NU Online News Service, Feb. 23, 3:43 p.m.EST

Itasca, Ill.-based insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher says itis expanding its excess and surplus lines business into Louisianawith the acquisition of First Premium Insurance Group, Inc.

The Covington, La.-based managing general agency and wholesalebroker was established in 1973. The firm provides insuranceproducts for independent agents and brokers throughout theSouthernUnited States. First Premium Insurance specializes in manufacturedhomes, personal lines and commercial property and casualtybusiness.

Jay Pellegrini Jr., Greg Pellegrini, the principals and theirassociates, numbering about 65 employees, will continue to operatefrom their current location. They will be under the direction ofJoel Cavaness, president of Risk Placement Services, Inc., asubsidiary of AJG.

“First Premium will be our first true wholesale/MGA presenceinLouisianawhich will enable us to expand our sales and servicescapabilities in that region,” notes J. Patrick Gallagher Jr.,chairman, president and chief executive officer in a statement.

Two other insurance brokers announced acquisitions thisweek.

Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.-based USI Insurance Services says itacquired The Pinnacle Group based inVirginia Beach, Va.

A full-service benefits consulting firm specializing inmiddle-market business, USI says it is expected to contributeapproximately $3.3 million in annual revenues to USI.

Steven C. Deal, USI’s mid-Atlantic regional CEO says in astatement that the transaction will strengthen its existingorganizations in the region along with its expanding employeebenefit practice.

Daytona Beach, Fla.-based insurance broker Brown & Brownsays its subsidiary Brown & Brown of Connecticut, Inc. hasacquired Kane Partners, Inc. of Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Founded in 2003, Kane Partners has combined annual revenue of$1.2 million, says Brown & Brown. The firm provides a widerange of employee benefits-related services including brokerage andconsulting services to clients in the Northeastern United Statesand Florida.

Robert “Rob” F. Fitzpatrick, Fred V. Leone, the principals ofKane Partners and the staff will join Brown & Brown ofConnecticut offices in Rocky Hill, Conn.

Terms of all three transactions were not released.