HIGH RIVER, AB, December 19, 2005 – Western Financial Group (�Western Financial Group� or �the Company�) is pleased to announce the acquisitions of NHI Agencies in Coronation, Alberta, a busy oil & gas and farming centre, Pender Island Agencies in Pender Island, B.C, a growing tourism and retirement area in the Gulf Islands, and Leroy Agencies in Leroy, Saskatchewan, which brings a leading insurance program in the hog farming industry.
Additional acquisitions that are scheduled to close by the end of 2005 include Corridor Agencies in Spruce Grove, Golden Eagle Agencies in Vegreville, and County Agencies in Leduc, Alberta, all fast growing centres with strong local economies.
In addition to these acquisitions, the Company has sold one of its two operations in Red Deer, Alberta in order to better focus its resources in that community. WFG Commercial Insurance was purchased by Platinum Insurance and Western Financial Group continues to operate in Red Deer through Kenmex Agencies.
About Western Financial Group
Western Financial Group is one of the leading western-based financial service companies in Western Canada. With offices in towns and small cities across the West, the Company and its affiliates provide more than 250,000 customers with insurance, investment and banking products through WFG Agency Network, Western Life and Bank West.
