Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires Hunt Financial Group
Rhea-AI Summary
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (NYSE: AJG) announced on February 2, 2026 the acquisition of Hunt Benefits & Associates, Inc. and Tenaglia & Associates, Inc., operating collectively as Hunt Financial Group. Terms were not disclosed.
Hunt Financial Group operates from Charlotte, NC and Mount Pleasant, SC, serving banking‑industry benefits clients. Tim Hunt, Tom Tenaglia and their team will remain in place and report to Luke Kaplan, U.S. Financial and Retirement Services Managing Director.
Positive
- Adds niche benefits consulting expertise focused on banking clients
- Preserves existing leadership with Tim Hunt and Tom Tenaglia
- Extends Gallagher presence in Charlotte, NC and Mount Pleasant, SC
Negative
- Acquisition terms undisclosed, creating valuation and dilution uncertainty
- Integration risks under new reporting into U.S. Financial and Retirement Services
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
AJG gained 1.44% while close peers were mixed: AON +0.77%, WTW +0.65%, ERIE +0.14%, but MMC -1.36% and BRO -0.24%. This points to a stock-specific move rather than a broad broker sector trend.
Previous Acquisition Reports
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02 | UK benefits acquisition | Positive | -0.8% | Acquisition of First Actuarial to expand UK pension and benefits services. |
| Nov 04 | Surety specialist deal | Positive | +3.6% | Purchase of Surescape Insurance Services to deepen construction surety offering. |
| Nov 03 | Tompkins Insurance buy | Positive | -2.6% | Acquisition of Tompkins Insurance Agencies with disclosed revenue and EBITDAC. |
| Oct 29 | EHS services acquisition | Positive | -2.0% | Gallagher Bassett takes full control of Safe T Professionals EHS firm. |
| Oct 16 | Benefits consultant deal | Positive | -5.4% | Acquisition of Strategic Services Group to broaden Midwest benefits consulting. |
Recent acquisition announcements often had negative next-day moves: 4 of the last 5 deals saw declines despite strategic expansion language, with only one positive reaction.
Over the past few months, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has combined steady financial performance with active M&A and shareholder returns. On Jan 29, 2026, it reported Q4 2025 revenues of $3,586M, full-year revenues of $13,778M and adjusted EPS of $10.69, highlighting 21% revenue growth and the completed $13.8B AssuredPartners acquisition plus 33 mergers adding about $3.5B in annualized revenue. The company also raised its quarterly dividend to $0.70 per share on Jan 28, 2026. Today’s Hunt Financial Group deal fits this pattern of bolt-on acquisitions that deepen niche benefits and consulting capabilities within the broader global platform operating in roughly 130 countries.
Historical Comparison
In the past few months, AJG announced 5 acquisitions with an average next-day move of 2.88%. The recent +1.44% pre-announcement gain sits modestly below that prior average.
Acquisition activity has focused on regional and niche capabilities in benefits, pension services, EHS, and sector-specific brokerage, building out AJG’s consulting and specialty platforms deal by deal.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement adds another targeted acquisition to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s active M&A program, extending its benefits consulting reach within banking-focused clients in the Carolinas. Combined with recent large transactions and a higher dividend of $0.70 per share, it underscores a growth-through-acquisition strategy. Investors may focus on how these deals contribute to revenue growth, margin trends, and integration execution versus historical acquisitions that have had mixed short-term share price reactions.
Key Terms
risk management technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Operating from offices in
"Hunt Financial Group is an excellent strategic and cultural fit, expanding our niche expertise within our benefits consulting operations," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "I am delighted to welcome Tim, Tom and their associates to Gallagher."
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in
Investors: Ray Iardella, VP - Investor Relations | Media: Paul Day, Senior Media Relations Manager |
630-285-3661/ ray_iardella@ajg.com | 630-285-5946/ paul_day1@ajg.com |
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SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
FAQ
What did Arthur J. Gallagher announce on February 2, 2026 regarding AJG?
Where will Hunt Financial Group operate after the AJG acquisition?
Who will oversee Hunt Financial Group within AJG after the acquisition?
Were the financial terms of the AJG acquisition of Hunt Financial Group disclosed?
What strategic benefit does AjG cite for acquiring Hunt Financial Group (AJG)?
