Equity Risk Partners, Lipscomb & Cathey Announce Joint Venture to Service Texas Private Equity Firms

SAN FRANCISCO and DALLAS, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance brokers Equity Risk Partners (ERP) and Lipscomb & Cathey today announced the formation of a joint venture which will cater to the needs of the private equity space in Texas. The new partnership, called ERP-Texas, will combine the niche expertise of San Francisco-based ERP with the longstanding reputation of Lipscomb & Cathey in the Dallas community, making it the first and only entity of its kind in the industry.

Under the partnership, ERP and Lipscomb & Cathey will share resources with the intent to expand the scope of their respective businesses and capitalize on the recent uptick in private equity and M&A activity in Texas. The joint venture represents a significant move by the two highly regarded insurance brokers to grow their business by sharing intellectual capital.

Ronnie Cathey of Lipscomb & Cathey said, "This initiative brings together two of the most trusted names in the industry to create a seamless enterprise that provides tremendous value for us. As we tap into the growth opportunities that this partnership provides, ERP-Texas is expected to become an increasingly important and profitable part of our business in the years ahead."

ERP-Texas will operate as a fully integrated organization with a world-class team from both companies. In addition to offering a superior platform for both firms to grow their business and streamline their organizational structure, this initiative is expected to provide new opportunities to increase the efficiency, structure, and return of private equity transactions.

"The formation of ERP-Texas represents an important milestone in our commitment to making a significant impact in the private equity space," stated Michael Marcon, Founder and CEO of ERP. "By combining our individual capabilities and experience, this initiative will enable us to better serve our existing clients and will position us to become the optimal choice for private equity firms and portfolio companies in and around Texas. Both ERP and Lipscomb & Cathey have a culture that is focused on strategic vision, innovative ideas, and superior client service, and we are committed to bringing these same values to ERP-Texas."

About Equity Risk Partners (ERP)

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies. Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence. Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost-effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago. http://www.EquityRisk.com    

About Lipscomb & Cathey

Lipscomb & Cathey is an independent insurance brokerage agency based in Dallas, TX, and is home to 33 insurance professionals offering a full range of Property & Casualty and Health & Benefits solutions for both commercial and personal lines clients. The firm is known for its approach to providing creative solutions for its clients focusing on real estate, marine, agriculture and private equity operations as well as high-net-worth personal lines insurance exposures. Representing major markets both domestically and internationally, and with over 100 years and 3 generations of insurance brokerage experience, Lipscomb & Cathey stands for personal trust and the value of relationships between client and independent broker combined with the intellectual capital and knowledge of a national broker. http://www.lipscombcathey.com

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SOURCE Equity Risk Partners