ALPS Insurance Finalizes Acquisition of Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company

MISSOULA, Mont. and COLUMBUS, Ohio – Following approval by the Ohio Department of Insurance, ALPS Insurance (ALPS) and the Ohio State Bar Association (Ohio Bar) today announced the successful completion of ALPS' acquisition of the Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company (OBLIC), a leading provider of professional liability insurance for attorneys in Ohio.

The transaction brings together OBLIC's 49 years of service to Ohio attorneys with ALPS' national scale, infrastructure, and specialized expertise serving the legal profession. OBLIC will continue operating under its existing brand, and the Ohio State Bar Association will continue to exclusively endorse OBLIC for the legal malpractice insurance needs of its members.

"We are pleased to complete this transaction and begin the next chapter for OBLIC, its policyholders, and the Ohio legal community," said Mary Amos Augsburger, CEO of the Ohio State Bar Association. "ALPS shares our commitment to exceptional service for lawyers, and we are confident this partnership positions OBLIC for continued long-term success."

"We are honored to welcome OBLIC to the ALPS family," said David Bell, President and CEO of ALPS. "OBLIC has built a strong reputation for serving Ohio attorneys, and we look forward to building on that legacy through continued investment in underwriting, claims support, risk management resources, and technology."

OBLIC policyholders will continue to receive the trusted coverage and service they have come to expect, now backed by the resources and capabilities of one of the nation's leading providers of insurance solutions for lawyers.

JRW Esquire LTD, Columbus, Ohio served as legal advisor to the Ohio Bar and international law firm McDermott Will & Schulte served as legal advisor to ALPS. Howden Capital Markets & Advisory acted as exclusive financial advisor to ALPS.

About the Ohio State Bar Association: The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary professional association open to any person who has been admitted to the practice of law in Ohio. Our mission is to promote justice and advance the legal profession.

About OBLIC: The Ohio Bar Liability Insurance Company provides professional liability insurance to Ohio attorneys, with a focus on stability, service and risk management.

About ALPS: ALPS Insurance has a well-established reputation as the nation’s leader in insurance solutions for law firms. Since its inception in 1988, ALPS has provided legal malpractice insurance with a focus on protection, stability, and unwavering commitment to the legal community.

As the endorsed provider for more state bars than any other insurance company, ALPS demonstrates its expertise and reliability in the industry.