Keyword
M&A
Brokerage M&A off to a strong start in 2021
January 7, 2021 by Jason ContantLarge Canadian brokerage Westland Insurance Group Ltd. now has a coast-to-coast presence with its acquisition of Storm Insurance Group, which has offices in Nova Scotia and Quebec. The deal, which closed Wednesday, is one of three acquisitions closed or announced…
The latest M&A news from BFL, NFP and Hub
December 11, 2020 by Jason ContantA year-and-a-half after large commercial brokerage BFL Canada acquired Summit Insurance Brokers, the smaller British Columbia-based brokerage has officially been rebranded to BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc. “As of now, all the operations led in Central and Northern British Columbia…
Two ways COVID-19 affected this large brokerage’s M&A strategy
November 20, 2020 by Jason ContantThe COVID-19 pandemic required one large Canadian brokerage to take a “very different approach” to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. COVID affected the M&A process in two significant ways, Jamie Lyons, president and chief operating officer with Westland Insurance Group…
Westland brokerage moves in an easterly direction
November 13, 2020 by Jason ContantWestland Insurance’s mergers and acquisition strategy continues in an easterly direction from its roots in British Columbia. Just days after closing its first-ever brokerage acquisition in Ontario, Westland Insurance Group Ltd. announced its second acquisition in Manitoba. On Nov. 10,…
Brokerage M&A round-up: Which four were bought?
November 9, 2020 by Jason ContantBritish Columbia-based Westland Insurance Group Ltd. has moved into the Ontario market, announcing that it has acquired Gillons Insurance Brokers Ltd. The “significant and substantial milestone” supports Westland’s expansion strategy to become a national insurance brokerage, the brokerage said when…
It’s full steam ahead for brokerage M&A, now that the pandemic pause is over
September 18, 2020 by Jason ContantAfter the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused brokerage mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Canada earlier this year, it appears that the deals are once again moving forward at a steady pace. The markets’ reaction to the pandemic has been very…
Westland Insurance reveals its M&A strategy for the future
September 14, 2020 by Jason ContantFresh from closing four acquisitions in western Canada, large brokerage Westland Insurance Group plans to continue exploring opportunities in the west, as well as consider deals that would move the brokerage in a more easterly direction. Westland announced on Sept.…
How brokerage buyers are reacting to COVID market conditions
September 11, 2020 by Jason ContantDemand for Canadian property and casualty insurance brokerages remains strong during the COVID-19 pandemic, but potential brokerage purchasers are becoming more targeted in their approach, a P&C transaction advisor observed. “For most potential transactions, the list of potential purchasers has…
Thinking of selling your brokerage during COVID-19? Here’s how to proceed
September 8, 2020 by Jason ContantCanadian brokers considering an upcoming merger or acquisition may understandably be concerned given the economy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but one property and casualty brokerage M&A expert says his firm’s advice is the same as it’s always been. “That…
Brokerage M&A activity surges amid pandemic
September 3, 2020 by Jason ContantBrokerage consolidation has exploded, with at least six acquisitions announced across Canada in the past week. Most recently, large brokerage Westland Insurance Group announced Wednesday the closing of four deals, adding new retail offices in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.…
Speculative ripple effects of the Aon-Willis merger on the Canadian reinsurance scene
March 20, 2020 by David GambrillAon plc’s announced agreement to acquire Willis Towers Watson in early March for $30-billion in an all-stock deal raises a host of interesting speculative possibilities for Canada’s reinsurance market, a former reinsurance executive in Canada told Canadian Underwriter recently. Among…
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…