Acera Insurance Services, billed as Canada's largest independent, employee-controlled brokerage, has forged a new partnership with KRS Insurance Brokers.

Headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, KRS Insurance serves the expanding Canadian pet care and beauty industries. It provides coverage to professionals in these fields through its PROfur and PROtique programs.

According to a company release, the partnership with KRS Insurance will help Acera strengthen its position as a provider of specialized personal insurance, commercial insurance, and group benefits solutions.

“I’m pleased to welcome this highly specialized team to Acera Insurance,” said Bruce Rabik, chief operating officer. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to expanding not only the industries we serve across Canada but also our team’s depth of knowledge and expertise.”

“By partnering with Acera Insurance, our team looks forward to further enhancing and expanding the distinct coverages and services that Canadian pet care and beauty service professionals rely on,” added Chris Ingoe, president of KRS Insurance.

There are over 4,600 businesses in the Canadian pet care industry, according to Statistics Canada. This number encompasses groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, trainers, boarders, daycares, and therapists.

Additionally, Statistics Canada reported that the beauty service sector has experienced a rebound in registrations for hairstyling and esthetician apprenticeships, with a 9% increase in 2022 compared to 2020.

News of Acera’s latest partnership comes after it fully merged its operations with an Edmonton-based brokerage in July 2023. The merger saw Rogers Mclean Shaw Insurance rebrand as Acera Insurance. The two firms had initially partnered back in 2020.  

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