AmWINS Group, Inc. (“AmWINS”) announced today that it has acquired The Walker Group (“TWG”), a wholesale commercial lines insurance broker and MGA with two locations in Upstate New York.

The Walker Group, founded in 1934, specializes in primary and excess workers’ compensation, professional liability and other niche P&C lines. In addition, The Walker Group serves as a Group Manager operating and managing several safety groups within the New York State Insurance Fund. Prior to the acquisition, TWG was a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, a multi-billion dollar non-profit organization that provides health coverage and health care services.

“We are delighted to become part of the AmWINS team,” said Tony Sidoni, President of The Walker Group. “Our niche expertise and specialist focus are a perfect fit with AmWINS’ wholesale distribution model and strategy around risk and industry practices.”

The Walker Group’s veteran team, combined with established relationships with markets and retailers, provides a solid foundation that will continue to grow with AmWINS’ added resources.

“We are excited to welcome The Walker Group to the AmWINS family,” said M. Steven DeCarlo, CEO of AmWINS. “Not only does this acquisition extend our reach in the Northeast, but their expertise and relationships will complement our overall company strategy. There’s a great deal of opportunity for growth.”

The acquisition of The Walker Group follows the December 31, 2013 announcement that AmWINS has completed its acquisition of Bliss & Glennon, an excess and surplus lines wholesale insurance broker and managing general agency, and eReinsure, a neutral online platform used by clients to manage the placement of facultative reinsurance.

Following these transactions, the firm will have more than 3,200 employees across 17 countries and will handle nearly $9.5 billion in premium placements across four divisions – Brokerage, Underwriting, Group Benefits and International.