Jones Brown Inc. and Pearson Dunn Insurance join forces in move that doubles business operations in Southern Ontario

TORONTO, June 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Jones Brown Inc., a leading private Canadian insurance consulting and Brokerage business, today announces the acquisition of Pearson Dunn, a Hamilton based firm with 100 years of history. This move will double business operations in Ontario.

This transaction sees the joining of two great firms, designed to strengthen both businesses. The GTHA continues to be the strongest economy in Canada and joining forces with Pearson Dunn Insurance creates a strategic foothold for the combined firm to service clients in one of the most relevant business corridors. John Hawkrigg, CEO of Jones Brown shared, "joining these two firms means a tremendous amount of opportunity, mostly to our valued clients as they now have an expanded physical presence for our service in Ontario, and equally so to our underwriting partners and employees as we continue to build Canada's most trusted insurance business." George McCarter, president of Pearson Dunn Insurance states, "This merger is a natural fit for two great brokerages. Our synergies, expertise, and reputation compliment each other and will create the foundation of our strategy to be the best privately held brokerage in the Canadian industry." With this transaction, Jones Brown's Ontario business has solidified its footprint in the Golden Horseshoe, a population of more than 8 million people.

ABOUT JONES BROWN:
With offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, Jones Brown is one of Canada's prominent insurance brokers. Jones Brown provides personal and commercial clients a full range of insurance products and services. Their Gold Standard offering is their commitment to clients to offer personalized, innovative expertise including tailored solutions with an uncompromising long-term view.

ABOUT PEARSON DUNN:
Established in 1895, Pearson Dunn Insurance has served the Hamilton community for over 100 years. Staff at Pearson Dunn Insurance provide their individual and business clients with expert advice at every opportunity and work tirelessly to be a valued advisor and trusted partner. Through their offices in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Mississauga and Woodbridge, Pearson Dunn Insurance promises to deliver independent advice, choice of reliable insurance products and prompt claim service to their clients. 

ABOUT VRG CAPITAL:
VRG Capital is a Toronto based private equity firm with over 33 years of experience in investing with Entrepreneurs focused on investing in companies needing capital for growth, buy-outs and mergers. Since 1982, VRG has provided financing and advisory services to small and mid-sized companies in healthcare, financial services, information technology and marketing/ sales services.

SOURCE Jones Brown Inc.

Mark Terrill, President & Chief Marketing Officer, Jones Brown Inc., [email protected], [phone]; George C. McCarter, President, Pearson Dunn Insurance, [email protected], [phone] ext 141