Inszone Deepens Specialty Reach with Acquisition of Shahinian Insurance

SACRAMENTO, CA – December 29, 2025 – In a move that underscores the strategic value of niche expertise in a consolidating market, Inszone Insurance Services has announced its acquisition of Shahinian Insurance Services, Inc. The deal brings a 50-year-old, California-based agency known for its highly specialized, nationwide insurance programs under the umbrella of one of the country's fastest-growing brokerage firms.

Founded in 2002, Inszone has built a formidable national presence through a combination of organic growth and a relentless acquisition strategy. The addition of Shahinian, a firm with deep roots in complex liability markets, marks a significant enhancement of Inszone’s specialty offerings and further solidifies its aggressive expansion campaign.

A Strategy of Specialized Growth

Inszone's acquisition of Shahinian is not an isolated event but the latest in a long series of calculated strategic moves. The Sacramento-based firm has executed a remarkable growth plan, fueled by substantial private equity backing from partners like BHMS Investments and Lightyear Capital. This financial firepower has enabled a rapid M&A pace, with the company completing over 170 transactions in the insurance sector to date, a majority of them in California.

This aggressive strategy has propelled Inszone up the industry ranks. The company soared to #33 on Insurance Journal's 2024 Top 100 Independent Property/Casualty Agencies list, a significant jump from its #86 debut in 2021. This trajectory highlights a clear focus on acquiring firms that bring not just revenue, but also unique market access and specialized knowledge.

“Liz and her team have created something truly exceptional,” said Chris Walters, CEO of Inszone Insurance Services, in the official announcement. “Their specialty programs, national reach, and decades of experience make them an excellent fit for Inszone. We’re excited to support their continued growth and welcome them to Inszone.” The acquisition aligns perfectly with a strategy that prioritizes bolting on established, expert teams to broaden the parent company's capabilities and competitive edge.

The Legacy and Niche Power of Shahinian

What makes Shahinian Insurance Services such a valuable asset is its half-century legacy of mastering difficult-to-place risks. Founded in 1974 by Edward Shahinian, the agency was transformed when his daughter, Liz Shahinian, joined in the early 1990s. After taking full ownership in 2005, she carved out a national reputation by focusing on intricate and underserved markets.

The agency's portfolio is a testament to its specialized focus, providing coverage for everything from kiosk operators and vendors at festivals to community event organizers. More uniquely, Shahinian developed programs for exotic animal handlers, specialty entertainers, and educators—markets that many larger carriers avoid due to their complex risk profiles.

A cornerstone of Shahinian's success is the Risk Purchasing Group (RPG) that Liz Shahinian established over 25 years ago. This legal structure allows businesses with similar liability exposures to band together to purchase insurance collectively. By doing so, members of the RPG gain significant bargaining power, resulting in more favorable terms, lower premiums, and tailored coverage that would be difficult to secure individually. This innovative model created a highly efficient and scalable platform for providing consistent, compliant coverage to niche clients across all 50 states, making the agency a powerhouse in its chosen fields.

“When we began considering a transition, we wanted a partner who understood our programs and could offer an even broader platform for our clients and employees,” stated Liz Shahinian. “Chris and the Inszone team made the process straightforward, and their resources and carrier access open new opportunities for everyone involved.”

Tapping into a Booming Market

Inszone's timing for deepening its event liability expertise could not be better. The global event insurance market is experiencing explosive growth, with recent market analyses projecting it to swell from approximately $727 million in 2022 to over $2.3 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 13%. This surge is driven by a heightened awareness of risk following global disruptions and an increasing demand for financial protection for events of all sizes, from massive music festivals to corporate trade shows.

As investments in live, virtual, and hybrid events grow, so does the necessity for comprehensive insurance to guard against cancellation, liability claims, and other unforeseen losses. North America currently dominates this market, fueled by a high frequency of events and stringent liability requirements. By acquiring a seasoned leader like Shahinian, Inszone gains immediate, high-level access to this lucrative and expanding sector, bypassing the steep learning curve associated with building such specialized underwriting knowledge from the ground up.

The Future of Integration and Consolidation

The acquisition reflects a powerful trend sweeping the insurance industry: consolidation. Larger, well-capitalized brokerage firms are actively acquiring smaller, specialized agencies to diversify their portfolios, achieve economies of scale, and eliminate competition. For smaller firms, joining a larger platform like Inszone offers access to a wider array of insurance carriers, advanced technology, and operational support that is difficult to maintain independently.

Shahinian Insurance will continue its operations, now supercharged by Inszone’s national infrastructure. This integration promises to provide Shahinian's team and clientele with greater resources and market access without disrupting the specialized service model they have perfected over decades. However, successful integration is a common challenge in M&A. Inszone appears to address this proactively through internal initiatives designed to foster a cohesive culture across its many acquired businesses, ensuring that the specialized talent from firms like Shahinian feels valued and integrated.

This strategic acquisition serves as a clear signal to the market. As consolidation continues, deep-seated expertise in high-growth niches is becoming the most sought-after currency, transforming legacy family businesses into key strategic assets for national powerhouses.