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Continues Columbus region expansion
CLEVELAND – May 19, 2014 – Oswald Companies – one of the largest independently owned insurance brokerages in the U.S. – has announced the acquisition of Group Benefits Specialists, Inc. (GBS), a Columbus, Ohio-based firm specializing in group benefits insurance.
Group Benefits Specialists, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Anthony Raphael. Raphael, a prominent figure in the Columbus business and civic communities, passed away in December 2013. To continue to serve its valued client base, GBS sought an opportunity to align with a well-regarded and like-minded firm.
“Our goal through this acquisition is to perpetuate the legacy of Anthony Raphael and the level of service he and his team brought to their clients and partners,” said Todd Miller, Senior Vice President, Oswald Columbus. “With both of our organization’s dedication to charitable endeavors, we also intend to continue the programs and involvement that GBS offers to our community.”
The acquisition marks the first expansion of Oswald’s Columbus regional office. The three employees from GBS have now relocated to Oswald’s Columbus location at 349 W. Nationwide Blvd.
“We are excited to welcome GBS and look forward to their contributions as part of our benefits team and Columbus office,” said Robert J. Klonk, Chief Executive Officer of Oswald Companies. “We remain committed to strengthening our presence in the region for our clients, and will continue to invest in talent and opportunities that align with our strategic goals and corporate values.”
Oswald Companies, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a full range of strategic risk management and insurance services including: employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement plan services, life insurance and personal risk management.
About Oswald Companies
Founded in 1893, Cleveland-based and employee-owned, Oswald is one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerage firms. As a proud member of Assurex Global, the world’s largest association of privately held insurance brokers, our risk management professionals can service and support the needs of our clients worldwide. Learn more at www.OswaldCompanies.com and www.OswaldCompanies.com/Columbus.
