Global insurance firm Hub International Ltd. and Western Growers Association have announced Hub’s acquisition of the retail insurance brokerage business of Western Growers Insurance Services.
The acquisition will enhance Hub’s services in the agribusiness industry and better position WGIS for long-term growth through expanded scale and capabilities, according to a news release. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
With 10 offices located in California and Arizona, WGIS provides full-service risk mitigation and management solutions, including insurance products and employee benefits. Its focus on the agribusiness and farm industry supports Hub’s specialty practices by complementing and strengthening its existing capabilities, the release said.
“We are excited to welcome the WGIS team to Hub,” Darren Caesar, CEO of Hub Central and Northern California, said in the release. “California is one of the largest agricultural markets in the country, and WGIS’ depth of knowledge and experience will bolster our offerings to clients in this key industry.”
As a result of the transaction, WGIS’ current clients will gain access to a wider variety of insurance solutions, while maintaining a strong connection with best-in-class regional expertise in the agriculture and food space, the release said.
Jeff Gullickson, president of WGIS; Jodi Martin, director, employee benefits leader; Natalie Berend, senior director, property and casualty leader; Ken Cooper, director, operations and risk strategy leader; and the WGIS team will join Hub Central and Northern California.
Gullickson will become head of the agribusiness practice in the region and will continue to serve in his position as president of WGIS following the transaction, the release said.
“Not only does Hub offer expanded scale and capabilities for WGIS, Hub also has a deep understanding of the agriculture industry,” said Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers. “This transaction allows WGIS to focus on its core services while also providing industry-leading services and capabilities to our members and clients, both in employee benefits and commercial lines.”
