Amwins buys firearms specialty MGA Joseph Chiarello & Co

Amwins said Sept. 2, 2026, that it acquired Joseph Chiarello & Co., a Summit, N.J.-based managing general agent focused on commercial insurance for the firearms industry. The deal expands Amwins Underwriting with niche expertise serving more than 4,000 businesses across the U.S.

Why it matters: - The acquisition gives Amwins a specialized foothold in firearms-industry insurance, a niche where underwriting expertise and claims handling are critical. - Amwins Underwriting gains a new specialty program that can broaden options for retail brokers and their clients. - The deal also helps preserve a long-running family business with a national client base.

What happened: - Amwins announced the acquisition of Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. on Sept. 2, 2026. - Chiarello will join Amwins Underwriting and add specialty expertise to the division's program portfolio. - Joseph Chiarello & Co. is a managing general agent focused on commercial insurance solutions for the firearms industry. - The company is based in Summit, N.J. - Terms of the deal were not disclosed. - Dowling Hales served as financial advisor to Joseph Chiarello & Co. in connection with the transaction.

The details: - Chiarello was founded in 1934 and is now led by third-generation family members Joseph and Stephen Chiarello. - The firm has built what the announcement described as the gold standard in firearms industry insurance over more than 40 years. - Chiarello serves more than 4,000 diversified businesses nationwide. - The company provides commercial package, umbrella and general liability coverage. - Coverage is backed by A++ rated paper. - Chiarello insures firearms manufacturers, distributors, retailers, hunting and shooting clubs, instructors and related businesses such as ammunition and accessory manufacturers. - The company has an endorsement from the National Shooting Sports Foundation tied to its risk assessment and claims management. - Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S. - Amwins operates through more than 138 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $49 billion annually.

Between the lines: - Amwins is using acquisitions to deepen its specialty underwriting bench rather than competing only on scale. - Chiarello brings a niche book of business with technical underwriting requirements that can be difficult for generalist carriers to replace. - The family-run structure and specialty focus likely made cultural fit a central part of the transaction. - Amwins' scale could help Chiarello expand distribution and operational support without changing its core niche.

What's next: - Chiarello will operate within Amwins Underwriting as the business is integrated into the broader portfolio. - Joseph and Stephen Chiarello are expected to keep building on the firm's legacy with Amwins' infrastructure behind them. - Retail brokers serving firearms-industry clients should have access to another specialized option through Amwins.