M&A activity not 'sustainable', says IMAS founder Laughton-Scott
Prices are forecast to remain "pretty firm" this year.
“The current level of M&A activity is not sustainable”, Olly Laughton-Scott, M&A expert and founder of IMAS Corporate Finance, told Insurance Age.
Laughton-Scott, pictured, said he expected to see the volume of deals in the UK insurance distribution M&A space start to decrease in the next year.
Analysis from IMAS has revealed M&A transactions hit a record number in 2021, with 145 deals amounting up to over £6bn.
However, according to Laughton-Scott, the deal ‘frenzy’ will not last very long:
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.insuranceage.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Broker
Broker Expo 2026 Countdown Q&A: Casus Underwriting’s Stewart Croker
Ahead of Broker Expo next week, Casus Underwriting managing director Stewart Croker outlines why he thinks independent brokers have played a blinder over the last 12 months, and suspects “appetite” will still be one of the most important words in the room.
Intact’s Chris Brian on helping brokers unlock new opportunities
At Broker Expo 2026, conversations will inevitably focus on one of the industry’s biggest priorities: finding easier, more effective ways for brokers to place business while still accessing the expertise and service their customers need. Intact director, commercial lines sales Chris Brian explains that is exactly why it will be in Birmingham this month.
Broker Expo 2026 Countdown Q&A: Driversure’s Paul Rose
Ahead of the Broker Expo Paul Rose, director at Driversure, outlines how his firm is aiming to help brokers create a USP that will allow them to win new business more successfully; and touts Richard Branson as a prospective investor in the business.
Sky Protect parent cuts losses in half but revenue down in 2025
Neos Ventures had an operating loss of £17.6m in 2025, a year its trading style Sky Protect switched from an exclusive arrangement with Zurich to a broker panel approach.
One in five Top 100 UK brokers highlight soft market’s ‘significant impact’ on growth
One in five Top 100 UK brokers claim the softening insurance market has had a significant influence on their growth plans.
Verlingue buys Corpad Employee Benefits
Verlingue has continued its employee benefits push with its latest acquisition.
Some of the most useful conversations start with the simple question: “Can you help me with this?”
Even the most established insurance broker, with strong insurer relationships and well-developed placement strategies, will occasionally come across a risk or business challenge that doesn’t quite fit the usual route. Blink Insurance Solutions divisional director Zoe Williams explains how it can help fill that gap.
Top 100 UK brokers report ‘crazy’ commercial rate reductions up to 50%
A number of Top 100 UK brokers have seen “crazy” rate reductions of between 40% and 50%, with savings in the hundreds of thousands of pounds during the ongoing competitive soft market, Insurance Age can reveal.