ICIB Brokerweb has formed a new subsidiary by merging its Tauranga branch with Bay of Plenty business Financial Independence. Now known as ICIB Financial Independence, the combined entity is led by Financial Independence’s Ben Ruthe and Alana Collinson.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the Financial Independence team join the ICIB Group,” ICIB Brokerweb managing director Grant Milne said in an emailed release. “They are a well-respected team in the Bay of Plenty, and their ethos on client service and having a professional and family-friendly business culture aligns completely with ICIB’s.

“We look forward to continuing to support our clients and the local community, as ICIB Financial Independence, under the stewardship of Ben and Alana.”

Manned by over 40 insurance professionals, ICIB Financial Independence offers both general and life & health risk services and advice.

Commenting on the merger, which took effect on December 1, ICIB Financial Independence managing director Ben Ruthe said: “We are excited to be expanding in the Bay of Plenty and adding the local ICIB Brokerweb staff and resources to our team. This is an exciting opportunity to blend our local investment with nationwide scale, additional capacity, and expertise.”

ICIB Brokerweb came to life when ICIB merged with AUB Group’s BrokerWeb Risk Services a year ago. In November, ICIB Brokerweb swooped for MultiSure, including transport insurance brand TruckSure.    

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