The Hartford to acquire Equitable’s employee benefits business

Insurer The Hartford made it on TIME’s newly released ranking of America’s Best Companies of 2026. Photo | CoStar By David Krechevsky August 4, 2026 Property and casualty insurer The Hartford has entered into an agreement to acquire Equitable’s employee benefits business, the company announced Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Hartford said the deal will boost its employee benefits growth strategy, and represents approximately $500 million in premium. The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said in a statement that the acquisition “reinforces The Hartford’s leadership in employee benefits and small business.” He added that small and midsize employers represent a “strategic growth opportunity.” ADVERTISEMENT Equitable’s Employee Benefits portfolio mainly provides small and midsize employers with non-medical benefits and includes group life, disability, paid family and medical leave and supplemental health products, as well as dental and vision. As part of the deal, The Hartford will also acquire Equitable’s Employee Benefits technology, which it said will enhance employee, employer and broker experiences. The two companies said they will work together to support their mutual customers, and the approximately 300 employees who support Equitable’s business will join The Hartford when the deal closes. Rothschild & Co. served as financial adviser to The Hartford, while Sidley Austin LLP served as legal adviser. J.P. Morgan served as financial adviser to Equitable, with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as legal adviser. ADVERTISEMENT The announcement comes two months after The Hartford announced it would sell its mutual funds business to investment manager Wellington Management in a deal valued at up to $1.9 billion. Property and casualty insurer The Hartford has entered into an agreement to acquire Equitable’s employee benefits business, the company announced Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The Hartford said the deal will boost its employee benefits growth strategy, and represents approximately $500 million in premium. The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift said in a statement that the acquisition “reinforces The Hartford’s leadership in employee benefits and small business.” He added that small and midsize employers represent a “strategic growth opportunity.” ADVERTISEMENT Equitable’s Employee Benefits portfolio mainly provides small and midsize employers with non-medical benefits and includes group life, disability, paid family and medical leave and supplemental health products, as well as dental and vision. As part of the deal, The Hartford will also acquire Equitable’s Employee Benefits technology, which it said will enhance employee, employer and broker experiences. The two companies said they will work together to support their mutual customers, and the approximately 300 employees who support Equitable’s business will join The Hartford when the deal closes. Rothschild & Co. served as financial adviser to The Hartford, while Sidley Austin LLP served as legal adviser. J.P. Morgan served as financial adviser to Equitable, with Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as legal adviser. ADVERTISEMENT The announcement comes two months after The Hartford announced it would sell its mutual funds business to investment manager Wellington Management in a deal valued at up to $1.9 billion.