Consolidation
Profile: On the acquisition trail
With consolidation firmly on the agenda in the broking sector, Ida Axling talks to seven experts in the industry on the opportunities and perils
In Person: Towergate Advisory's Joe Thelwell
The CEO of Towergate Advisory reveals how the business has transformed and talks about his broking roots
The Blog Spot: Consolidation and the independent broker
In a new wave of consolidation, what will happen to the small independent broker?
Succession planning: Consider consolidation
Consolidation can provide an elegant solution for brokers wanting a smooth transition when they sell their businesses, writes Sam Barrett
Video: Succession planning (5) – market dynamics
The opportunities for buyers in the regional market.
Video: Succession planning (4) – the range of funding options
The different sources of funding for MBOs or selling up and leaving the business come under the microscope.
News analysis: Private equity still making waves in market
Will PE investment lead to more smaller regional brokers being snapped up?
Video: Succession planning (3) – criteria for success
Aviva’s Phil Bayles on being about clear about the goals when undertaking succession planning.
Video: Succession planning (2) – people
Having taken an overview of the market Aviva’s Phil Bayles looks in detail at how to prepare succession plans that meet the needs of staff and customers.
Video: Succession planning (1) - the latest wave of consolidation
Phil Bayles, chief distribution officer, intermediaries at Aviva joins Insurance Age editor Emmanuel Kenning in the studio.
Editor's letter - February 2017
“Brokers have to give customers what they want and need in the way that they choose to buy”
News analysis: Broad support for Marsh’s Bluefin buyout
US broking giant agrees £295m takeover deal with Axa that will see Bluefin and Jelf combined
Editor's letter - November 2016
“There definitely needs to be change. And it is only through such collective thinking and a combined effort that solutions will be found”
News analysis: Consolidation continues apace
Ongoing buyouts fuel speculation in the broking market
Appetite outweighs uncertainty
Lloyds Bank's Bill Cooper explains why political instability in the UK has failed to dampen the verve of those on the broker acquisition trail.
Robert Organ: “My role is to protect Bluefin”
CEO pledges to keep the broker on a steady growth trajectory and stick to strategy.
Customers losing out
The most recent wave of consolidation could lead to a revamp of commission structures, which won’t be good for brokers or their clients, says Ian Stutz
Rational acquisitions
There is a vibrant market for structured and sensible broker acquisitions in the UK, says Peter Blanc
Another wave of consolidation?
Tony Cornell considers how insurers will cope with demands for more commission if acquisition activity picks up again
Back to binge buying?
Returning to the market, Barbara Bradshaw sees the same mistakes being made and bemoans unequal access to finance
Back to buying
As consolidation picks up pace again, Paul Meehan looks at if any lessons have been learned from the last round of buyouts
Editor's letter - July 2015
“If… hundreds of players all have a little nibble, then they will need to get their funding from somewhere”
Towergate refinancing deal finally complete
Broker works to rebuild trust after closing the deal with unsecured creditors
All change
Change will be this year’s defining theme, says Bill Cooper, and small to medium-sized brokers are in a perfect position to exploit it