Alera Group has announced that it has acquired New York-based Austin & Co. The acquisition expands Alera Group’s employee benefits and property-casualty expertise.

Austin & Co. has served clients in the Northeast for more than 165 years. Its offerings include employee benefits, commercial and business insurance, and HR consulting services. Austin & Co. has a particular focus on designing program offerings for the education sector.

“Austin & Co. is an exciting addition to Alera Group,” said Alan Levitz, CEO of Alera Group. “The management team has a great deal of experience and expertise, and will be welcome partners within our collaborative culture. Their local reputation as an outstanding firm immediately adds to our presence in the Northeast and brings additional regional and national capabilities, elevating the Alera Group client experience.”

“Joining Alera Group is a thrilling opportunity for our firm as we continuously strive to serve our clients with the industry’s leading solutions and expertise,” said James Sidford, president of Austin & Co. “The collaborative culture of Alera Group will allow us to continue to exceed our clients’ expectations, while growing and strengthening the deep relationships we have in our local community.”

All Austin & Co. employees will continue to operate from the firm’s existing locations. The firm will rebrand as Austin & Co., an Alera Group Company.