The fifth annual Power Broker issue of Risk & Insurance magazine is one of the most widely read issues of the year, and WComms secured Tony Marcon of Equity Risk Partners top honors in the Financial Institutions category.

The goal of the Power Broker competition is to ascertain some of the best brokers in a particular industry category, based on their performance during the past year. Every nominee must provide references for Risk & Insurance judges to call and discuss the specific broker in detail.

The brokers were judged on three main elements:

- Customer service

- Depth of industry knowledge

- Successes scored for clients in the past 12 months

To check out Tony and his award go to: http://www.riskandinsurance.com/brokerdetail.jsp?brokerYear=2010&storyId=13388143

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Equity Risk Partners, an insurance company catering to the private equity industry and one of our professional services clients, was quoted in an Associated Press article on healthcare/insurance. It hit a number of awesome sites - and it is an interesting read regarding the current insurance issues. Check out the article and just a few of the several great hits below:

Time

BusinessWeek

San Francisco Chronicle

Los Angeles Times

Chicago Tribune

Forbes

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

The Miami Herald

MSN Money

San Francisco Examiner

Yahoo! News

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SAN FRANCISCO – Sept. 15, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, unveiled its newest practice with the announcement of its Infrastructure and Privatization Group. Responding to the tremendous allocation of capital by private equity firms to infrastructure and privatization projects, as well as in an effort to position itself for the expected influx of infrastructure and mixed-use development that will result from the impending economic recovery, Equity Risk Partners has allocated its resources to start this pioneering business practice.

Recognizing the need for reputable and reliable due diligence and insurance brokerage services as private equity firms invest in opportunities in infrastructure, commercial business development, office parks and mixed-use projects, Equity Risk Partners has established itself as the only firm currently seamlessly focused in this arena. ERP is committed to making this practice succeed by working with both private sector and public entity organizations, where there is a need for unique experience and expertise.

To head the new operation, Equity Risk Partners has brought in industry veteran Peter French, leveraging his decades of experience in large scale construction and infrastructure insurance to navigate the nuances of the field. The Infrastructure and Privatization Group expands upon Equity Risk Partners’ existing practice areas, which include due diligence, employee benefits, property/casualty, personal risk management, risk management consulting, transactional products, services and trade credit/political risk.

“With billions of dollars dedicated to future infrastructure improvements combined with the trend towards privatization, we are expecting rapid growth in these areas as the economy rebounds,” said Michael Marcon, CEO, Equity Risk Partners. “Our clients want to protect their investments and we play a meaningful role in helping them achieve that goal. We are thrilled that Peter’s vast experience allows us to offer these organizations such a valuable service.”

“The meticulous way in which Equity Risk Partners conducts due diligence and our extensive private equity industry experience will benefit both current and new clients looking at new infrastructure and privatization opportunities,” said Peter French, managing director, Equity Risk Partners. “The timing of this group’s development further demonstrates the corporate vision of creating long term relationships that rely on a thorough understanding of a client’s business in order to provide effective counsel. By getting out of the proverbial gate before the need arises we will be well positioned to execute quickly when the calls come in.”

Peter French comes to Equity Risk Partners from Willis HRH where he served as the national practice leader for HRH’s construction practice. Prior to his time with Willis Group, Peter held a variety of senior-level positions with Marsh in the Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego offices, mastering the insurance business from all angles.

Based in Equity Risk Partners’ San Francisco headquarters, the Infrastructure and Privatization Group will serve private equity clients and their portfolio companies around the world.

About Equity Risk Partners
Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies. Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence. Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives. Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago. More information is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

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Leading Insurance Industry Experts to Provide Overview of Trade Credit Insurance in a Challenging Economy on Wednesday, June 17

SAN FRANCISCO – June 9, 2009 – Recognizing the difficulty of doing global business while navigating the risks of today’s credit environment, Equity Risk Partners (ERP) is pleased to announce its next Executive Advisory Series Webinar, “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance.” Scheduled for 8 am PST/11 am EST, Wednesday, June 17, 2009, Equity Risk Partners’ respected team of specialists will provide attendees with a comprehensive update on the trade credit insurance market, why companies need it, and how companies can obtain it.  As the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, ERP is well positioned to offer expert advice on the topic. 

Those interested in attending the “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance” Webinar can register online at absolutely no cost. Some of the trade credit insurance topics that ERP will tackle include:

• Trade Credit Insurance Overview
• Common Reasons Companies Purchase Coverage
• Policy Forms/Terms and Conditions/Underwriting Process
• Private Equity and Portfolio Company Benefits

“Companies can use trade credit coverage to reduce bad debt concentration risk and reserves which opens up financing options on international business,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners.  “Many private equity professionals and portfolio company executives have questions about how this type of insurance can benefit their current companies and future transactions. This, like past EAS Webinars, is a perfect opportunity to showcase some of the best minds in the industry while pursuing ERP’s goal of demonstrating our extensive experience across all disciplines in the field.”

The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance” will feature information, opinions and insight from multiple industry experts. The Webinar will be hosted by Chris Veber, managing director, Equity Risk Partners, who has 13 years of investment banking, private equity investing and insurance brokerage experience. He opened the Chicago office of Equity Risk Partners in 2002 and is responsible for developing relationships with private equity clients and managing insurance diligence on transactions. Joining Veber will be:

• Jack Cowley, principal, Trade Risk Group. With more than 20 years of underwriting and brokering experience in the Trade Credit Insurance industry, Cowley focuses on a wide variety of mid-sized companies with a concentration on unique trade risk exposures and their solutions;
• Joe Ketzner, executive vice president, Euler Hermes ACI.  Ketzner is an industry veteran with 36 years working in trade credit insurance with extensive experience in credit & financial analysis, account management, commercial underwriting, product development and strategy. He has been an integral part of developing EHACI into the largest trade credit insurance company in the Americas;
• Scott Waterworth, senior vice president, Euler Hermes ACI.  Waterworth is a member of the Euler Hermes ACI Executive Management Team and has nearly 20 years of account management expertise.  He oversees the North American account management group located within the company’s five sales regions.

The Executive Advisory Series Webinar will last approximately 45 minutes, including a question and answer session.  The Webinar is completely free for interested parties and transcripts will be made available after the event. 

More information about Equity Risk Partners, the Executive Advisory Series and “The Ins and Outs of Trade Credit Insurance,” is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

SAN FRANCISCO – May 5, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, is proud to announce its next Executive Advisory Series Webinar, “An Update on the State of the Insurance Market.” Scheduled for 1 pm PST/4 pm EST, Tuesday, May 12, 2009, Equity Risk Partners’ respected team of specialists will provide attendees with a comprehensive update on the insurance market with insight specifically on employee benefits, property and casualty, and executive liability.      

Those interested in attending the “An Update on the State of the Insurance Market” Webinar can register online at absolutely no cost. Some of the topics that ERP will tackle include:

• Political and Regulatory Issues
• Pricing Trends and Cost Saving Strategies 
• Coverage Availability
• Carrier Solvency and Consolidation

“These are uncertain times in the financial markets and in the insurance industry,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners.  “Many private equity professionals and portfolio company executives have questions as to the implications for their current companies and for their future transactions.  ERP launched the Executive Advisory Series specifically to address these issues head-on.  We have some of the best minds in the industry with extensive experience across all disciplines eager to share their insight.”

“An Update on the State of the Insurance Market” will feature information, opinions and insight from multiple members of Equity Risk Partners’ distinguished team. The Webinar will be hosted by Bob Zenoni, president and COO, who has more than 20 years of executive, operational and management consulting experience in the insurance industry, specifically as related to Private Equity. As the company’s President, he focuses on due diligence, client services and operations. Joining Zenoni will be three of Equity Risk Partners’ most experienced insurance industry and Private Equity specialists:

•  Ken Ambos, senior managing director – employee benefits.  Ambos has more than 20 years of Health and Welfare benefits consulting experience with a concentration on the mid-sized employer segment and specific focus on Private Equity due diligence and portfolio management advisory services;
• Kim Hennessy, senior managing director – property/casualty.  Hennessey has nearly 20 years of insurance underwriting, brokerage and outsourced risk management experience specializing in Property and Casualty and International placement and consultancy;
• Jeff Rubocki, managing director – executive liability.  Rubocki boasts more than 13 years of Executive Liability insurance brokerage and underwriting experience, primarily in the Private Equity sector.

The insurance market update Executive Advisory Series Webinar will last approximately 45 minutes, including a question and answer session.  The Webinar is completely free for interested parties and transcripts will be made available after the event. 

More information about Equity Risk Partners, the Executive Advisory Series and “An Update on the State of the Insurance Market” is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

Respected experts in bankruptcy law, risk assessment and insurance to offer counsel during ER’s first online conference series installment

SAN FRANCISCO – March 30, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, today announced the first of its Executive Advisory Series Webinars, “Insurance Issues Surrounding Bankruptcy in Private Equity Transactions.”  The inaugural Webinar will provide companies and executives with vital knowledge about insurance and private equity issues as they relate to bankruptcy, empowering them as they navigate today’s uncertain economic environment. 

Scheduled for 1:30 pm EDT, Thursday, April 2, 2009, the free Webinar will focus on executive and general partnership liability and touch on property and casualty, employee benefits, as well as what to look for when purchasing a company in bankruptcy.  Interested attendees can register for “Insurance Issues Surrounding Bankruptcy in Private Equity Transactions” here. 

“As the only insurance and risk assessment firm dedicated to the private equity industry, Equity Risk Partners has several world-class executives and partners with specific knowledge of bankruptcy-related issues,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners.  “This Webinar is a great way to for ERP to provide our clients and partners with valuable insight and information for making critical insurance decisions surrounding bankruptcy. We look forward to sharing our counsel and help businesses understand the various repercussions affecting companies in bankruptcy.”

The initial Executive Advisory Series call will be hosted by Gabe Levitt, managing director – business development, Equity Risk Partners.  Mr. Levitt was a founding member of Equity Risk Partner’s New York office, and has more than 15 years of experience in the investment banking, private equity and insurance brokerage industries.  ERP also welcomes two prominent guest speakers providing invaluable insight and expertise.  Carl E. Metzger, partner, Goodwin Procter, has a legal practice specializing in advising clients on directors’ and officers’ liability, insurance coverage matters, liability risk prevention and litigation due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions.  James A. Riddle, partner, Holland + Knight, has 25 years of experience handling high stakes claims and disputes; reinsurance, insurance, captive insurance, self-insurance; and insurance regulation.

The bankruptcy Executive Advisory Series Webinar will last approximately 30-45 minutes, will include a question and answer session, and is completely free for interested parties.  Transcripts will be made available after the Webinar. 

More information about Equity Risk Partners, the Executive Advisory Series and the inaugural call on bankruptcy is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

About Equity Risk Partners

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies. Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence. Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives. Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago. More information is available at www.EquityRisk.com.

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Leading Insurance Brokerage’s Inaugural Call Focuses on Issues Relating to Bankruptcy

SAN FRANCISCO – March 24, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry, today announced the launch of the Equity Risk Partners’ Executive Advisory Series to provide companies with critical tools and information about insurance and private equity issues.  To help companies navigate through turbulent markets, the regular conference call series features ERP’s most experienced strategists providing vital information about key insurance and private equity topics to help companies adapt to and overcome today’s economic challenges.

“With the current economic uncertainty, it has never been more important to provide companies with the proper tools and resources for making critical decisions,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners.  “As ERP is dedicated to insurance-related issues and due diligence for the private equity market, we are committed to helping companies understand the broader context of these issues, as well as the specific costs, benefits, and opportunities.  Through our Executive Advisory Series, we will be able to answer companies’ pressing questions, empower executives with knowledge and assist them in making profitable business decisions.”

Equity Risk Partners’ Executive Advisory Series will kick off at 1:30 pm EST, Thursday, April 2, with a strategic conference call covering critical issues relating to bankruptcy.  Topics covered will include what to consider about bankruptcy as it relates to directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, property and casualty, and employee benefits, as well as what to look for when purchasing a company in bankruptcy.  Leading experts will address what companies need to know about these topics, how to address them, what pitfalls to be aware of and how to capitalize on opportunities.

Each Equity Risk Partners’ Executive Advisory Series call is completely free for interested parties, will last approximately 30-45 minutes, and will include a question and answer session.  Transcripts will be made available after each call.  Additional details will be announced shortly.

More information about Equity Risk Partners and the Executive Advisory Series is available at www.equityrisk.com.

About Equity Risk Partners

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies. Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence. Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives. Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago. More information is available at www.equityrisk.com.

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LOS ANGELES – Feb. 17, 2009 – Equity Risk Partners, Inc. (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused solely on the private equity industry; Creative Kingdom, Inc. (CKI), the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations; and Tethys Solutions, developer of innovative automation software for business processes and IT tasks, have tapped Wonacott Communications, a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency, to head their public relations efforts. 

San Francisco-based Equity Risk Partners is a dedicated insurance company that is redefining the role of the insurance broker in private equity financial transactions. ERP works exclusively with private equity companies and focuses on developing long-term, strategic relationships with the firms and their portfolio companies.

Los Angeles-based Creative Kingdom is the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations. CKI has developed some of the world’s preeminent themed destinations, including Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Palm Islands and World Islands, South Africa’s Table Bay Hotel and the Palace of the Lost City, Las Vegas’ Caesar’s Palace expansion and Verona, Italy’s Gardaland Hotel. In addition to its architecture and master planning expertise, the multi-faceted company conducts cutting edge work with CGI 3D architectural video animation, 2D/3D cartoon animation and video, film and music production. 

Wonacott Communications is spearheading the public relations for Tethys Solutions’ Automation Anywhere software suite, in addition to corporate communications support for the Santa Clara-based developer. An effective addition to the best selling Automation Anywhere Enterprise edition, the Integration Pack makes automation effortless with a simple “drag and drop” functionality that requires no programming, as well as a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature for capturing images or pictures, converting them into text and transferring the data into other applications.

“We are glad to see that even in these trying financial times companies continue to see the value of an aggressive and experienced communications partner,” said Jason Wonacott, CEO, Wonacott Communications. “Equity Risk Partners, Creative Kingdom and Tethys Solutions are amazing additions to our growing client portfolio and we are thrilled to be working with such dynamic companies.”

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

About Creative Kingdom Inc. (CKI)

Creative Kingdom, Inc. (CKI) is the world’s leading creator of themed design architecture and destinations.  In addition to its architecture and master planning expertise, the multi-faceted company conducts cutting edge work with CGI 3-D architectural video animation, 2-D/3-D cartoon animation, and video, film and music production.  When designing themed projects, the company seamlessly integrates its expertise in architecture, design, entertainment and leisure development to create unique, visually stunning destinations. More information is available at http://www.creativekingdom.com/.

About Equity Risk Partners (ERP)

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies.  Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence.  Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives.  Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago.  More information is available at http://www.equityriskpartners.com/.

About Tethys Solutions

Tethys Solutions is a leader in Automation Software, with customers in more than 90 countries.  The company’s user-friendly automation software technology enables fast automation of simple and complex tasks, without any programming.  The company’s loyal customers include a full range of Fortune 500 companies, thousands of medium and small business, entrepreneurial startups, financial and healthcare companies, city, state and federal governments and leading education institutes.  For more information on Tethys Solutions, please visit http://www.tethyssolutions.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO and CHICAGO – Nov. 10, 2008 – Equity Risk Partners, Inc. (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the private equity industry, has named respected insurance industry veteran Kim Hennessy senior managing director of the company’s Property/Casualty Practice.  In her new position, Hennessy will be responsible for the overall management of the San Francisco, Chicago, and New York property/casualty profit centers.  She will oversee market relations, client service and due diligence services.

“Kim brings an exceptional wealth of insurance-related managerial experience and expertise to Equity Risk Partners, which I am sure will be an incredible benefit to our partners in the private equity industry,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners, Inc. “We are excited to have her as a key asset for our firm, helping us further enhance our Property/Casualty Practice and ultimately achieve our overall growth goals.”

Hennessy brings more than 18 years of experience to her new role as senior managing director with Equity Risk Partners. Prior to joining ERP, she was the mutlilines manager at Marsh, where she held a variety of marketing and management positions that focused on serving mid-sized accounts for both their Chicago and Minneapolis offices. Before her time at Marsh, Hennessy worked for Willis, Johnson & Higgins and Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, holding increasing management positions throughout her years of service at each company.

About Equity Risk Partners

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies.  Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence.  Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives.Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago.  More information is available at http://www.equityriskpartners.com/.

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Leading Insurance Brokerage Firm for Private Equity Industry Taps Three Renowned Experts to Run New York Office and Implement National Expansion of Employee Benefits Practice

NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO – Sept. 29, 2008 – Equity Risk Partners, Inc. (ERP), the only full service insurance brokerage and consulting firm focused exclusively on the private equity industry, has opened the doors to its new Manhattan office in conjunction with a major national expansion of its Employee Benefits Practice.  The new office better positions Equity Risk Partners to provide private equity firms and their portfolio companies on the east coast with more convenient access to the firm’s cost effective insurance solutions, inventive product and financing alternatives and exclusive customer support.

“Private equity firms and portfolio companies across the country rely on hands-on insurance and risk management services, like those provided by Equity Risk Partners, to help them mitigate risk and meet their investment objectives,” said Michael Marcon, founder and CEO, Equity Risk Partners, Inc.  “New York has historically had one of the most robust private equity communities, and our new strategic foothold in Manhattan affords local firms our immediate contact and support.  At the same time, our Employee Benefits Practice national expansion vastly enhances Equity Risk Partners’ ability to provide our partners coast-to-coast with cost effective plans that align seamlessly with their strategic business objectives.”

Equity Risk Partners’ Employee Benefits Practice provides thoughtful due diligence and creates custom, cost effective employee benefit programs for each of the firm’s partners, aligned with strategic and financial objectives.  Each program incorporates a unique six-point process that includes strategic planning, financial management and renewal analysis, plan design analysis, vendor management, employee communications and compliance support.

To operate the New York Office, Equity Risk Partners has hired industry veterans Ken Ambos, John Hill and Maureen McGurk-Denley.  The three senior executives each have extensive employee benefits experience.

Ken Ambos will spearhead the national expansion of the company’s Employee Benefits Practice as ERP’s new senior managing director/national employee benefits practice leader.  Prior to joining ERP, Ken served as the executive vice president/regional benefits practice leader for Hilb Rogal & Hobbs (HRH) in New York.

John Hill joins ERP as director of employee benefits consulting, and is responsible for managing the New York and Chicago offices’ benefits practices.  John joins ERP from HRH, where he was the senior vice president in their New York Employee Benefits operation.

Maureen McGurk-Denley brings extensive benefits consulting experience to her new role as senior principal in ERP’s New York office.  Prior to joining ERP, Maureen was senior employee benefits consultant at HRH in New York.

Equity Risk Partner’s re-launched New York offices are located in the heart of Manhattan at 300 Park Avenue, Suite 1700, New York, NY 10022, and the phone number is (212) 572-6245.

About Equity Risk Partners

Equity Risk Partners is the only insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management consulting firm focused exclusively on the needs of the private equity industry and its portfolio companies.  Founded in 2001, the company is dedicated to improving the efficiency, structure and return of private equity transactions through consistent and timely due diligence.  Combining extensive industry experience with a dedication to excellence, they deliver creative, cost effective insurance solutions, as well as innovative product and financing alternatives.  Headquartered in San Francisco, Equity Risk Partners has a nationwide presence with additional offices in New York and Chicago.  More information is available at http://www.equityriskpartners.com/.

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