Magazine

Cover Story April 2026

Brokerage M&A Holds Firm in Volatile Economy

It wasn’t an easy ride, but insurance brokerage deal volume in 2025 eclipsed the previous year. Can the industry maintain course in the face of growing headwinds?

By Phil Trem

Features

M&A Master Class

Leavitt Group Executive Chairman and CEO Eric Leavitt lifts the curtain on the company’s M&A strategy, the challenges of gaining consensus, and the gold mine of integrated tech.

Optimism in the Face of AI’s Existential Threat

Five reasons to feel good about the future of insurance brokerage, no matter what the market says.

The New Class of E&S Insurers Is Picking Up the Pace

New surplus lines providers are now generating nearly $22 billion in direct premium written, but they have yet to show self-sustaining capital growth.

Thought Leaders

Can Independents Compete in a Consolidating Market?

Insurance brokerage M&A is raising the bar on strategy, technology, and more for...

As the saying goes, the only constant is change. The market isn’t what it used to be, and it will continue to develop from here.

Industry The Forces Redefining Brokerage M&A

‘Wellness’ Doesn’t Come Tax-Free

Promoters keep pushing medical indemnity schemes despite IRS warnings.

Did You Buy a Digital Crisis?

Five cybersecurity questions every M&A leader must ask before your new firm plugs into the network.

Is Your Agency Ready for AI?

Agencies must lock down their data, talent, tech, and operations if they want to succeed with artificial intelligence.

Walking the Tightrope

Insurance brokerage M&A activity early this year modestly trails 2025’s pace. Caution appears to be the theme in an environment sensitive to national and global events.