SterlingRisk, a Woodbury, NY-based insurance brokerage, has completed its acquisition of ASZ International, adding a seven-employee transportation insurance agency to its portfolio as part of a broader strategy to build vertical-specific expertise across specialized market segments.
The transaction marks SterlingRisk's third acquisition in recent years, following its 2023 purchase of Worldwide Insurance Group – a Coral Gables, Florida-based yacht insurance specialist – and its 2019 acquisition of renewal rights from Aon, which brought professional liability insurance capabilities.
Founded in 1932, the firm now employs more than 230 insurance professionals across offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida and California.
ASZ International was founded in 2015 by Marc Zettl, a White Plains, NY native and Iona University graduate who previously worked at HUB International as an assistant vice president. The firm operates from headquarters at 500 Summit Lake Drive in Valhalla, NY, with a growing presence across Florida and other US markets.
Marc Zettl and Chris Zettl have joined SterlingRisk as part of the deal. Marc Zettl will lead the brokerage's transportation vertical as president, while Chris Zettl will work as an account specialist in the practice area.
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The acquisition expands SterlingRisk's presence in a highly specialized sector serving commercial fleet operators across multiple niches. Transportation insurance specialists typically place coverage for short- and long-haul trucking operations, railroads, aviation, logistics, ocean cargo and non-emergency medical transport.
Commercial fleet categories include specialty vehicles such as flatbeds, refrigerated goods haulers, fuel tankers, dump trucks, as well as public fleets including limousines, rideshare vehicles, charter buses and paratransit vans.
The sector also serves freight brokers, freight forwarders and owner-operators who face dual responsibilities as both motor carriers and drivers.
"Transportation is a highly specialized and complex area of insurance, and ASZ International has built a strong reputation grounded in technical expertise and client trust," David Sterling, chief executive officer of SterlingRisk, said.
He noted the addition will provide transportation clients with access to risk management resources on a regional and national scale.
Marc Zettl brings more than 20 years of experience in transportation insurance to his new role. The move adds sector-specific capabilities to SterlingRisk's existing vertical practices, which currently serve clients across aviation, construction, real estate, environmental and professional services, financial services, manufacturing, restaurants and hospitality, and retail distribution.
Sterling said the transaction aligns with the company's strategy to build out industry-specific expertise.
"The ASZ International acquisition underscores our continued strategy of expanding targeted vertical strengths while preserving the relationship-driven approach that defines SterlingRisk's client service model," he said.
