Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage has acquired DiMatteo Insurance Brokers, effective Jan. 1, further strengthening the firm's commercial lines and employee benefits capabilities in Connecticut.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded in 2010, DiMatteo Insurance Brokers is an independent agency based in East Hartford, specializing in commercial lines for the construction and hospitality sectors, along with employee benefits and personal lines coverage. Founder Angelo DiMatteo and vice president Trina Nicholson will join Starkweather & Shepley, operating from its Bristol office.
The acquisition is expected to enhance the company's ability to provide clients with tailored insurance solutions in industries facing complex risk and claims challenges. By integrating DiMatteo's expertise, the firm strengthens its underwriting advisory, risk management consulting and carrier relationships.
Andrew Fotopulos, chairman and CEO of Starkweather & Shepley, said the acquisition reflects the firm’s ongoing strategic growth approach, which focuses on partnering with agencies that share a client-centric philosophy. He noted that the addition of DiMatteo Insurance Brokers expands the firm’s regional reach while reinforcing its commitment to delivering specialized commercial insurance services.
The timing of the acquisition is particularly strategic given current trends in construction and hospitality insurance. Rising construction costs, labor shortages and supply chaim disruptions have pushed up property replacement costs, while liability exposures in hospitality continue to increase due to evolving health and safety regulations. This has created a demand for brokers who can provide sophisticated risk management, help clients navigate insurance renewals and secure coverage that balances affordability with adequate protection.
For clients, the integration of DiMatteo Insurance into Starkweather & Shepley means greater access to resources, broader coverage options and enhanced risk advisory support. The acquisition also reflects a broader industry trend of mid-sized brokerages consolidating to achieve scale, deepen specialization and strengthen service capabilities in the face of rising claims, tightening underwriting standards and evolving regulatory requirements.
Starkweather & Shepley said it continues to pursue targeted acquisitions to build industry expertise and expand its presence, providing comprehensive insurance solutions for commercial, employee benefits, and personal insurance clients throughout Connecticut and beyond.
