Atlanta-Based Benefits Broker The Health & Welfare Strategy Group Acquired by Ovation

October 17, 2011

Farmington, CT - Ovation, a national leader in workforce health improvement and one of the largest independent benefits brokers in the country, announced today that the organization has completed the acquisition of The Health & Welfare Strategy Group, a benefits brokerage based in Atlanta, GA.

The Health & Welfare Strategy Group is an independent practice managed by Maggie Hare. ”We are thrilled to welcome Maggie to the Ovation family,” says Ovation Benefits COO Brian Driscoll. ”Her leadership's skills and employee benefit consulting experience will be critical elements to our success.”

Already in place as the Practice Leader for the Atlanta office, Maggie has an extensive background in employee benefits brokering and consulting and most recently has had her own practice in Mid-town Atlanta for a number of years. ”I am looking forward to working with such an innovative group of people. Our clients need actionable direction and support to effectively influence healthy behavior and reduce healthcare cost at a sustainable pace. Witnessing Ovation's TakeCharge strategy and commitment to aggressively improving the health of their clients' workforces immediately won me over. They believe in the science of good health and actually walk the walk...it's impressive.”

This acquisition is indicative of Ovation's commitment to the growth of the company's business in the Southeast.

The acquisition of The Health & Welfare Strategy Group is the third acquisition that Ovation has made this year, including Avon-based Benefit Consulting Group and Atlanta-based Benefits Planning Concepts. The company indicates that it will continue to pursue acquisition opportunities to expand their presence in additional markets across the country.

The Atlanta office is located at 1201 Peachtree St. NE, 400 Colony Square, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA, 30361.

###