Broker committed to channel purchases independent firm
Toronto, ON (Aug. 5, 2016) – Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. is excited to announce an important milestone in the history of our firm. On July 29, 2016, Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. acquired Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd.
“We are excited to welcome the staff at Erb and Erb to our Lackner McLennan team,” said David Stark, CEO of Lackner McLennan. “There is an excellent alignment of values and goals between our two organizations and we know this acquisition will position us to better serve our clients.”
“As partners at Erb and Erb, we are committed to the broker channel and are proud of our heritage in Waterloo Region,” says James Chmiel President of Erb and Erb. “Although it likely would have been advantageous, we did not entertain any offers from insurance companies, brokers, or other entities outside of the Waterloo Region. Our priority was and is the long term well-being of our staff and clients. This commitment governed all of our decisions.”
Both firms have been recognized for their aggressive pursuits of new technology solutions, offering mobile apps, digital marketing, and online bind and purchase options. Over the next few years the firms will continue to bolster product offerings, service and technology advances to create a dynamic and expanding business.
“Our industry is witnessing incredible technology advancements that will have a deep impact on how we do business,” says Stephen Bleizeffer, Partner, Lackner McLennan. “As a result, we recognized the importance of gaining resources, strength and scale to position the firm for future success. We at Lackner McLennan look forward to celebrating Erb and Erb’s 100th anniversary in 2019.”
“Both Lackner McLennan and Erb and Erb are passionate about their communities and strong supporters of charities, non-profit children’s organizations and more,” says Cameron Yule, Partner, Lackner McLennan. “We feel this change will result in greater, positive benefits for all our clients and our community.”
“Having a combined market share greater than $55 Million of gross written premium means we have more clout and authority to work with our insurance partners on behalf of our clients. This means we can provide better products,” says Dean McKillop, Partner, Lackner McLennan.
Erb and Erb and Lackner McLennan will continue to operate as their own entities for the next few years to provide continuity for both staff and clients, providing the same level of service clients have come to expect.
About Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd.
Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. is a long-standing member of the Kitchener-Waterloo business community. For more than 70 years, Lackner McLennan has been known as an outstanding Kitchener-Waterloo insurance brokerage. The business going forward will be operated by six partners and a staff of dedicated insurance specialists and support personnel. Our wealth of experience in the Personal Insurance arena compliments our commercial offerings. Please visit their site at www.lmicanada.com.
About Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd, one of Waterloo Region’s largest independent insurance firms, was established in Kitchener in 1919. Their offices are located in downtown Kitchener; and their 65 employees offer a broad suite of Personal and Commercial Insurance, as well as Life Insurance and Financial Services products. Please visit their website at www.erb-erb.com.
Source: Erb and Erb Insurance Brokers Ltd.
