Baldwin Group to Buy CAC Group for About $1B in Cash and Stock

Core Insights - The Baldwin Group and CAC Group are merging to form one of the largest independent insurance advisory and distribution platforms in the U.S. [1] - The total purchase price for the merger is approximately $1.03 billion, comprising $438 million in cash and 23.2 million shares valued at $589 million [1][2] - The merger is expected to generate gross revenue of $2 billion in 2026, with nearly 5,000 employees across major U.S. markets [3] Financial Details - The post-closing payments include a performance-based earnout of up to $250 million and a $70 million deferred payment [2] - Baldwin Group reported approximately $1.06 billion in property/casualty revenue, ranking ninth on Insurance Journal's list of Top 100 Independent Property/Casualty Agencies for 2025, while CAC Group had about $260 million in P/C revenue, ranking 22nd [5] Strategic Implications - The merger is described as a "transformational moment" by Baldwin Group CEO Trevor Baldwin, emphasizing the complementary nature of the two firms [4] - The combination will enhance Baldwin's Insurance Advisory Services by integrating CAC's expertise in various product lines, including financial lines and cyber insurance [4] Industry Context - This merger is part of a trend of billion-dollar deals in the insurance brokerage sector, following significant acquisitions by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Brown & Brown Inc. [6]