Dealmakers

* More big brokers might go PE route. Investment banking firm says more private equity buyouts of major insurance brokers could follow Hub's recent announcement. They won't be as lucrative for shareholders, though. While Hub stockholders received a hefty premium, 40%+ according to the report by Cochran Caronia Waller, the next deal will likely offer a more modest premium. The bankers say that a 10% premium to current share prices would still be attractive to buyers, but as premiums approach 30% the deals become less attractive to equity firms. CCW says Aon and Hilb Rogal & Hobbs have the "largest cushion" for a prospective buyer and therefore could command the highest premium to current share price. Marsh and Arthur J. Gallagher have the least cushion based upon Cochran's analysis of each company's debt, EBITDA and cash-out values.

* Summit Financial acquires Kelly firms. Moorefield, W.V.-based Summit Financial ...