Hub International Limited (Hub) has acquired Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) to strengthen its service offerings in the agribusiness sector.
The acquisition is set to leverage WGIS’ expertise in agricultural risk management and employee benefits, in a move that sets the stage for expanded growth for Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) through increased resources and capabilities.
The move allows Hub to enhance its presence in the agribusiness industry by leveraging WGIS’ expertise and service footprint.
The firm’s focus on Specialty practices aligns well with WGIS’ offerings, which include a broad range of risk mitigation solutions. With this acquisition, Hub is positioned to offer an even wider scope of services to agribusiness clients, meeting demand within one of the U.S.’s largest agricultural markets.
WGIS operates from 10 offices located across California and Arizona, focusing specifically on risk mitigation and insurance products that serve the agribusiness and farming industries.
The firm provides comprehensive services in areas like employee benefits and property and casualty insurance, which will now bolster Hub’s capabilities in these areas.
This new relationship is expected to create additional benefits for WGIS clients, who will gain access to Hub’s extensive resources and product offerings while still receiving expert regional support from WGIS’ dedicated team.
Following the transaction, several key WGIS leaders and staff members will join Hub’s Central & Northern California division (Hub CNC).
Jeff Gullickson, WGIS President, will lead the agribusiness practice in the region, ensuring continuity and maintaining WGIS’ leadership within the sector. Other senior WGIS leaders, including Jodi Martin, Natalie Berend, and Ken Cooper, will also transition to Hub CNC, bringing valuable expertise and insight to Hub’s expanding agribusiness team.
The integration of WGIS into Hub’s operations is expected to improve client offerings significantly, with added resources enabling more comprehensive support for agricultural and food industry clients. Hub is eager to provide WGIS clients with access to a robust range of insurance solutions while enhancing its regional and sector-specific capabilities.
“We are excited to welcome the WGIS team to Hub,” said Darren Caesar, CEO of Hub Central & Northern California. “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.”
Dave Puglia, President and CEO of the Western Growers Association, emphasised the importance of this transaction in strengthening WGIS’ focus. “Not only does Hub offer expanded scale and capabilities for WGIS, Hub also has a deep understanding of the agriculture industry. 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,” he said.
MarshBerry served as an advisor to Western Growers Association on this transaction.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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