GUELPH, ON, Jan. 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Co-operators General Insurance Company announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary has purchased Bill Hartley Insurance Services Ltd. in Victoria, British Columbia. The brokerage's portfolio includes home, auto, farm and commercial insurance policies.

Current clients of the brokerage will be notified of the change in ownership and their existing insurance coverage will remain in effect with no changes to their premiums or coverage for the current term of their policies. As current policies expire, clients will be offered comparable policies from The Co-operators.

"We're pleased to be strengthening our presence and growing our agency distribution system in British Columbia and across the country, which is a key part of our growth strategy," said Kathy Bardswick, President and CEO of The Co-operators. "Our new clients will benefit from the wide range of insurance and financial products, as well as the expertise, offered by Co-operators advisors."

Founder Bill Hartley began his insurance career in 1950 as an agent for a predecessor of   Co-operators Life Insurance Company. The two businesses have maintained a long-term relationship and share similar views on priorities such as client service and sustainability.

Clients will enjoy the exemplary service of a leading national insurance co-operative and have access to a full suite of insurance products including home, auto, life, travel, commercial and farm insurance.

About The Co-operators:
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian-owned co-operative with more than $37 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products.
The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt; Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada; and the Top 50 Socially Responsible Corporations in Canada by Sustainalytics and Maclean's magazine. For more information please visit www.cooperators.ca.

SOURCE The Co-operators