Richmond, VA (January 20, 2009) – Bankers Insurance, LLC announced today it has acquired the Hutton Vincent Williamson McLean Insurance Group (HVWM) based in Asheville, NC. HVWM is one of the oldest and largest independent agencies in western North Carolina. This purchase marks the 12th acquisition by Bankers Insurance since its inception in 1999 and the first outside of Virginia.

“I am very pleased with the expansion of Bankers Insurance into North Carolina in what I believe is a union with the finest insurance organization in Western North Carolina. It is clear that Hutton Vincent Williamson McLean Insurance Group is built around great people, with employees and leaders that possess outstanding insurance professionalism while having deep roots in their community. We look forward to welcoming HVWM to the company,” said Marshall Fleming, President & CEO of Bankers Insurance.

Established in 2000, HVWM was formed through the merger of McLean Insurance, Schley and Williamson Insurance and Hutton-Vincent Insurance, three long-standing Asheville agencies. HVWM is currently led by the three principle owners of the three merged agencies, all of whom will retain an active role within the organization following the acquisition.

Commenting on the combination of HVWM and Bankers Insurance, Jerry Vincent, Chief Executive Officer of HVWM said, “Chip Williamson, Bill McLean and I, along with the entire staff of insurance professionals at Hutton Vincent Williamson McLean, are energized by the opportunity to become affiliated with Bankers Insurance. Our focus is on strengthening our ability to assure continued growth while being the most qualified source for business and personal insurance in Asheville and Western North Carolina. In Bankers Insurance we have found an exceptional organization which shares our values in providing customers with the highest level of professional services. We enthusiastically look forward to becoming part of the Bankers Insurance team.”

Established in 1999, Bankers Insurance is one of the largest insurance agencies in Virginia. The addition of HVWM brings strong resources and additional growth opportunities to the agency.

Bankers Insurance, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is currently among the top ten brokers in the commonwealth with premium sales of $175 million. Bankers Insurance has twelve full service offices, over 160 employees and is owned by a consortium of Virginia community banks. For more information, go to www.bankersinsurance.net.