Arthur J. Gallagher Acquires Pacific Northwest Brokerage Durham & Bates

Locke Lord attorneys from multiple U.S. cities represented Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in their acquisition of Durham & Bates Agencies, Inc., a Portland-based full-service insurance brokerage. Durham & Bates provides specialized property/casualty, marine, and employee benefits insurance services to clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. This acquisition expands Gallagher's footprint in the regional insurance brokerage market. The strategic deal aligns with ongoing industry consolidation trends where large brokerages seek to increase market share through regional acquisitions. The legal team coordinated across offices in Houston, New York, Dallas, and Austin to provide comprehensive support throughout the transaction. This deal underscores the continued prominence of major brokerage firms in enhancing their capabilities and service offerings across different U.S. regions. Clients of both firms will likely benefit from increased resources and broader risk management solutions as a result of the merger.