Univesta Assurances acquires the firm Murray, Charest et Ross Inc.
Montreal January 7th, 2016
Univesta Assurances et services financiers Inc., a leader in the brokerage field in Quebec, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the firm Murray, Charest et Ross Inc., effective January 1st 2016. The firm Murray, Charest et Ross Inc. is established in Matane and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and serves the large territory of Mont-Joli, Matane, Gaspesie, Magdalen Islands the North Coast.
Over the years, the company Murray, Charest et Ross (MCR) combined with the company Assurances de Maurice de Champlain (AMD) has positioned itself among the largest brokerage firms in Eastern Quebec. In fact, under the chairmanship of Mr. Dany Murray, these two firms were accumulating a volume of insurance premiums of nearly $20M annually and had 23 employees. In 2014, the birth of unique business collaboration between Univesta et MCR allowed Univesta Assurances to acquire a first portion of the business portfolio of about $9M.
Today, Murray, Charest et Ross Inc., writes a volume of premiums of $10,8M$ in commercial insurance and has 10 employees. The supported business partnership between these firms has strengthened further the relations, facilitating the conclusion of this transaction. Therefore, the continuous innovation at MCR and the exceptional quality service provided by its highly qualified staff create new opportunities for growth and success for Univesta Assurances which combines 15 business branches and employs now close to 350 employees.
«The Murray, Charest et Ross Inc. transaction promotes the expansion of our lines of products in terms of radiation, development potential by their exclusive programs and in terms of profitability, says Bernard Chagnon, president of Univesta Assurances. « Murray, Charest, Ross has over 30 years of operating history. The staff members are trusted experts in their area and will continue to stimulate the growth of activities in the great Univesta family. The great business potential behind MCR and growth of the firm convinced us to close the loop in this region after concluding a first transaction with MCR in January 2014 » he said.
For his part, Mr. Dany Murray, president of Murray, Charest et Ross Inc., who will ensure a smooth transition after the change of control, states: «Our companies share a similar culture that emphasizes outstanding service, and the similarities between the two firms, motivated in large part this transaction. Univesta’s strategic vision is deeply rooted in a mission for which values are focused on customer satisfaction and creates a solid actor in damage insurance across the province and in the greater region of Lower St-Lawrence» he concludes.
About Univesta
Univesta Assurances et services financiers Inc. is a company employing 340 employees in 15 branches throughout the province and serving the dominant regions such as Greater Montreal, North and South shores, Monteregie, the Lower St-Lawrence and the Eastern Townships. The firm offers a full range of professional and specialized solutions in damage insurance and financial services. Its origins date back to 1953 with the firm Poitras, Larue, Rondeau, who in 2001 acquired the firm Groupe Boivin Lebel. At that time, the company name was changed to Univesta Assurances et services financiers Inc.
Univesta Assurances has a long track record in terms of acquisitions. In fact, several steps have been taken allowing Univesta Assurances to be in constant growth while allowing it to rank among the three largest insurance brokerage firms in Quebec.
About Murray, Charest et Ross Inc.
In business for over 30 years, the firm Murray, Charest et Ross Inc offers damage insurance products and serves the large territory of Eastern Quebec, including Mont-Joli, Matane, Gaspesie, Magdalen Islands and the North Coast. Murray, Charest et Ross Inc. enjoys a solid reputation by developing innovative insurance products such as specialized insurance programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of its large clientele.
Murray, Charest et Ross Inc. writes a volume/premium of $10,8M and its professional team consists of dynamic and experienced brokers that offer multidisciplinary advice while ensuring to give added value to its customer and its main business partners.