Holmes Murphy Joins Forces With CSDZ

Holmes Murphy (www.holmesmurphy.com), a privately-owned insurance brokerage, has partnered with Minneapolis-based Cobb Strecker Dunphy & Zimmermann, Incorporated (CSDZ; www.csdz.com) in the company’s largest merger to date. This growth of more than 100 employees makes Holmes Murphy one of the largest employee-owned brokerages in the nation and is a reflection of Holmes Murphy’s business strategy, further strengthening the firm’s depth in the property casualty and, more specifically, construction and surety industries.

This partnership between Holmes Murphy and CSDZ brings together some of the most innovative minds in the industry and will create a dominant position in the construction and surety markets.

“The CSDZ team of insurance professionals has been serving the construction industry for nearly 100 years,” said Holmes Murphy chairman and CEO, Daniel T. Keough. “Their longevity fits well with Holmes Murphy’s foundation in the insurance industry, and we know this growth opportunity will only enhance our clients’ service experience. Holmes Murphy has long been known for providing the best insurance solutions to lower our clients’ cost. By adding CSDZ’s expertise, we’re able to take our knowledge and capabilities to the next level.”

CSDZ was initially founded as a construction contract surety organization and has since grown into a nationally recognized specialty risk management organization. It will continue to operate on a stand-alone basis and will remain in its three locations of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Madison, Wisconsin. CSDZ president, Jerry Ouimet, will maintain his current role, while current chairman and CEO, R. Scott Egginton, is taking on the role of chairman emeritus of CSDZ and will continue to be involved with both client and partner relations.

In the future, Holmes Murphy also plans to expand further by bringing its employee benefits, captive, and personal lines expertise into the mix of exceptional property casualty services already offered by both companies.