Leaving the rat race.

It is at this time of year that the insurance intermediary market becomes awash with people wondering whether to sell their businesses or whether to persevere for another year and see what the future holds, says Jennifer Jarrett.

For insurance intermediaries, some of the old problems remain such as
the continuing soft premiums, but several other significant changes have
added to the uncertainty. These include the forthcoming demise of the IBRC
which has led to much confusion about future regulations.


In addition, the gradual and welcome rise in the value of insurance
portfolios has aroused the interest of an increasingly diverse range of
potential buyers, creating a growing market for insurance businesses.
Perhaps the most