Markel Acquires Black/White Social Services Business

Markel Insurance Company has agreed to acquire the social services program business of Black/White & Associates Insurance Brokers. The transaction is scheduled to close on April 1, 2007. Black/White’s Alameda, Calif., location will become a Markel Insurance Company underwriting and marketing office, and will continue servicing existing and new accounts.

The acquisition of this $24 million book of business and the addition of a talented group of people and agents are part of Markel’s strategy to expand its social services business segment nationwide. Markel will retain Black/White’s agency network for renewal and new business, and will extend opportunities to Markel agents.

“We are delighted that the talented Alameda team will join Markel Insurance Company,” said Britton L. Glisson, president and COO of Markel Insurance Company. “The team brings an extensive understanding of the social services industry to Markel. We look forward to working with them, as well as with their agents and customers.”

According to Euclid G. H. Black, founding partner, chairman, and CEO of Black/White & Associates, “We are excited about the transition of this book of business to Markel. It will be business as usual for our agents and customers.”

A subsidiary of Markel Corporation, Markel Insurance Company underwrites commercial lines coverages on an admitted basis for a variety of niche markets including children’s camps; child care centers; social service agencies; private schools; B&Bs; museums and historic homes; youth recreation centers; and dance, gymnastics, and martial arts schools. The company also underwrites horse and farm programs as well as special-risk accident and health. Markel Risk Solutions offers unique individual account solutions for commercial lines of business to a highly selective group of retail agents throughout the country.

Source: Markel Insurance Company, www.markelinsurance.com