Preferred Concepts Acquired by Alliant. Dowling Hales served as exclusive financial advisor to Preferred Concepts in its sale to Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. Founded in 1989, Preferred Concepts is a top program underwriter providing leading-edge insurance solutions to the real estate industry through three operating units:Preferred Underwriting, a national program underwriter offering proprietary policies, including primary general liability, property, package, and high-limit umbrella liability. Preferred Brokerage, a wholesale brokerage that provides property and casualty products for complex risks in various industries.ezumbrella.com, an online platform the enables agents to quote, bind and issue umbrella liability insurance. ​In 2006, Dowling Hales also advised Preferred Concepts on a sale of a minority interest to Stone Point Capital to support its growth and acquisition strategy. This partnership culminated in positioning the firm and its leadership as an attractive and important platform for Alliant's specialty MGA and program administrator practice.