Consolidation
Customers losing out
The most recent wave of consolidation could lead to a revamp of commission structures, which won’t be good for brokers or their clients, says Ian Stutz
Rational acquisitions
There is a vibrant market for structured and sensible broker acquisitions in the UK, says Peter Blanc
Another wave of consolidation?
Tony Cornell considers how insurers will cope with demands for more commission if acquisition activity picks up again
Back to binge buying?
Returning to the market, Barbara Bradshaw sees the same mistakes being made and bemoans unequal access to finance
Back to buying
As consolidation picks up pace again, Paul Meehan looks at if any lessons have been learned from the last round of buyouts
Editor's letter - July 2015
“If… hundreds of players all have a little nibble, then they will need to get their funding from somewhere”
Towergate refinancing deal finally complete
Broker works to rebuild trust after closing the deal with unsecured creditors
All change
Change will be this year’s defining theme, says Bill Cooper, and small to medium-sized brokers are in a perfect position to exploit it
Simply Business edging toward 300,000 customers
Jasper Martens shares his overview of 2014 and takes about how the line between broker, aggregator, and insurer is blurring.
Full recovery mode
The Chancellor’s prediction of strong growth in GDP could point to a resurgence for the commercial insurance market, says Paul Upton
Questions asked over consolidator model
Recent acquisitions and shareholder tension at consolidators puts model under the spotlight
Profile: The bright side of life
Markerstudy Group underwriting director Gary Humphreys tells Caitlin Morrison why the firm courted Brightside and what prospects he sees for the market
Biba 2012: FCA uncertainty could damage broking sector
Uncertainty around what the incoming Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) wants from the broking industry is causing the greatest concern in the market and greater clarity must be given before damage is done.
Tug of war over Cobra fuels speculation
Cobra Holdings’ sale could create lucrative opportunities for rival networks
Where now for Groupama et al?
So we’ve got three insurers up for sale, namely RBSI, Brit and now Groupama. Consolidation in the insurer space has been predicted for some time now but I don’t think people expected it to happen like this – more deals done behind closed doors than…
Scottish broker makes Edinburgh acquisition
Central Insurance has completed its second acquisition of the year with the purchase of Edinburgh-based Castle Cairn Insurance Brokers.
Private equity hungry for insurance investment
More than two thirds (68%) of private equity houses plan to invest in the UK financial services market in the coming year, particularly in insurance and banking, according to a Grant Thornton report.
The shopping spree is over
The golden years of mergers and acquisitions are over. Now it’s time to manage the debts, says Paul Upton
Reich makes second acquisition in as many months
Reich Insurance has completed its second acquisition in two months, with the purchase of Glasgow-based Surenet Agency.
Giles weighs in with cash offer for CBG
Giles Insurance Brokers has made a £5.1m cash offer for CBG Group.
Acquisitions on the rise
“We’ve seen more activity this year than last. Everybody I speak to wants to buy books of business, get in new teams or do small acquisitions. There is certainly the appetite out there for buying up businesses”
Towergate kicks off acquisition spree with modest purchase
Towergate Insurance has purchased Tunbridge Wells-based BWA (Insurance Services) for an undisclosed sum.
Invicta announces latest acquisitions
Invicta Insurance Services is set to complete it latest acquisitions which will add 2,500 customers and over £1m GWP to its portfolio.
Personal lines exits highlight need to avoid reliance on single insurer
Reduced insurer appetite in the personal lines market should serve as a timely reminder to brokers to avoid the pitfalls of placing all their eggs in one basket.