Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
Interview: Eddie Hooker, Hamilton Fraser
Hamilton Fraser founder Eddie Hooker wants his broker to continue building digital excellence in commercial lines. He talks to Saxon East about the broker's beginnings, GRP's ownership, and plans for the future.
Pen Underwriting CEO eyes more M&A to get closer to £1bn GWP target
Pen Underwriting CEO Tom Downey claims the business is on track to hit its £1bn GWP target within three years - and that it will reach it by both diversifying and building on what it has already got.
Ardonagh Advisory announces first new deal of 2023 with Pace Ward buy
Ardonagh Advisory has announced its first new deal of the year with the purchase of Stoke-on-Trent based broker Pace Ward and revealed it has an “impressive pipeline of M&A”.
Saga reports stable broking results as it pushes on with Acromas sale
Saga is targeting the sale of its underwriting business, Acromas Insurance, in the second half of this year – but arranged a loan in case a deal does not go through.
JMG establishes new division after second motor deal in a month
Specialist HGV and motor trade insurance broker New Era has made its first acquisition within weeks of becoming part of the JMG Group.
GRP’s NE hub Castle buys M R Lonsdale
Castle Insurance Services has made its first acquisition since becoming the North-East hub of Global Risk Partners in May 2022 by swooping for fellow Durham-based broker M R Lonsdale.
UK General lost £7.4m ahead of sale
UK General Insurance lost £7.41m in its financial year before being snapped up by RCapital and Montague, Insurance Age can reveal.
What does the More Than deal mean for the future of Ardonagh and RSA?
RSA and Ardonagh have their own distinct futures ahead. Ardonagh is a private equity-backed broker growing via consolidation, and RSA is intent on sharpening focus on its commercial broking relationships. The two have struck a deal on More Than's motor…
Bruce Stevenson reveals growth and plans for Hogg to succeed Bruce as CEO
Howden-owned Bruce Stevenson has reported a 30% increase in turnover to £11.7m with profits up 33% to £3.9m and revealed CEO succession plans.
Pen adds £90m of GWP with marine MGA buy
Pen Underwriting has bought Tay River Holdings and its wholly owned marine specialist subsidiaries Vessel Protect, Trafalgar Marine Trades and BMM Ports & Terminals for an undisclosed sum.
Interview: Charles Foster, Lycetts
Lycetts is on the up as chief executive Charles Foster has an eye on steadily growing profits. The broker is navigating the insurance cycle well, even if insurers are not playing ball.
AssuredPartners continues south-west push with broker buy
AssuredPartners bought South West Brokers, which trades under the name of Westinsure Plymouth.
SRIS eyes £250m GWP within two years
Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions grew gross written premium 20% last year and the £130m business is eyeing up £250m by the end of 2024, managing director Oliver Thorne told Insurance Age.
London market broker completes management buyout
Ballantyne Brokers has completed a management buyout to become 100% owned by staff.
Castleacre buys private client insurance broker Merritt
Castleacre has bought Merritt Insurance Services for an undisclosed sum.
M&A slips back from 2021 record to £4bn in 2022
Imas has calculated that the value of UK general insurance distribution M&A dropped to £4bn in 2022 from £5.6bn in 2021, Insurance Age can reveal.
Ecclesiastical sells SEIB to Lloyd & Whyte
Ecclesiastical Insurance has sold SEIB Insurance Brokers to associated business Lloyd & Whyte for £45.2m, the insurer has confirmed.
Gallagher boosts education practice with FE Protect purchase
Gallagher has struck its first UK deal of the year – buying Liverpool-based FE Protect, which specialises in the education sector with a particular focus on further education.
SRG buys Consort Insurance
Specialist Risk Group has bought mid-market commercial broker, Consort Insurance, subject to regulatory approval.
JMG buys HGV and motor trade specialist New Era
JMG Group has bought former appointed representative, Stoke-on-Trent-based HGV and motor specialist New Era for an undisclosed sum.
Nirvana completes MBO from Castel
Nirvana Risk Partners, a division of Castel Underwriting Agencies, has completed a management buyout from the club-style MGA formation platform.
Open GI sale not a cause for concern, say users
Treasurer of Open GI User Group, Mark Sollis, has told Insurance Age that the potential sale of the software house by its majority shareholder is not a cause for concern.
The runners and riders in the Open GI sale
Open GI is reportedly up for sale, with private equity shareholder Montagu wanting to exit. Who are the likely new investors?
Acturis is not for sale, sources reveal
Acturis is not for sale, sources close to the company has confirmed, following a report that a key shareholder was eyeing up an exit.