Second Thoughts

Not every business merger works out, for one reason or another. Just ask Citigroup and Travelers. This is especially true of independent agency mergers and acquisitions.

“Independent” agencies aren’t just called that because they produce for a number of companies. Their owners are usually very independent-minded, accustomed to doing things their own way and being their own bosses. When, suddenly, cooperation rather than command is the order of the day things can go south in a hurry. But that’s only one of many reasons why M&As can fail, as freelancer Dan Aznoff explores in his excellent story on page N14, “Second Thoughts.”

This led me to wonder, however, about other people who must be having second thoughts right about now. Here are some likely suspects:

Regardless of whether you’re in the top 100 by premium volume or not, your agency may be special in some other way worth sharing with other readers. Such is the case with this edition’s cover girl, JoAnn Osmond. Read more about her story on page 35. And if your agency has a compelling personal story behind it or you insure a niche risk or type of customer, we’re eager to hear about it. Don’t hesitate to contact me in my Chicago office at (773)381-1572.

Thanks for reading.