One of Canada’s top brokerages announced this morning that it has acquired a financial services company that specializes in providing employer-sponsored benefits.
Cowan Insurance Group acquired The Williamson Group (TWG), a client-focused financial services company focused on providing employer sponsored benefits, pensions, and disability management programs, as well as individual financial services.
“The acquisition of TWG aligns well with our strategy for Cowan on a number of fronts,” said Heather McLachlin, president, Cowan Insurance Group. “The culture, values and approach when dealing with clients of our two organizations are extremely similar; we have complementary, yet unique products and services so together we will have a broader product shelf for clients to choose from; and both TWG and Cowan have strong local, regional, national and international relationships and offerings that position the combined company well for future growth.”
Although terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it was stated that the president of TWG, Don Williamson, will report directly to McLachlin, and The Williamson Group employees continuing in their current roles.
According to this morning’s press release, both companies have long histories of profitable growth, and are extremely well aligned in terms of client-focus and reputation for delivering value. This transaction provides the opportunity to accelerate growth by collectively offering businesses, organizations and individuals consultative advice through local, national and international markets with multi-line products and services to meet their risk management and insurance needs.
“We believe this change will produce extensive opportunities for both our clients and our employees. Cowan Insurance Group and The Williamson Group together will have increased strength and size, with more buying power for our clients and the combined talents of two great companies,” said Williamson. “We’ve worked closely with Cowan on this, and have been impressed by their continued dedication to our organization, our people, our brand, and our development. We’re confident that together we will continue to grow in exciting new ways.”
The addition of TWG increases Cowan’s footprint to approximately 450 employees operating out of 10 locations including Cambridge, Kitchener, Ottawa, Paris, Hamilton, Woodstock, Stratford, Burford and two offices in Brantford.
The Williamson Group is a family-owned financial services firm based in Brantford, Ont. Founded by Paul Williamson in 1976.
