Topic
Mergers and Aqcuisitions
The impact of the pandemic on insurance mergers
March 24, 2020 by Greg MeckbachBrokerages negotiating a merger or acquisition don’t have to stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Canadian M&A advisor suggests. “A good deal can get done. I suspect it may take a bit longer,” said Georges Pigeon (pictured), Montreal-based deal…
One attractive option for brokerages looking to sell
March 11, 2020 by Jason ContantBeing bought by a private equity firm may be an attractive option for brokerages looking to sell, said veteran P&C industry advisor and consultant Mike Berris, a partner with Smythe Advisory. “Their offering can be attractive in that they often…
On why Aon-Willis Towers Watson’s deal was predictable
March 10, 2020 by Jason ContantOne industry professional with a reinsurance background is really not surprised by the announcement yesterday by Aon plc that it intends to acquire Willis Towers Watson for $30 billion in stock. “I think the writing has been on the wall…
How M&A is tracking so far this year in the Canadian insurance space
March 6, 2020 by Jason ContantAfter a bit of a lull in M&A announcements in the Canadian property and casualty space since the beginning of the year, it looks like the market for P&C brokerages and employee benefits solutions remains strong. Deals seem to be…
Selling your brokerage? What your potential buyers are looking for
March 4, 2020 by Jason ContantBrokers who can best balance online distribution with personal advice will reap the benefits in the current merger and acquisition (M&A) environment, a brokerage M&A expert noted recently. “In Canada, brokers have generally been successful in defending against pure direct…
These Canadian brokerages are re-branding to NFP
February 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachDalton Timmis Insurance Group Inc. and McLean Hallmark Insurance Group Ltd. are among the Canadian brokerages who are now adopting the NFP brand name, New York City-based NFP announced Tuesday. NFP closed its acquisition of Toronto-based McLean Hallmark this past…
Don’t make this common M&A mistake
February 20, 2020 by Adam MalikGrowing your business doesn’t necessarily mean you’re creating more value for it. That’s a common mistake people make during merger and acquisition deals, according to one expert. Value is created only when the business gets a return on capital in…
Brokerlink, Hub announce latest acquisitions
February 5, 2020 by Jason ContantBrokerLink, one of the largest property and casualty insurance brokerages in Canada, and a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation, has acquired Nova Scotia brokerage Major Brothers Limited. Located in Halifax and Dartmouth, Major Brothers has been providing personal and commercial…
Aon acquires Canadian-based cyber security firm
February 4, 2020 by Jason ContantAon plc has announced the acquisition of Cytelligence, a Canadian-based cyber security firm with deep expertise in cyber incident response and digital forensic investigations. London, UK-based Aon said Tuesday the acquisition will help the brokerage expand its current coverages within…
Western Financial acquires brokerage owned by two former IBAC presidents
February 4, 2020 by David GambrillWestern Financial Group has acquired Orr & Associates, an independent brokerage in southwestern Ontario known for an experienced staff that includes two former Insurance Broker Association of Canada (IBAC) presidents, Ken Orr and Keith Wilson. Effective immediately, Orr & Associates…
This merger would form Canada’s largest mutual insurer
January 29, 2020 by Greg MeckbachQuebec’s third-largest property and casualty insurer is proposing to merge with the province’s Number 10 player. La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services and SSQ Insurance announced Wednesday they plan to combine operations. La Capitale is based in Quebec City and…
Why brokerage M&A in Canada will slow down in 2020
January 24, 2020 by Jason ContantLooking at the number of brokerage acquisitions already in January, you wouldn’t think merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is slowing down. But earlier this month, Willis Towers Watson reported that the global M&A market, with performance in steady decline since…