BANK LESSONS FROM JOINT VENTURES AND AGENCY ACQUISITIONS by Robert Smith The trade press has been filled over the course of the past two years with announcements of banks entering the agen...

When a bank buys an insurance agency it's a marriage made in heaven. At least, it seems that way. On the agency side, principals have the opportunity to cash out at a time when values are declining. For those wanting to remain in the business, a bank offers a needed infusion of capital.