MEQUON, WI -- Two prominent independent insurance agencies, Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten and The Bruce Gendelman Company, Inc., announced the formation of Alliant Insurance Associates, LLC, a property and casualty insurance cooperative.

"Our agencies have worked closely together, and we share a similar focus on serving the customer first. The synergies we create with Alliant Insurance Associates means better service and products for our customers," said Todd James, who serves as Managing Partner of Alliant.

"By combining strengths and resources, we are able to offer our clients enhanced buying power within our markets, value-added services and Risk Management expertise," said Bruce Gendelman, President of The Bruce Gendelman Company.

"Alliant is a logical step forward to enhancing our agencies' abilities to serve clients. It truly was a meeting of the minds. With the formation of Alliant Insurance Associates, we are even more keenly focused on doing what's best for our clients." said James, who also serves as CEO at the agency that bears his family name, Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten as a 5th generation in Milwaukee.

James said the reaction among clients has been very positive. "They now are turning to us more as one of their trusted advisors, helping them to reach their business objectives by insuring their assets and managing their risk."

The oldest insurance agency in the state, founded in 1850, Fitzgerald, Clayton, James & Kasten, currently employs 35 enthusiastic professionals experienced in commercial, small business, employee benefits, health care/professional and personal lines of insurance, as well as value-added risk management solutions.

The Bruce Gendelman Company, founded in 1982, has offices in Mequon and Palm Beach Florida that offers commercial, small business and personal lines of insurance. The agency employs 15 professionals. Gendelman serves as CEO.