Digital Insurance Inc., an employee benefits agency in Atlanta, finished 2010 with a recording-breaking $17 million in acquisitions, which strengthens its nationwide growth plan to partner with major insurance agencies that have a large local market presence. This year, Digital plans to continue this route and anticipates a 50 percent growth.

"While Digital has access to capital to grow aggressively, we are being selective about our expansion targets," says Mike Sullivan, executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

When looking for potential acquisitions, Digital is searching for firms that have a similar focus on the small- and medium-size business market, a progressive outlook regarding health care reform and share a cultural fit with the organization.