DAYTONA BEACH, FL and TAMPA, FL, Apr 11, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX News Network) -- Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) has again been designated as a Mergent's Dividend Achiever. Gaining this distinct honor for 2006 marks the third consecutive year the Company has been so recognized. This distinction is based on a record of ten or more consecutive years of dividend increases, a feat achieved by just 3% of all U.S. publicly listed companies.
Brown & Brown was also recognized in the February 24, 2006 edition of the Wall Street Journal for having the highest ten-year return in the Insurance, Property & Casualty category. Brown & Brown's reported annualized return for the ten-year period ending December 31, 2005 was 32.3%. This is the third consecutive year in which the Company has led this category.
Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of insurance and reinsurance products and services, as well as risk management, third party administration, and managed health care programs. Providing service to business, public entity, individual, trade and professional association clients nationwide, the Company is ranked by Business Insurance magazine as the United States' seventh largest independent insurance intermediary. The Company's Web address is www.bbinsurance.com.
Contact: Cory T. Walker Chief Financial Officer (386) 239-7250
SOURCE: Brown & Brown, Inc.