MarshBerry
The nation's #1 M&A advisory firm exclusively focused on insurance and financial services.
Overview
MarshBerry is the nation's leading investment banking and management consulting firm exclusively focused on the insurance and financial services industry. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in the Cleveland, Ohio area, MarshBerry advises independently owned agencies, brokerages, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, organic growth strategy, and leadership development. The firm operates MarshBerry Capital, LLC, a FINRA-registered broker-dealer.
Recognized as the #1 M&A advisory firm in the insurance brokerage sector, MarshBerry has advised on thousands of insurance industry transactions. CEO John Wepler has personally advised on more than 350 M&A and capital markets transactions since joining in 1991. MarshBerry expanded into Europe in 2019 through IMAS Corporate Finance, extending its M&A advisory capabilities to the UK and European insurance distribution markets.
MarshBerry's proprietary platforms -- including the Connect executive peer network and the FirstChoice agency network -- provide insurance professionals with access to benchmarking data, peer connections, and preferred vendor relationships that go beyond traditional advisory services.
Products & Services
M&A Advisory
Buy-side and sell-side advisory services for insurance agency and brokerage transactions. MarshBerry guides clients through deal sourcing, valuation, negotiation, due diligence, and closing, drawing on deep insurance industry expertise and an extensive buyer/seller network.
Key Features
- Buy-side M&A strategy and target identification
- Sell-side process management and deal structuring
- Letter of intent and purchase agreement negotiation
- Due diligence coordination
Target Users: Independent insurance agencies, brokerages, private equity firms, and their portfolio companies
Capital Markets Advisory
Advisory services for insurance firms seeking recapitalization, minority investment, or debt financing. MarshBerry structures and executes capital raises to help owners achieve liquidity, fund acquisitions, or position for future growth.
Key Features
- Recapitalization and minority equity transactions
- Debt financing and working capital solutions
- Private equity introduction and relationship management
- Capital structure optimization
Target Users: Mid-market insurance agencies and brokerages seeking capital without a full sale
Financial Consulting & Benchmarking
Proprietary financial performance analytics that allow insurance agency owners to benchmark their operations against industry peers. Includes organic growth consulting, expense management, and profitability analysis.
Key Features
- Industry-specific benchmarking reports
- Organic growth strategy development
- Expense and profitability diagnostics
- Compensation benchmarking studies
Target Users: Insurance agency owners, CFOs, and operations leaders
Connect Platform
An executive peer network that brings together insurance industry leaders for idea exchange, best practices, and vendor introductions. The Connect Platform ecosystem integrates partner services including financing and policy verification APIs.
Key Features
- Executive peer group networking
- Integration with preferred vendor partners (IPFS ONE, Canopy Connect, Cowbell Cyber, Attune)
- AWS-powered cloud infrastructure
- Access to discounted and preferred services
Target Users: Insurance agency and brokerage executives
FirstChoice Network
An agency network and preferred vendor program giving member agencies access to preferred markets, resources, and business development support.
Key Features
- Access to preferred insurance markets
- Vendor partnership programs
- Business development resources
Target Users: Independent insurance agencies
Talent & Recruiting Services
Executive search and recruiting solutions tailored to insurance industry hiring needs, including leadership roles at agencies, brokerages, and MGAs.
Key Features
- Executive and leadership search
- Producer and staff recruiting
- Compensation guidance
Target Users: Insurance agency and brokerage principals, HR leaders
At a Glance
- Founded
- 1981
- Headquarters
- Woodmere, Ohio, USA
- Employees
- 201-500
- Funding
- PE-Backed
Category & Focus
- Category
- Distribution & Sales
- Subcategories
- M&A Advisory Investment Banking Management Consulting Agency Networks Benchmarking Analytics
- Insurance Verticals
- P&C Commercial P&C Personal Specialty/E&S Life & Annuity
- Target Customers
- Brokers, MGAs/MGUs, Agents/Agencies, Carriers
Customers
- The Richards Group (2025 advisory engagement)
- Trucordia Insurance Services (2025 advisory engagement)
- Independent retail and specialty insurance brokerages across North America
- Private equity firms with insurance distribution portfolios
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Last updated: 2026-06-03