Two local insurance agencies plan to merge

W.E. Walker Insurance Agency in Cape Girardeau and Lakenan Insurance Agency of Jackson are merging. Walker has been in business since 1915; Lakenan since 1938.

The merger will give the independent insurance agencies more than 200 years of combined experience in personnel and will allow both to represent at least 25 major carriers. The firm will employ about 20 people.

Both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson locations will remain open. In Cape Girardeau, the company will be known at W.E. Walker/Lakenan Insurance. In Jackson, the firm will use the name Lakenan/W.E. Walker.

The merger will be benefit customers because they'll have more options to consider for their insurance policies, said Chad Hartle, president of Lakenan. Joe Stahly is president of W.E. Walker Co.