PBA Set to Acquire JP Farley: A Merging of Trusted TPAs
May 27th, 2025
Professional Benefit Administrators, Inc. (PBA), based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is pleased to announce it will be acquiring JP Farley (JPF), headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, and merging operations, creating a unified entity poised to offer enhanced benefits administrative services to clients nationwide.
This strategic acquisition brings together two organizations with a rich history of providing exceptional service with over 80 years of combined experience in self-funded health plan administration.
The combined expertise and resources of PBA and JPF will enable PBA to deliver innovative solutions, improved efficiencies, and an expanded suite of services to meet the evolving needs of brokers and employers in our market.
Key Benefits of the Merger
Enhanced Service Offerings
The merger will broaden the range of services available, including comprehensive Health Plan administration options as well as deeper access to national networks.
Jeff Walter, President of Professional Benefit Administrators, Inc., is enthusiastic for the acquisition:
"We are thrilled to work with Jim and his team to take our long-term association to the next level with this merger. Adding JPF’s innovative benefit design portfolio to PBA’s suite of products, management, and processes will allow us to offer a strong alternative for succession and growth in the independent TPA market. This merger represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional benefit administration services. Together, we will create a stronger, more dynamic organization that is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities in our industry."
Jeff Walter
President
Professional Benefit Administrators (PBA)
Jim Farley, President and CEO of JP Farley, echoed these sentiments:
"PBA is a great fit for JP Farley Corp. I've been determined to execute a succession arrangement within an independent TPA structure so that JP Farley Corp can maintain its sole focus on serving the employer plan sponsors and their employees we are privileged to work with. It was important for me to avoid the inevitable conflicts of interest ownership by hospitals, insurers or private equity organizations have historically created for independent TPAs. I am looking forward to working together for another 10 or 15 years!"
Jim Farley
President and CEO
JP Farley
The transaction is expected to be finalized early in the fall of 2025, subject to all administrative tasks and customary closing conditions. Both organizations are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for their clients and employees.
We look forward to this exciting new chapter and the opportunities this merger will bring to better serve our clients and partners.
About Professional Benefit Administrators, Inc.
Founded in 1985 by Ron Walter and Dave Plumb, PBA has provided exceptional health plan administration to employers, school districts, municipalities, religious organizations, and Taft Hartley funds for over 40 years. While operating in the Chicagoland suburb of Oak Brook, PBA successfully completed the first phase of ownership succession planning in 2020 utilizing the EOS model and is the highest rated TPA on Google. Visit pbaclaims.com.
About JP Farley
Founded in 1979, JPF has established itself as the thought leader in effective plan management, bringing its clients solutions to reduce the cost of their health plans, incorporating population management and contracting with centers of excellence. While operating in the Cleveland suburb of Westlake OH, JPF has cultivated a dedicated team focused on the industry and continual improvement. The majority of the JPF employees have earned or currently enrolled in the certification of Certified Self-Funded Specialist (CSFS). Visit jpfarley.com.