Business Moves

Armstrong/Robitaille/Riegle,Balance Insurance Agency

Orange, Calif.-based Armstrong/Robitaille/ Riegle Business and Insurance Solutions has acquired Balance Insurance Agency of Irvine, Calif.

Balance Insurance Agency was founded in 1991 as a specialty agency, and is a resource for developers, artisan contractors and commercial property owners. Keith E. Sandrock, president, and his current staff have moved its Fitch Street offices in Irvine to the Armstrong/ Robitaille/Riegle Orange location, where it will fit in with the construction division.

Hub International, Fredricksen Insurance Services, Arnold and Associates

Chicago-based Hub International Ltd. acquired Fredricksen Insurance Services, a Hemet, Calif., agency, as well as acquired PMT, Fredricksen’s retail brokerage subsidiary. Fredricksen’s operations will become part of Hub International of California Insurance Services Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Additionally, HUB acquired the assets of Arnold and Associates Inc., a Phoenix-based agency specializing in employee benefits. Arnold will become part of Hub International of Arizona, a division of Hub International of California Insurance Services Inc.

Fredricksen, primarily a wholesale broker, was established in 1986 to handle equine and agri-related insurance risks. Hub California’s existing office in Hemet will combine with the Fredricksen operation at Fredricksen’s location.

Kirk Christ, president of Hub California, said the addition strengthens Hub’sthe company’s capability in Fredricksen’s core business, while providing a property/casualty operation in the Hemet – San Jacinto Valley. “Part of our long-term strategy is to expand what we can offer through this office. By joining forces, Hub now has gained a wholesale operation based on the West Coast,” he said.

Tom Hartley, president of HUB Arizona, commented that Arnold’s expertise will help the company expand its employee benefits capabilities in the Phoenix area.

Hilb Rogal & Hobbs, G.A. Pearson and Associates Insurance Brokers

Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. acquired the stock of G.A. Pearson and Associates Insurance Brokers Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With approximately $3.8 million in revenue in 2007, Pearson was founded 27 years ago by Glenn A. Pearson. The company is based in San Diego and specializes in commercial, construction and complex property insurance.

Pearson’s employees will merge into HRH’s existing San Diego location, under the local leadership of Thomas A. James, and joining HRH’s West Region under the leadership of Vice President and West Regional Director William F. Creedon.

Topics California