MarketStance, a resource for demographic data and analyticalservices for the U.S. insurance industry, and GeoLogix Solutions, amarket data and analysis firm specializing in insurance industrysolutions, announced the merger of the two companies.

With the merger, Jim Hearn, CEO of GeoLogix Solutions, isreturning to MarketStance to assume the position of chief marketingofficer, the position he held during his last tenure, and will beresponsible for strategic business development, marketing, sales,client services, and communications.

"During my absence, MarketStance implemented transformativeadvancements in the capabilities of their production and newproduct development teams," says Hearn. "The new products, theenhanced production capabilities, and the user interfaces for allof MarketStance's products are simply revitalizing."

"I'm very excited about what this new development means forMarketStance and our clients," says Fritz Yohn, MarketStance CEO."Jim brings a deep understanding of the issues insurers, agents andbrokers face, as well as a practical approach to designingsolutions to help them address those issues. That translates intoactionable tools and insights that can be effectively and quicklyapplied by clients. And, Jim's needs analysis discovery processcombined with a solutions-focused product and sales approach, aswell as his insistence on high-touch, responsive client services,will enhance what MarketStance can deliver to clients. It's a realwin-win—for both our clients and our firms."

The decision to join forces rather than compete was mutuallyagreed to after a few exploratory discussions. Coupling thesolutions approach that GeoLogix used to meet the needs of agents,brokers and insurance companies with the production resources,delivery platforms, and data resources of MarketStance will ensurethat clients and prospective clients see increased value from anyinvestment in MarketStance products.

The merger is effective immediately.