NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — The Burns and Gilroy families say Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, Inc. (GKG) of New Hartford has acquired the Burns Agency of Clinton in a combination involving two insurance agencies that have served the Mohawk Valley for more than a century. The acquisition closed Aug. 18, and the Burns Agency will move […]
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — The Burns and Gilroy families say Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, Inc. (GKG) of New Hartford has acquired the Burns Agency of Clinton in a combination involving two insurance agencies that have served the Mohawk Valley for more than a century.
The acquisition closed Aug. 18, and the Burns Agency will move forward as a division of Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, the acquiring firm tells CNYBJ in an email message.
The Aug. 24 announcement didn’t include any financial terms of the acquisition agreement.
After 104 years — and four generations — the Burns family says it is “proud to leave their customers and their family’s legacy in the hands of another local, family-owned, independent insurance agency with deep ties to the local community,” per the announcement.
The Burns Agency, founded in 1919, specializes in personal and commercial insurance. Dave Burns served as president of the firm until his death in September 2022.
GKG, founded in 1904, specializes in personal and commercial insurance, along with risk management, employee benefits, and retirement.
“Dave was not only a trusted advisor, but a great leader and friend to many in our community. This acquisition brings together two firms with over 225 years of combined history and demonstrates the strong commitment of both to our local community. We are proud to continue Dave’s legacy as we move into the future,” Larry Gilroy, president of GKG, said.
Effective immediately, the Burns Agency’s clients are now clients of GKG, with access to the services that GKG offers. On the GKG website, both Larry Gilroy and Lisa Burns authored a message to the clients of the Burns Agency about the acquisition.
The GKG agency has more than 60 employees with a “diverse range of experience, knowledge, and expertise.” The Burns Agency staff —Wendy Lawlor, Julie Freemire, Sandra Freeman, and Elaine Wallace — are now employees of GKG, the acquiring agency noted.
“GKG is committed to minimizing any disruption to clients during the transition. As far as the day to day goes, little will change,” the New Hartford agency said.
The Burns Agency’s 29 West Park Row location will remain open to clients and the staff will continue to operate primarily from the Clinton location.