ITASCA, Ill., Oct. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) today announced the acquisition of Bennett & Shade Co. in Decatur, Illinois. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

Founded in 1906, Bennett & Shade is a retail insurance broker providing commercial property/casualty, employee benefits, risk management consulting and personal lines insurance services to clients in the Midwest.  Jeffrey Shade and his associates will continue to operate in Decatur under the direction of Michael Pesch, head of Gallagher's Midwest region retail property/casualty brokerage operation.

"Bennett & Shade has a great reputation for its level of expertise, outstanding client service, and middle-market client focus," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO.  "Their Decatur footprint and strong carrier relationships will help expand our central Illinois presence.  Bennett & Shade will be a terrific addition to our Midwest Region, and we are extremely pleased to welcome Jeff and his team to our growing Gallagher family of professionals."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, has operations in 30 countries and offers client-service capabilities in more than 140 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. 

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.