Canadian insurance firm expands to US, buys Lee County firm

A Canadian insurance firm founded in 1948, Gifford Carr Insurance Group, has made its first expansion into the United States with the acquisition of Cape Coral-based Omni One. 

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.  

Ottawa, Ontario-based Gifford Carr, with four offices in Canada and some 75 employees, says the Lee County firm will now operate as Omni One Insurance Agency, by Gifford Carr. “With Omni One joining our family, we’re bringing Florida-specific expertise, personalized protection and seamless service to better support clients who call Florida home, whether full-time or seasonally, " Gifford Carr says in a LinkedIn post announcing the acquisition. 

Gifford Carr President Matthew Carr, in a separate LinkedIn post on the sale, says "...the learning curve has been steep, but this project has finally come to life. Gifford Carr is now fully licensed in Florida, and we are excited to help our clients navigate the intricacies of the state. Our experienced team is ready to help clients, from across Canada and the U.S., for all risk mitigation needs in Florida.” 

Omni One, on its website, lists 15 categories of insurance it will help clients with, from home, auto, fire and flood to businesses and boats. It was founded in 2020. 

“At Gifford Carr, we’re passionate about building something that lasts, with people and partners who share our values,” Matthew Carr says in a statement announcing the acquisition. “Omni One is a natural fit. They are trusted, local, and relationship-driven, just like us.”