Equity maintains its Northern Ireland expansion plans

The purchase will increase Equity's presence in Northern Ireland to 19 branches, further strengthening its position as the largest retail broking operation in the province.

Established in the mid-1980s, the brokerage is based in Ballymena. It comprises predominantly personal lines policies, supported by a book of commercial business.

Mike Hutton, Equity's acquisitions director said: "With a significant proportion of its customer base in private motor, Diamond has sustained steady growth