NU Online News Service, April 12, 11:18 a.m.EDT

Brokers Arthur J. Gallagher and Brown & Brown have announcedrecent acquisitions.

Arthur J. Gallagher says it has acquired Besselman & LittleAgency of Baton Rouge, La. Besselman offers employee-benefitconsultation and insurance-brokerage services for corporate,executive and individual clients throughout the southern UnitedStates.

The firm specializes in group medical, dental, life, disabilityand long-term care insurance programs.

Tom Besselman, the principal, and his associates—approximately22 employees—will continue to operate from their current locationunder the direction of John Neumaier, South Central regionalexecutive vice president of Gallagher's employee benefit consultingand brokerage operations.

Brown & Brown says it has acquired Kane Partners Inc. inMamaroneck, N.Y. Kane Partners, founded in 2003, has combinedrevenue of approximately $1.2 million. The firm offersemployee-benefits-related services, including brokerage andconsulting services, to clients in the northeastern United Statesand Florida.

Robert F. Fitzpatrick and Fred V. Leone, the principals of Kane,and their staff will join Brown & Brown offices in Rocky Hill,Conn.

Terms of both transactions were not disclosed.