The brokerages Oswald Companies and RCM&D have entered into a definite agreement to strategically merge and launch Unison Risk Advisors.
Following the merger, both firms will maintain independent brands, operations and management, while merging under the brand Unison Risk Advisors, dba of The JBO Holding Company. A company release noted that the resulting combined business will be one of the largest independently owned risk management and insurance brokerage firms in the US.
Unison Risk Advisors will be a 100% employee-owned company, and will rank among America’s top 30 largest insurance brokerage firms. The company will have a combined workforce of over 650 employee-owners in 12 office locations throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
"This strategic alignment of our like-minded firms is the first step in our partnership and strategic growth plan, through the value-added advancements of an expanded geographic footprint, specialty practices areas, expertise and firm perpetuation," said Oswald Companies chairman and CEO Robert Klonk (pictured, right).
Klonk added that the team remains committed to its client relationships and will continue to invest in talent and seek opportunities – which align with the goals and values of the newly-created Unison Risk Advisors.
"Professional services and advisory businesses require thoughtful strategic growth that allow for continuous enhancement of client resources and opportunities for staff," said RCM&D president and CEO Bob Cawley (pictured, left). "This merger, and the development of Unison Risk Advisors, builds on the legacy of our firms' strong independent and complementary cultures while coming together in a model of employee ownership.”
The transaction is expected to close on or before December 31, 2020.
Founded in 1893, the Cleveland, OH-based Oswald Companies is an independent, employee-owned firm considered the 39th largest brokerage firm in the US.
RCM&D, founded in 1885, is an independent and privately-held company. Together with its subsidiary, RCM&D Self-Insured Services Company (SISCO), RCM&D is ranked the 69th largest insurance brokerage in the US.
