Western Financial Group Acquires Insurance Branch in Campbell River

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HIGH RIVER, AB, Jan. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Western Financial Group (Western) is proud to announce that First Insurance Agencies Ltd. of Campbell River, BC has joined its growing network of insurance brokerages across western Canada. The acquisition was completed on January 14. It is Western's third acquisition on Vancouver Island in the last year.

"We are looking forward to implementing some exciting changes to the branch, including expanding our operations and adding more products and services," said Greg McGill, Regional Senior Vice President, British Columbia. "Through Western, the office will be part of a growing network of branches featuring property & casualty insurance, life insurance, group insurance, marine insurance, and other services. We can even insure pets. Joining Western means our customers will see an improved selection of residential, auto and commercial insurance services."

The Campbell River office was founded more than 20 years ago and became part of First Insurance Agencies Ltd. in 2005.

"We are pleased that this sale will enhance the overall long term strategies of both Western Financial Group and First Insurance," said Kevin Sigouin, Vice President of Insurance for First Insurance. "This sale is a great development for the local economy and we are thrilled that our Campbell River branch employees will continue to service the community as members of the Western Financial Group family."

Western will now have offices located on Vancouver Island in Campbell River, Nanaimo, Victoria and Sidney. "We're experiencing exciting growth across western Canada and believe Vancouver Island offers some of the best opportunities for our company," said Scott Tannas, president and CEO of Western Financial Group. "Our new Campbell River office is an excellent addition to our existing locations on the island and we look forward to watching it serve a growing clientele in the coming years."

About Western Financial Group 

Western Financial Group is a western Canada based, diversified, financial services company serving more than 600,000 customers. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western provides insurance, banking and investment products and services through more than 120 office locations, the Internet (www.westernfinancialgroup.ca and its contact centre 1-866-THE-WEST (1-866-843-9378). With a skilled team of approximately 1,500 employees, and backed by the strong resources of its owners, Western is committed to building the strongest financial services company in western Canada.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the leading cooperative financial group in Canada.

SOURCE: Western Financial Group

Eric Michalko 
Manager of Sponsorships, Digital and Public Relations
Western Financial Group
1010 24th Street SE
High River, AB  T1V 2A7
Tel: [phone] or 1-866-843-9378
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]