TORONTO, August 5, 2021 – BrokerLink is excited to announce it has acquired Archway Insurance Inc. and its subsidiaries, Upstairs Finance Inc. and C.D. Anderson Insurance Ltd. (collectively, Archway Insurance), and South Coast Insurance Agency Limited (South Coast Insurance). Through these acquisitions, BrokerLink doubles its size in Atlantic Canada, to become one of the largest insurance brokerages on the Canadian east coast, with over 65 locations and more than 400 employees.
Strengthening our Atlantic community presence
Founded in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in 1985, Archway Insurance grew from a single location to serve the unique insurance needs of more than 30 communities across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. For over 35 years, the Canadian brokerage has offered its customers home, auto, recreational insurance solutions and more.
Archway CEO, Michael Stack and President, Gina McFetridge, join the senior management group at BrokerLink, and employees of Archway Insurance are also now part of the BrokerLink team.
“We are excited to become part of BrokerLink as it positions us to remain strong and vibrant in the communities we serve,” says Gina McFetridge. “Joining BrokerLink supports our goals to offer a progressive work environment, with benefits and career paths that attract and retain employees, so we may continue providing superior service to customers.”
“The Archway Insurance team has built trusted relationships in the communities it serves and will continue to provide the exceptional service and expertise that customers have come to expect,” says President of BrokerLink, Joe D’Annunzio. “Our greatest asset is our people and we have 3,000 employees nationally, with a large percentage who joined BrokerLink through acquisitions and have since enjoyed successful careers that include growth and development opportunities.”
Newfoundland-based South Coast Insurance has locations across the province, offering its customers home, auto, commercial, marine and life insurance solutions since 1978. The employees of South Coast Insurance will now add their expertise to the BrokerLink team.
“We’ve always been focused on providing our clients with excellent service and we’re extremely proud of the lasting relationships we’ve built over the past 43 years,” says Kelly Hickman, President, South Coast Insurance. “Joining BrokerLink offers access to new technology and resources necessary to continue providing high quality service to customers; grow our business, and offer employee development opportunities.”
“Welcoming the experienced and knowledgeable South Coast employees allows us to grow our presence in Newfoundland, by maintaining local relationships and building new ones,” D’Annunzio says.
“We are increasing our service in Marystown and Corner Brook, and are excited that our brand will now serve customers in additional communities, including: Bonavista, Springdale and St. Lawrence.”
New Ontario and Alberta acquisitions
BrokerLink has also acquired new locations in Ontario and Alberta, welcoming employees of Doug Honeyford Insurance Inc. (Honeyford Insurance) in Sudbury, Ontario, and Lakeside Insurance Ltd. in Sylvan Lake, Alberta. Honeyford Insurance has provided high-quality customer service to customers for more than 45 years and Lakeside Insurance Ltd. is an independent, local brokerage with a strong and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit. The positive legacies of both brokerages will continue as part of BrokerLink.
Growth and expansion across Canada
In addition to the four new acquisitions announced today, BrokerLink has invested significantly and expanded into more than 20 communities in Ontario over the past 12 months, with acquisitions including: John F. Smith Insurance Brokers (1982) Inc.; J.G. Rivet Brokers Limited; R.L. Gougeon Limited; Cambrian Insurance Brokers Limited and Lackner McLennan Insurance Ltd. During this same period, BrokerLink also acquired well-established brokerages in several Alberta communities, including: All City Insurance Ltd.; Air-Alta Insurance (Airdrie) Ltd.; Centre Street Insurance Inc. and Gold Key Insurance Ltd.
“BrokerLink is committed to being a strong investor and contributor to the dynamic communities in which we do business,” says D’Annunzio. “We are always willing to speak with broker principals who are considering future options for their brokerage – it’s not an easy decision to make, but our model is such that we align with brokerages that share our values, which includes a commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
Archway Insurance, South Coast Insurance, Honeyford Insurance and Lakeside Insurance Ltd. locations will continue to operate business as usual, with the same team members serving customers. Rebranding to BrokerLink will take place over a gradual transition period.
About BrokerLink
Since 1991 we’ve had a vision: to build a network of trusted insurance brokers across the country, working directly in the communities we serve. With over 200 branches and 3,000 employees, we’re proud to say BrokerLink has become one of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurance brokerages.
Brokerlink Inc. is a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC), a certified Kincentric 2020 Best Employer in Canada. For more information, visit: BrokerLink.ca or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries please contact:
Marie Harrison
Director, Marketing & Communications
BrokerLink
416-707-8462
[email protected]
For broker inquiries please contact:
Paul Meyer
Vice President, Acquisitions
BrokerLink
416-996-5646
[email protected]
