BrokerLink scoops up two family-owned brokerages

Intact subsidiary BrokerLink is continuing its acquisition spree, announcing last week that it has bought two family-owned brokerages in Ontario.

BrokerLink, one of the largest property and casualty insurance brokerages in Canada, said Sept. 4 it acquired Bradley’s Commercial Insurance Limited and Phil Leon Insurance Brokers Inc., effective Sept. 1. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Based in Stittsville, Ont. (part of the City of Ottawa), family-owned and operated Bradley’s Insurance has been part of the community for over 60 years. As a full-service brokerage, Bradley’s Insurance offers personal auto, home and farm insurance, as well as customized commercial insurance services to meet the individual needs of customers.

“This is an exciting and momentous move for us,” said Ross Bradley, president of Bradley’s Insurance, in a press release, adding that joining BrokerLink will strengthen the quality of service the brokerage provides to its customers.

Ross Bradley will assist BrokerLink during the transition process. Bradley’s Insurance partners, Ray Shannon and Stacy Elliott, will remain as key members of the BrokerLink team, as well as Chantal Pelletier, who will be taking on the role of director for eastern Ontario.

The other family-owned and operated general insurance brokerage – Phil Leon Insurance – has served Hamilton, Ont. and surrounding areas for over 50 years. As a full-service brokerage, Phil Leon Insurance offers personal home, auto, motorcycle and watercraft insurance, as well as commercial property and auto.

David Leon, president of Phil Leon Insurance, and his staff will also continue to serve customers as part of the BrokerLink team.

Established in 1991, BrokerLink has over 130 offices and more than 1,700 employees across Ontario, Alberta and Atlantic Canada. It has made a number of acquisitions recently.

In May, BrokerLink made its third acquisition that month with the purchase of Alberta independent insurance brokerage Thomson Schindle Green Insurance & Financial Services Ltd. (TSG). TSB offers personal and commercial lines as well as a tailored insurance product called “legends collector vehicle insurance,” dedicated to owners of custom, exotic or antique vehicles.

BrokerLink also purchased the Athabasca, Alta. branch of JDR Insurance and Guelph, Ont.-based Amplex Insurance Brokers Ltd. JDR specializes in farm insurance products, but also offers home, auto, commercial, recreational, boat and motorcycles, and travel insurance; Amplex’s offerings include auto, home, tenant, cargo, motorcycle and trucking.