Brokerage giant Gallagher has expanded its footprint in Canada with a swoop for Markham, Ontario-based Excess Underwriting Company.

The property and casualty MGA and Lloyd’s broker, which was founded back in 2008, serves insurance brokers and their clients across the region. Its team is led by George Longo, and they will stay on at their current location but now under the direction of Gallagher’s CEO of Canadian property and casualty operations, David Partington.

“Excess Underwriting delivers industry-leading underwriting service and products for commercial and residential property, general liability and errors & omissions insurance,” said Partington, “George has built a very strong business and this is a very strategic partnership for Gallagher in Canada. We have ambitious plans for Canada and bringing George and his team onboard are part of that.

“This signifies a coming together of two like-minded cultures. Our matching philosophies and ideas around putting our people first by creating fulfilling work environments and providing investment and technology for us to help our clients, makes us an ideal pairing in this marketplace.”

Meanwhile, Longo noted that the team had made a commitment to ensure all clients receive superior underwriting guidance.

“This is perfectly matched with Gallagher’s values,” he said, “and we couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces to become a part of a growing Canadian and global team.”