Keyword
Western Financial Group
Large Canadian brokerage now operating coast to coast
June 28, 2023 by Jason ContantEditor’s Note: An original version of this article incorrectly identified Western Financial Group as Westland. Canadian Underwriter apologizes for the error. Western Financial Group now operates coast to coast following its full acquisition of Huestis Insurance and Associates Ltd.…
Paid Western Financial Group President & CEO Kenny Nicholls says a focus on people, growth, and social responsibility propels the industry and organization forward
October 1, 2021 Western Financial GroupConsolidation trends in the industry have some brokerage owners looking to larger brokerages as a succession plan. The insurance industry is evolving rapidly, and Western Financial Group President and CEO, Kenny Nicholls, is hopeful and excited about the future for…
Western Financial acquires brokerage owned by two former IBAC presidents
February 4, 2020 by David GambrillWestern Financial Group has acquired Orr & Associates, an independent brokerage in southwestern Ontario known for an experienced staff that includes two former Insurance Broker Association of Canada (IBAC) presidents, Ken Orr and Keith Wilson. Effective immediately, Orr & Associates…
Brokerage makes third acquisition in Ontario
June 10, 2019 by Jason ContantAlberta-based brokerage Western Financial Group is continuing its strategic expansion into Ontario with its third brokerage acquisition in the province. High River, Alta-headquartered Western acquired EGM Insurance Group effective May 31, Western said in a press release last week. Based…
Western Financial CEO reveals the strategy behind Axion deal
June 26, 2018 by Jason ContantWhen Western Financial Group acquired its first non-western Canadian brokerage last week, location obviously played a factor in its acquisition strategy. The more rural, the better, the brokerage told Canadian Underwriter Tuesday. The High River, Alta.-headquartered Western completed its acquisition…
Wawanesa subsidiary acquires Western Financial Group
November 5, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterTrimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, announced on Wednesday the formal closing of its previously announced agreement to purchase Western Financial Group and Western Life Assurance (collectively “Western”) from Desjardins Financial Corporation, a Desjardins Group…
Q1 combined ratio ex-MYA 101.6% for Desjardins General Insurance
May 16, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterDesjardins General Insurance Group reported Thursday an underwriting loss, excluding market yield adjustment, of $17.2 million during the three months ending March 31, while premiums dropped 11% from the same period of last year. Direct premiums written dropped from $1.04…
Desjardins’ acquisition of Western Financial caused ‘headaches’ for brokers: Baker
April 19, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterIf Trimont Financial Ltd. acquires Western Financial Group, Desjardins Group officials will have “more time to focus on further integrating State Farm,” MSA Research Inc. suggested in a recent report released Tuesday. “Slowly but surely, the complexion of the industry…
Insurance-related M&A activity explodes, insurance company moves in Canada high: OPTIS Partners
April 13, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterOPTIS Partners has likened recent mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity among U.S. and Canadian agencies selling p&c insurance and employee benefits to an explosion, with the 178 reported transactions in 2017 Q1 dwarfing the 115 deals in the prior-year quarter.…
Wawanesa subsidiary Trimont Financial to acquire Western Financial Group and Western Life Assurance from Desjardins Group
February 16, 2017 by Canadian UnderwriterTrimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, announced on Thursday that it will acquire Western Financial Group and Western Life Assurance (together as Western) from Desjardins Financial Corporation, a Desjardins Group subsidiary, for a total transaction…
Moves and Views
September 1, 2016 by Greg Meckbach1 Patrick Bieleny [1a] has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Western Financial Group, effective August 22, replacing Paul Taylor [1b], who retired July 4. Bieleny was previously chief executive officer and managing director of private…
Patrick Bieleny appointed president and CEO of Western Financial Group
August 17, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterWestern Financial Group and its board of directors announced on Wednesday that Patrick Bieleny has been appointed as the organization’s president and chief executive officer. Bieleny (pictured left) succeeds Paul Taylor, who retired on July 4, Western Financial Group said…