Applied Underwriters to Acquire Blue Ridge of South Carolina

Omaha -- June 5, 2020 -- Blue Ridge Specialty Group of Greenfield, South Carolina, a managing general underwriter specializing in trucking-related risks, has been acquired by Applied Underwriters, Inc., according to Applied Founder, Chairman, and CEO Steve Menzies.

Blue Ridge, which works with agents and brokers, will retain its operations in South Carolina; the company will continue to be headed by its principals and co-founders, Mike Gordon and Shane Dennie.

Menzies said the addition of Blue Ridge sets complementary services into combination as Applied continues its expansion into the property/casualty insurance space.

In an earlier transaction this year, Applied Underwriters acquired Centauri Specialty Managers on March 31st from its primary shareholder AXA/XL, and third party administrator Siebels-Bruce. As part its purchase of CSM, Applied Underwriters also has an exclusive option to buy the Centauri holding company’s two insurance carriers Centauri Specialty Insurance Co. and Centauri National Insurance Co. Applied said it plans to complete the acquisition of the Centauri carriers upon regulatory approval later this year. The acquisition was structured in steps, with the first step completed on March 31, to ensure the continuity of Centauri’s Demotech A rating, according to Applied.

Applied Underwriters (www.auw.com)
Applied Underwriters® is a global risk services firm that helps businesses and people manage uncertainty through its business services, insurance, and reinsurance solutions. As a company, Applied Underwriters has been distinguished by its innovative approaches to client care and by its strong financial strength. Applied Underwriters operates widely throughout the US, UK, and EU. Its operational headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska.