Oltman Insurance in Bellingham is merging with S&V Insurance in Lynden. The merger is expected to take effect July 1.

Oltman, founded in 1932, and currently owned by Ann Medina, Ken VanRy, and Darin DeYoung, has 12 employees in its Fountain District office in Bellingham.  S&V, co-owned by Leonard Smit and Daniel Vander Kooi, employs eight at its Front Street office in Lynden.

“The merging of the two companies strengthens our position, and reflects our commitment to remain locally owned and operated” Vander Kooi said in a statement.

The merger expands what the insurance companies are able to offer to their customers.

“We’re really excited about the benefit to our customers, allowing for additional choices for both our personal and commercial clients” said DeYoung in the release.

The agency will offer a wide range of insurance coverages, including personal lines, commercial, church, non-profit, farm, crop, as well as a full complement of life and health insurance.

The agency can be reached in Bellingham at 734-3960 or Lynden at 354-5988.