Mergers & Acquisition

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Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory Services

THERE ARE CLEAR ADVANTAGES TO PARTNERING WITH THE TOP-RANKED M&A ADVISORY FIRM

From preparation to deal negotiation, MarshBerry’s team of expert M&A advisors work with insurance brokerages and wealth advisory firms looking to buy or sell. Through a timely, controlled and well-designed M&A strategy, our experience and dedication to process aligns your strategic objectives with a focus on maximizing value. Choose a trusted MarshBerry M&A advisor to ensure you have the necessary tools to take the next step.

Insurance and Wealth Management Firm M&A Services

MarshBerry offers comprehensive M&A services that help guide you through the entire process. M&A transactions are complex proceedings that require extensive, detailed plans in the areas of strategic planning, valuation, due diligence and deal structuring.

MarshBerry advisors are experts and understand the unique challenges and opportunities of mergers and acquisitions for insurance brokerages and wealth management firms. Whether you want to expand your market share, diversify your offerings or position your business for growth, MarshBerry is here to help.

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CONTACT THE M&A ADVISORY TEAM

MarshBerry’s team of advisors are thought leaders and experts in the insurance brokerage and financial services industries. As a client, your firm benefits from their combined hands-on experience and professional designations in finance, accounting and economics. No matter what your needs are, they have the understanding to craft a personalized solution.

Talk to an M&A Advisor today

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John Wepler
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
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Phil Trem
President, Financial Advisory
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Tommy McDonald
Managing Director
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Gerard Vecchio
Managing Director, Specialty Practice Co-Head
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George Bucur
Managing Director & Specialty Practice, Co-Head
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Kim Kovalski
Managing Director
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Eric Hallinan
Managing Director
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Christopher Darst
Managing Director
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Rob Hamilton
Managing Director
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Dan Skowronski
Managing Director
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Brian Ambrosia
Director
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Justin Starnes
Director
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Allison Dassani
Director, Chief Operating Officer - Financial Advisory
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Courtney Ferrara
Director
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John Wepler
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

A vital resource in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), John Wepler has personally advised on more than 300 M&A and Capital Markets transactions since joining MarshBerry in 1991. He is an in-demand industry speaker because of his extensive knowledge in organic growth management, valuation enhancement strategies, business planning, perpetuation, financial management and M&A. As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MarshBerry—and CEO of the wholly-owned FINRA registered broker/dealer MarshBerry Capital, LLC—John’s leadership and industry experience has benefited many insurance industry professionals.

Phil Trem
President, Financial Advisory

As President of MarshBerry's Financial Advisory Division, Phil brings extensive knowledge in merger & acquisition (M&A) advisory and operations, specifically in the business and technology arenas and is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His experience encompasses the full life cycle of an M&A transaction for independently-owned insurance agents & brokers, specialty distributors, wealth management advisors, retirement planning specialists, private equity firms, banks & credit unions and insurance carriers.

Tommy McDonald
Managing Director

As a shareholder of the firm, and a Director in MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory Division, Tommy focuses his time on delivering valuable advice and counsel to his clients. In his 14+ year career, Tommy has built extensive knowledge in the insurance distribution space in areas involving merger and acquisition advisory, organic growth best practices, financial management, valuation, perpetuation and strategic planning.

Gerard Vecchio
Managing Director, Specialty Practice Co-Head

Gerard Vecchio joined MarshBerry in 2017 and works specifically with the Insurance Services Division of MarshBerry. Gerard’s responsibilities include providing strategic and operational consulting services to specialty insurance distributors, insurance carriers and outsourced service providers within the insurance industry.

George Bucur
Managing Director & Specialty Practice, Co-Head

Focusing on specialty distribution and markets within MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory practice, George brings to MarshBerry extensive knowledge in merger & acquisition (M&A) transactions. In addition to being a trusted advisor to sellers and buyers within the specialty insurance arena, George provides valuation, succession planning, strategic planning, financial benchmarking and other financial consultative services.

Kim Kovalski
Managing Director

Kim Kovalski joined MarshBerry in 2021 and is charged with providing strategic and operational consulting services to MarshBerry’s client base of independently-owned insurance agents & brokers, specialty distributors, wealth advisory industry, private equity firms, banks & credit unions and insurance carriers.

Eric Hallinan
Managing Director

Eric Hallinan joined MarshBerry in 2011, bringing with him significant experience in insurance firm operations, finance, and technology. He is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His involvement covers the full gamut of a merger & acquisition (M&A) transaction, and he works hard to provide clients with a seamless, comprehensive experience.

Christopher Darst
Managing Director

Christopher Darst joined MarshBerry in 1998 as a Financial Analyst responsible for the preparation of business valuation reports, perpetuation plans, and general consulting projects. In 2001, he moved to California to help launch the Dana Point office. With increased experience and responsibility, Chris expanded his responsibilities to include merger and acquisition ("M&A") work for various MarshBerry clients.

Rob Hamilton
Managing Director

Rob Hamilton joined MarshBerry in 2002 and currently serves as a Managing Director within the Financial Advisory division of the firm. Rob is a key contributor to MarshBerry's merger and acquisition and consulting practices. He is a trusted partner for buyers and sellers who depend on his proficiency at deal negotiation, due diligence, deal execution and integration planning. His primary responsibilities include merger and acquisition valuation and analysis, due diligence, deal negotiation and integration planning.

Dan Skowronski
Managing Director

Dan Skowronski joined MarshBerry in 1994 as a Financial Analyst. He was promoted to Consultant soon thereafter and played a major role in the preparation of appraisal reports, perpetuation plans, and general consulting projects. He helped create and improve many of the models used by MarshBerry consultants to assist clients with valuation, perpetuation planning and merger and acquisition (M&A) projects. Promotions to Senior Consultant and Vice President over the next few years coincided with increased client- facing responsibilities in M&A advisory for various clients.

Brian Ambrosia
Director

Brian is a Director at MarshBerry and a member of MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory team. He has extensive experience advising insurance brokers in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and other financial advisory services such as valuation, compensation consulting and perpetuation planning.

James Graham
Director

James Graham joined MarshBerry in 2015 and is a member of MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory team in its Dana Point, California office. James’ expertise includes merger and acquisition advisory, capital raising, business valuation, perpetuation & succession planning, and strategic planning.

Kyle Hoeft
Director

Kyle joined MarshBerry full time in 2011 after being an intern at MarshBerry in 2010, he currently serves as a Director on the Financial Advisory team. Kyle focuses on merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory, financial management consulting and valuation services.

Tina Hohman
Director

Tina Hohman, Director of Financial Advisory at MarshBerry, brings over 30 years of comprehensive expertise in the investment and insurance industry. Renowned for her strategic vision and operational excellence, Tina specializes in leadership, strategy, and fostering organizational growth. She has a proven ability to drive success in merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions that help organizations achieve sustainable growth and profitability.

Tina’s deep financial industry knowledge empowers her clients to navigate complex deal negotiations, due diligence, execution, and integration planning effectively. She is celebrated for her client-first philosophy that drives growth and promotes a culture of accountability, ensuring that her teams consistently perform at their highest potential.

Before joining MarshBerry, Tina served as Executive Vice President and Wealth Management Practice Leader at Alera Group, where she spearheaded significant practice expansion through both organic growth and M&A. Her previous roles at GCG Financial and Cleary Gull further honed her leadership skills, positioning her as a market leader in the industry.

A passionate advocate for women in finance, Tina has championed initiatives that empower emerging female leaders. She chaired the Women’s Leadership Steering Committee at Alera Group. She is a sought-after mentor for women and advocates for their success in financial services. Her insights and expertise make her an in-demand voice in the media, inspiring others to break barriers.

Tina holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Spanish from Illinois State University. She also holds the FINRA registrations Series 6, 7, 24, 26, and 63, through MarshBerry Capital, LLC, the affiliated FINRA registered Broker/Dealer of Marsh, Berry & Co., LLC.

John Orsini
Director

John Orsini joined MarshBerry as Director in 2021 for its Wealth Advisory division. In his role, he is responsible for being the client-facing lead on merger and acquisition projects, developing strategy and implementation of client deliverables and maintaining client relationships to ensure successful project execution.

Justin Starnes
Director

Justin Starnes brings more than two decades of experience in wealth and asset management, merger & acquisition (M&A) advisory, and strategic consulting to his role as Financial Advisory Director for MarshBerry. His deep understanding of financial markets allows Justin to provide valuable guidance to clients on business planning, strategic relationship management, organic growth best practices, and other valuation enhancement strategies.

Before joining MarshBerry, he held leadership roles at two national Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). Most recently, he was Principal and Founder at Antrim Bay & Co., where he served as a strategic advisor to RIAs, wealth management, and financial services firms.

Justin began his career at Goldman Sachs, where he held progressively senior roles within the firm’s Alternative Services Group, gaining invaluable experience in both client service and operational strategy.

Justin graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Accounting.

Justin is passionate about mentoring, coaching youth sports, and spending time with family outside of work.

Allison Dassani
Director, Chief Operating Officer - Financial Advisory

Allison Dassani’s track record of leading teams within large investment banks makes her an invaluable asset to MarshBerry’s leadership team. Her experience at firms like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are foundational to Allison’s ability to direct MarshBerry’s most significant revenue-generating business unit towards exceeding its goals.

Courtney Ferrara
Director

Courtney Ferrara joined MarshBerry in 2014 and currently serves as a Director in the Financial Advisory division where she oversees and manages MarshBerry’s valuation and buy side advisory (due diligence) consulting practices.

Kelly Mills
Director

Kelly Mills brings strategic insights and knowledge from her almost 20 years of Merger & Acquisition and Financial Due Diligence experience with nearly a decade of focus on transactions in the Wealth Advisory and Registered Investment Advisors sectors in her role at MarshBerry.

Casey Pont
Director

As part of MarshBerry’s Financial Advisory team, Casey focuses on merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory for both buy side and sell side clients. Her current responsibilities include M&A valuation and analysis, insurance agency and brokerage valuation services, compensation consulting, perpetuation planning, and other general consulting projects. Casey is also a facilitator for two Strategic Issues Group within MarshBerry’s executive peer exchange network, Connect.

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November 2024 HUB International Limited Western Growers Insurance Service, a subsidiary of Western Growers Association HUB International Limited has acquired Western Growers Insurance Service, a subsidiary of Western Growers Association

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Western Growers Association†

Toggle Transaction Details 11/4/24 HUB International Limited has acquired Western Growers Insurance Service, a subsidiary of Western Growers Association

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Western Growers Association†

HUB International Limited has acquired Western Growers Insurance Service Buyer: HUB International Limited Seller: Western Growers Insurance Service, a subsidiary of Western Growers Association. MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Western Growers Association†
October 2024 Unison Risk Advisors Avondale Insurance Associates Unison Risk Advisors has acquired Avondale Insurance Associates

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Avoca Holdings, the parent company of Avondale†

Toggle Transaction Details 10/10/2024 Unison Risk Advisors has acquired Avondale Insurance Associates

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Avoca Holdings, the parent company of Avondale†

Unison Risk Advisors has acquired Avondale Insurance Associates Buyer: Unison Risk Advisors Seller: Avondale Insurance Associates MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Avoca Holdings, the parent company of Avondale Insurance Associates†
October 2024 World Insurance Associates LLC First International Insurance World Insurance Associates LLC has acquired First International Insurance

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to First International Bank & Trust†

October 2024 Inszone Insurance Services, Inc. San Antonio Insurance Services Acquisition Inszone Insurance Services, Inc. has acquired San Antonio Insurance Services

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Inszone Insurance Services, Inc.

Toggle Transaction Details 10/10/2024 Inszone Insurance Services, Inc. has acquired San Antonio Insurance Services

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Inszone Insurance Services, Inc.

Inszone Insurance Services, Inc. Has Acquired San Antonio Insurance Services Buyer: Inszone Insurance Services, Inc. Seller: San Antonio Insurance Services MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Inszone Insurance Services, Inc.
October 2024 AssuredPartners, Inc. CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. Acquisition

AssuredPartners, Inc. has acquired CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. 

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.†

Toggle Transaction Details October 2024

AssuredPartners, Inc. has acquired CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc. 

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.†

AssuredPartners, Inc. has acquired CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.  Buyer: AssuredPartners, Inc. Seller: CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.  Closed Date: 10/01/24 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to CoyleKiley Insurance Agency, Inc.†
October 2024 Marshall & Sterling, Inc. FitzGibbons Agency LLC Acquisition

Marshall & Sterling, Inc. has acquired FitzGibbons Agency LLC

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to FitzGibbons Agency LLC†

Toggle Transaction Details October 2024

Marshall & Sterling, Inc. has acquired FitzGibbons Agency LLC

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to FitzGibbons Agency LLC†

Marshall & Sterling, Inc. has acquired FitzGibbons Agency LLC Buyer: Marshall & Sterling, Inc. Seller: FitzGibbons Agency LLC Closed Date: 10/01/24 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to FitzGibbons Agency LLC†
September 2024 Cerity Partners, LLC Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc.  Acquisition

Cerity Partners, LLC has acquired Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc. 

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc.†

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

Cerity Partners, LLC has acquired Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc. 

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc.†

Cerity Partners, LLC has acquired Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc. Buyer: Cerity Partners, LLC Seller: Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc. Closed Date: 09/30/24 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Strategic Benefit Consultants, Inc.†
September 2024 PIB Group Limited RS Insurance Brokers Limited

PIB Group Limited has acquired RS Insurance Brokers Limited

MarshBerry International served as the financial advisor to RS Insurance Brokers Limited

September 2024 CAC Group Media Guarantors Acquisition

CAC Group has acquired Media Guarantors

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Media Guarantors†

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

CAC Group has acquired Media Guarantors

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Media Guarantors†

CAC Group has acquired Media Guarantors Buyer: CAC Group Seller: Media Guarantors Closed Date: 09/19/2024 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Media Guarantors†
September 2024 True North Advisors, LLC Clear Rock Advisors, LLC Acquisition

True North Advisors, LLC has acquired Clear Rock Advisors, LLC 

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Clear Rock Advisors, LLC†

September 2024 Specialty Program Group LLC Professional Insurance Executives, Inc. Acquisition

Specialty Program Group LLC has acquired Professional Insurance Executives, Inc.

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Professional Insurance Executives, Inc.†

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

Specialty Program Group LLC has acquired Professional Insurance Executives, Inc.

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Professional Insurance Executives, Inc.†

Specialty Program Group LLC has acquired Professional Insurance Executives, Inc. Buyer: Specialty Program Group LLC Seller: Professional Insurance Executives, Inc. Closed Date: 09/13/2024 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Professional Insurance Executives, Inc.†
September 2024 Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC Afore Insurance Services, LLC

Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC has merged with Afore Insurance Services, LLC

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC has merged with Afore Insurance Services, LLC

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC

Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC has merged with Afore Insurance Services, LLC Buyer: Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC Seller: Afore Insurance Services, LLC Closed Date: 9/6/2024 Media: Learn More MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Culpeper Insurance Partners, LLC
September 2024 South Shore Insurance Underwriters Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services) Acquisition

South Shore Insurance Underwriters has acquired Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services)

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services)

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

South Shore Insurance Underwriters has acquired Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services)

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services)

South Shore Insurance Underwriters has acquired Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services) Buyer: South Shore Insurance Underwriters Seller: Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services) Closed Date: 9/4/2024 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Linneman Specialty Insurance (LSI Insurance Services)
September 2024 Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC Acquisition

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC has acquired Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC from Alera Group, Inc.

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC†

Toggle Transaction Details September 2024

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC has acquired Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC from Alera Group, Inc.

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC†

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC has acquired Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC from Alera Group, Inc. Buyer: Ryan Specialty Group, LLC Seller: Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC Closed Date: 9/3/2024 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Greenhill Underwriting Insurance Services, LLC†
September 2024 Specialist Risk Group Capulus Acquisition

Specialist Risk Group has acquired Capulus

MarshBerry International served as the financial advisor to Capulus

August 2024 Ardonagh Advisory Broking Holdings Limited  RK Henshall (Holdings) Limited Acquisition Ardonagh Advisory Broking Holdings Limited has acquired RK Henshall (Holdings) Limited

MarshBerry International acted as the financial advisor to RK Henshall (Holdings) Limited

August 2024 Brown & Brown Retail Holdco (Europe) Limited The CI Group Holdings Limited Acquisition Brown & Brown Retail Holdco (Europe) Limited has acquired The CI Group Holdings Limited

MarshBerry International served as the financial advisor to The CI Group Holdings Limited

August 2024 Howden Help Me Compare Group Limited (Active Quote) Acquisition

Howden has acquired Help Me Compare Group Limited (ActiveQuote)

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to Help Me Compare Group Limited

August 2024 IceLake Capital Certe Groep Acquisition

IceLake Capital has invested in Certe Groep

MarshBerry International served as the financial advisor to Certe Groep

August 2024 NSM Insurance Group GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance Acquisition

NSM Insurance Group has acquired GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance†

Toggle Transaction Details August 2024

NSM Insurance Group has acquired GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance

MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance†

NSM Insurance Group has acquired GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance Buyer: NSM Insurance Group Seller: GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance Closed Date: 08/01/2024 MarshBerry Advisory Role: MarshBerry served as the financial advisor to GIG Insurance Group and Gifford Wells Insurance†