Equity expands in Northern Ireland

The purchase increases Equity's presence in Northern Ireland to 20 branches, building on its ownership of Open + Direct which it acquired in January and strengthens the group's position as the largest retail broking operation in the province.

Established in 1970, the business is based in Cookstown and provides both personal lines and commercial insurance products.

Mike Hutton, Equity's acquisitions director said: "The buoyant market conditions in Northern Ireland presents attractive