771 articles for M&A
M&A frenzy continues with multiple deals announced
July 19, 2023 by Jason ContantCorrection: The article has been amended to show Andrew Agencies has 22 locations, not 200 as previously reported. Canadian Underwriter apologizes for the error. On the heels of separate deals that closed at the beginning of the month, large…
Large Canadian brokerages announce latest M&A deals
July 13, 2023 by Jason ContantCanadian P&C brokerage merger and acquisition activity continues to burn red-hot in the second half of 2023, with large brokerages BrokerLink and Acera Insurance announcing a combined three deals recently. BrokerLink acquired Ontario-based Donnell Insurance Brokers Ltd. and New Brunswick-based…
Mutuals group Collectivfide appoints head of M&A
July 6, 2023 by David GambrillCollectivfide Insurance Group has appointed Eric Walker as its head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Formed in 2019, Collectivfide’s shareholders represent mutual insurance companies in Ontario and across Canada. The company is committed to protecting the independent broker distribution channel.…
What’s driving Navacord’s M&A growth strategy
June 30, 2023 by David GambrillCanada’s fourth-largest brokerage, Navacord, took another step Wednesday in building what it calls “The Great Canadian Brokerage,” announcing an M&A deal with Mitchell McConnell Insurance Ltd. in New Brunswick. Mitchell McConnell Insurance, whose legacy dates to 1927, is headquartered in…
Brokerage M&A activity spikes in era of high interest rates
June 19, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoOntario saw a record 48 finalized brokerage transactions in 2022, mostly led by consolidators, said Suzanne Pountney, president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), during the Young Broker Conference in Niagara Falls. “This is up 60% over last…
McDougall expands into Alberta through M&A
June 14, 2023 by David GambrillWith McDougall Insurance Brokers now within the Definity fold, the brokerage has made a splash in the merger game, cutting a deal to acquire Alberta-based Drayden Insurance. McDougall announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of…
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…
Brokers optimistic about growth, but support for 2 key M&A strategies declines
May 1, 2023 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,…
M&A transactions see Canadian and U.S. brokerages expand nationally
April 13, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoM&A activity this month has seen two major Canadian brokerages—Westland and Brokerlink—expanding their practices nationally, and one U.S.-based brokerage entering the Canadian market. B.C.-based Westland Insurance expanded its P&C practice with three acquisitions across Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba in April. …
Deal or no deal? What happens when you’re breached during M&A transaction
April 3, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoAn M&A transaction can become even more complicated for both seller and buyer alike when a cyber breach occurs during the deal, experts at NetDiligence Cyber Risk Summit shared. Due diligence and adequate representations and warranties (R&W) coverage during the…
Why experiencing a cyber breach may make for a better M&A deal
March 30, 2023 by Alyssa DiSabatinoIt’s not going to be a walk in the park, but experiencing a cyber breach isn’t necessarily all doom and gloom, either. A cyber-attack may help an industry organization up the ante on their cybersecurity — and that makes them…
How a recession could affect M&A deals in P&C insurance
March 3, 2023 by David GambrillThreats of an economic recession in Canada are not likely to dampen mergers and acquisitions activity in the property and casualty insurance brokerage sector in 2023, one M&A expert predicts. Although M&A activity contracted in some industry sectors towards the…