Westland, Quebec’s Ellipse Insurance announce brokerage acquisitions

Westland Insurance and Québec-based brokerage Ellipse Insurance both announced acquisitions of P&C brokerages this week.

Westland Insurance announced the acquisition of Paul Ayotte Insurance Brokers Ltd. (PAIB), while Ellipse Insurance acquired AccèsConseil Assurances et services financiers. Both deals were announced Aug. 11.

Effective Aug. 1, Westland’s deal reflects the brokerage’s “strategic focus on growing its presence in Ontario and bringing greater value to clients within their local communities,” Westland says in a press release. “With strong national P&C solutions, bringing PAIB into the Westland family further strengthens the organization’s capabilities across Canada.”

PAIB has been serving communities in northern Ontario with personalized and comprehensive insurance solutions since 1975. With five offices across the region, PAIB offers a wide range of services, including auto, home, business, cottage and leisure insurance.

“Known for its strong community roots and commitment to client care, PAIB delivers reliable protection and peace of mind to individuals and businesses alike,” Westland says in the release.

Adds Westland president and CEO Jamie Lyons: “Ontario remains a key strategic focus for Westland, and PAIB’s well-built presence in the province helps us deepen our reach into important regional communities.”

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As one of Canada’s largest brokerages trading more than $4 billion in premium, Westland has made several brokerage acquisitions this year. Most recently, last month it acquired Brooks, Alta.-based Forefront Insurance. The full-service brokerage offers auto, home, farm, ranch, commercial, and recreational vehicle insurance, as well as other custom coverage options.

Entering new regions

Ellipse Insurance’s acquisition of AccèsConseil “opens the door to new regions of Québec,” Ellipse president Patrice Jean says in a release. AccèsConseil serves the Greater Québec City area and the Côte-Nord region, offering coverages such as home, auto, recreational vehicle, umbrella, travel and various commercial insurance products, among others.

The strategic move represents a “major milestone” in Ellipse’s growth strategy. “Their team’s deep expertise and strong regional presence will enrich our vision and broaden our reach to the benefit of our clients,” Jean says.

AccèsConseil president and CEO Catherine Mainguy says it became clear after meeting Jean and his leadership team “that we share the same values and vision.”

As part of the integration, Mainguy and Guy Duchesne, vice president of insurance and director of major accounts, will join Ellipse’s managerial team and play an active role in driving the firm’s continued growth.

The acquisition strengthens the eastern Québec footprint of Ellipse, a 100% Quebec-owned company. Ellipse is a hybrid firm offering P&C insurance and financial services, “with a unique blend of local presence and international capabilities,” the brokerage reports.

“With this transaction, Ellipse Insurance reaffirms its position as one of the largest property and casualty insurance firms in Québec, with over 600 employees across more than 30 offices on both sides of the Saint Lawrence River.”

Jason Contant

Jason has been an award-winning journalist with Canadian Underwriter for more than a decade, including the past three years as associate editor and, before that, as digital editor for seven years.