• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Contact Us
  • Post A Job

Agency Checklists

Massachusetts Insurance News & Job Opportunities

  • AC Interviews
  • Agency M&A
  • Career News
  • CAR News
  • DOI News
  • Coverage Cases
  • Innovation
  • InsurOp-Eds
  • AC Podcast
You are here: Home / Agency Perpetuations, Valuations & Sales / Agency Mergers & Acquisitions / Beverly Merger: Sterling Ins. Buys The Morgan-McPherson Agency

Beverly Merger: Sterling Ins. Buys The Morgan-McPherson Agency

July 31, 2023 by Owen Gallagher

Michael McPherson, President of Morgan-McPherson Insurance, shaking hands with Rick Mooney, President of Sterling Insurance, post-closing.

July 31, 2023 — Sterling Insurance Agency, a leading independent insurance agency in the North Shore, announced its acquisition of Morgan-McPherson Insurance Agency today.

Morgan-McPherson’s Roots in Beverly Extend Over A Century

 The agency, with a notable legacy dating back to 1918 in Beverly, has been a respected and enduring presence in North Shore’s insurance sector. The agency, led by Michael McPherson, has carved out a niche with its personalized service and unwavering dedication to its clients. Michael McPherson, nearing retirement, handpicked Sterling Insurance Agency to take the baton, entrusting them with his client base.

“We’ve served the North Shore community for generations and have always been committed to providing cost-effective solutions,” remarked McPherson. “In choosing Sterling, I am confident our clients will be well-cared for, enjoying the caliber of service they are accustomed to.”

Sterling Insurance’s 94-year Presence Bolsters Beverly’s Insurance Landscape

Founded in 1929, the Sterling Insurance Agency has blossomed into a leading independent insurance entity on the North Shore. The family-run business, now in its fourth generation, prides itself on its comprehensive service portfolio, including auto, home, condo, renters, boat, all commercial insurance lines, life insurance/financial services, and real estate services.

Rick Mooney, who has served as President since 2002, welcomed the Morgan-McPherson clients to Sterling’s clientele. “We are thrilled to welcome Morgan-McPherson clients to the Sterling family. Our mission remains the same – to provide customized insurance solutions and unmatched service on the North Shore and beyond,” said Mooney.

Sterling Insurance Gains New Clients and Partnerships through Acquisition

The acquisition solidifies Sterling’s standing as a one-stop shop for all insurance needs, benefiting from Morgan-McPherson’s partnerships with esteemed companies such as Safety Insurance, Plymouth Rock Assurance, Bunker Hill, and Commerce, all based in Massachusetts.

For Morgan-McPherson clients, the transition promises to be smooth. The agency’s office officially closed its doors on July 31, with all policies and coverage remaining intact with Sterling Insurance.

While Morgan-McPherson Closes, Sterling Insurance Pledges to Continue its Tradition of Service

The acquisition marks the end of Morgan-McPherson’s independent operation, as the agency closed its doors on July 31, 2023, yet its legacy is set to continue under the banner of Sterling. This strategic unification represents a win-win scenario for both entities and their clients, paving the way for a robust future of excellent service, enhanced offerings, and expanded presence in Beverly and the North Shore.

Legal Advisors and Consultants Facilitating the Acquisition.

Beverly Attorney Thomas Alexander of Alexander & Femino represented Morgan-McPherson Insurance in the transaction. Attorney Owen Gallagher, Publisher of Agency Checklists, represented Sterling Insurance.

Michael Ryan, CPA of Insurance Agency Consulting Services, LLC, advised Sterling Insurance on the Morgan-McPherson acquisition.”

Primary Sidebar

Job Board

Career News

Salem Five Insurance Services appointed Gregory Grintchenko as senior vice president of insurance sales to support the agency's continued growth strategy.

Salem Five Insurance Services Expands Leadership Team with Addition of Gregory Grintchenko

Gavin McPhail, Vice President and Chief Data Officer at Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Plymouth Rock Assurance Strengthens Leadership Team with Three Strategic Appointments 

G. Quinn Landers appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer at The Andover Companies

The Andover Companies Appoints G. Quinn Landers Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer

View All

Search Our Archives Here

MA Division of Insurance Advertisements

Framed formal notice from Massachusetts Division of Insurance about amending a foreign license for AXA XL Insurance Company Americas, dated July 23, 2026.
Official Massachusetts Division of Insurance notice from Safeco Insurance of America about an amended Foreign Company License to transact Property & Casualty insurance; dated July 20, 2026.
Official certification: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Insurance, license amendment for First National Insurance Company of America, 225 Borthwick Ave, Portsmouth, NH, dated July 20, 2026.

Listen Now

Sponsor

Interviews

From Nuptials, Tickets, and Taxes to Trusted Advisor: One Agency’s Unique Path to P&C Success

A Conversation with Evan Silverio, President & CEO of Silverio Insurance Group

Deland, Gibson Celebrates 125 Years: A Conversation with CEO Chip Gibson

The Fourth-Generation Family-Owned Agency is Based in Wellesley

Talking with Richard Welch: Growth and Innovation at Hospitality Mutual | Agency Checklists

Talking with Richard Welch: Growth and Innovation at Hospitality Mutual

Mr. Welch is CEO of Massachusetts-based Hospitality Insurance Group

Born and Bred in the Bay State: The Special Agent Story

Our Latest Agency Interview is with the Founder & President of Special Agent

A Conversation with Daniel C. Bridge – The 2023 Insurance Professional of the Year

Daniel Bridge is Board Chair, President, and CEO of Vermont Mutual Insurance Group

Making The Leap From Corporate to Entrepreneur: Nadeen Vella On Building NaVella Insurance From Scratch

Making The Leap From Corporate to Entrepreneur: Nadeen Vella On Building NaVella Insurance From Scratch

Our latest Agency Interview is with Nadeen Vella, the founder and owner of a virtual scratch independent agency.

View All

InsurOp-Eds

RAIS Executive Team On COVID 19 Impact To Massachusetts insurance industry

InsurOp-Ed: COVID19: Forward-looking economic framework for agency planning

By Agency Checklists

InsurOp-Ed: Is Cleaning a Surface Contamination a “Repair”?

By Bill Wilson

InSurOp-Ed: One of the Most Often Misinterpreted Liability Exclusions

By Bill Suneson

Agency Checklists, MA Insurance News, Mass. Insurance News

A Feast Without the Fiasco: Tips to Help Policyholders Host Safely This Thanksgiving

By AC Editor

View All

In Memoriam

Gordon Elliott Taylor, longtime owner of the Blackmer Insurance Agency in Shelburne, Massachusetts, who served the local insurance community for decades.

In Memoriam: Gordon Elliott Taylor

William R Berkley founder of W R Berkley Corporation and leader in commercial insurance industry

W. R. Berkley Corporation Announces the Passing of Its Founder and Executive Chairman, William R. Berkley

Michael R Quinn longtime leader of Allan M Walker Insurance Agency in Taunton Massachusetts

Taunton Insurance Leader Michael R. Quinn Dies at 70

Footer

Contact us

We offer a variety of ways to get help promote your company or product.

Announcements
Email Sponsorships
Partnerships
Custom Collaborations

*Affiliate Disclosure

Please note that any of Agency Checklists’ articles might contain one or more affiliate links. This means that any subsequent purchase resulting from these links may result in a commission for us, but at no additional cost to you. For example, as an Amazon Associate, Agency Checklists earns a commission from all qualifying purchases. By working with affiliates we can continue to keep Agency Checklists subscription free. Thank you for your support.

Explore Our Archives

Copyright © 2026 · Agency Checklists · All rights reserved.

Loading Comments...