As part of an expansion strategy to cater to the needs of small-to-mid-sized companies across the country

Marsh & McLennan Agency, a subsidiary of insurance broker, Marsh, has acquired Texas-based Insurance Alliance, an independent insurance agency, as part of its expansion strategy. The move is intended to cater to the needs of small-to-mid-sized companies across the country.

Insurance Alliance has annual revenue of $15m and serves over 1,500 commercial clients located primarily in Texas and throughout the Southwest. The firm has specialist teams serving clients in construction, surety, energy and marine, professional services, general property and casualty, and employee benefits.

In addition to the acquisition, Marsh & McLennan Agency has appointed Woody Woodard as CEO of its new Southwest operation. Mr. Woodard had been chairman of Insurance Alliance. Moreover, Insurance Alliance’s executives, Jim Berger will be COO and Jim Tomforde will be vice president of sales for the Southwest.

David Eslick, chairman and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Agency, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the leadership and employees of Insurance Alliance to our firm. As a well-managed and growing enterprise with a highly qualified professional team and a reputation for service excellence, Insurance Alliance fits perfectly with the national organization we are working to build at Marsh & McLennan Agency.”

Mr. Woodard said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with Mr. Eslick and the leadership of Marsh & McLennan Agency and look forward to helping build what we expect will be among the top national organizations in this industry.”