The unofficial first business day of 2026 marked the closing of an F&I product provider acquisition first announced the day before Halloween.

Protective Life Corp., a U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, said on Monday that it has completed the acquisition of Portfolio Holding and its subsidiaries from Abry Partners.

Executives highlighted the transaction unites two leading providers of F&I solutions and dealer wealth programs, expanding Protective’s reach across automotive, RV, powersports and marine sectors.

Leadership also mentioned the addition of Portfolio marks a significant milestone for Protective’s Asset Protection Division, growing the number of customers served while bringing an established distribution network, award-winning service reputation and a comprehensive suite of reinsurance and dealer wealth-building programs that enhance Protective’s existing offerings.

“Over the past decade, Protective Asset Protection has grown organically and through strategic acquisitions that have strengthened our position and expanded our reach. Each acquisition has contributed to the division’s evolution as an increasingly important part of Protective’s overall business mix,” Protective CEO Rich Bielen said in a news release.

“Portfolio’s values and commitment to service excellence align closely with Protective’s. We are excited to welcome their team to Protective and look forward to driving our next chapter of growth together,” Bielen continued.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., with offices in Dallas and Cleveland, Portfolio employs approximately 450 team members and is an 18-time recipient of the Dealers’ Choice Awards.

Portfolio’s dealer participation programs enable dealers to build long-term wealth through reinsurance structures, retaining underwriting profits and investment income.

The company’s national, multi-channel distribution network serves millions of customers through vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage and a broad range of ancillary products.

“By integrating Portfolio’s specialized expertise with Protective’s scale and capabilities, we are positioned to set the standard in our industry,” said Scott Karchunas, president of Protective’s Asset Protection Division. “Our dealer partners and their customers will benefit from enhanced technology, innovative products and best-in-class administration.

“This combination reinforces our market leadership and our ability to deliver experiences that drive dealer success and customer satisfaction,” Karchunas went on to say.

This transaction marks Protective’s 61st acquisition and its eighth acquisition completed since Protective became part of Dai-ichi in 2015.

Maynard Nexsen served as legal counsel to Protective, and TD Securities served as its financial advisor. Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal counsel to Portfolio, and Jefferies acted as its financial advisor.