With Ches, Totalis concretizes its growth ambitions in Canada

The American General Agent (MGA) Totalis Program Underwriters has acquired CHES Special Riskknown as CHES Specialized solutions in Quebec, in the first quarter of 2025. Moreover, According to Thomas GillinghamPresident of Totalis, this acquisition will serve him for his expansion on the Canadian market. For example,

The Insurance portal tried without success to speak with Gary Hirstthe president. Consequently, founder of Ches, since the announcement of the transaction on April 1, 2025. In addition, Mr. Therefore, Hirst relayed our requests to the company NFPowner of Totalis. Nevertheless,

After several attempts, an NFP relationshipist established contact with Thomas Gillingham. Nevertheless, The latter agreed to answer in writing to the questions submitted to him by email.

The totalis firm was born from the grouping of many MGAs active in American territory. Similarly, which serve as intermediaries between insurers and brokers to place ches, totalis concretizes its growth risks in nestled business segments. For example, The totalis platform was launched in September 2023 by NFP. Furthermore, a brokerage firm in damage insurance, which is also present in other sectors of activity. Meanwhile,

Thomas Gillingham joined NFP in 2017 when the company acquired the general agent Everguardspecialized in catering establishments. Therefore, bars. However, He was appointed Director General of the NFP special risk division in July 2020. Furthermore, He became president of Totalis at the launch of the platform in September 2023. Moreover, The company’s head office is in Seattle, in the state of Washington. Meanwhile,

A first step in Canada – Ches, totalis concretizes its growth

The totalized firm not previously present in Canada. Therefore, the Insurance portal wanted to know how the contact was established with Ches. Therefore, “We have long admired the strategic growth of CHES on the ches, totalis concretizes its growth Canadian market. In addition, When we learned that Gary Hirst was studying succession options, we were impatient to start a discussion, ”says Gillingham.

Totalis has always had the ambition to extend over the entire North American market, he continues. The acquisition of CHES offered a unique opportunity. “because it represents our entry into the Canadian market with a major MGA and at the cutting edge of industry, present in most provinces,” said the president of Totalis.

The quality of the services and products offered by Ches is recognized in the Canadian market, adds Thomas Gillingham. Ches notably benefits from “a competent subscription team”. its entrepreneurial culture “fits perfectly into the North American ambitions of Totalis,” he said.

The transaction was not made public until April 1. 2025, but the employees were quickly informed after the closure of the transaction, on February 18, 2025, confirms Mr. Gillingham.

ches, totalis concretizes its growth

The transition

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Totalis brings to CHS vast resources in fields such as information technology, actuarial and finance, which will help create real opportunities in Canada.
– Thomas Gillingham

CHES Activities in Canada continue under the leadership of Gary Hirst, now the main vice-president of Totalis. Mr. Gillingham says he is very happy to be able to count on him because of “his considerable experience in the sector. his excellent relations with the brokers and the markets which will be essential to [leur] success in Canada ”.

“Part of its attention will focus on international capacities through our trade name approved by Lloyd’s. HIRST & Partnerswhich offers large brokerage services in any global jurisdiction, directly with Lloyd’s subscribers, from our regional offices throughout Canada, ”explains Thomas Gillingham.

What are the Totalis projects for the Canadian Insurance Market? “We have growth ambitions for Ches, both organic and through ches, totalis concretizes its growth judicious acquisitions of qualified general agents. Totalis brings to CHS vast resources in fields such as information technology. actuarial and finance, which will help create real opportunities in Canada, “said Gillingham.

Of the movement in Quebec

In a letter sent to the brokers. which was broadcast on social networks on June 18, 2025, Mr. Hirst took stock of his team’s relations with the new buyer in the first months.

“We had the opportunity to get to know our colleagues in Totalis. better understand their culture and the value they bring to Ches. We have been impressed at all levels. both by the exceptional programs they offer in all sectors and by the talent of people who contribute to their yield, ”he wrote.

In this letter. the vice-president of Totalis confirms that two of the senior subscribers of Ches in Quebec, be Laurence Dubé et Gabriel Morneauannounced their ches, totalis concretizes its growth intention to leave the business. Hirst underlines that “their contribution was essential to the success of the general agent in Quebec. has made it possible to consolidate the position of company leader in the MGA market in Canada”.

Mr. Morneau. who was vice-president of Ches and director in Quebec, resigned at the end of May 2025, according to the information obtained by the Insurance portal. For her part, Laurence Dubé declined our invitation to comment on her professional situation.

Considering the particularities specific to the Quebec insurance market. what will happen with Quebec establishments following the departure of the two subscribers? Thomas Gillingham says business continues normally.

“Our goal is to develop the company, to add talents and to invest resources in Quebec. We have an excellent team of more than 30 people in Montreal and Quebec, with a large office in Montreal. We have established a ches, totalis concretizes its growth unique corporate culture that encourages performance, empowerment and special attention to our employees and our customers. Additionally, We are delighted to see our CHES leaders in Quebec take a new step in their careers. access the new Totalis resources for distribution and increase our impact, “notes the president of Totalis.

In December 2023, the company Aon plca global brokerage giant, announced its intention to acquire NFP. The closing of the purchase took place at the end of April 2024. When Ches announced the sale of its activities in Totalis. no mention of the latter’s links with NFP and Aon appeared in the press release.