Press Releases

SAYLOR & HILL CO. COMBINES WITH BARNEY & BARNEY LLC
Two insurance brokerages combine to create one of largest privately held brokerages in California

May 7, 2008
Today, Saylor & Hill Co., an Oakland-based insurance brokerage, announced the closing of its merger with Barney & Barney LLC, one of Southern California’s oldest and largest privately held brokerages with offices in Orange County and San Diego. The mission of the combined companies is to work together to provide premier insurance, risk management and employee benefits insurance solutions.

“By combining with Barney & Barney, we are excited to expand our footprint in California while continuing to deliver great service. We are not only gaining the advantages that come with geographic expansion, both firms also are benefiting from each other’s resources and experience,” said Michael Mirsky, Principal and Managing Director of the Oakland-based Saylor & Hill Co., which was formed in 1933. “The similar cultures of Saylor & Hill and Barney & Barney ensure a successful combination, and our joint commitment of being privately held allows us to keep our clients at the forefront of what we do.”

While Barney & Barney and Saylor & Hill each retain their individual names, office locations, staffing and management, the combined entity is referred to as “B&B Company.” The combined company has offices in San Diego, Orange County and Oakland and employs over 300 associates. B&B Company oversees more than 20,000 client accounts generating $62 million in annual revenue and representing over $1 billion in annual premiums. As a result, the newly combined company should debut in the top 50 of Business Insurance’s list of 100 Largest U.S. Brokers - moving up nearly ten spots from Barney & Barney’s previous rankings.

“Here at Barney & Barney, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service,” commented Paul Hering, CEO and Managing Principal of the nearly 100-year old Barney & Barney. “Our merger with Saylor & Hill gives our clients the benefits of a larger broker while still maintaining the customer care of a private broker. We truly believe that this is a perfect fit for both companies and our clients.”

Mr. Hering serves as the CEO and Managing Principal of the combined organization and is based in San Diego. Mr. Mirsky is a principal in the firm and Managing Director of the Bay Area office.

Company Information

Barney & Barney, with offices in San Diego and Orange County, was named “Commercial Insurance Agency of the Year” in 2006 by National Underwriter, a leading industry publication. Founded in 1909, Barney & Barney is San Diego’s oldest and largest privately held insurance brokerage. As a member of Assurex Global, they are able to provide worldwide connections for clients while ensuring personalized, local service.

The combined company has an expanded geographic footprint and servicing capability in California and continues a commitment to remaining privately held. B&B Company is organized around practice groups, characterized by expertise in specific industries and client groups, ensuring that each B&B Company professional has a depth of understanding in the clients’ businesses and the ability to customize solutions that optimally meet the clients’ insurance, risk management and employee benefits needs. Combined, Saylor & Hill and Barney & Barney have well over 100 years of insurance success and have received numerous awards of distinction for ethical practice, operational excellence and employee satisfaction.

Contact
Greg Berardi, Blue Marlin Partners. 415.239.7826, greg@bluemarlinpartners.com.