USI Insurance Services Acquires Prominent Employee Benefits Firm in New York

USI Insurance Services Acquires Carolina First Associates, LLC 

USI Strengthens Footprint in Carolinas with Prominent Employee Benefits Insurance Advisor 

VALHALLA, NY — USI Insurance Services (“USI”) announced today that it acquired Carolina First Associates, LLC, a prominent employee benefits insurance advisor located in Hickory, North Carolina. This acquisition extends USI’s presence as the premier middle market insurance brokerage and consulting firm in the Southeast region. Carolina First Associates and its employees will remain at the current Hickory location. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

James W. Dunn, USI Southeast regional chief executive officer, said: “Since 1980, Carolina First Associates has built its reputation on helping businesses navigate the intricacies of evaluating and purchasing employee benefit plans, wellness programs and employee education and communication strategies. Their consultative approach to cultivating long-term relationships aligns perfectly with the USI ONE Advantage® and we are thrilled to welcome Sam and his team to USI. We look forward to continuing to invest in the Carolinas and to bringing our game changing approach for delivering solutions to clients, associates and local communities.”

Samuel E. Rhodes, principal and owner, Carolina First Associates, said: “Our depth of experience in the ever-changing era of healthcare reform has helped us to understand and overcome the high costs and limited options faced by most businesses. With this acquisition, our clients will continue to enjoy this high touch, specialized customer care, but now they can tap into USI’s expanded suite of employee benefits, retirement consulting and personal risk solutions. We are excited to be joining a nationally recognized company and to playing an important role in growing USI’s footprint in this strategic growth marketplace.”