News: Opinions differ regarding true meaning of acquisition activity
Industry experts have voiced conflicting opinions over whether a recent rise in insurance market acquisitions signalled a return to the frenzied purchasing of the past or was merely a "blip".
Ian Clark, insurance partner at Deloitte, said that following a lack of acquisitions over the past 18 months, he expected a rise in activity as the "backlog" started to come to market.
However, Kieran Marsh, chief executive of Marsh Corporate Consulting, described recent activity as a "blip" as the country's economy was "still in a very stressed state".
The comments follow a recent surge in purchases including Junction buying Bradford & Bingley's motor and home insurance business, Catlin Group
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 Insurer
End of Year Review 2025: Iprism’s Bradley Harmer
Bradley Harmer, chief commercial officer at Iprism, notes an influx of new capacity providers and MGAs entering an already saturated space and hails the promotion of Georgina Davis as a Zurich regional head at 28.
Start-up broker Pelican’s MD praises ‘transformative’ Aviva support programme
Chris Braniff, managing director of Pelican Insured, has made changes to all of the broker’s processes following taking part in Aviva’s Future Leaders Programme.
People Moves: 1 – 5 December 2025
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
End of Year Review 2025: Granite Underwriting’s Jay Rennie
Jay Rennie, head of specialist products at Granite Underwriting, calls out the withholding of claims histories in the fleet space and dusts off the bucket hat, cagoule and samba trainers to spend an evening with Liam Gallagher.
Commercial transformation boss Flynn to leave Intact UK
Intact UK’s commercial lines chief transformation director Rob Flynn is set to become the latest senior figure to leave the business in the wake of integration with NIG, Insurance Age has learned.
First Central confirms job cut plans
Insurer First Central has confirmed proposed plans to cut staff numbers by around 160, with most taking effect in late January 2026.
Bridgehaven completes on first deal as it eyes European expansion
Bridgehaven Europe has completed its acquisition of SureStone Insurance DAC, following receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
End of Year Review 2025: Ecclesiastical’s David Carey
David Carey, managing director of Ecclesiastical’s intermediary business applauds the £10m landmark reached by Insurance United Against Dementia, cautions against a one dimensional approach to risk pricing; and gets misty eyed about ‘Madchester’.