Business Moves

EPIC, VRT Insurance Services

EPIC (Edgewood Partners Insurance Center) acquired all the assets of VRT Insurance Services Inc.

VRT Insurance Services Inc. is owned by David Alvarado, its key producers and Belvedere Capital, a private equity firm based in San Francisco. The company was established in 2007 and is led by founder and CEO Alvarado. The firm has offices in Oakland and Rancho Cordova, Calif., and specializes in complex property, casualty and employee benefits insurance for construction, real estate, information technology and municipalities.

The acquisition expands EPIC’s market presence in construction, contracting, public entity, employee benefits and other industries.

EPIC was launched in 2007 by former president and CEO of ABD Insurance, Dan Francis and John Hahn, former president of BISYS Commercial Insurance Services Inc. They have opened seven offices throughout the state of California since the firm’s launch.

Diablo Valley Insurance, Gingrich Insurance Brokers

Diablo Valley Insurance Agency Inc. of Walnut Creek, Calif., acquired the assets of Gingrich Insurance Brokers of Orinda, Calif.

Gingrich Insurance Brokers with annualized revenues of approximately $900,000, focuses on commercial property and casualty insurance.

Ritch and Ted Gingrich, and their team will combine their agency operations with that of Diablo Valley Insurance Agency, under the leadership of Jon Oldfather, president of Diablo Valley Insurance Agency Inc.

Acuity

Acuity of Sheboygan, Wis., announced it will begin writing business in New Mexico starting in mid-2009.

Acuity is a property and casualty insurer that operates in 18 states, writes $800 million in premium through 900 independent agencies, and manages $2 billion in assets.