World Insurance Agency Acquisition Hat Trick: Two Massachusetts Agencies & A Rhode Island One
A screenshot of the Tarpey Insurance Group website
World Insurance Associates has gone on a buying spree in New England. In the past month, the agency announced that it has acquired another three agencies in our region. On August 26th, the top 50 insurance brokerage firm announced that it acquired two independent agencies in Massachusetts, Arlington’s Rush-Ken Insurance Agency and Wakefield’s Tarpey Insurance. Both acquisitions were effective as of August 1st.
“I am pleased to welcome Tarpey and Rush-Kent to the World family,” says Rich Eknoian, CEO and Co-Founder of WIA. “They are a team of respected insurance professionals in the Greater Boston area, and they will be a great addition to our team.”
Tarpey is a family owned and operated insurance agency. They provide a variety of products and services for individuals and businesses. James J Tarpey took ownership of the agency in 1979. Jim began his insurance career over 60 years ago as an underwriter for Royal Insurance. He came to the agency in 1968 and has been the CEO since 1979. All five of Jim’s children: Mike, Liz, Jim, Mark, and Steve joined the agency and have been partners with Jim since the late 90’s. During the last decade, several other family members have joined the agency.
“The Tarpey Insurance Group has always been committed to providing its customers with the highest quality service possible,” says Liz Tarpey-Kent, President, Tarpey Insurance Group. “We are proud to continue this commitment as part of World Insurance Associates.”
In 1925 J. Quinton Rush established the J.Q. Rush Real Estate and Insurance office in Arlington, Massachusetts. They specialized in real estate sales as well as insurance. Charles R. Kent acquired the agency from J.Q. Rush in 1969, changing the name to Rush-Kent Insurance Agency, Inc. In 1980, the agency moved to its current location in Arlington. Over the years, several agencies were purchased and incorporated into Rush-Kent. The current principals, Paul W. Kent and Robert C. Kent, have been with the agency since 1984. Today Rush-Kent provides both personal and commercial insurance to their clients.
“Insurance can be complicated,” says Paul W. Kent, Principal, Rush-Kent Insurance Agency. ”That’s why our clients need experts to work on their behalf.” “We are a trusted source for our clients,” says Robert C. Kent, Principal, Rush-Kent Insurance Agency. “We look forward to continuing to advocate for our clients as part of World.”
World also acquires Rhode Island’s Howard Russell Insurance
On September 12th World continued its expansion in New England with its purchase of East Greenwich’s Howard Russell Insurance.
“I’d like to personally welcome Howard Russell Insurance to the World family,” says Rich Eknoian, CEO and Co-Founder of WIA. “Their strong commitment to their clients and excellent customer service will fit very nicely with World’s mission and goals.”
Founded in 1956 by Howard E. Russell, Jr., and his wife, Bess, Howard Russell Insurance is today owned and operated by their daughters, Sally Russell and Heidi Russell Duggan. It is a full-service, independent insurance agency serving the needs of clients throughout Rhode Island and southern New England.
At Howard Russell we are committed to excellence,” says Sally Russell, Owner, Howard Russell Insurance. “Since our founding in 1956, we have been working hard to ensure our clients receive the best possible insurance services.” “Our team of professionals offer unparalleled customer support and expert advice,” adds Heidi Russell Duggan, Owner, Howard Russell. “We are excited to continue this commitment to our clients as part of World.”
More about World Insurance Associates
Since its founding in 2011, World has completed 155 acquisitions and serves its customers from more than 250 offices across the United States. It currently boasts $2 Billion in premium with over 200,000 clients serviced throughout its 170+ locations.
