Markel Insurance Company has acquired the social servicesprogram business of wholesaler Black/White & AssociatesInsurance. Terms of the deal were not released, said Britton L.Glisson, president and chief operating officer of Markel.

The Richmond, Va.-based insurer said the transaction is expectedto be completed by April 1.

Black/White's Alameda, Calif., location will become a MarkelInsurance Company underwriting and marketing office, and willcontinue servicing existing and new accounts, Markel said.

Mr. Glisson and Thomas K. Smith, vice president of marketing,said the acquisition of this $24 million book of business to thecompany's existing $13 million book in this space will mean a totalof $37 million base premium in this business.

The program business writes coverage for private nonprofitsocial service agencies covering both admitted and nonadmittedbusiness.

Markel said the staff it gains through the acquisition willbecome a part of the company's strategy to expand its socialservices business segment nationwide.

Markel will retain Black/White's agency network for renewal andnew business, and will extend opportunities to Markel agents. Thebusiness covers 37 states primarily in the West.

The Alameda team "brings an extensive understanding of thesocial services industry to Markel. We look forward to working withthem, as well as with their agents and customers," said Mr.Glisson, in a statement.

"Markel and Black/White share the same business philosophy; bothfocus on quality, integrity, leadership and outstanding service,"said Euclid G. H. Black, founding partner, chairman and chiefexecutive officer of Henderson, Nev.-based Black/White. "We areexcited about the transition of this book of business to Markel. Itwill be business as usual for our agents and customers."

Markel is on the Web at www.markelinsurance.com.