Conner Strong & Buckelew Forms Strategic Alliance with Century Equity Partners to Accelerate National Growth

MARLTON, N.J., April 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Conner Strong & Buckelew ("Conner Strong"), a leading insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firm, today announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with Century Equity Partners ("Century") to accelerate the firm's expansion strategy.  The alliance leverages Conner Strong's market-leading service and delivery model with Century's extensive M&A experience and industry relationships to immediately enhance organic growth and targeted acquisition strategies. 

Under the terms of the alliance, Century will acquire a minority interest in Conner Strong & Buckelew.  George E. Norcross, III, Conner Strong's Executive Chairman; Mike Tiagwad, President and CEO; and Joseph Buckelew, Chairman, will maintain their majority interest in the firm.  Together with the existing management team, they will continue in their current leadership positions.

"Our success over the past several years has created a solid foundation that will allow us to expand our capabilities and grow our geographic footprint," said Tiagwad.  "Since spinning off as a private company from Commerce Bank in 2008, we have consistently exceeded the published organic growth rates of the public companies in our industry, by a multiple of two to three.  This is the ideal partner at the ideal time to help take the company to the next level."

About Conner Strong & Buckelew 
Conner Strong & Buckelew is among America's largest insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms. The firm is an industry leader in providing high-risk businesses with comprehensive solutions to prevent losses, manage claims, and drive bottom line growth. Its employee benefits practice focuses on providing best-in-class benefits administration, health and wellness programs and strategic advisory services.

The company provides insurance and risk services to a wide-range of industries including but not limited to aviation, construction, education, healthcare, hospitality & gaming, life science & technology, public entity and real estate.  Conner Strong & Buckelew and its affiliates offer a number of innovative and specialty solutions which include captive strategies, construction wrap-ups, executive risk, safety and risk control, and private client services.

Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Florida, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of nearly 350 professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/conner-strong-&-buckelew.

About Century Equity Partners
Century Equity Partners is a Boston-based private equity firm that focuses on investing in companies operating across the insurance, asset and wealth management, specialty finance and banking services sectors.  Century invests in companies that are seeking capital to support growth or fund partial buyout or recapitalization strategies. For more information, visit www.cepfunds.com.

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SOURCE Conner Strong & Buckelew