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Westland Insurance and Axis Insurance Managers Inc. have both announced acquisitions in the Canadian P&C insurance space.

Westland has acquired Forefront Insurance Inc., effective July 1, while Axis Insurance announced that J.T. Insurance Services (Canada), Inc. has officially joined its firm.

“The strategic acquisition is a part of Westland’s ongoing efforts to focus on delivering value and solutions to a broader set of clients, while continuing to scale distribution nationally,” Westland says in a press release.

Based in Brooks, Alta. Forefront Insurance provides personalized and specialized insurance solutions. Established in 2015, the full-service brokerage offers auto, home, farm, ranch, commercial, and recreational vehicle insurance, as well as other custom coverage options.

“Their diverse capabilities align with our ongoing efforts to expand expertise across key segments and classes of risk exposure,” Westland president and CEO Jamie Lyons says in the release.

Westland has made a handful of transactions this year. Most recently, it acquired Dave Dale Insurance Agencies Ltd., effective June 1. The team of professional advisors at the Grand Forks, B.C.-based brokerage provide insurance services, including risk management solutions for automobile, residential, small business, and travel insurance, while also serving as the community’s driver licensing centre.

Axis Insurance’s latest acquisition involves Vancouver-based JT Insurance, which “has built a strong reputation for its expertise in real estate, construction, and serving high-net-worth clients,” Axis says in a July 1 release. “Their expertise in these key sectors strengthens Axis Insurance’s presence and service depth in core markets.”

JT Insurance, owned by James and Sheri Clay, was established in 1969 and has demonstrated consistent growth over the years, Axis reports.

“Both James and Sheri will continue with Axis Insurance in key leadership roles, bringing their expertise and maintaining their valuable client relationships. Their deep industry knowledge will ensure a smooth integration with Axis, representing a significant milestone in Axis Insurance’s ongoing growth and commitment to delivering value across its expanding portfolio.”

The JT Insurance team will join Axis under the newly established Commercial Insurance Practice Group.

On the same day it announced the merger with JT Insurance, Axis also said it acquired Collis Insurance, a Calgary-based brokerage founded in 2008 by Andrea Collis. “Specializing in commercial insurance, the Collis team brings more than 70 years of combined business insurance expertise to Axis, strengthening their ability to deliver exceptional service and tailored solutions to clients.”

In February, Axis acquired Fuse Insurance, another Calgary-based brokerage. Founded in 2017, Fuse is a technology-driven commercial insurance brokerage that manages complex risks in industries such as e-commerce, healthcare, and cannabis.

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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.