Allstate Will Close Four Field Offices

Allstate Corp., the second-largest insurer of U.S. cars and homes, said it is paring the number of its field offices to 13 from 17 in a move to streamline its sales operations and cut costs. One of the offices is in Orange. “About 600 people will be affected in one way or another, but that doesn’t mean we will be cutting 600 jobs,” an Allstate spokesman said. Regional offices provide sales, underwriting and financial administration services for Allstate’s agents. The Northbrook, Ill.-based company said late last month that it was undertaking a review of its businesses as it warned that earnings would not meet expectations because of price competition and other factors. Allstate shares closed down 50 cents at $23.75 on the New York Stock Exchange.