Selma-based Benefit Development Group announced Thursday it had merged with Illinois-based Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Benefit Development’s Holland Powell said the move provides BDG and its customers tremendous opportunities and opportunities for growth.

“The entire current BDG team will continue to operate in our current location with no plans other than growth,” Powell said.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Company is an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm headquartered in Itasca, Ill. The company has operations across the United States and in 24 countries offering client services around the globe.

BDG is the first Gallagher Benefit Services office in Alabama.

Powell, David Cothran, Duncan Hope and their associates will continue to operate in their current location under the direction of John Neumaier, leader of Gallagher’s south central employee benefit consulting and brokerage operations.

Established in 1986, Benefit Development Group provides employee benefit consultation, management and brokerage services for full and self-funded, middle-to-large group clients throughout the United States.  BDG focuses on employee benefit compliance, design, financing, administration and communication.

“BDG is highly-regarded in the industry for its solid market relationships, strong industry expertise, and dedication to quality client service,” said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., chairman, president and CEO. “Their service-based culture is a natural fit and their central Alabama presence will be a great complement to our employee benefits operation. We are pleased to welcome Holland, David, Duncan and their colleagues to our growing Gallagher family of professionals.”

Powell said this merger is simply the next step in BDG’s future.

On Feb. 24, 1986, I first turned the key to the door of Benefit Development Group leaving behind the corporate structure of a home service insurance company that was the culture of my father,” Powell said. “While good to my family it was not a suitable fit for my spirit of innovation. Now 28 years later, it seems that BDG has found what continues to evolve into the best possible path in its journey.

Powell said that while the company letterhead may change, the core mission the company was built upon will not.

“We at Benefit Development Group sincerely appreciate the confidence our customers have in our firm, and we look forward taking our service to a new level as we move forward with Gallagher,” Powell said. “While business cards and letterhead may change the people and service we provide to you will not.”