Guy Carpenter and Co. has expanded its offerings and specialty capabilities with the completion of its acquisition of John B. Collins Associates Inc., the fifth largest reinsurance intermediary in the U.S. and the seventh largest in the world.

Among Minneapolis-based Collins’ offices in the U.S. are locations in Philadelphia and New York. In all, the company, with $1.8 billion in ceded premium for a recent year, employs about 190 people in the U.S., as well as more in London and Bermuda.

Peter Zaffino

“With this acquisition, Guy Carpenter continues to strengthen and diversify our position in North America, which will create more opportunities for future growth,” said Peter Zaffino, president and CEO of Guy Carpenter, in a statement.

Guy Carpenter, based in New York, said the acquisition, announced March 2, strengthens its capabilities in medical professional liability, agriculture, Florida property, program, and regional specialty lines of business.

Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

John Collins, chairman and founder of the Minneapolis-based company, is now vice chairman of Guy Carpenter and Patrick Denzer, Collins’ CEO, is chairman of Guy Carpenter Americas.

Collins, established in 1987, was a privately-held company that places reinsurance coverage for companies in the property-casualty, life, and accident & health insurance markets. Collins places coverage with reinsurers in the world’s major markets, including the United States, Bermuda, London and elsewhere in Europe.