PointeNorth Scoops Two Georgia Agencies

PointeNorth Insurance Group, one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the Southeast with local ownership, has announced it has acquired two Georgia agencies – Berger & O’Neal Insurance Group and Holmes-Shaw Agency. The two firms will retain their brands, service teams and management personnel.

Both agencies have joined the PointeNorth Alliance, which provides additional carrier markets, services and tools to help agencies grow and increase profitability.

“We’re excited to welcome both organizations to PointeNorth Insurance Group,” said William Skeeles, president and CEO of PointeNorth. “Berger & O’Neal Insurance Group is a quality agency with excellent markets, further expanding our capabilities in metro Atlanta. Holmes-Shaw Agency allows us to increase our position in employee benefits through its high level of experience and quality association program.”

Berger & O’Neal Insurance Group offers insurance products across Georgia. Michael Berger, former principal and president, and Hugh Lee O’Neal Jr., former principal, are now serving as senior vice presidents of PointeNorth.

Holmes-Shaw Agency specializes in life, health and disability insurance. Many of the agency’s executives will play key roles in PointeNorth, including spearheading its employee benefits program. Bruce Shaw, former president and CEO of Holmes-Shaw Agency, now serves as a senior vice president of PointeNorth and president of the Holmes-Shaw Benefit Program. David Holmes, former senior vice president and chief financial officer for Holmes-Shaw Agency, and Roy Downey, former senior vice president and secretary, now serve as vice presidents of PointeNorth and senior vice presidents of the Holmes-Shaw Benefit Program. J. Taylor Smith, producer at Holmes-Shaw Agency, now serves as producer for both PointeNorth and the Holmes-Shaw Benefit Program.

“We’re committed to acquisition and perpetuating quality agencies,” Skeeles said. “PointeNorth Insurance Group combines that commitment with sales and service talent development to support organic growth and effective succession.”

PointeNorth has acquired more than 30 agencies to date.