Consolidators
Aston Lark buys Kent-based Sennocke
Deal includes two niche brands - Self-Build Zone and Build-Zone - as well as technical surveying and risk management business Build-Zone Survey Services.
Consolidators running out of M&A targets
IMAS analysis highlights “sobering conclusions” for buyers as potential targets diminish but broker M&A still reports record year in 2020.
Mike Bruce lifts lid on GRP’s Marsh Networks deal
Bruce discusses growth plans for the networks business, what members will see differently following the acquisition and how GRP plans to add some “extra oomph” to the proposition.
Aston Lark reveals two fresh deals
The acquisitions will add £50m in annual premium income to Aston Lark, which says it is now set to become one of the biggest private medical insurance brokers in the UK.
"Bold move" for GRP as it buys Marsh's UK Networks business
The takeover, which includes Marsh ProBroker, Bluefin Network and Purple Partnership, will see David Hopwood continue to lead the combined networks business as part of the GRP executive team, as group CEO Mike Bruce promises there will be no redundancies.
Meeting private equity: Tom Elliott, Bowmark Capital
Private equity is driving an M&A boom in UK broking but often we don't know who is behind it. Insurance Age gets to know the key figures.
Ardonagh makes Australian move
Resilium, a network with 150 ARs across Australia, has joined the consolidator.
Interview: Willis Insurance and Risk Management
Managing director Richard Willis tells Ida Axling about the broker’s acquisition and growth plans and reveals the thinking behind launching a new MGA offering.
Gallagher names Chris Patterson as regional MD for the North West
Move follows Gallagher's purchase of Bollington earlier this year and will see Patterson lead the broker's offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Sale and Chester.
Jensten to accelerate M&A pace
CEO Alistair Hardie explains how the business is planning to grow in 2021.
Jensten acquires Packetts
The deal adds £13m in GWP to Jensten Group which is targeting £500m in GWP.
Private equity behind 71% of UK broker deals in 2020
Exclusive: Mazars' Simon Fitzsimmons discusses why the broking sector is attractive to private equity and international investment and predicts we will see fewer larger deals in 2021.
Ardonagh buys specialist PI broker
Hera Indemnity, which specialises in professional indemnity insurance for solicitors and brings GWP of £41m, will become part of Ardonagh Advisory alongside brands including Ethos Broking, Broker Network, Compass UK and Towergate's regional branch…
PIB’s Brendan McManus lifts lid on Apax deal
The leader says brokers have become even more popular with private equity investors following Covid-19 as many have sustained performance and kept hold of revenue despite the pandemic.
GRP-owned Premier Choice Healthcare makes first deal
PCH, which was bought by GRP last June, says it is committed to expanding the consolidator's healthcare operation.
PIB sold to Apax funds
The investment is set to “accelerate strategic M&A” for the broker as it is also confirmed that former backer, the Carlyle Group, has retained a minority stake in the business.
The Insurance Age Deal Tracker
Who is making the most deals? Which regions are acquisition targets? Keep up-to-date with the latest in broker M&A with our dedicated tracker.
US giant, AssuredPartners, plans to double UK turnover as it hits M&A trail
David Heathfield, CEO of the US-based broker’s UK arm, discusses its recent deal to buy Borland Insurance and reveals ambitious UK growth plans.
Analysis: Gaps in the market
Where does Gallagher’s buy of Bollington Wilson leave the independent broker space?
US-firm AssuredPartners buys Borland Insurance as it grows UK footprint
Borland is headquartered in Scotland and the deal follows AssuredPartners' purchase of Birmingham-based Hettle Andrews & Associates in 2019.
Inflexion plans to build another "powerhouse" UK broker after Bollington sale
Partner Carl Wormald tells Insurance Age he is keen to build up another UK regional broker following the private equity provider's sale of Bollington Wilson to Gallagher.
GB Underwriting joins Specialist Risk Group
The MGA specialises in construction and provides property and liability cover via UK brokers.
Bollington deal to “supercharge” Gallagher’s presence in the North West
UK Retail boss Michael Rea discusses the thinking behind Gallagher’s deal to buy Bollington and confirms it is looking to make further acquisitions.
Gallagher buys Bollington
Bollington Wilson has been on the acquisition trail since 2019 and is believed to have GWP in the region of £250m.