PointeNorth Insurance Group announced it has merged with Debra LaVelle, Inc., Canton, GA, an independent insurance agency specializing in employee benefits. With this partnership, PNIG’s benefits operation is expanded and the stage is set for ongoing growth.
“The merger enables both agencies to accomplish a number of key goals together, all of which fit our M&A (mergers and acquisitions) program,” said William Skeeles, Principal, CEO and President of PointeNorth. “Debra LaVelle, who I have known for many years, gains resources and a broader range of commercial insurance products and services for her clients, and PNIG acquires Debra’s SHRM-certified Human Resource specialist and extremely knowledgeable benefits specialist to help us strengthen programs and services for our customers. We are getting some exceptional talent.”
Laura Yarbrough, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, will expand PointeNorth’s benefits and human resources expertise, as will Erin Witt who will transition from account management to full-time production. Both will enhance the comprehensive advisement needed by employers as they navigate the continuously evolving regulations and compliance required by the Affordable Care Act.
LaVelle, a 40-year veteran of the insurance industry, said she was happiest about being able “to do the best thing for my valued employees and our clients.” She noted that PNIG’s successful record and talented team, along with her long-term relationship with Skeeles, sealed the deal for her.
“In business, I value integrity more than anything else,” LaVelle said, “and I don’t know anyone who has more integrity than Bill Skeeles. And this is a great move for our clients. They are the reason we are in business. It’s just a win-win on so many levels.”
This is PointeNorth’s third merger of 2015. Insurance Counseling & Management, Inc. (ICM) joined PointeNorth in February and the Cumberland Insurance Agency in March. They were the 19th & 20th acquisitions for PointeNorth in the past 10 years.
Skeeles said PointeNorth wants to remain aggressively engaged in the insurance industry’s current consolidation trend. “We are well-capitalized and looking to stay at the forefront of trend with independent insurance agencies seeking partnerships with like-minded agents focused on remaining locally owned and operated.”
About PointeNorth Insurance Group
Atlanta, GA-based PointeNorth Insurance Group was formed in late 2009 by the merger of TRC Insurance Services and certain property and casualty assets of Merritt-McKenzie. In 2012, the firm realigned its capital source to accelerate acquisition activity with a focus on Georgia and Alabama. Since that time, PointeNorth has fulfilled its vision, strategically acquiring or merging with independent insurance agencies to become one of Atlanta’s largest locally owned and operated independent insurance agencies. Today, PNIG serves more than 54,000 businesses and households offering them a wide choice of products as a Trusted Choice™ Agency. PointeNorth Insurance Group, 1100 Circle 75 Parkway Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30339. Tel: (770) 858-7540