Afore Insurance Services has acquired Resolve Insurance Group, an independent agency based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
As part of the transaction, Christopher Burns will join Afore as senior vice president and national marine practice leader.
Resolve Insurance Group will operate within Afore's Mid-Atlantic Region under regional president Brett Balsley. Afore said the acquisition strengthens the company's ability to serve clients in Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic region by combining Resolve's local presence and marine expertise with Afore's regional resources.
Burns will oversee the expansion of Afore's marine practice along the Eastern Seaborad and Gulf Coast. He said he looks forward to growing the practice nationally and developing specialized marine insurance programs, while helping maritime companies manage risk cost-effectively.
The transaction follows several other recent acquisitions by Afore in the Mid-Atlantic, which have strengthened the company’s presence and capabilities across Virginia and neighboring states. Afore said these moves are part of a broader strategy to build dominant regional platforms supported by specialized industry knowledge, broad carrier relationships, and focused client service.
Michael Garguilo, president and CEO of Afore, said the acquisition of Resolve Insurance and the addition of Burns demonstrate that Afore's partnership-acquisition model appeals to independent agency owners seeking growth in specialized areas while maintaining local operations and entrepreneurial control.
"Afore is committed to becoming the premier independent insurance platform serving the Mid-Atlantic and the greater Eastern Seaboard," Garguilo said.
The acquisition comes amid a period of growth and consolidation in the US marine insurance market. The sector continues to be influenced by increased shipping activity, higher vessel values, and emerging risks such as cyber exposure and environmental liability. Insurers are focusing on specialized coverage, risk management, and regional expertise to meet the needs of maritime clients.
Regional activity along the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard, including busy ports in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, is driving demand for tailored marine coverage. By integrating Resolve’s local market knowledge and client relationships, Afore positions itself to expand its specialty offerings in these high-traffic maritime regions while leveraging its broader national platform to access multiple carriers and advanced underwriting resources.
Industry observers said the acquisition underscores a trend of insurance agencies seeking partnership-oriented growth models rather than full sales, allowing firms to expand their specialty practices, maintain local market presence, and access capital and operational support from larger platforms.
