A Vancouver Island brokerage whose founder began his career as an agent for a predecessor of Co-operators Life Insurance Company has been sold.

Co-operators General Insurance Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary has purchased Bill Hartley Insurance Services Ltd. in Victoria, B.C. The brokerage's portfolio includes home, auto, farm and commercial insurance policies.

“We're pleased to be strengthening our presence and growing our agency distribution system in British Columbia and across the country, which is a key part of our growth strategy," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. “Our new clients will benefit from the wide range of insurance and financial products, as well as the expertise, offered by Co-operators advisors.”

According to the Co-operators, current clients of the brokerage will be notified of the change in ownership and their existing insurance coverage will remain in effect with no changes to their premiums or coverage for the current term of their policies. As current policies expire, clients will be offered comparable policies from The Co-operators.

Founder Bill Hartley began his insurance career in 1950 as an agent for an early incarnation of   Co-operators Life. The two businesses have maintained a long-term relationship and share similar views on priorities such as client service and sustainability, according to Bardswick.

The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $37 billion in assets under administration.