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WFG Capital Advisors Announces that Hilb Rogal & Hobbs
to Acquire Zutz Associates, Inc.
HARRISBURG, PA –
February 28, 2006 – WFG Capital Advisors announces the
signing of a definitive agreement by
Hilb Rogal
& Hobbs Company (NYSE: HRH), the world's tenth largest
insurance and risk management intermediary, under which HRH
will buy the stock of Zutz
Associates, Inc., Delaware’s largest independently-owned
insurance agency. Terms of the transaction, which is
expected to be completed by March 1, were not disclosed.
Zutz
was founded in 1940 by Harry David
Zutz on the principles of neighborly
manners, a benevolent spirit, and ethical business
practices. Zutz
provides a wide range of insurance products and services,
specializing in professional associations’ liability
insurance. 2005 gross revenues were approximately $11.3
million ($9.4 million net of outside brokers’ commissions)
and premium volume for the firm exceeded $100 million. The
Zutz team of
more than 75 professionals will continue to serve clients
from their Wilmington, Delaware office under the leadership
of their president, Larry Zutz,
and their existing management team. The operation will
become part of HRH’s Mid-Atlantic region, led by its
director, Steven C. Deal.
WFG Capital Advisors LP of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania served as exclusive financial
advisor to Zutz
Associates, Inc.
HRH Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Martin L. (Mell)
Vaughan, III said, "Our acquisition strategy includes
expanding our geographic presence when we can acquire an
industry leader such as Zutz.
We are excited to welcome Zutz
to HRH as our entry into Delaware. Since
Zutz’s creation over 65
years ago, its associates have operated on strong personal
commitments to integrity and to exceptional customer
service--values which have been similarly practiced at HRH
through the years. Zutz
has experienced a great deal of success as a private firm,
and we are now pleased to extend to them our national
exposure, as well as our wide range of unique resources. It
is my pleasure to welcome Larry and his associates to our
company."
Hilb
Rogal & Hobbs
Company is the eighth largest insurance and risk management
intermediary in the U.S. and 10th largest in the world.
From offices throughout the U.S. and in London, HRH assists
clients in managing risks in property and casualty, employee
benefits and many other areas of specialized exposure. The
company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange, symbol HRH. More information about HRH may be
found on the internet at
www.hrh.com.
About WFG
Capital Advisors LP
WFG Capital
Advisors, a PA-based investment banking firm specializing in
the insurance industry, served as the exclusive financial
advisor to Zutz Associates, Inc.
Media Contacts:
Robert J. Lieblein,
President & CEO
(717) 780-7801 /
rlieblein@wfgca.com
Steven S.
Wevodau, Managing Principal
(717) 780-7802 /
swevodau@wfgca.com
www.wfgca.com |