SIB and CREST plan $2.5bn North American insurance broking partnership

Canadian brokerage group SIB Corp. and US-based CREST Insurance Group have announced a partnership that would create an insurance distribution business operating across both countries, with more than US$2.5 billion in gross written premium.

The proposed combination would bring together more than 2,000 employees, 500 insurer relationships, and over 230 locations in Canada and the US, according to the companies. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026.

SIB is headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, and provides personal, commercial, and employee benefits insurance. CREST, based in Tucson, Arizona, has brokerages and offices in six US states, and offers property, casualty, life, health, and employee benefits cover.

The partners said the wider network would strengthen their ability to serve clients across North America and develop their commercial, personal, benefits, life, and specialty risk offerings. They also pointed to opportunities to invest in technology, recruit staff, and expand through further acquisitions.

For insurance buyers with interests on both sides of the Canada–US border, the proposed platform would bring a broader geographic reach and insurer network under one partnership. The companies have not announced changes to individual products or client arrangements.

Ted Puccini, President and CEO of SIB, said the agreement would help the business deepen its insurer relationships and pursue its growth plans.

CREST President and CEO Cody Ritchie said the partners intended to retain local expertise while giving their teams and clients access to a larger North American network.