Unum (NYSE: UNM) on Monday announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire H&J Capital, LLC, parent of Starmount Life Insurance Company and AlwaysCare Benefits (“Starmount”), a leading independent dental and vision benefits company that will expand Unum’s growing portfolio of workplace financial protection products.
"We are excited to be adding Starmount's capabilities to our market-leading offerings in the workplace," said Unum President and CEO Rick McKenney. "This strategic transaction is a perfect fit for both our Unum US and Colonial Life businesses, as we expand our customer relationships in pursuit of our growth objectives."
Unum is a leading nationwide provider of financial protection benefits at work, including disability, life and supplemental health products.
Starmount covers more than 940,000 lives nationally, manages in-force annualized premium in excess of $180 million and has access to significant national dental and vision networks.
Starmount was founded by the Sternberg family in 1983. The company is licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia and markets individual products under the Starmount Life brand, including dental, vision, life and accident. Its group and voluntary benefits are marketed under the AlwaysCare Benefits brand and include dental, vision, life, disability, critical illness and accident.
Unum is acquiring Starmount for $127 million plus net assets. The transaction will not alter the company’s earnings or capital management outlook for 2016, nor does it change Unum’s overall capital management strategy of investing in its business while also returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. It is expected to be neutral to accretive to Unum’s earnings per share in 2017.
“We see strong demand for dental and vision insurance, and the Starmount business will help us expand access to these benefits at the workplace,” said Unum US President Mike Simonds.
Starmount will remain headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., with a leadership team including CEO Erich Sternberg and President Deborah Sternberg and the entire staff of more than 220 employees.
“Unum shares our company values of providing exceptional service, innovative products and thoughtful solutions for our customers,” said Starmount CEO Erich Sternberg. “We look forward to helping this business continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.”
Subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the third quarter.
Barclays Capital served as financial advisor and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP as legal advisor to Unum. MTS Health Partners, L.P. served as financial advisor and Bass Berry & Sims PLC served as legal advisor to Starmount.
A summary of facts regarding the transaction is available here.