has been acquired by

 

W.J. Cox Associates

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Buffalo, NY-based W.J. Cox Associates, Inc. (W.J. Cox) on its sale to Insurance Program Managers Group (IPMG). W.J. Cox has specialized in insurance and risk management solutions for the forest products industry since 1979.

 

W.J. Cox has built an outstanding reputation by delivering specialized insurance programs that combine disciplined underwriting, effective claims management, proactive loss prevention, and cost containment strategies. Through its comprehensive approach to risk management, W.J. Cox has helped clients reduce both the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, lowering overall operating costs while improving safety and productivity across the forest products industry.

 

As part of the transaction, Ed Wright, Chairman of W.J. Cox, will assist with the transition before retiring following a distinguished career. Kevin Brown, President of W.J. Cox, will continue to lead the organization and spearhead its next phase of growth, now as part of IPMG. W.J. Cox will continue to operate under its existing brand, preserving the identity and specialized market presence it has built over more than four decades. The acquisition will have no impact on current service levels, and clients will continue to receive the same reliable support and solutions without interruption.

 

Metayer Logo

has been acquired by

Marshall + Sterling Logo

 

Metayer Bonding Associates

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Avon, CT-based Metayer Bonding Associates (“Metayer”) on its sale to Marshall+Sterling. Metayer brings nearly 30 years of construction and commercial surety expertise and long-standing relationships with 18 leading bond companies to Marshall+Sterling.

 

The addition deepens Marshall+Sterling’s surety capabilities for contractors, developers, and commercial clients across the region. Metayer’s clients will continue to benefit from the personalized expertise they have come to expect, now backed by the expanded resources and national capabilities of Marshall+Sterling.

 

Since its founding in 1996 by President and CEO Michael Metayer, Metayer Bonding Associates has earned a reputation for trusted relationships, market access, and surety expertise that delivers results for contractors and developers. The firm maintains long-standing relationships with 18 of the nation’s leading surety companies, giving clients meaningful market access and advocacy when they need it most.

 

has been acquired by

 

Arbor Insurance Group

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Allentown, PA-based Arbor Insurance Group in its sale to Sequel Insurance Agencies. No official press release was issued for this transaction.

 

Twin Elms Environmental Brokerage

has been acquired by

 

Twin Elms

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to West Palm Beach, Florida-based Twin Elms, LLC in its sale to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Twin Elms is a retail insurance broker specializing in environmental insurance products and services for US clients. Scott Houldin, Karl Touet and their team will remain in their current location under the direction of Bumpy Triche, head of Gallagher's Southeast retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

 

Bafumi Insurance Logo

has been acquired by

World Logo

 

Bafumi Insurance Agency

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Bafumi Insurance Agency (Bafumi). Based in Middletown, CT, Bafumi provides property and casualty insurance and life and health insurance services throughout the state of Connecticut.

 

"Our goal is to educate our clients on the best options for their insurance needs," says Guido Bafumi, President, Bafumi Insurance. "We are dedicated to providing the best coverage at competitive rates. As part of World, we have access to additional products and services to meet the needs of our customers. We are excited to join the World team."

 

"On behalf of the World family, I'd like to welcome Bafumi," says Rich Eknoian, CEO and Co-Founder of World. "Bafumi brings an experienced team to World, and I know they will continue to grow and be successful."

 

M.S.Peltier Insurance

has been acquired by

Choice Financial Group

 

M.S. Peltier Insurance Services

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to M.S. Peltier Insurance Services (Peltier) on its sale to Choice Financial Group (CFG). Based in Boston, MA and founded over 20 years ago, Peltier is known for its expertise in construction, real estate, and transportation risk management. Peltier serves commercial clients across New England, including general contractors, environmental firms, marine operators, apartment owners, and trucking companies. The agency is recognized for its focused approach to risk analysis, claims management, and safety consulting for complex commercial exposures.

 

Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Co

has completed
sponsored demutualization
and acquisition by

Old Republic Logo

 

Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Co. and Affiliated Companies

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Co. and affiliated companies (ECM) on the sponsored demutualization and sale to Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE: ORI). ECM is a leading insurer of small farmowners and select commercial agricultural operations. Headquartered in Everett, PA and operating in 48 states and the District of Columbia, ECM wrote $237 million of direct written premium in 2024, and has a long-term track record of profitable growth.

 

Commenting on the transaction, Old Republic President & CEO, Craig R. Smiddy, said, "With ECM's 'narrow & deep' expertise in the farmowners and commercial agricultural market and their commitment to underwriting excellence, there is a strong strategic and cultural fit with ORI's portfolio of specialty companies. We welcome Randy Shaw, his team, and his customers to Old Republic and look forward to sustained profitable growth." Randy Shaw, ECM's President & CEO noted, "After 112 years, ECM has found a partner in Old Republic that shares our culture of underwriting excellence. With the combined financial and operational resources available to us, we can continue to pursue our mission of becoming the preeminent farmowners carrier in the country."

 

Jacob J Katz & Company Logo

has been acquired by

Marshall + Sterling Logo

 

Jacob J Katz & Company

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Jacob J Katz & Company (JJK) in its sale to Marshall+Sterling. Headquartered in Rockland County, NY, JJK is a trusted, family‑owned, full‑service insurance agency serving clients nationwide since 1937. JJK will bring over 85 years of service, a multi-generational legacy, and a reputation for tailored client attention across business and personal lines.

 

JM Wilson Logo

has been acquired by

Ryan Specialty Logo

 

J.M. Wilson

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to J.M. Wilson Corporation (JM Wilson) in its sale to Ryan Specialty. Founded in 1920, JM Wilson has six offices throughout the United States.

The business has a broad offering, including products ranging from personal lines to surety and is particularly well known for their transportation expertise. JM Wilson’s success in the difficult class of transportation is a result of the business’ historical underwriting profitability, which has allowed JM Wilson to maintain multi-decade relationships with high quality carriers.

JM Wilson generated approximately $19 million of operating revenue for the 12 months ended January 31, 2025.

 

Market Finders, Inc. Logo

has been acquired by

Monarch E&S Insurance Services Logo

 

Market Finders, Inc.

Acted as exclusive financial advisor to Market Finders, Inc. (MFI) in its sale to Monarch E&S Insurance Services (Monarch), a division of Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG). Founded in 1971, Market Finders is a respected managing general agent and wholesale broker headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Market Finders has a long-standing reputation as the go-to MGA in New Mexico. With access to more than 30 markets (many on a binding authority basis), MFI specializes in both personal and commercial lines, including transportation risks.

Led by President Steve Shaffer, the company has built a strong network of retail agents and is known for its ease of doing business and commitment to client relationships.