Securian Financial to purchase Ochs

Securian Financial Group, a US-based insurance firm, is planning to purchase Ochs, an employee benefits brokerage firm.

Ochs will be wholly owned by Securian, and will continue as an independent distributor. Ochs markets group life through Minnesota Life Insurance, a Securian company. It also offers disability, long-term care, dental, and vision products offered by other carriers.

Thomas Ochs, CEO of Ochs, said: "Ochs is ready to expand into other states, and Securian has the resources to fuel that growth and the intellectual capital to guide it successfully. This company has been in my family for three generations and I want it to be in good hands when I retire. Under Securian's ownership, I am confident Ochs will continue to grow and provide good jobs for our employees and high-quality products and services for our clients."

Von Peterson, senior vice president of Securian's group life insurance unit, said: "We have enjoyed success in our core market of large employers and we are looking to Ochs to give us entree to the smaller employer market."