Though Gainsco will operate as a separate company, over time, State Farm’s agents are expected to distribute Gainsco’s insurance products

State Farm

State Farm Insurance’s building in Bloomington, Illinois. (Credit: Wikipedia.org/IvoShandor.)

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance (State Farm), a Bloomington, Illinois-based insurance company, had completed the acquisition of Gainsco for $400m.

Gainsco is a Dallas, Texas-based auto insurance firm specialising in non-standard personal automobile insurance.

Founded in 1978, the company sells using its insurance brand Gainsco Auto Insurance through independent retail agents across the states of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Ohio, and Alabama in the US.

The deal was first announced last September. After expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, the deal secured regulatory approvals.

State Farm president, chairman and CEO Michael Tipsord said: “We believe this acquisition positions both our company and GAINSCO well for future growth.

“Because of our competitive value, a broad line of products, and exceptional customer service from our employees and 19,200 State Farm independent contractor agents, customers have made us the largest property and casualty insurer for several decades.

“We are excited for the opportunity State Farm agents will have to serve a market that has historically not been open to them. This will help us further toward our goal of serving more customers in more ways.”

State Farm acquired Gainsco after paying its shareholders nearly $107.38 per share in cash. Gainsco will continue to operate as a separate company, focusing on its current objectives.

Over time, the two companies expect to offer State Farm agents the opportunity to distribute Gainsco products in addition to State Farm products and services.

State Farm claims that Gainsco is its first acquisition in its 98-year history.

Gainsco CEO Glenn Anderson said: “State Farm has an extraordinary market reputation and a highly capable independent contractor agency system.

“Gainsco looks forward to providing our very successful minimum limits auto insurance program to State Farm agents in the future while continuing to partner with our own outstanding agency system as we expand across the country.

“We are excited that, in joining forces with State Farm, we will accelerate our long term mission to become the best nationwide non-standard personal auto insurer in the industry.”