News Analysis
Markerstudy deal will deliver steroid like boost to Atlanta, says Donaldson
Ian Donaldson, Ardonagh Retail CEO and inbound Markerstudy Retail CEO, has hailed the proposed merger as being able to boost growth, product footprint and acquisitions but declined to be drawn on any interest in RSA’s personal lines business.
With Atlanta sold, what will Ardonagh do with the funds it pockets?
Jonathan Swift looks at Ardonagh’s recent growth, and suspects that a larger percentage of the £820m windfall from the Atlanta sale is going to be spent overseas rather than at home.
Markerstudy CEO Spencer targeting Admiral’s crown as UK’s top PL player after Atlanta deal
Markerstudy is only £301m of gross written premium away from potentially overtaking Admiral as the UK’s largest personal lines player after the £1.2bn Atlanta deal last week, according to its CEO Kevin Spencer.
Insurance sector facing FCA ‘big bombshell’ on commission model – Michael Sicsic
Insurance is facing a ‘big, big bombshell’ on commissions, as the shockwaves reverberate from the Financial Conduct Authority’s property buildings’ investigation, according to regulatory consultant Michael Sicsic.
GRP rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe)
Global Risk Partners Limited has been rebranded to Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited, a filing at Companies House has confirmed.
News analysis: How to boost organic customer acquisition through lead generation
From specialist commercial players to mass market personal lines, lead generation has been part of the broker sales armoury for years. But with a greater focus on digital channels and data, Sian Barton explores how the practice is evolving.
Long time coming: Why the RSA deal for NIG is ‘win-win’ for Intact, DLG and brokers
‘Not In Group’ has been seen as an accurate reading of the acronym NIG for a while now. Jonathan Swift looks at why the long-mooted acquisition target might finally become the ‘Nicely Integrated Gang’ within its new home RSA.
Turnover and profit drop at Ageas Retail in 2022
Turnover at broker Ageas Retail, which includes the Ageas Direct and Rias brands, fell in 2022 to £73.27m from £76.44m the year before.
Brokers warn RSA not to lose NIG’s ‘sparkle’ in takeover as market diversity diminishes
Brokers have expressed their sadness at losing another market, but acknowledged the proposed takeover of NIG by RSA could be superb for both parties – provided the integration is handled properly.
TL Dallas posts double digit turnover and profit growth for 2022
TL Dallas Group grew turnover by 16% to £11.39m in 2022, with pre-tax profit soaring 31% to £1.33m.
Mulsanne blames poor performing schemes and inflation for latest solvency issues
Mulsanne Insurance Company has admitted speaking to its regulator the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission about solvency capital requirement issues for the second time in four years, Insurance Age can reveal.
Canadian brokers praise ‘fantastic leader’ Storah ahead of move to become Aviva UK CEO
UK and Irish insurance brokers can expect their new local Aviva CEO to be an ‘enabler’ who ’understands the importance of strong broker relationships,’ according to their counterparts in Canada.
DR&P Group confirms MGA addition in annual results
Private equity-backed broker holding company DR&P Group added a managing general agent to its roster in 2022, buying 80% of MGIC Holdings, the business has confirmed in its annual results.
Ageas posts 25% growth from ongoing UK business
Personal lines broker-focused Ageas grew its ongoing UK business by 25% in the first half of the year to €651m (£558m).
Brokers urge new Aviva boss Storah to focus on empowerment
Incoming Aviva UK & Ireland GI boss Jason Storah has the chance to build on “solid” foundations and push ahead to deliver more empowered decision-making in the regional market, according to brokers.
Turnover tops £10m at Premium Choice as profits surge in 2022
Wolverhampton-based broker Premium Choice has posted 6.5% growth in turnover for 2022 to £10.03m and rising profits, with a forecast of a further boost in 2023.
Insurers urged to help nightlife industry amid fears of a capacity crisis
With the UK nightlife insurance market dominated by one capacity provider, industry experts have called for more competition amid fears any scaling back or exit would have severe consequences on the sector.
Allianz commits to investing in local structure to support brokers
“The strength of the Allianz commercial business in the UK is without doubt our local, regional capability in those markets and the ability to deliver,” Allianz Holdings CEO Colm Holmes told Insurance Age.
Tradex capacity growing to £450m after Pollen Street deal
As part of the Pollen Street Capital acquisition, Tradex’s capacity is growing from around £100m of gross written premium to £450m, Markerstudy group chief underwriting officer Gary Humphreys told Insurance Age.
‘Disappointing’ – brokers react to Zurich personal lines broker exit plans
Brokers have expressed disappointment at Zurich’s plans to exit personal lines motor and home on broker panels.
Markerstudy investor Pollen Street gets PRA approval for Tradex deal
Markerstudy’s owner Pollen Street Capital has completed the delayed purchase of motor trade and taxi specialist insurer Tradex after getting the greenlight from the Prudential Regulation Authority, Insurance Age can reveal.
Swindle targets doubling Ardonagh UK commercial MGA in three years
Ardonagh’s UK Commercial MGA CEO Jaime Swindle is targeting doubling the size of the business in the next three years taking it into the region of £500m gross written premium.
Ardonagh’s UK commercial MGA adds ex-Aviva leader Jackman as sales director
Former director of regional brokers, strategy and propositions at Aviva, Karen Jackman, has joined Ardonagh’s UK commercial MGA as sales director, Insurance Age can reveal.
Dayinsure’s Barry Bown made Abacai group CEO after Wilson exit and job cuts
Barry Bown, boss of Abacai Technologies owned-Dayinsure, was promoted to group CEO after the departure of his predecessor Mark Wilson, Insurance Age can reveal.