Digital Insurance, an employee benefits agency specializing in insurance for small businesses and mid-sized companies, acquired Employee Benefits by Design in Chicago and Strategic Benefits Consultants in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The principals and team members of both firms will continue operating the agencies, and their clients will be able to use additional resources including technology, price advantages from proprietary and customized benefits solutions available through Digital’s national platform.

“By acquiring these best-in-class companies, Digital gains the immediate expertise of respected agents with established local relationships, bolstering our ground strength in these markets,” says Adam Bruckman, president and chief executive officer of Digital Insurance. Although Digital is licensed to operate in all 50 states, gaining an operating presence in specific regions is part of the company’s strategic growth initiative, he says.

“This deal makes our agency stronger because we gain more efficient technology, enhanced customer service resources and improved leverage with carriers due to greater collective volume,” says Jerry Schilf, principal of Employee Benefits by Design. “We’ve always been very hands-on, and now will have the flexibility to spend more time with clients.” Established in 1933, Employee Benefits by Design serves employers primarily in the Chicago area. Clients range in size up to 800 employees.

“Aligning with a national powerhouse agency enhances our access to carriers, drives down costs and provides additional, proven resources to our clients,” says JW Wight, principal of SBC. SBC is one of the top 25 largest independent brokerage firms in Arizona, serving more than 100 clients ranging in size up to 2,000 employees, located throughout the Southwestern U.S.

Digital Insurance closed 2010 with a record $17 million in acquisitions, a pursuit that continues in 2011 through a variety of methods including agency and block acquisitions and partnerships.

Instant Insights /

Digital Insurance acquires Chicago, Arizona agencies

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