771 articles for M&A
Deal Tracker: The latest in brokerage M&A
February 4, 2021 by Jason ContantThe number of mergers and acquisitions in the Canadian P&C insurance space (mostly involving brokerages) has hit double digits already this year, with two large brokerages contributing to the latest round of deal-making. Hub International announced Tuesday that it had…
Unintended M&A consequence: A shrinking carrier residual market
February 3, 2021 by Adam MalikThe number of carriers supporting Canada’s residual market for high-risk auto insureds is shrinking thanks to a combination of player withdrawal and mergers and acquisition activity. Tackling this issue is one of a number of priorities for the Facility Association…
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…
COVID’s impact on brokerage M&A: Myth versus reality
December 10, 2020 by Greg MeckbachThe onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to raise money from major banks to finance mergers and acquisitions, but well-run brokerages will still be attractive to buyers, suggests an expert in brokerage valuation. “When COVID hit, the banks…
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…
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…
Brokerage M&A roundup: Westland and BrokerTeam announce deals
October 2, 2020 by Greg MeckbachWestland Insurance Group and BrokerTeam Group have both announced separate deals this past week. Westland Insurance Group Ltd. acquired two Alberta brokerages, effective Oct. 1. Surrey, B.C.-based Westland announced Friday it closed the acquisition of Carstairs, Alta.-based Ironside Insurance Brokers…
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.…
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.…
Opinion: Expected M&A rise brings opportunities for brokers
August 27, 2020 Ben Nelson, CFC UnderwritingTransaction liability insurance is a valuable tool for helping buyers and sellers facilitate mergers and acquisitions — and presents a significant opportunity for brokers to add value to their client offering and drive revenue growth. From humble beginnings more than…