Broker
PE driving market consolidation but private ownership still dominates
Exclusive: Private equity houses and PE backed firms were behind more than 50% of UK insurance distribution mergers and acquisitions activity last year in the £5m plus category, Imas Corporate Finance has calculated.
Andy Fairchild to lead Applied in UK
Former Broker Network CEO Andy Fairchild has been appointed to the newly created role of CEO of Applied Systems Europe.
Editor's comment: The lesser-spotted hard market
The world has long held a fascination with mythical beasts and the younger generation is picking up the passion with Smallfoot, Abominable and Missing Link the latest in a long line of films to encourage children to believe in the magic of the Yeti or…
Analysis: Reinsurance hikes add to motor pricing pressure
The UK motor market had the unwanted title of the biggest riser in the annual global reinsurance renewal season this January, adding another reason for intense scrutiny on insurance pricing in the loss-making sector
M&A volume grows in 2019 but mid-sized targets scarce
Exclusive: The number of UK insurance distribution mergers and acquisitions rose from 82 in 2018 to 93 last year, driven by a surge in deals valued under £5m, industry specialists Imas Corporate Finance has revealed.
Interview: Scott Walchek, Trov
One of the original insurtech poster children, Trov recently pulled its personal lines offering in the UK and quickly followed this up by partnering with Lloyds and Halifax on renters’ insurance. Trov CEO and co-founder Scott Walchek sat down with Jen…
Ageas' Ant Middle on why good brokers are like chameleons
Tough trading environments are not unusual but the challenges they present have led me to reflect on what differentiates successful businesses from those that flounder. And a lot can be learned from insurance brokers, writes Ant Middle chief customer…
'Massive opportunity' for more acquisitions, says incoming GRP CEO Bruce
Global Risk Partners will continue with its focus on regional broker acquisitions, buying niche managing general agents and developing its wholesale business, incoming group CEO Mike Bruce told Post as New York-headquartered PE firm Searchlight Capital…
Searchlight to buy majority stake in GRP
Searchlight Capital Partners is buying a majority stake in consolidator Global Risk Partners.
Analysis: Rise of the clones
Insurance clone warnings doubled last year, as fraudsters got creative in their attempts to scam the public. Post investigates the rise of the clones and asks why it is so tough to police these fraudulent firms
Aon 'in position of strength' as reaches $11bn of revenue with 6% organic growth in 2019
Aon has posted a 35% leap in profit from $1.13bn (£857m) in 2018 to $1.53bn last year.
Integration headwinds hit UK growth in 2019, says Marsh
Marsh & McLennan Companies has reported revenue of $16.65bn (£12.66bn) and profits of $1.74bn for 2019.
Gallagher posts 5.6% group broking and risk management organic growth in 2019
Gallagher delivered revenue and margin growth across all four UK trading units of retail broking, specialty broking, Pen Underwriting and Capsicum Re last year, Simon Matson has stated.
This week: The wait is over
The wait began in 2017, and many of us felt that the agonising limbo might never end. But after two and a half years, the wait is finally over. That’s right: Kesha’s new album is out today.
RFIB CEO Steven Beard departs
Steven Beard is stepping down as CEO of Integro-owned specialist Lloyd’s broker RFIB with immediate effect, the business has confirmed.
Members voice support for Marsh’s network merger plans
Members of Marsh Probroker, Purple Partnership and Bluefin Network have welcomed the plans to combine the three into one single proposition called Marsh Networks.
Trade Voice: Biba CEO Steve White on the ‘dark art’ of lobbying
The CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association explains how the trade body picks the topics to lobby on and how the organisation seeks to get members’ views heard by decision makers to change the landscape.
Ecclesiastical buys minority stake in Lloyd & Whyte
Exclusive: Ecclesiastical Insurance Group has bought 20% of Lloyd & Whyte for an undisclosed sum.
Saga sees boost in three-year policy sales
Saga faced up to claims inflation and a £4m Thomas Cook hit, according to a trading update ahead of its annual results, as it forecast a 3% yearly fall in branded home and motor policies.
Biba’s Graeme Trudgill joins ELTO board
Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association has joined the board of the Employers’ Liability Tracing Office.
Complete Cover sold to Pizza Express and Punch Taverns investor Sun Capital Partners
Exclusive: Non-standard motor insurance specialist Complete Cover has been acquired by former Pizza Express and Punch Taverns investor Sun Capital Partners after a 12 month sales process that has seen previous backer Darwin Private Equity exit the…
Banks push further into UK SME insurance
Banks have nearly doubled their share of the UK SME insurance market in two years, according to research published by Globaldata.
This week: Bagging a bargain
As the January sales draw to an end consumers aren't the only ones with deals on their minds.
Q&A: Churchill founder and former chairman and CEO Martin Long
To tie in with his deep dive into the birth of the UK direct insurance market, Jonathan Swift caught up with Direct Line co-founder and Churchill founder and former chairman and CEO Martin Long to talk about the birth and growth of both companies, their…