Hylant acquires Michigan and Indiana firms

The Hylant Group has added Benefit Options of Ann Arbor, Michigan to the Hylant group of companies. The agency will operate under the name Hylant Group Benefit Options. The agency specializes in employee benefits, asset management services and retirement planning. The new company will be led by John

Benefit Options is a 10-year-old firm founded by John Hindle. Hylant Group Benefit Options will manage most of Hylant's 401(k) services for clients throughout Ohio and Michigan.

When asked for comment Patrick R. Hylant, CEO of the Hylant Group, stated, "Our goal with this acquisition is to deliver to our clients a full range of insurance and employee benefit services. Benefit Options is an established, knowledgeable firm with considerable experience in a number of areas, especially 401 (k) services and asset management. We look forward to adding their considerable skills and experience to the ongoing work with our many clients."

The Hylant Group also announced that O'Brien & Sanderson Insurance of Fort Wayne, Indiana has been acquired. The agency's new name is O'Brien & Sanderson - A Hylant Company. O'Brien & Sanderson specializes in property and casualty risks in the commercial and personal insurance markets. The new company will be led by Kevin Brennan as president and Morrie Sanderson as chairman and Chief Operating Officer.

O'Brien & Sanderson was founded in 1946. It was selected for acquisition because of an established base of business and because of the firm's established record of cost efficient operations. In addition, O'Brien & Sanderson has made a substantial commitment to paperless office technology, which eases their transition into the internal Hylant systems.

"I liked the fact that the Hylant Group was a privately held business whose culture and values were similar to ours," stated Sanderson. "I also liked their large account services and international capabilities. I look forward to bringing that to, northeast Indiana. The acquisition by the Hylant Group enables us to put many more high-value clients on our prospect list. To optimize these new strengths, we are looking to add staff in the areas of employee benefits and health management."