Topic Mergers and Aqcuisitions
Fifty shades of broker independence
May 26, 2023 by David GambrillIn a world dominated by growth via mergers and acquisitions, Canadian brokerages are operating under a variety of ownership models, making the modern concept of “broker independence” very nuanced, panellists observed Thursday in a Live with CU panel discussion. “I…
BrokerLink president shares thoughts on brokerage M&A
May 24, 2023 by Jason ContantBrokerLink still sees plenty of M&A opportunities in provinces where it currently operates and doesn’t have any immediate plans to expand into new geographic areas, the brokerage’s president told Canadian Underwriter in an interview Tuesday. BrokerLink is focusing its resources…
Navacord announces its biggest deal yet
May 24, 2023 by David GambrillNavacord has invested heavily into its wealth management and group benefits capabilities, acquiring RWAM Insurance Administrators Inc and Programmed Insurance Brokers (PIB) Inc. “As Navacord’s largest transaction to date, the partnerships with RWAM and Programmed Insurance Brokers Inc. underscore Navacord’s…
Declarations of (broker) independence
May 19, 2023 by Canadian Underwriter StaffGiven all of the M&A activity in the broker channel over the past two decades, has the definition of what it means to be an “independent” broker changed? In Canadian Underwriter‘s 2023 national survey of more than 150 brokers, 48%…
McDougall-McFarlan merger just the beginning for Definity
May 15, 2023 by David GambrillMcDougall’s $232-million merger with Ontario brokerage McFarlan Rowlands last week is only the beginning for Definity, which is seeking more M&A growth to put it into the Top-5 P&C insurance companies in Canada. In its 2023 Q1 earnings call, Definity…
IBAO CEO’s thoughts on McDougall-McFarlan Rowlands merger
May 10, 2023 by Jason ContantMcDougall Insurance’s recent merger with McFarlan Rowlands shows the broker distribution network continues to be a healthy investment choice, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) CEO Colin Simpson told Canadian Underwriter recently. Of course, the larger independent brokerage groups become,…
How is the cannabis insurance market faring?
May 9, 2023 by Jason ContantFour-and-a-half years after recreational marijuana use was legalized in Canada, cannabis companies continue to face a number of challenges, including insolvency, consolidation and low or flat growth, according to a recent report from EY Canada. “Established/mature markets — including Canada,…
Definity’s McDougall merges with McFarlan Rowlands
May 8, 2023 by Jason ContantLarge Ontario brokerage McDougall Insurance Brokers Limited, a subsidiary of Definity Financial Corporation, has merged with another large provincial brokerage — McFarlan Rowlands Insurance Brokers Inc. The combination of McDougall and McFarlan Rowlands represents more than $700 million in annual…
Westland expands reach in Ontario with latest acquisition
May 5, 2023 by Jason ContantWestland Insurance has acquired Ontario-based First Durham Insurance & Financial Ltd., one of the largest and oldest full-service independent brokerages in the Durham Region. “Effective May 1, this acquisition helps Westland expand its reach in the important Ontario market,” Westland…
Brokers still worry about the hard market, but what’s next?
May 1, 2023 by Philip PoradoAlthough Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurance brokers still call the hard market their greatest challenge, their overall level of concern is gradually waning. So found Canadian Underwriter’s 2023 National Broker Survey, in which more than 150 brokers nationwide expressed…
Brokers optimistic about growth, but support for 2 key M&A strategies declines
May 1, 2023 by Philip PoradoWhile property and casualty (P&C) insurance brokers in Canada said they’re optimistic about the future, Canadian Underwriter‘s 2023 National Broker Survey shows declining support for two key brokerage growth strategies, including M&A. When asked about expected financial performance in 2023,…
Navacord makes largest acquisition of the year
April 24, 2023 by Jason ContantNavacord has made its fifth and largest transaction of the year with the acquisition of British Columbia-based SeaFirst Insurance Brokers, effective Apr. 1. With roots dating back to 1950, SeaFirst Insurance has since grown to one of the largest commercial…