BB&T reported second-quarter earnings from its insurancebrokerage unit rose to record levels, and the Winston-Salem,N.C.-based bank holding company reported revenues from all of itsfee-based business grew as well.

Commissions from insurance operations in the second quarter grew7 percent to $229 million, compared with $214 million for theperiod last year, the firm said.

The bank attributed the commission increase primarily to growthin its market share in the commercial property-casualty andemployee benefits lines. The bank noted that large account p-ccommissions "increased significantly" from prior periods.

BB&T reported it made two acquisitions in June: ReeseInsurance Associates Inc. of Atlanta and Carswell InsuranceServices of Hilton Head Island, S.C. The company described both as"strong performers in excellent markets."

According to a report released by Michael White Associates thisweek, BB&T was ranked third in insurance brokerage fee incomefor the first quarter of 2007 with $195 million.

For the first half of this year, BB&T has reported insurancebrokerage fee income in excess of $409 million.

For the quarter, BB&T reported net income rose 7 percent, or$29 million, from the same period last year to $458 million, or 83cents a share. The bank reported revenues of $2.7 billion, up 16percent, or $371 million.

For the six months, net income rose 2 percent, or $19 million,to $879 million, or $1.60 a share. Revenues rose 17 percent, or$750 million, to $5.2 billion.