NU Online News Service, July 13, 12:01 p.m.EDT

Marsh & McLennan Agency, a subsidiary of insurance brokerMarsh Inc., says it has acquired Prescott Pailet Benefits (PPB), a$6 million employee benefits broker based in Dallas.

Also, Hub International Ltd. says it has acquired the assets ofWorkplace Benefit Solutions (WBS) a Manchester, N.H.-based employeebenefit brokerage and consulting firm.

Formed in 2006 by the combination of Prescott Benefit Servicesand Pailet Financial Services, PPB offers a diversified mix ofhealth, life, dental, and disability products to a wide range oforganizations.

PPB will operate within MMA’s Southwest regional hub created bythe acquisition of Houston-based Insurance Alliance in November2009.

In a statement, Dave Eslick, chairman and chief executiveofficer of MMA calls the acquisition an “excellent addition” thatcompliments the firm’s previous acquisitions.

PPB is the 11th acquisition MMA has made since November2009.

Founded in 2001, Workplace Benefit Solutions is an employeebenefits advisory firm that works primarily with mid- to large-sizecompanies throughout New England. WBS builds innovative employeebenefits programs for the healthcare industry and public sector,working with several of New England’s largest healthcare providersand various municipalities including unions and governmentofficials of cities and school districts in the region.

WBS will become part of Hub International New England. Theemployees will remain in their existing office in Manchester. DavidLarrivee, principal consultant and founder, and Tom DeLacey,principal consultant, will join Hub reporting to Michael S.Chapman, chief sales officer, Hub New England.

Terms of both transactions were not released.