Ascension Insurance Inc. Acquires Charlotte-Based Commercial Insurance Group, Inc.

Kansas City, MO - Ascension Insurance, Inc. announces the acquisition of the Commercial Insurance Group, Inc. (CIG) of Charlotte, N.C., effective June 30, 2009. The agency is a provider of property and casualty insurance for businesses and individuals and will join Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc., a member of the Ascension group of companies, based in Charlotte.

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 President and CEO Leonard P. Kline, Jr., commented, "The acquisition of Commercial Insurance Group will enable us to expand our risk management capabilities, elevate our level of expertise and develop our markets and resources to the middle market in North Carolina. In addition, with its proven track record for exceptional customer service, CIG shares Ascension's dedication to customer satisfaction."

Since 1875, through its predecessor agencies, Commercial Insurance Group, Inc. has provided businesses and individuals with insurance solutions through a risk management approach that provides a comprehensive review of their customer's exposures. CIG's Chief Operating Officer Joyce Kronenwetter said, "Our heritage comes from some of the oldest, most respected insurance agencies in North Carolina, and their philosophy of taking care of clients has been and will continue to be our primary goal. Ascension supports this philosophy, and offers a business model that will allow us to maintain our culture and day-to-day business management, while offering both the resources and expertise needed to achieve growth."

President Clarkson McLean, Ascension Insurance Agency, Inc., Charlotte, commented, "CIG has an impressive core of customers and employees. Their expertise and steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction aligns with our values at Ascension."

SOURCE: Ascension Insurance, Inc.