Alberta’s Trusted Advisors™ to merge with Westland Insurance (Alberta)
Calgary, AB (Feb. 17, 2012) – Ken Hughes, Founder and President of Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc. and Cam Clay, Founder and President of Westland Insurance (Alberta) are pleased to announce the merger of the two brokerages effective immediately. Hughes and Clay are equal partners and Hughes will be appointed as Chairman and CEO, while Clay will be appointed as President and COO.
“The professionalism and ambition for growth shared by both brokerages made this merger the perfect opportunity,” says Hughes. Alpine is also strategically aligned with Canada’s largest and leading insurance underwriter. The new combined insurance brokerage will deliver nearly $50 million worth of insurance products to approximately 25,000 clients across Alberta. The merged company will continue to operate under the Alpine Insurance & Financial name, with five locations and 65 employees across the province in Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer.
According to Hughes, “Today’s evolving market conditions are affecting the insurance industry. With this merger, Alpine is becoming a real player in the insurance business in Alberta, with all the strengths needed for long-term success. We are able to ensure we meet the needs of our clients and provide the most appropriate coverage available.” He explains that both firms share a similar family approach to doing business.
The property and casualty brokerage insurance distribution channel has experienced substantial consolidation in recent years. Alpine is the result of a combination of nine brokerages over the past decade, and Westland is the combination of three brokerages. Many of the predecessor brokerages have a long history, and one of the predecessor brokerages was established as early as 1908. The families of Clay and Hughes also have an Alberta history that dates back to the 1890s and early 1900s.
About Alpine Insurance & Financial
Alpine Insurance & Financial will continue to focus on providing quality property and casualty insurance products, services and advice, including auto and home insurance, small business and commercial insurance.
Hughes and Clay will continue to actively seek opportunities to purchase more brokerages for further expansion. For more information visit www.alpineinsurance.ca
Tags: merger, Westland Insurance Group
