Consolidation
Analysis: Risk manager associations downbeat on Aon-Willis takeover
Post gathers feedback from across the industry on what Aon’s takeover of Willis – to create the biggest broker in the world – will mean for the market
'Disappointing' Aon/WTW merger could see risk managers turn backs on broking giants, warns Airmic CEO
The UK risk management association Airmic has voiced disappointment at Aon’s merger with Willis Towers Watson, warning that its members are prepared to turn to alternative modes of risk transfer if they feel they aren’t getting value for money.
Analysis: Broker M&A pace picks up again
Acquisitions in the UK distribution space rose 13% last year, according to research by Imas Corporate Finance. Post investigates what is driving the increase in consolidation and the challenges buyers are facing in their traditional hunting grounds
Interview: Aon’s Jane Kielty, Tracey Threlfall and James Fell
Just over two years since the takeover of Henderson by Aon its leaders met with Emmanuel Kenning to discuss how the deal came about, why now is the right time to rebrand after the heavy lifting of the integration has been completed and what comes next…
Q&A: Forum of Insurance Lawyers CEO Laurence Besemer
In 2009 Laurence Besemer became the first CEO of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, the UK trade body for defendant law firms. A decade into the role he spoke to Jonathan Swift about its commitment to its members, a successful 2019 and why it is definitely…
Analysis: Whiplash and insurer demand driving claims sector consolidation
Following Davies' acquisition of Keoghs further consolidation is expected in the claims sector and it could push mid-sized firms out of the picture.
This Month: Looking forwards, listening back
Post’s new Motor Mouth Podcast series is proving quite the hit with listeners.
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.
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.
Innovu Group buys equestrian specialist Wexford Insurances in Ireland
Sheridan Insurances owner Innovu Group has bought Wexford Insurance Group in Ireland for an undisclosed sum.
Analysis: Managing general agents - Gaining momentum or overheating?
Within insurance, it’s managing general agents seeing all the deals, attracting the money and the talent. The potential for big profits and lower costs drives the sector forward, but will the sector gather yet more momentum or will it overheat?
This week in Post: Carnival spooks
This week, some Post colleagues and I attended CFC Underwriting's annual Halloween party. The theme this year was carnival, and accordingly, the party was full of clowns, fortune tellers and more than the odd Joker.
Weald makes first acquisition since joining Ethos Broking
Weald Insurance, one of Ethos Broking’s ‘powerhouse’ hubs in the South East, has acquired Sussex-based Cronin Underwood.
Google powered products a 'no brainer': Applied Systems CEO
Applied Systems sees the UK as “research and development lab” for new technology and ideas following its success incorporating front end quote and buy into its Epic platform in the territory.
Interview: Steven Wallace, McLarens
Newly appointed managing director for UK & Ireland Steven Wallace discusses expansion plans, consolidation within the market and Brexit
Aston Lark buys first Manchester broker
Aston Lark has bought Manchester-based commercial lines broker Buckland Harvester.
This week: Winners and lasers
Nothing says team building quite like stumbling around a dark maze, falling headfirst into mirrors and haphazardly shooting lasers at your colleagues. Or so the democratic vote we held a few weeks earlier decreed.
PIB u-turns on pledge to keep childcare broker brand
PIB will now integrate childcare broker Albany Childcare into Morton Michel, despite pledging at the time of purchase it would keep the brand.
Gauntlet’s appointed representative network enters Wales
Gauntlet Group’s network Gauntlet Enterprise has picked up its first Welsh appointed representatives.
Analysis: What do recent market exits mean for insurtechs targeting millennials?
Three insurtechs have pulled out of the insurance market so far this year, raising questions around the efficacy of selling insurance to millennials and whether more of these firms will fall.
Nexus buys MGA Plus Risk Limited
Nexus has acquired financial and professional lines managing general agent Plus Risk Limited.
GRP's County Group buys Stoke broker
GRP-owned County Group has acquired Stoke-based broker Eric Rawlins & Company, which specialises in contractors, property owners, business and fleet risks.
GRP broker acquires Thomas Cook
GRP-owned broker Sagars has bought Lancashire-based engineering and entertainment broker Thomas Cook & Son.
Interview: Paul Greensmith, Axa XL
Having been through one merger already Axa XL’s UK CEO Paul Greensmith, took the most recent change in his stride. But he explains to Jen Frost that, even though his part of the business is now part of the behemoth Axa, it will retain its agility,…