Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Professional services
UnclaimedA global insurance brokerage and risk management services company.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., commonly known as Gallagher, is a United States-based multinational insurance brokerage and risk management services company. Established in Chicago in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the firm developed from a regional insurance agency into one of the world's largest insurance intermediaries through organic expansion, specialty expertise, employee-benefits consulting, claims administration, reinsurance brokerage, and a long series of acquisitions. Its headquarters are in the Chicago metropolitan area, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher's core brokerage business helps commercial organizations, public-sector bodies, institutions, and individuals assess risks, design insurance programs, place coverage with insurers, and manage ongoing policy relationships. The company also operates in employee benefits and related human-resources consulting, where it advises employers on benefits strategy, retirement and pension matters, workforce risks, and related programs. Through Gallagher Re, the group provides reinsurance broking and capital-related services to insurers and other risk-bearing entities. Gallagher Bassett, its risk-management and claims-services operation, administers and adjusts workers' compensation, automobile, liability, and other claims for clients. The company's history includes several early innovations in insurance program design. In 1938, Arthur Gallagher contributed to the development of The Hartford Group's retrospective rating program, which linked premiums to policyholders' loss performance. He also wrote an early large-deductible fire insurance policy for Bowman Dairy Company. After the Second World War, his sons Jim, Bob, and John joined the business. Gallagher was incorporated in 1950, with the three sons receiving ownership interests, helping establish the family-led culture associated with the company. During the 1980s and 1990s, Gallagher operated in a highly competitive United States brokerage market, but it recorded double-digit growth in most years from 1990 through 2000. In 2000 it acquired 16 smaller brokerages, accelerating its national footprint and ultimately giving it operations across all 50 U.S. states. International expansion began in 2002 with entry into India and other Asian markets. The company subsequently built positions in Latin America, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand through acquisitions, local rebranding, and new offices. Gallagher's modern growth strategy has combined geographic expansion with the addition of specialist capabilities. Acquisitions have included reinsurance brokers, marine and specialty intermediaries, employee-benefits firms, executive-search and human-resources consultancies, and regional retail brokerages. Notable transactions in the 2020s included the purchase of Buck, the acquisition of Cadence Bank's insurance brokerage unit, and the announced 2025 acquisition of AssuredPartners. The company has also continued to add specialist businesses in Germany and other markets. Gallagher presents itself as a client-service-oriented professional-services organization rather than an insurance carrier. It generally acts as an intermediary, consultant, claims administrator, or risk adviser and does not primarily manufacture insurance products itself. Its competitive proposition rests on industry specialization, local brokerage relationships, global placement capability, claims expertise, employee-benefits knowledge, and the ability to combine independent advice with multinational delivery. The firm remains publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AJG.
History
Arthur J. Gallagher established an insurance agency in Chicago in 1927. The business initially operated in the United States insurance market, where its work included commercial coverage and the development of insurance arrangements tailored to clients' loss experience and financial capacity. In 1938, Gallagher contributed to The Hartford Group's retrospective rating program, which gave policyholders an incentive to control losses by linking premiums to claims performance. He also authored an early large-deductible fire policy for Bowman Dairy Company, illustrating the firm's early emphasis on customized risk solutions. After the Second World War, Arthur Gallagher's three sons, Jim, Bob, and John, joined the firm. The company was formally incorporated in 1950, and each son received an equity stake. Their involvement helped shape a family-owned operating culture that later continued through professional management and public ownership. The business faced strong competition during the 1980s and 1990s as the U.S. brokerage sector consolidated and competed for commercial accounts. Nevertheless, it achieved double-digit growth in most years between 1990 and 2000. A major phase of national expansion began in 2000, when Gallagher acquired 16 smaller insurance brokerages. The acquisitions broadened the company's U.S. presence and eventually supported operations in all 50 states. Gallagher then began international expansion in 2002, entering India and other Asian markets. It established operations in Singapore in 2011 and expanded through a combination of offices, partnerships, acquisitions, and local brand integration. The company added international scale and specialist expertise throughout the 2010s. In Brazil, it acquired Securitas Re in 2010. In the United Kingdom, it agreed to acquire substantially all of FirstCity Partnership's insurance brokerage operations in the same year. It acquired Oslo-based Bergvall Marine in 2013, entered Australia in 2014, and expanded its Australian brand presence after acquiring OAMPS Insurance Brokers. Canadian expansion included the acquisition of Christie Phoenix and Discovery Insurance Services in 2015, the purchase of Reid Manson by New Zealand subsidiary Crombie Lockwood, and the rebranding of several Noraxis brokerages as Gallagher in 2016. The company also acquired an 85% stake in Stockholm-based Brim AB in 2016, adding specialty insurance and reinsurance capabilities in Scandinavia. Gallagher continued to diversify its platform beyond traditional brokerage. It acquired Ballard Benefit Works in 2017 and Affiliated Benefit Consultants in 2020, strengthening employee-benefits services. In 2022 it acquired Four Corners Group, an executive-search firm, and announced the acquisition of Interbrok Group in Brazil. In 2023 it acquired Buck, which provides human-resources, pension, and employee-benefits consulting, as well as Eastern Insurance Group, Lifesure Group in the United Kingdom, and Cadence Bank's insurance brokerage unit. The Cadence transaction was reported at $904 million, while the Buck transaction was reported at $660 million. Gallagher also experienced a significant operational cybersecurity event in September 2020, when ransomware affected certain internal systems. The company took precautionary steps by taking global systems offline, engaging outside cybersecurity professionals, investigating the incident, and activating continuity procedures. By late September, it reported that most systems had been restarted or were being restarted. In 2024, Gallagher acquired German broker Köberich Financial Lines. The reference material further records the 2025 acquisition of Meadowbrook Insurance Agency and the $13.45 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners, a transaction described as the largest sale of a U.S. insurance broker to a strategic acquirer in industry history. It also records 2026 acquisitions by Gallagher Bassett and Gallagher of German specialist firms Reck & Co and Krose. Across these phases, Gallagher evolved from a Chicago agency into a global professional-services group spanning retail brokerage, reinsurance, claims, risk consulting, employee benefits, human resources, and specialty insurance.
- 2025
AssuredPartners acquisition announced
[1]Gallagher announced its acquisition of AssuredPartners for a reported $13.45 billion.
- 2023
Expansion into broader benefits and regional brokerage
[1]Gallagher acquired Buck, Eastern Insurance Group, Lifesure Group, and Cadence Bank's insurance brokerage unit.
- 2020
Ransomware response
[1]Gallagher took precautionary systems-offline measures after a ransomware incident and activated business continuity procedures.
- 2014
Australian platform expanded
[1]Gallagher entered Australia and expanded the brand following its OAMPS acquisition.
- 2011
Singapore operations established
[1]Gallagher established operations in Singapore.
- 2010
Brazilian and United Kingdom expansion
[1]Gallagher acquired Securitas Re in Brazil and agreed to acquire most of FirstCity Partnership's brokerage operations in London.
- 2002
International expansion began in Asia
[1]Gallagher entered India and other Asian markets.
- 2000
National brokerage expansion accelerated
[1]Gallagher acquired 16 smaller U.S. brokerages, materially expanding its domestic footprint.
- 1950
Company incorporated
[1]The business was formally incorporated, with Arthur Gallagher's three sons receiving equity stakes.
- 1945
Gallagher's sons joined the business
[1]Jim, Bob, and John Gallagher joined the company after the Second World War.
Products and positioning
A global, client-service-led insurance brokerage and risk-management platform combining local market knowledge, specialist expertise, multinational broking, claims administration, reinsurance, and employee-benefits consulting.
Insurance brokerage · 1927
Gallagher insurance brokerage
Gallagher's principal business advises clients on commercial, personal, specialty, and multinational insurance programs. Brokerage teams assess exposures, structure coverage, obtain terms from insurers, and support clients through renewals and claims-related coordination. The platform combines local offices with international placement resources and specialist practices serving sectors such as marine, financial lines, public entities, and commercial enterprises.
Claims and risk management
Gallagher Bassett
Gallagher Bassett provides outsourced claims administration and risk-management services. Its adjusters primarily process workers' compensation and automobile claims, while the broader operation can support liability and other insurance programs. The service is designed for organizations that need claims handling, administration, analytics, loss-control support, and related operational expertise without managing every function internally.
Reinsurance brokerage
Gallagher Re
Gallagher Re is the group's reinsurance brokerage platform. It works with insurers and other risk-bearing organizations on reinsurance placement and related capital and risk-transfer needs. The platform draws on Gallagher's international network and specialty capabilities, including property, casualty, marine, financial lines, and other areas of complex risk.
Employee benefits consulting
Employee benefits and HR consulting
Gallagher provides employer-focused advice on employee benefits, pensions, retirement programs, human-resources strategy, and workforce risk. This business has expanded through acquisitions such as Ballard Benefit Works, Affiliated Benefit Consultants, and Buck. Services can include benefits design, administration support, communication, actuarial and pension advice, and broader human-capital consulting.
Controversies
2020
Ransomware incident affecting internal systems
In September 2020, Gallagher reported that ransomware had affected certain internal systems. The company took global systems offline as a precaution, began an investigation, hired external cybersecurity professionals, initiated response protocols, and activated business-continuity plans. It later stated that most business systems had been restarted or were in the process of restarting.
Brand decisions
2025
Acquire AssuredPartnersM&ABackground
Gallagher continued its strategy of expanding through large-scale insurance-brokerage acquisitions.
Action taken
The company acquired or announced the acquisition of AssuredPartners for a reported $13.45 billion, equivalent to $12.45 billion net of tax benefits.
Aftermath
The transaction was described in the reference material as the largest sale of a U.S. insurance broker to a strategic acquirer in industry history.
Reported AssuredPartners transaction value. $13.45 billion gross; $12.45 billion net of tax benefits (2025 transaction)
2023
Acquire Buck and additional brokerage platformsM&ABackground
Gallagher sought to expand employee-benefits, human-resources, regional brokerage, and personal-lines capabilities.
Action taken
The company acquired Buck, Eastern Insurance Group, Lifesure Group, and Cadence Bank's insurance brokerage unit.
Aftermath
The transactions broadened Gallagher's consulting and brokerage platform across the United States and United Kingdom.
Reported acquisition price for Buck. $660 million (2023 transaction)
2002
Begin international expansion in AsiaStrategyBackground
After building a broader U.S. platform, Gallagher pursued growth outside its domestic market.
Action taken
The company entered India and other Asian markets and later established operations in Singapore.
Aftermath
International operations became a central part of Gallagher's global brokerage network.
2000
Acquire 16 smaller U.S. brokeragesM&ABackground
Gallagher faced a competitive domestic brokerage market and sought to build national scale.
Action taken
The company acquired 16 smaller insurance brokerages, broadening its presence across the United States.
Aftermath
The expansion contributed to a footprint that eventually covered all 50 U.S. states.
Recent events
Reported
Gallagher acquired Tave Risk Management[3]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. said it had acquired Chicago-based Tave Risk Management LLC. The transaction terms were not disclosed.
Reported
Gallagher acquired Richied & Associates[3]
Gallagher said it had acquired Reno, Nevada-based Richied & Associates Inc., an insurance agency serving commercial clients.
Reported
Gallagher completes acquisition of treaty reinsurance brokerage operations[4]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced that it completed the acquisition of substantially all of Willis Towers Watson plc’s treaty reinsurance brokerage operations.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Edelweiss divests majority stake in insurance broking business[5]
Edelweiss Group transferred a 61% stake in Edelweiss Gallagher Insurance Brokers to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. following regulatory approval. The buyer now owns 91% of the business, which has ceased to be an Edelweiss subsidiary.
Reported
Gallagher acquires Files Agribusiness[6]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. said it had acquired Files Agribusiness LLC, a Louisiana-based agribusiness insurance specialist. The transaction terms were not disclosed.
Reported
Arthur J. Gallagher announces acquisition of Lloyd Bedford Cox[7]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the acquisition of Lloyd Bedford Cox, Inc.; the transaction terms were not disclosed.
Reported
Arthur J. Gallagher appoints Teresa H. Clarke to its board[8]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced the appointment of Teresa H. Clarke to its Board of Directors.
Arthur J Gallagher acquires remaining shares in Edelweiss Gallagher Insurance Brokers[9]
Arthur J Gallagher & Co purchased the remaining shares of Edelweiss Gallagher Insurance Brokers from Edelweiss Financial Services, following a minority investment in 2019.
Reported
Arthur J. Gallagher acquires Optimum Talent[10]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. announced that it had acquired Montreal-based Optimum Talent Inc.; the transaction terms were not disclosed.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Gallagher acquires CRES Insurance Services[11]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. acquired CRES Insurance Services, an insurance and risk management firm serving real estate companies and professionals. CRES will continue operating from its current Las Vegas and San Diego locations under Gallagher supervision.
Sources16 sources
- 1Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.en.wikipedia.org
- 2Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. official websiteajg.com
- 3Gallagher 收购 Tave Risk Managementbusinessinsurance.com
- 4Gallagher完成条约再保险经纪业务收购prnewswire.com
- 5Edelweiss 出售保险经纪业务多数股权business-standard.com
- 6Gallagher 收购 Files Agribusinessbusinessinsurance.com
- 7Arthur J. Gallagher 宣布收购 Lloyd Bedford Coxfinanznachrichten.de
- 8Arthur J. Gallagher任命Teresa H. Clarke加入董事会prnewswire.com
- 9Arthur J Gallagher收购Edelweiss Gallagher Insurance Brokers剩余股份asiainsurancereview.com
- 10Arthur J. Gallagher收购Optimum Talentfinanznachrichten.de
- 11Gallagher收购CRES Insurance Servicesinsurancebusinessmag.com
- 12Gallagher宣布收购CMSinsurancebusinessmag.com
- 13Arthur J. Gallagher完成对Edelweiss Insurance Brokers少数股权的收购prnewswire.com
- 14Arthur J. Gallagher 完成收购 LSG Insurance Partnersprnewswire.com
- 15Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. 完成收购 Renomia 少数股权prnewswire.com
- 16Arthur J. Gallagher 收购 The Human Capital Groupfinance.yahoo.com
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