A.J. Gallagher Acquires The Benfield Group

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) today announced the acquisition of the healthcare consulting firm, TheBenfield Group. Headquartered in St. Louis, the firm also has offices inChicago, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Terms of the transaction were notdisclosed.Founded in 1989, The Benfield Group is a healthcare consulting firm thatoffers research, strategy and communication services for their healthcarecompany and large account clients throughout the United States.  Theyspecialize in helping healthcare companies market their value proposition tolarge employers; conducting consumer, patient and physician research; andproviding employers with strategic communications support.   Chuck Reynolds,Scott Thompson and their associates, will continue to operate from theircurrent locations under the direction of William Ziebell, head of Gallagher'sNorth Central employee benefit consulting and brokerage operations."Because of its unique offering, specialized healthcare focus andserviced-based culture, The Benfield Group will be a great complement to ourexisting employee benefit consulting capabilities," said J. Patrick Gallagher,Jr., Chairman, President and CEO. "I am delighted to welcome Chuck, Scott andtheir associates to our growing family of professionals."Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an international insurance brokerage and riskmanagement services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has operationsin 30 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 140countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers andconsultants.