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Insurance M&A Heats Up: The Doctors Company to Acquire ProAssurance

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The U.S. insurance industry is poised for a surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2025 as companies seek greater scale, efficiency and market expansion. While global insurance M&A activity declined in 2024 due to economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and higher regulatory scrutiny, the U.S. market is expected to drive a rebound this year, per Clyde & Co.

Deregulation efforts by the current administration and lower capital costs are likely to fuel acquisitions both domestically and abroad. Additionally, U.S. insurers, backed by a strong dollar, may target undervalued assets to strengthen their portfolios amid intensifying competition. The latest $1.3 billion acquisition of ProAssurance Corporation (PRA - Free Report) by The Doctors Company highlights this consolidation push.

Some Strategic Acquisitions in Insurance

ProAssurance has agreed to be acquired by The Doctors Company, the largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer in the country. Birmingham, AL-based ProAssurance provides professional liability insurance to healthcare providers and institutions. According to the deal, PRA shareholders will receive $25 per share in cash, about a 60% premium over its March 18 closing price. The deal is expected to conclude in the first half of 2026. 

Once the transaction is completed, specialty insurer ProAssurance will become a wholly owned subsidiary of The Doctors Company and will no longer be publicly traded. The combined entity will have assets of around $12 billion, a massive nationwide reach and expanded capabilities to serve healthcare professionals more effectively. ProAssurance currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Another recent major deal is Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG - Free Report) acquiring AssuredPartners for $13.45 billion last December, marking one of the largest transactions in the insurance brokerage space. It also snapped up M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services around the same time. Early last year, Alera Group expanded by acquiring CLS Healthcare Liability Specialists, focusing on medical malpractice coverage.

Other recent mergers include Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.’s (MMC - Free Report) division, Marsh McLennan Agency, acquiring Acumen Solutions Group LLC, a full-service insurance agency based in Melville, NY, at the beginning of 2025. The deal was expected to bolster Marsh McLennan Agency’s prowess in crafting tailored insurance solutions for the construction, real estate and aviation sectors.

What Lies Ahead?

The insurance sector is set for further consolidation, especially in niche markets like medical liability, real estate, construction and specialty coverage. As claims costs rise, companies will likely pursue mergers to strengthen financial stability and expand their service offerings. Private equity firms remain highly active, adding momentum to acquisition trends.

Meanwhile, the growing emphasis on digitization and advanced risk management solutions may drive insurers to acquire technology-focused firms and insurtech startups to stay competitive.

Final Thoughts

The consolidation wave in the U.S. insurance industry is gaining renewed momentum. As companies adapt to regulatory shifts, cost pressures and evolving consumer demands, strategic M&As will continue to drive growth. For investors and stakeholders, staying ahead of these trends will be key to anticipating the industry's future landscape, identifying growth opportunities and assessing risks. For consumers, it can mean expanded services but also potential pricing shifts.


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