Ascension Expands North Carolina Operations

Third strategic acquisition of Falcone Williams expands firm capabilities in
employee benefits, commercial and personal lines capabilities 

CHARLOTTE, NC. (January 9, 2012)  Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Falcone Williams Insurance, located in Huntersville, North Carolina.  The acquisition continues Ascension Insurance’s ongoing expansion, which began in 2008 with the acquisition of First Charter Insurance Services, continued in 2009 with the acquisition of Commercial Insurance Group and Providence Insurance Agency in 2010.

The addition of these agencies expands Ascension’s capabilities in the areas of personal lines, commercial coverage and employee benefits solutions.  Falcone Williams, Inc., the firm’s third strategic acquisition, is a full-service agency that provides business and personal lines insurance through high quality national and regional insurance carriers.  Ascension Insurance Agency utilizes the same companies as well as providing local service thought its staff of 65 professionals in Charlotte, Shelby, Greensboro and Raleigh, NC.  

Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Ascension Insurance, Inc. is a full-service insurance and employee benefits agency providing high-level brokerage and risk management services specifically to middle-market companies nationwide. Ascension’s CEO, Leonard P. Kline, Jr., commented, “These strategic acquisitions represent a unique opportunity for us to provide highly sophisticated expertise, markets and resources to individuals and businesses throughout the Southeast.  We are committed to expanding our presence here and welcome Falcone Williams’ customers to our company. ”

Clarkson McLean, President of Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc, commented, “Ascension has shown its desire to continue to invest in North Carolina.  Expansion by organic growth and acquisition is key to our business strategy.  Our customer focused model has been well received by acquired customers and our retention of these customers has been excellent.”

About Ascension Insurance, Inc.:

Ascension is led by President and CEO Leonard P. Kline, Jr. Ascension is presently one of the fastest growing insurance agencies in the United States with over 20 locations nationwide. Together with its private equity partners, Parthenon Capital and Century Capital Management, Ascension, expects to grow to $200 million in revenue over the next four years.

Ascension’s corporate mission is to create a premier group of insurance agencies that offer superior risk management and benefits consulting services while providing a rewarding professional environment that preserves the expertise and culture that made each operational center successful. Ascension is a privately held corporation. (end)