Top-40 Insurance Broker Continues Fast-Paced Alberta Growth

CALGARY, May 26, 2005 - Ken Hughes, President of Alberta-based Alpine Insurance & Financial Inc., announced today the acquisition of Benefit Insurance Ltd., located in the Kensington district of Calgary

The Calgary acquisition is the fifth branch in the Alpine group, which started with a single brokerage in Canmore in 2001. Other branches are located in Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. The Calgary office will also serve as the group head office.

Alpine Insurance & Financial was recently named one of the top-40 brokerages in Canada by The Insurance Journal, a milestone that reflects its rapid growth.

"Our vision is to create an Alberta-based network of insurance brokerages and financial service providers that will focus on the economic heartland of Alberta, taking advantage of the deep roots these brokerages have with local businesses. We are positioning the company as "Albertans' choice", providing our customers with superior products and service from a strong Alberta-based business," said Hughes.

"The addition of a Calgary brokerage is a very important component for our customers, given the tremendous growth and demand in this city," said Hughes. "Rosemary Stuart has built up a very strong and profitable brokerage over nearly two decades, and I am very pleased that Rosemary will continue to work with us in the future. This is a great fit with the Alpine team."

Hughes is also adding financial services distribution to the insurance mix, working with his strategic partner, ING Insurance of Canada.

Ken Hughes is a fourth-generation Albertan who is the former Member of Parliament for Macleod riding south of Calgary (1988-1993) and was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister (Jean Charest). He has extensive experience in business, sits on several corporate and volunteer boards, and is active in Alberta's business communities. He is a member of the Organizing Committee for the Alberta Centennial 2005 World Cup international cross country skiing/biathlon pre-Olympic race, to be held in Canmore this December.

For Further Information:
Ken Hughes: 403 777-3580