Ovation Benefits

Sep 18, 2013

Digital Insurance Acquires Ovation Benefits, Marking Firm's Largest Deal Leading Independent Employee Benefits Firm Becomes Part of Digital Benefit Advisors' Network September 18, 2013 03:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time ATLANTA--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Digital Insurance ( www.digitalinsurance.com ), the nation's largest and most technologically advanced employee benefits-only agency, has acquired Ovation Benefits, one of the country's top independent employee benefits firms. Ovation, headquartered in Farmington, Conn., is the first office in the state to operate as Digital Benefit Advisors (DBA), a growing division of Digital which has 20 offices across the U.S. Managing Principals Bill Carew and Brian Driscoll, along with their 45-member staff, aligned with DBA to provide clients expanded offerings and greater support. “Bringing Ovation into the DBA network marks our largest acquisition to date and represents an inflexion point in the growth of Digital Benefit Advisors,” explains Mike Sullivan, executive vice president of DBA and chief marketing officer of Digital Insurance. “Bill Carew and Brian Driscoll, along with their talented team of benefits professionals, add a sophisticated middle market capability to Digital and exemplify our focus on strategic partnerships. This new alliance will reshape the employee benefits landscape in Connecticut and strengthen our marketplace position throughout New England.” “Our goal in aligning with Digital is to join with a team that is strategically focused on building best-in-class benefits to deliver the services and support our customers and their employees will need to succeed in the emerging healthcare marketplace,” says Bill Carew. “Digital’s leadership in the private exchange arena and launch of the Digital Benefits Marketplace creates a platform for us to attract agencies, partnerships and talent across the state,” adds Brian Driscoll. DBA combines the commitment of experienced, local market advisors with the sophisticated technology and innovative resources of a respected national company. Employers receive access to a broader variety of carriers, dynamic tools, proprietary products and a private exchange. “Ovation Benefits' size and middle market innovation make this acquisition a significant, strategic achievement for Digital,” notes Brent Bickett, executive vice president of corporate finance of Fidelity National Financial (FNF), of which Digital Insurance is a subsidiary. “We are excited about the sustained growth of the Digital platform and will continue to support the company’s expansion and recruitment of quality firms and talent.” Karelia Health, a workforce health improvement subsidiary of Ovation, will continue to be an independent company and is not included in the Digital acquisition. About Ovation Benefits Ovation Benefits ( www.ovationbenefits.com ), established in 2002, is one of the largest independent benefit brokers in the nation, representing more than 300 employers and 140,000 individuals in 43 states. Ovation's clients include small business, middle market and Fortune 1000 employer groups and more than 40 cities, towns and boards of education. About Digital Insurance Digital Insurance ( www.digitalinsurance.com ) is the largest, most technologically advanced employee benefits-only agency in the U.S. Distinguished by its focus on innovation and education, the company creates greater value for employers and inspires individuals to become more engaged health care consumers. Its largest division, Digital Benefit Advisors ( www.digitalbenefitadvisors.com ), is a national network of experienced, local market experts who deliver expanded offerings to businesses and organizations. Digital is a subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF). Contacts