Mariner Acquires Cowell Insurance Services for Enhanced Risk Advisory
Mariner, a financial services firm headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, announced its acquisition of Cowell Insurance Services (CIS), a property and casualty insurance provider located in the same city. This acquisition allows Mariner to integrate business and individual risk advisory solutions into its service portfolio, enhancing its "One Mariner" ecosystem to offer comprehensive financial and insurance services.
Founded in 2009 by Lance Cowell, CIS brings a team of 18 experienced professionals specializing in commercial and personal property and casualty insurance. This team possesses extensive expertise in underwriting strategy, claims advocacy, and risk management. CIS offers a variety of services such as commercial insurance design, excess and surplus placement, and risk control, alongside personal lines like home, auto, umbrella, and liability insurance.
Mariner emphasized that this acquisition improves the coordination between insurance planning and broader advisory strategies, including succession planning, generational wealth transfer, and comprehensive financial planning. There is a growing demand from clients for integrated advisory services that efficiently streamline risk management, liquidity, and long-term planning.
Upon the completion of the transaction on March 4, 2026, CIS will operate under the Mariner brand. It will continue to serve its clients with the existing team while leveraging Mariner’s extensive national platform and resources. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
"As we continue to grow, our focus is on building a firm that can truly meet clients wherever their needs take them. Property and casualty is a natural extension of the work we already do—helping those we serve protect what they’ve worked so hard to build. Cowell Insurance Services has the team to make protection seamless from day one, creating a more coordinated experience for clients while empowering advisors to deepen relationships and deliver greater impact," said Marty Bicknell, President and CEO of Mariner.
Lance Cowell, President and CEO of Cowell Insurance Services, remarked, "When you build a business committed to putting clients first, you think carefully about its future. We wanted a partner who shares those values. Joining Mariner allows us to keep doing what we do best while creating new opportunities and reinforcing support for our clients for years to come."