Benefits Company Announces Acquisition

July 2, 2012

News Release

(Indianapolis, IN) July 2, 2012 - Indianapolis-based firm Gregory & Appel Insurance announced today that Hauser & Associates, a voluntary benefits specialist firm also located in Indianapolis, is merging into the company.

“After years of healthy competition, we are combining the best of both companies to serve the growing voluntary benefits needs of our customers,” said Sheri Alexander, senior vice president and employee benefits division manager at Gregory & Appel.

Voluntary benefit offerings, such as permanent life, short & long term disability, critical illness and accident plans, are becoming more commonly requested in the marketplace as important supplements to, or in some cases, the only form of benefits available for employees.

With the new partnership, five new employees and 150 clients will join Gregory & Appel, making it the largest worksite benefits department in Indiana, and one of the largest in the Midwest.

“Gregory & Appel has achieved the highest reputation for integrity, client satisfaction and customer service. It is an honor to be joining such a reputable company,” said Lee Hauser, who founded Hauser & Associates 20 years ago.

Mr. Hauser will be joined at Gregory & Appel by voluntary benefits consultant Michael Kuhn, who will join the firm’s benefits sales division. Three other Hauser & Associates employees will also join Gregory & Appel: Paul Finnell, Rhonda Whitaker, and Valerie Finnell.

“With the ever-changing landscape in benefits, this addition will help Gregory & Appel further diversify our revenue stream, and will position the company for further growth,” said Dan Appel, President of Gregory & Appel.

About Gregory & Appel Insurance
Founded in 1884, Gregory & Appel Insurance is the oldest independently-owned insurance agency in Indiana, and one of the largest. Gregory & Appel offers property and casualty risk management and employee benefits solutions to businesses and individuals throughout the Midwest. The firm is also a member of the Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) the premier network of independent benefit advisory and consulting companies. For more info, visit www.gregoryappel.com

About Hauser & Associates
Founded in 1992, Hauser & Associates is the largest independent voluntary benefits enrollment firm in Indiana, serving 150 clients in 12 states specializing in hospitals, municipalities, manufacturers and schools.

Source: Gregory & Appel Insurance