chairman of Cohen-Seltzer, Inc. “For almost 100 years, Cohen-Seltzer has been providing businesses and their families the guidance they need to make the best decisions and protect their assets. With this acquisition, we will continue to provide the local, individual attention our clients have come to expect, but they will now have the added benefit of enjoying expanded solutions and a deep pool of resources that comes from partnering with a nationally-recognized insurance brokerage firm such as USI.”

Alexander S. Cohen & Company was established by Mr. Cohen in 1926. Robert S. Seltzer joined the firm in 1956 and the firm’s name changed to Cohen-Seltzer, Inc. Bob’s son, B. Daniel Seltzer, trained at Lloyd’s of London and joined the firm in 1982. He is currently serving as Cohen-Seltzer’s president and chief executive officer and when asked about the acquisition, Daniel Seltzer said, “Cohen-Seltzer shares in USI’s value proposition of providing clients with a comprehensive risk management plan that digs out the salient questions and expands the dialogue from an insurance checklist to a proven and measureable process. I am thrilled to be joining USI and its experienced group of insurance professionals, and I look forward to working with Mike and his team on further accelerating strategic growth opportunities in the MidAtlantic region.”

About Cohen-Seltzer, Inc.

Cohen-Seltzer, Inc., is a third generation family-owned insurance agency founded in 1926 and headquartered in Fort Washington, PA. Known for being a customer-intimate boutique organization, the company provides corporate risk management and personal risk management solutions for a wide range of accounts. Cohen-Seltzer is licensed in over 40 states and is a founding member of Intersure, an idea exchange symposium enabling access to the best minds in the insurance industry. Additional information about Cohen-Seltzer may be found at www.cosel.com.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") today announced the closing of the acquisition of Welsch Flatness and Lutz, Inc., (“WFL”) and Construction Insurance Partners (“CIP”), both based in Saint Louis, MO. By combining the existing USI office in Saint Louis with WFL and CIP, USI Insurance Services becomes one of the largest middle-market insurance brokerage firms in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed

Welsch Flatness and Lutz, Inc., provides a wide-ranging portfolio of such insurance services as commercial, surety bonds, employee benefits and private client solutions. Construction Insurance Partners is a full-service, wrap-up broker for owner controlled insurance programs (OCIP) and contractor controlled insurance programs (CCIP).

Thomas D. Cassady, USI’s regional CEO for the Midwest, said, "WFL and CIP understand the importance of the establishment and management of long-term, one-on-one client relationships. With this acquisition, we will leverage their talents to continue our acceleration of expansion in the Midwest. I couldn't be more pleased to have both Dennis and John join the USI family."

“We are excited to be joining the USI family,” said Dennis D. Flatness, president and CEO of Welsch Flatness and Lutz, Inc. “Managing risk is a continuous challenge in today’s environment and success is now defined by a broker’s ability to deliver measurable solutions that place the client’s issues front and center, and yield a meaningful economic impact. USI is at the forefront in this new way of thinking, and their local, service-oriented relationships fit perfectly with our vision. I look forward to working with Dean and Tom, and to executing on strategic growth opportunities in the future.”

Dean A. Eggerding, employee benefits practice leader located in Saint Louis, MO, said, “Through this acquisition, USI broadens its suite of insurance solutions and wrap-up business, while being able to offer WFL and CIP’s clients expanded resources that come from having a national footprint. I am excited to be partnering with such an experienced staff and look forward to working with John and Dennis.”

John J. Campbell, founding partner and president of Construction Insurance Partners said, “CIP remains committed to delivering exceptional OCIP and CCIP services while our clients enjoy the added opportunities made available through this acquisition. As a USI Company, we are excited to be working with an organization whose value proposition is based upon discussing a breadth of relevant client topics, presenting a depth of solutions that address those issues and then demonstrating how those solutions translate into meaningful, measurable results. While we embrace USI’s approach, CIP will continue to work as an independent division that works directly with independent agents and brokers to assist on all levels of wrap-up services for its clients and prospects.

About Welsch Flatness and Lutz, Inc.

Welsch Flatness and Lutz, Inc., provides a comprehensive portfolio of insurance products and specialized services tailored to a business. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, WFL worked one-on-one to build long lasting partnerships with growing businesses. Visit www.wfl-stl.com for more information.

About Construction Insurance Partners

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Construction Insurance Partners works with other independent agents and brokers to provide all necessary wrap-up insurance services whether general liability only or full workers’ compensation and general liability wrap-up programs. The CIP team has worked on projects nationwide with construction values totaling in excess of $30 Billion. Visit www.cip-stl.com for more information.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services LLC ("USI") today announced the closing of the acquisition of Pediatrics Insurance Consultants ("PIC") based in Chicago, IL. PIC is the insurance member benefits broker, marketer and administrator for the American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP"). PIC will become a part of USI Affinity, a division of USI Insurance Services, its affinity business unit. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Douglas W. Kreitzberg, USI Affinity CEO, said, "The PIC and USI Affinity teams have a shared culture of world class customer service combined with product and marketing innovation for our respective customers. Given the long-term relationship with the Academy, we are honored that PIC's principal, Holly Myers, has entrusted us with providing the Academy members and their families with products that not only provide peace of mind, but also serve as a vehicle for furthering the noble mission of the AAP. We wish Holly well as she pursues a well-deserved retirement and welcome her team to USI Affinity."

"It has truly been an honor and a privilege for me to be a part of both the PIC and AAP families," said Holly I. Myers, JD, owner and principal of PIC. "I have no doubt that USI Affinity will bring the same level of commitment and excellence to the AAP that it has come to expect over the past 35 years. Our experienced team will now become USI Affinity employees and continue to service the AAP and its members. I know that I am leaving PIC and the AAP in good hands."

USI Affinity maintains a national footprint in the affinity marketing business and is a leader in providing insurance member benefits to affinity organizations and is committed to creating strong and lasting partnerships with its clients.

About PIC

Located in Chicago, IL, Pediatrics Insurance Consultants, Inc., has been providing insurance to AAP members for 35 years. The Company works with the AAP Group Insurance Trust to provide the best coverage and service to Fellows. Insurance products include group term life insurance, disability, dental, group accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and more. Visit http://www.aapinsurance.com.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

About USI Affinity

USI Affinity is a division of USI Insurance Services, the nation's third largest privately held insurance broker. The Company specializes in helping organizations provide insurance member benefit programs to its membership. For over 75 years, USI Affinity has developed, marketed and administered insurance and member benefits programs that offer association clients unique advantages in coverage, price and service. The Company markets and administers a variety of Life-Health, Disability and Property and Casualty insurance programs for over 440 organizations nationwide, representing more than 22 million Association, Union and alumni members.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014

USI Insurance Services ("USI") today announced the closing of the acquisition of Wick Pilcher Insurance, Inc. based in Phoenix, Ariz. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Formed in 1992, Wick Pilcher Insurance provides comprehensive insurance programs for all facets of employee benefits, commercial and personal risk. By combining the existing USI office in Phoenix with Wick Pilcher Insurance, USI becomes one of the largest middle-market insurance brokerage firms in the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Thomas R. Lewis, USI’s regional CEO for the West, said, "I am very excited to be expanding and merging our existing operations in Phoenix under Wick’s leadership. Wick and his team have been providing clients competitive pricing and outstanding service for more than 20 years. We are partnering with an experienced staff that truly understands all aspects of the mid-market insurance business. Their reputation for being proactive in analyzing and developing effective programs is a perfect complement to USI’s resource-intensive, consultative strategy of delivering economically justified results to risk and employee benefit challenges. I couldn't be more pleased to have Wick and his team join us."

“We look forward to partnering with USI,” said William “Wick” W. Pilcher, II, president and CEO of Wick Pilcher Insurance. “The Pilcher legacy of placing our client’s needs above all else remains our primary goal. I continue to be committed to our clients, our employees and our company, today as well as in positioning ourselves for the future.”

About Wick Pilcher Insurance

Wick Pilcher Insurance is a second generation independent insurance agency with more than 20 years experience. The Pilcher family has been in the insurance industry since 1950, providing insurance solutions to businesses and individuals throughout Arizona. Competitive pricing, professional team members and exceptional individualized client services set the agency apart from its competitors. Visit www.wickpilcherins.com.

About USI Insurance Services

Founded in 1994, USI is the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States and the 14th largest in the world. USI is headquartered in Valhalla, NY, and operates out of approximately 100 offices across the United States. Additional information about USI may be found at www.usi.com.

¹Business Insurance Largest Privately Owned Brokers, July 21, 2014
² Insurance Journal’s 2013 Top 50 Privately Held Personal Lines
(excludes non standard auto brokers-aggregators) and Insurance Journal’s 2014 Privately Held Commercial Lines Leader Ranking
³ Best's Review's Leader Issue July 2014, Top Global Insurance Brokers Ranking
⁴ Business Insurance Largest Benefits Brokers, July 21, 2014