In a move that reinforces its ambition to add specialized lines within commercial insurance, Heffernan Insurance Brokers has formally brought El Segundo-based PAC Global Insurance Brokerage into its fold. The deal, announced today, signals Heffernan’s strategic foray into marine cargo insurance – a niche but increasingly vital sector amid global supply chain volatility.
The acquisition is the latest chapter in Heffernan’s ongoing campaign of expansion, following several high-profile purchases over the past 18 months. By integrating PAC Global’s logistics-focused practice, Heffernan gains a targeted foothold in international freight and cargo underwriting – a capability that complements its broader commercial portfolio.
Founded in 1988, Heffernan Insurance has grown steadily into a top-tier independent brokerage with a nationwide footprint. With revenue now estimated to exceed $500 million and a headcount approaching 1,000, the company continues to balance organic growth with an assertive acquisition pipeline. Recent additions have spanned industries from employee benefits to aviation, with PAC Global representing a strategic step toward vertical specialization.
PAC Global, a boutique firm with deep roots in risk management for freight forwarders and customs brokers, brings decades of technical expertise in insuring cargo in transit – and 100+ commercial customers. Though modest in size, with a team of fewer than a dozen employees, the firm has long punched above its weight by offering tailored policy solutions and integrated claims support for the transport sector.
In joining Heffernan, PAC Global now operates as the brokerage’s dedicated marine cargo division. The transition not only preserves its technical knowledge but leverages Heffernan’s back-end infrastructure, market access, and digital servicing platforms.
“This partnership allows us to deliver more robust, scalable service while maintaining our niche focus,” said Marc Wille, who now serves as a senior vice president at Heffernan. Wille and his colleagues bring with them over a century of combined experience in the logistics insurance space.
Heffernan’s leadership has framed the acquisition as both a cultural match and a strategic necessity. With international shipping routes disrupted by geopolitical tension and climate-related incidents, demand for nuanced marine cargo coverage has grown sharply. Adding this capacity in-house gives Heffernan more flexibility in responding to client risk – particularly for import-export clients already within its broader portfolio.
“Supply chain resilience is now central to our clients' operations. By incorporating marine cargo expertise directly into our service model, we’re closing the gap between risk identification and response,” said Justin Williams, managing senior vice president at Heffernan.
PAC Global’s existing clients – primarily small to mid-sized transport firms – will gain access to expanded lines of coverage and advanced digital tools through Heffernan’s Quick Insure platform. This aligns with the brokerage’s stated commitment to modernizing traditional service lines through automation and insurtech partnerships.
The PAC Global deal fits neatly into Heffernan’s larger M&A strategy. Over the past two years, the firm has added a series of regionally focused and sector-specialized agencies, from Calco Commercial Insurance in California to Costello Insurance Associates, known for its aviation and fleet risk programs. Each acquisition has followed a consistent pattern: preserve entrepreneurial expertise while scaling through integration.
While the firm remains privately held, a 2019 minority investment from SkyKnight Capital has enabled more aggressive pursuit of strategic targets without compromising operational independence. Heffernan executives have signaled continued interest in partnering with like-minded brokerages seeking succession solutions or greater platform support.
As marine cargo and transport risks become more complex – and clients seek greater agility from their insurance partners – Heffernan’s investment in this specialty may well prove prescient. For the industry at large, the acquisition underscores a broader trend: large independents are increasingly turning to boutique expertise to stay competitive in a shifting risk landscape.
Heffernan’s ability to balance scale with specialization, especially in areas underserved by traditional carriers, could set the tone for the next phase of brokerage consolidation.
