Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
Brokers have mixed reaction on Zurich/Beazley deal
Insurance brokers have given a mixed response to the potential Zurich/Beazley deal highlighting the acquisition would create a “strong proposition” and could create opportunities but noted another competitor leaving the market as a medium-term worry.
Beazley shares hit new high as Zurich reveals 1.5% stake in Lloyd’s target
Shares in listed Lloyd’s insurer Beazley hit 1,173 pence yesterday [2 February] after prospective suitor Zurich revealed it had acquired a 1.47% stake in the business as of 30 January.
FCA imposes growth restrictions on Markerstudy
Markerstudy has confirmed a “cap” on growth after the Financial Times reported the Financial Conduct Authority has restricted its activities.
MGA sells D&O arm to “accelerate the development of new lines”
Managing general agent Rising Edge has confirmed the sale of its management liability business, to K2 International.
Cullum and McCaffrey on Minority Broker Partnerships’ aim to hit £100m GWP by end of 2026
Launched without much fanfare, Minority Broker Partnerships reunites Peter Cullum and James McCaffrey into the intermediary investment space. However, as the pair tell Jonathan Swift the market has changed since their last attempt - with younger brokers…
Howden expands presence in the Channel Islands with broker buy
Howden has purchased retail insurance broker Polygon Insurance Brokers (PIBL), growing its presence in the Channel Islands.
Clear snaps up Gauntlet to bolster Brokerbility network
Clear Group has acquired Gauntlet Appointed Representative Network and Gauntlet Retail Brokers to expand its existing Brokerbility offering.
Prestige CEO hails ‘landmark’ AUB deal
“Partnering with AUB Group gives us an exceptional platform to accelerate our growth, invest further in our people and services, and expand our presence across our current markets, while retaining the independence and culture that have been central to…
Tysers and Movo owner AUB to acquire Prestige creating £720m UK business
AUB Group has agreed to buy 95.9% of Prestige Insurance Holdings for A$432m (£219m).
‘Softening’ of language offers Zurich hope over Beazley deal, say analysts after latest bid rejection
The sixth time could be the charm and a Zurich takeover of Beazley is still possible, according to analysts at Jefferies who have put forward a potential top price of 1,408 pence per share.
Beazley reveals it rejected higher £8.4bn Zurich proposal in 2025 as it dismisses latest approach
Lloyd’s insurer Beazley’s board has rejected Zurich’s recent £7.67bn takeover proposal, revealing it dismissed a higher offer valuing it at £8.4bn in June 2025.
Defaqto spends £11m snapping up pricing business
Defaqto has bought Pearson Ham Group’s market pricing business for £11m.
Zurich trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley, says investment advisory firm
“Zurich is clearly trying to ‘bear hug’ Beazley. They obviously think they are offering a price that is high enough for target shareholders to put pressure on the company to sell itself.”
Beazley board ‘not yet had the chance to consider’ £7.67bn Zurich takeover proposal
The board of Beazley has responded to Zurich’s bid confirming it has not had time to consider the improved offer having rejected a previous approach.
Zurich ups Beazley bid after offer rejected for ‘significantly undervaluing’ target
Zurich has submitted an improved proposal to the board of Beazley worth 1280 pence a share, valuing the insurer at £7.67bn.
Clear makes vet broker first deal of 2026
Clear Group has kicked off 2026 purchasing specialist veterinary insurance broker Shire Insurance Services, strengthening its UK retail pillar.
Blog: Last year reaffirmed the importance of MGAs as the market turns to 2026
The past year tested global dealmakers with persistent economic, geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, yet 2025 ultimately proved far more resilient than many expected, writes Jamie Richards, head of M&A at Ripe, a UK digital MGA.
Lloyd’s broker Servca acquires specialist PI book
Superian Insurance Group has acquired the renewal rights for O3 Specialty, a broker that specialises in professional indemnity cover for financial advisers.
Inflexion and Ascend look to build ‘home where best brokers want to be’
Dominic Clark, investment director at Inflexion has targeted building the home the best brokers want to join, after buying Ascend Broking Group.
PE house Inflexion to invest £200m in new broker M&A platform
Inflexion, a European mid-market private equity firm, has launched an insurance broker platform looking to deploy £200m in M&A investment over the next four to five years, beginning with acquiring Ascend Broking Group.
JMG spend on deals surges to new high in year before PE investment
JMG Group spent £89.62m on buying in 2024/25, the financial year ahead of private equity firm GTCR investing alongside existing backer PE house Synova and the broker’s leadership team.