Higginbotham, a Texas-based independent insurance, financial, and HR services firm, has expanded its presence in the Southeast by acquiring Fitts Agency, Inc., a family-owned firm with 150 years of service in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
This partnership strengthens Higginbotham's position in West Alabama, following its 2023 alliance with WRM Group, LLC in Alabama.
Higginbotham chairman and CEO Rusty Reid sees this as part of a broader strategy for regional growth, particularly in areas like the Southeast.
"This is a true, family-run local business. Every partner is from Tuscaloosa and every client relationship reflects the firm's deep, long-trusted ties to their community and region," said Reid.
The partnership makes Fitts Agency, now the second-largest agency in the region, an integral part of Higginbotham’s operations.
"Our commitment to service and dedication to employee welfare is a perfect fit with Higginbotham's culture, and our partnership will enable us to best serve our clients and help them maintain a competitive advantage," said Fitts Agency CEO Forrest Fitts.
"Fitts Agency has been part of my family for five generations, and I'm thrilled to say that everyone here is excited to be joining the Higginbotham family," he added.
The Fitts Agency is known for its deep expertise, with many employees holding advanced industry certifications such as CIC, CRM, and CPCU.
The merger will provide the agency with additional resources to serve clients while ensuring a clear succession plan for the next 150 years.
In addition to the Fitts Agency deal, Higginbotham has made other strategic moves to expand its capabilities.
Last August 2024, the firm announced a partnership with Cassidy & Company, a Tampa, Fla.-based specialty life insurance planning firm. This alliance aims to enhance Higginbotham's life insurance expertise and provide additional support to its partner offices in Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and other regions.
Higginbotham also expanded its presence in Georgia with a partnership with Turner & Associates Insurance of Brunswick, Ga.
As Higginbotham and Fitts Agency work together, how do you think this partnership will impact the future of insurance services in the Southeast? Share your thoughts in the comments.
