ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. and COLUMBUS, Ohio — iA Financial Group (iA) of Canada has finalized its acquisition of Southwest Reinsure Inc. (SouthwestRe) and its insurance arm, Dealers Assurance Co. (DAC), after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals. Both companies will now operate as fully owned subsidiaries of iA.

In September, iA announced it had signed an agreement to acquire SouthwestRe and DAC, with officials saying the purchase would allow the company to expand its footprint in the United States.

“With our solid track record in the extended warranty business in Canada together with the established presence of SouthwestRe [and DAC] in the U.S., we look forward to this new chapter in our U.S. expansion with great anticipation,” said iA American President Mike Stickney.

Founded in 1892, iA is one of the largest life and health insurance companies in Canada as well as one of the largest F&I providers for Canadian auto dealerships.

SouthwestRe was founded in 1985 as a third-party administrator and provider of reinsurance programs. DAC’s roots date back to 1935. It operates as a property and casualty insurance company with offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Dallas. The company primarily serves the automotive, consumer goods and related lending industries.

“Unlike many transactions in our industry, iA has a long-term view of this acquisition and the industry in general,” said Kristen Gruber, who has served as president of DAC since 2014. “With the resources and stability that iA brings to the table, we look forward to becoming one of the premier warranty insurers in the U.S.”

Eddie Eckert, president of SouthwestRe, added: “As you might imagine, this is an important moment for our entire organization. For the past 32 years, we have worked very hard to earn the patronage of each and every individual who has done business with SouthwestRe. Come what may, that will never change. If anything, we will work that much harder to win your business.”