February 13, 2014, CHICAGO, IL – Ryan Specialty Group’s wholesale brokerage R-T Specialty, LLC (“RT”) announced today that it has acquired Blais Excess & Surplus Agency of Texas, Ltd. (“Blais”). Philip L. Blais, President of Blais, acquired the agency in 1998, and under his leadership, the company has become known for its expertise in the Executive Lines marketplace. An independent, specialty wholesale broker, Blais has offices in Dallas and Houston.

Timothy W. Turner, President & CEO of RT, says, “Philip Blais and his team are regarded as some of the most experienced, seasoned and tenured wholesale Executive Lines brokers in the country. Combining Blais’ expertise with RT’s national network allows us to provide clients with the best Executive Lines insurance service in the marketplace.”

Philip T. Blais, President of Blais Excess & Surplus Agency of Texas Ltd. /Blais Aviation Insurance Services, stated: “Our expertise in the executive and professional liability lines will be enhanced under the RT platform, combining our quality and service driven approach with a robust distribution model.” While Philip L. Blais, Chairman of Blais Excess & Surplus Agency of Texas, Ltd., added, “Pat Ryan and Tim Turner’s vision provides the opportunity to grow our platform and serve our clients and markets far into the future.”

The Blais team has industry experts in all Executive Lines coverages including Directors and Officers Liability, Fiduciary Liability (Pension Trust Coverage), Employment Practices Liability, Professional Liability, Cyber Liability and Kidnap & Ransom.

About Ryan Specialty Group, LLC and R-T Specialty, LLC

Ryan Specialty Group, LLC is a global holding company which includes wholesale broker R-T Specialty, LLC, a select group of highly-specialized underwriting companies, a London operation and other specialty services designed specifically for agents, brokers and insurers. www.ryansg.com and www.rtspecialty.com

About Blais Excess & Surplus Agency of Texas, Ltd.

Blais Excess & Surplus Agency of Texas, Ltd. is an independent, specialty wholesale broker dedicated to providing financial service products to a variety of businesses. Blais works exclusively with agents and brokers, representing all domestic executive line markets, including access to the Bermuda and London markets.