Westland continues M&A streak with Alberta deal

Less than a week after it announced the acquisition of two Canadian P&C brokerages, Westland Insurance continues its M&A spree with a deal involving Alberta Best Insurance Ltd.

Westland’s acquisition of the well-established P&C brokerage became effective July 2. With locations in Beaumont and Leduc, Alta., Alberta Best Insurance has been offering insurance for more than 35 years.

Alberta Best’s website says its products include home (house, condo, tenant, seasonal property, and mobile or manufactured home), auto (boat, motorcycle, RV, ATV and snowmobile, and collector car) and commercial insurance (auto and fleet, property, liability and industry-specific).

Westland president and CEO Jamie Lyons says the partnership expands the brokerage’s distribution in Alberta, strengthening its market presence and options to Alberta consumers. “Alberta Best’s dedication to exceptional client service also aligns with our core values, and we’re confident that this will bring immense value to our Albertan clients,” he says in a press release.

On July 3, Westland announced the acquisition of another Alberta brokerage, Excel Insurance Lloydminster — as well as Ontario brokerage M. Butler Insurance. Both deals brought Westland into new communities.

Excel Lloydminster is based in the city of the same name and has been offering home, auto and commercial insurance for nearly two decades. Niagara Falls, Ont.-based M. Butler Insurance is an independent full-service brokerage offering home, auto commercial, marine and life insurance, along with financial services and other products.

Westland has made several other acquisitions already this year. Last month, it acquired Canadian Special Risks Inc., effective June 1. The Athabasca, Alta.-based commercial brokerage specializes in commercial welding programs. It offers welders commercial general liability, oil and gas consultants and inspectors CGL, electrical contractor CGL, commercial property liability, product liability and property insurance.

Other acquisitions include:

• The Dupuis Langen Group, a group benefits brokerage in Richmond, B.C.
• Alberta-based Dyberg Insurance Inc. and Prairie Villa Insurance. (Edmonton-based Dyberg Insurance offers personal and commercial insurance; Prairie Villa Insurance’s products include auto, commercial and farm insurance.)

Feature image by iStock.com/courtneyk