Gallagher buys another Fort Smith company

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced Tuesday the acquisition of Fort Smith-based Group Benefits of Arkansas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

In June 2010, Gallagher acquired BMB Merry of Arkansas, whose principal was Philip Merry Jr.

Established in 2004, Group Benefits of Arkansas offers a wide range of employee benefit consultation and brokerage services for their middle-market clients in Arkansas and Oklahoma. They specialize in group medical, dental, life and disability insurance with an emphasis on consumer directed plans such as health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements and cafeteria plans.

Andy Jackson, Ron Novak and their associates will continue to operate in their current location under the direction of John Neumaier, South Central Regional Executive Vice President of Gallagher’s employee benefit consulting and brokerage operations.

"GBA is a great example of a progressive agency that’s committed to growth which is one of the things we look for in an acquisition partner. It is also our first benefits-only acquisition in Arkansas which helps us expand our client service capabilities in that region," J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement. "Their team-based culture focuses on providing their clients with cost effective solutions and quality service, which is a great complement to our employee benefits operation. We are pleased to welcome Andy, Ron and their team to our growing Gallagher family of professionals.”

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has operations in 16 countries and does business in more than 110 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.