Alera Group Wealth Services Acquires Benson Blackburn

Alera Group Wealth Services, a division of Alera Group, a top independent, national insurance and wealth services firm, today announced the acquisition of Benson Blackburn, a Naples, Florida-based specialized insurance consultancy with a focus on ultra-affluent families and closely held businesses. The acquisition continues Alera Group Wealth Services’ strategic effort to expand by finding firms serving well-defined niches and embracing a wide range of advisor business models.

“Benson Blackburn is among the few specialist firms in the country with the skills to sit across the table from ultra-high net worth clients and their close advisors to develop wealth preservation strategies,” said Tina Hohman, executive vice president and wealth services practice leader. “The team’s expertise will benefit clients not only in Wealth Services but throughout other Alera Group divisions.”

Benson Blackburn’s focus areas include life insurance, private placement life insurance, corporate benefits and business protection. The firm is a member of M Financial Group, giving it access to proprietary products across multiple quality insurance carriers. Prior to relocating to Naples in 2007, Benson Blackburn was located in Cleveland, Ohio. Its national clientele continues to include a concentration in the Midwest and south Florida.

Founder Michael Benson launched his insurance career in 1976 and as an independent firm 10 years later. Scott Blackburn was named Principal in 2015. Both will remain with the firm as it continues under the banner Benson Blackburn, an Alera Group Company.

“Becoming part of Alera Group Wealth Services supports our continued growth,” said Michael Benson. “Being part of Alera Group’s broader platform and taking a unified approach is ideal for meeting our clients’ needs to protect wealth. We look forward to collaborating with professionals throughout the organization.”

“Michael Benson and Scott Blackburn are among the best in the business at serving clients with unique wealth preservation needs, and we are pleased to welcome them to the Alera Group family,” said Alan Levitz, CEO of Alera Group.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

About Alera Group Wealth Services

Alera Group Wealth Services, a division of Alera Group, is dedicated to enhancing the financial security of clients through a holistic suite of services to address the financial planning, investment and wealth management needs of individuals and families. For more information, visit wealthservices.aleragroup.com

About Alera Group 

Alera Group is an independent, national insurance and wealth management firm with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, offering comprehensive employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement plan services and wealth services solutions to clients nationwide. By working collaboratively across specialties and geographies, Alera Group’s team of more than 3,500 professionals in more than 150 offices provides creative, competitive services that help ensure a client’s business and personal success. For more information, visit www.aleragroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.   

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Source: Alera Group