USI Insurance Services agreed to acquire Van Gilder InsuranceCorp. The acquisition of the Denver, Colo. company is expected toclose Dec. 10.

Van Gilder is a full-service insurance brokerage firm thatoffers employee benefit programs, business insurance, riskmanagement services and personal insurance products. Theacquisition will enable USI to expand its footprint in the RockyMountain region and further solidify the company's vision ofbecoming the number one brand in the middle-market insurancebrokerage industry.

“For over a century, Van Gilder has been working with clients tolisten, learn and assess their needs. In addition to deliveringtop-notch solutions that are competitively priced, theirexperienced staff provides ongoing education, advice and guidanceto make the insurance process even easier. Through thisacquisition, we are not only expanding our national footprint, butour mutual strengths in client service and industry knowledge willbenefit both Van Gilder and USI's clients,” said Michael J. Sicard,president, chief executive officer and chairman of USI.

Van Gilder's current president of Donald McG. Woods and chieffinancial officer Edward M. Harrington, Jr., will remain in theirleadership roles following the acquisition, although the company'sname will be changed to USI Colorado.

“Our acquisition by USI represents a very important step in ourcurrent strategic plan to grow our services and products forclients throughout the Rocky Mountain region,” said Woods.

Customers of Van Gilder will continue to receive the same levelof service, and policies will not be impacted.

“We'll be focused on ensuring a smooth transition in the comingmonths and collaborating with the USI team,” said Woods.