Topic Mergers and Aqcuisitions
What to plan for when brokerages merge
November 29, 2019 by Greg MeckbachIf you manage a brokerage that has merged, don’t forget to tell every employee why the transaction took place and what the end goal is, brokerage leaders who have been through the process said Thursday. “I don’t think, in any…
Employee-owned brokerage makes third acquisition of the year
November 14, 2019 by Jason ContantEmployee-owned independent insurance brokerage Storm Insurance Group announced Wednesday its acquisition of Quebec brokerage Axxium Assurance Inc., effective Nov. 1. “This opportunity now makes us one of Canada’s few national independent insurance brokers with full operations in all four regions…
Brokerage acquisitions: What’s really in it for Intact?
November 12, 2019 by Greg MeckbachTaking on potential disruptors and investing in technology are among the reasons Intact Financial Corp. is on a brokerage acquisition spree. “Our view is that scaling up distribution is the best way to fight disruption,” Intact CEO Charles Brindamour said…
This line of business has grown an estimated 20% since last year
November 11, 2019 by Jason ContantHow much has the demand for M&A transaction insurance grown in Canada? “While we do not have specific statistics, we estimate that demand has grown in the Canadian market at least in line with the broader Americas region at 20%…
How many Canadian employee benefits firms has Hub acquired?
November 8, 2019 by Jason ContantHub International has acquired another Canadian employee benefits firm as part of its continuing strategy to expand its offerings in this area, bringing the total number of acquired firms to about two dozen over the past two years. So far…
The pros and cons of consolidation in the tech vendor space
November 6, 2019 by Jason ContantWhen there is consolidation in the industry, concerns about the erosion of choice is common. And the tech vendor space is no different. On Oct. 15, Applied Systems announced the acquisition of Policy Works, a major platform for commercial lines…
BrokerLink acquires another Ontario brokerage
November 4, 2019 by Greg MeckbachBrokerLink has acquired Newmarket, Ont.-based Buckley Insurance Brokers Ltd., which places home, auto and commercial insurance. Buckley notified its customers Friday by email that it is now part of BrokerLink, which is owned by Intact Financial Corp., owner of Canada’s…
Who bought who this past week in the Canadian P&C space?
November 4, 2019 by Jason ContantGlobal insurance brokerage Hub International Limited has bought another Canadian firm as part of its ongoing strategy to expand its employee benefits and pension solutions. Hub announced Monday it had acquired R Bruce Inc., doing business as RBI Advisory Group.…
This might drive additional insurers to demutualize
October 30, 2019 by Greg MeckbachMutual insurers that are concerned about their small size placing them at a competitive disadvantage could choose to follow in the footsteps of Economical and start the demutualization process, suggests an executive who is looking to invest about $500 million…
The rationale behind Applied’s acquisition of Policy Works
October 17, 2019 by Jason ContantProviding brokers with a complete view of their business – both personal and commercial lines – was among the reasons Applied Systems decided to acquire Policy Works, Applied’s vice president of industry and partner relations said Wednesday. Steve Whitelaw spoke…
Applied Systems acquires Policy Works
October 15, 2019 by Jason ContantApplied Systems announced Tuesday it has acquired Policy Works, a major platform for commercial lines business in Canada. The acquisition will extend Applied’s position within the commercial lines market segment, driving greater connectivity and automation for commercial lines brokerages and…
5 lessons for M&A newbies, courtesy of serial acquirers
October 10, 2019 by Jason ContantWhat are some of the best practices in mergers and acquisitions (M&A)? David Hunt, senior director of mergers and acquisitions at Willis Towers Watson, said in a recent blog that newcomers can learn from the best serial acquirers. While not…