The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America said Ryan Young has been named its senior director of federal government affairs.

The property and casualty insurance group is looking at limited top-line growth, but should record a profitable first quarter despite Chilean earthquake and winter storm losses, an investment bank's analysts said.

U.S. insurance merger and acquisition activities last year were the lowest since 2002, but a pickup is already underway, fueled by pent-up demand, Conning Research & Consulting reported.

AmWINS Group Inc. said it has acquired Colemont Insurance Brokers in Dallas, in a move which may make it the nation's largest wholesale brokerage, a consultant suggested.