People and Places

Graham Farebrother joins Willis: Global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings announced that Graham Farebrother has been hired as executive vice president and sales team leader for Willis Global Energy's Houston team. Farebrother will report to Mark Oakley—the head of the Houston office—and has 35 years of industry experience.

Mergers and Acqusitions

BB&T acquires California agency: The nation's 6th largest insurance broker, BB&T Insurance Services, increases it operations in California with the acquisition of Liberty Benefit Insurance Services of San Jose, Calif. Liberty now operates as BB&T-Liberty Benefit Insurance Services.

Torus specialty business expands: Torus Insurance reports that it has recently acquired London-based company Broadgate. This acquisition will provide Torus with Broadgate's variety of niche business across various product lines such as accident and health, property treaty and bloodstock.

New Policies

OneBeacon widens its offerings: OneBeacon Entertainment, a member of OneBeacon Insurance Group, will now offer an event cancellation product called EventShield. It will provide protection for associations and organizations that host conventions, conferences and trade and consumer shows. EventSheild is available on a surplus lines basis nationwide and provides coverage for indoor and outdoor events.