Press Releases

Risk Strategies Acquires Zito Insurance Agency

Builds upon central U.S. footprint with addition of northern Ohio full-service firm

BOSTON, November 12, 2019 -- Risk Strategies, a leading national specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced that it has acquired Zito Insurance Agency, a full service firm headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, northeast of Cleveland. Terms of the deal were not announced.

Founded in 1963, Zito is a second-generation, full-service insurance brokerage firm employing 36 people and providing property and casualty and life and health insurance services to individuals and businesses across a wide array of industries. In addition to its Mentor, OH headquarters, the firm also maintains an office in nearby Rocky River, OH.

“As we build out our capabilities, we are always seeking firms with a track record of excellence in cultivating deep client relationships through superior work,” said John Mina, Risk Strategies’ Chief Executive Officer. “Zito’s consultative approach to building client solutions and their loyal client base were both strong indicators they’d be a great fit for us.”

Throughout its history, Zito’s approach has engendered impressive client loyalty. The firm’s largest clients have been with the firm for over 15 years on average, with many having been with the firm for 25 years or longer. Industries that Zito serves range from retail and broadcasting to real estate, contracting and manufacturing. The firm also has a long-established presence in the non-profit world, with a client history in the sector stretching back 35 years.

“Given Zito’s long history in the region, perpetuating and scaling the business required a partner that could preserve our client-centric, high-touch approach,” said Zito Insurance Agency President, Chris Zito. “Risk Strategies was clearly the best fit for both our people and our clients as we sought to ensure a secure, beneficial path forward for our business.”

The majority of Zito’s business is focused on helping clients develop tailored property and casualty coverage. Business placing personal lines coverage and life and health lines almost evenly make up the remainder. The majority of its 36 employees work at its Mentor, OH headquarters.

Risk Strategies’ entry into Ohio came with the 2017 acquisition of Brightstone, a specialist focused on next-day delivery and courier businesses with offices in Cleveland. In 2018, Risk Strategies acquired Cincinnati Intermediaries, a specialty wholesale brokerage and managing general underwriter (MGU) focused on professional liability, and employee benefits specialist, Benefit Networks Insurance Agency (BNIA), both based in Cincinnati.

To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit www.riskstrategies.com

About Risk Strategies

Risk Strategies is the 9th largest privately held US brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management advice, insurance and reinsurance placement for property & casualty, employee benefits, private client services, as well as consulting services and financial & wealth solutions. With more than 30 specialty practices, Risk Strategies serves commercial companies, nonprofits, public entities, and individuals, and has access to all major insurance markets. Risk Strategies has over 100 offices including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Grand Cayman, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. RiskStrategies.com.