Acquisition provides growth opportunities for both companies and increased value for clients
Cambridge, ON (Jan. 6, 2015) – Cowan Insurance Group, a pre-eminent insurance brokerage and consulting operation in Canada, has announced that it has acquired The Williamson Group (TWG), a client-focused financial services company focused on providing employer sponsored benefits, pensions, and disability management programs, as well as individual financial services. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Don Williamson, President, The Williamson Group will report directly to Heather McLachlin, President, Cowan Insurance Group, with The Williamson Group employees continuing in their current roles.
Both companies have long histories of profitable growth, and are extremely well aligned in terms of client-focus and reputation for delivering value. This transaction provides the opportunity to accelerate growth by collectively offering businesses, organizations and individuals consultative advice through local, national and international markets with multi-line products and services to meet their risk management and insurance needs.
“The acquisition of TWG aligns well with our strategy for Cowan on a number of fronts,” said Heather McLachlin, President, Cowan Insurance Group. “The culture, values and approach when dealing with clients of our two organizations are extremely similar; we have complementary yet unique products and services, so together we will have a broader product shelf for clients to choose from; and both TWG and Cowan have strong local, regional, national and international relationships and offerings that position the combined company well for future growth.”
“We also discovered a common emphasis on thought leadership driven by highly capable and talented team members who are experts in their chosen fields,” added McLachlin.
The addition of TWG as a Cowan Company, increases Cowan’s footprint to approximately 450 employees operating out of 10 locations including Cambridge, Kitchener, Ottawa, Paris, Hamilton, Woodstock, Stratford, Burford and two offices in Brantford.
“We believe this change will produce extensive opportunities for both our clients and our employees,” said Don Williamson, President, The Williamson Group. “We’ve worked closely with Cowan on this, and have been impressed by their continued dedication to our organization, our people, our brand, and our development. We’re confident that together we will continue to grow in exciting new ways.”
About Cowan Insurance Group
Cowan Insurance Group is one of the pre-eminent insurance brokerage and consulting operations in Canada, operating out of nine locations in Ontario. Representing national and international insurance companies, Cowan specializes in providing the best value to businesses, organizations and individuals for their insurance and risk management needs, as well as advising and creating retirement, group benefits and disability management programs for employee groups; and wealth management, financial planning and succession planning services to individuals. Cowan Insurance Group has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, first earning this prestigious national designation in 2012 and re-qualifying again in 2013. Cowan has also been named one of Canada’s Top 10 Brokerages for 2014 by Insurance Business Magazine. For more information about Cowan Insurance Group, visit www.cowangroup.ca.
About The Williamson Group
The Williamson Group is a family-owned financial services firm based in Brantford, Ontario. Founded by Paul Williamson, FCA, CLU in 1976, The Williamson Group provides integrated solutions for employer sponsored benefits, pensions, and disability management programs, as well as individual financial services for executives. A boutique operation with over 300 corporate clients across Canada and an international network of advisors spanning the globe, The Williamson Group is known for having a strong culture of caring for its clients, colleagues and communities. For more information about The Williamson Group, visit www.williamsongroup.com.
Source: Cowan Insurance Group
Tags: boutique, Cowan Insurance Group
