Higginbotham, one of the largest independent brokers in the US, has announced the acquisition of WhitneySmith Company, a provider of HR services. The two firms, both based in Fort Worth, Texas, have partnered to provide HR services to Higginbotham’s employer clients for more than 30 years and have now formally combined forces.
The deal will expand the service capacity of Higginbotham’s HR services division, while giving WhitneySmith Company the ability to offer insurance to its clients.
“We have a long relationship with WhitneySmith Company that helped demonstrate the power of collaboration with like-minded firms early in our journey to developing an all-encompassing solution for managing risk,” said Rusty Reid, chairman and CEO of Higginbotham. “Our clients were asking for HR services, which spurred the partnership with WhitneySmith Company in 1991. Having them formally join us today will spell success because they’re already part of our team and know how to solve the pain points of our clients.”
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“Our firms have extremely strong positive reputations across the Metroplex, and we have similar cultures and a shared work ethic,” said Whit Smith, founder and president of WhitneySmith Company. “There is a compatibility between the Higginbotham and WhitneySmith teams that provides an opportunity to expand our services and client base.”
Whit Smith has been named a Higginbotham managing director. He and co-founder Gretchen Smith will continue overseeing WhitneySmith Company’s existing team.
