Mike Smith says MMA will be "a force to be reckoned with"

Mr Smith said: "The recent acquisition by MMA is an excellent next step for both companies in their evolution - especially as MMA's retail arm Swinton remains one of Provident's largest accounts.

"The three parties together will be a force to be reckoned with in the continually evolving personal lines market. I wish them every success for the future."

He added that Provident was a great business with skilled individuals who have consistently outperformed their peer group and that he thoroughly