Assurex Global, the world’s largest privately held insurance and employee benefits brokerage group, has named Savannah-based Seacrest Partners Inc. as its newest shareholder. With the addition of Seacrest Partners, Assurex Global has 104 member firms in its worldwide network serving clients in six continents.
“The growing global needs of our client base require that we continue to expand our international expertise,” said David Paddison, president of Seacrest Partners. “Assurex Global’s worldwide focus offers the multinational perspective and comprehensive insight that meets our clients’ needs in an ever changing world.”
Paddison said Seacrest was founded on the concept of client service and using the latest technologies to maximize accessibility to clients.
“For 60 years, Assurex Global has been about unparalleled client service, and we are proud to join the partnership,” he said.
“Since 1954 Assurex Global has been a partnership of industry leaders in insurance and employee benefits,” said Jim Hackbarth, Assurex Global president and CEO. “Seacrest Partners has established itself as one of the elite brokerages in the United States and has a significant international presence.”
Hackbarth said Seacrest represents the quality and commitment to client service that is symbolic of Assurex Global.
“As a result of that commitment, Seacrest has experienced phenomenal growth,” he said. “Our shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of adding Seacrest Partners. We are extremely pleased to add their expertise as a partner and look forward to their contributions.”
Seacrest Partners was established in Savannah in 2006 when seven former employees of the Palmer & Cay insurance firm came together to form a “boutique” brokerage firm offering customized insurance brokerage and benefits consulting services.
Palmer & Cay, which was sold to Wachovia Corp. in April 2005, was the 15th largest insurance brokerage and benefits consulting firm in the United States at the time and was a founding member of Assurex in 1954. It remained a member until the sale to Wachovia.
In 2009, Seacrest expanded into Atlanta and, in 2010, merged with Atlanta-based Corporate Insurance Services Inc. The firm opened an office in Hilton Head, S.C., in 2014.
For more information, go to www.seacrestpartners.com.
ABOUT ASSUREX GLOBAL
Founded in 1954, Assurex Global is a partnership of independent agents and brokers. With $29 billion in annual premium volume and more than 600 Partner offices, Assurex Global is the world’s largest privately held commercial insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage group. The partnership combines the local expertise and global reach of international brokers on six continents.