Hub makes two U.S. acquisitions

Broker consolidator Hub International has added two US brokerages to its stable. Boston-based Commonwealth Insurance Agency Inc. will become part of New England “hub” C.J. McCarthy, bringing about US$300,000 in annual revenue. The brokerage specializes in homeowners coverage in Massachusetts, and will be moved to Wilmington, MA, home of McCarthy. Commonwealth owner Edgar J. Sidon will become a vice president at McCarthy.New Jersey-based Sondheim & Laughlin has been added to New York “hub” Kaye Group Inc., bringing $2 million in annual revenue. The brokerage specializes in auto physical damage and liability for public auto and limousine markets. Sondheim will remain in Iselin, NJ, with president Robert Laughlin retiring, and vice president George Hansen becoming a vice president with Kaye Group.The new brokerages bring Hub International to a total of seven acquisitions so far in 2003.