Today, Applied Systems announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire EZLynx, a pioneer in real-time comparative rating and one of the fastest growing agency management systems in the U.S.

The acquisition will expand Applied's portfolio of agency management and rating technologies to drive automation for agencies large to small while also increasing connectivity across the distribution channel to create greater value for all stakeholders.

Applied is one of the world's largest providers of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers in the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. In 2019, Applied entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Indio Technologies, Inc.

“Start-up and fast-growing independent insurance agencies are on the rise, creating a growing segment of the marketplace looking for automation and technology choice," said Taylor Rhodes, CEO, Applied Systems, in a statement. “Applied's investment in EZLynx further demonstrates our commitment to providing technology choice for agencies of all sizes and increasing automation and connectivity between agencies and insurers to create a more valuable digital distribution channel."

Applied will integrate EZLynx's industry-leading real-time comparative personal lines rating technology with Applied's portfolio of products, including Applied Epic, creating a “better together" user experience between the applications while giving agencies even greater access to personal lines products.

This tight integration will allow agencies to maintain a single view of customers and prospects while eliminating time spent managing multiple data points across disparate systems, creating greater productivity, simpler workflows and added value. 

“This is big news for many independent agencies," says Bob Rusbuldt, Big “I" president & CEO. “There are clearly going to be synergies that will enhance agency management systems for these users."

“The Applied Systems/EZLynx partnership can provide complementary products more widely across the diversity of Big 'I' agency types, and also provide more seamless integration of digital tools to improve agency workflows," adds Ron Berg, executive director, Agents Council for Technology. 

Over 20,000 agencies rely on EZLynx to provide more than 8 million home, auto, and package rating transactions every month. In recent years, EZLynx has expanded beyond personal lines comparative rating by creating innovative software solutions that transform every facet of independent agency life, including agency management, client self-servicing, sales pipeline management, marketing and communications, accounting and e-signature.

“EZLynx has always been devoted to solving the insurance agent's most pressing problems and providing user-friendly software that can be used by anyone, anywhere, anytime," said Nag Rao, CEO and cofounder of EZLynx. “This acquisition will provide our customers and employees access to new innovation and resources, allowing us to grow EZLynx's capabilities more effectively for the benefit of all stakeholders of the insurance lifecycle."

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.