Calgary, March 6, 2007

Alpine Insurance Expands Business Again with "Climbing to the Top" Strategy

Ken Hughes, President of Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc., today announced that Alpine has purchased the business of Otto and Associates Insurance Agency. Otto Insurance is a well established business with brokerages located in Calgary and Edmonton.

"Otto complements the well located Alpine branches throughout the heartland of Alberta," said Hughes. "Our vision is to provide excellent locally owned insurance and financial services, provided by Albertans for Albertans. The Otto clients can expect to continue to experience high quality product and service standards."


The Otto acquisitions represent the 7th and 8th brokerage locations acquired since Alpine was established just over 5 years ago.

When asked if Alpine is interested in buying more insurance brokerages in Alberta, the answer from Hughes was clear. "Yes. We have established a strong track record of being able to close on purchases of businesses, work with vendors and new employees in a fair way, integrate the business, and continue to serve all our clients effectively. After a year of successful consolidation, we are now actively in the marketplace looking for new brokerages to buy. Alpine has a strong management and employee team, a clear vision and the resources to fulfill the goal of ambitious growth."

Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc. provides home, auto and commercial insurance products and financial services to over 20,000 Albertans, with conveniently located offices based in the economic heartland of the province; Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. In 2007 , Alpine expects to sell approximately $35 million worth of insurance products.

Ken Hughes is the founder, principal shareholder and President of Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc., and a certified corporate director (ICD.D). He is the former Member of Parliament for Macleod.