Private equity (PE)
Cuts loom as Garwyn begins efficiency drive
Garwyn staff based in Durham and Peterborough face potential redundancy after the loss adjuster earmarked both of the branches for closure.
Escott returns to London market as Capita MD
The former boss of Brit Insurance's UK business has returned to the London market commercial space with Capita. Brent Escott — who worked for the Lloyd's group between 2002 and 2007, holding the position of managing director of the UK division, before…
Aviva major acquisition spree 'unlikely'
Major acquisitions to fast-track the creation of a multi-brand general insurance strategy for Aviva are unlikely, despite the £600m windfall set to be secured from last week's sale of roadside assistance provider RAC, according to analyst Eamonn Flanagan.
Career development & CSR: Marsh wins NW award
Marsh has been named as insurance broker of the year in the 2011 St Nick North West Turnaround Awards, held at Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry.
Alternative business structures: I bought the law
With the arrival of alternative business structures imminent, Amy Ellis looks at the pros and cons of the ability for those outside the legal sphere to invest in services.
Financial services firms to see surge in PE investment, report says
According to new research from accountancy firm Grant Thornton, more than two thirds of private equity houses are set to invest in financial services firm in the next twelve months.
Broker IPOs: Who dares wins
Broker IPOs keep the rumour mill active but very few actually occur. Rachel Gordon finds out why this is and looks at which companies are most likely to pursue the public route.
M&A - market update: Coming together
Merger and acquisition activity is finally on the rise following a long period of stagnation. Daniel Dunkley looks at what is behind the increase.
Jelf Group turns around loss to £0.8m profit before tax
Jelf Group, the Bristol-based broking group, has recorded an operating profit before tax of £0.8m for the six months ended 31 March 2011.
Towergate chair Lyons: Hodges will join "in a few months"
The appointment of Towergate’s new group chief executive Mark Hodges is not a “starting gun” for a listing, according to its chairman.
Sword talks to two after MBO
Insurance software firm Sword Insurance has hailed the growing influence of private equity in the insurance sector, after it confirmed a leveraged management buyout from French-owned Sword Group.
Fish eyes boutique growth after ex-Lockton partner hire
Private equity-backed broker Fish Insurance is set to make a play for boutique commercial insurance, following the hire of a former Lockton partner to spearhead a new division.
Interview - Tim Coles: up and at it
After serving in the army, Tim Coles, chief executive of Howden, found fresh excitement in the world of insurance. Mairi MacDonald talks to him about the company's unique attitude and his plans to grow the business further.
Energy - overcapacity: Getting plugged in
The energy insurance sector is buzzing at the moment, but Rachel Gordon investigates whether the good times are sustainable.
Hanover confident Chaucer bid momentum will not stall
US firm The Hanover Insurance Group remains confident it will succeed in its bid for Chaucer, despite Pamplona's refusal to sell its stake in the Lloyd's insurer.
New Towergate chairman circumspect on IPO plans
Towergate listing on the London Stock Exchange is "no pre-conceived certainty", according to new non-executive chairman Alastair Lyons.
Brit Insurance delists
Lloyd’s insurer Brit has delisted its shares as it prepares to for its acquisition by Achilles.
Towergate shakes up team after Heath Lambert coup
Towergate has rearranged its Scottish management team, after the broker attracted Heath Lambert's former regional head of commercial Mark Webster and his team.
Besso wins Ecuador hydro-electric dam broker contract
Besso has been named as the broker on a $2bn (£1.2bn) project to construct a hydro-electric dam in Ecuador.
Brit takeover continues
The deadline by which Brit shareholders can accept or decline Achilles offer for the company has been extended again.
Interview – Simon Douglas: the attraction of AA Insurance
Simon Douglas, director of AA insurance, previously worked in the life & pensions and private medical markets. He talks to Mairi Macdonald about what attracted him to the debt-laden business and the challenges it faces.
Broker focus – private equity: the start of a broader movement?
2011 has already seen one major broking private equity deal involving Towergate. Rachel Gordon assesses whether this is likely to be a one off, or the start of a broader movement within the intermediary market.
Video interview: Peter Cullum on Towergate's refinancing
Days after Towergate Partnership announced the completion of its refinancing and £200m investment from private equity firm Advent International, founder and chairman Peter Cullum CBE spoke to Post about what now lies ahead for the broker.
Achilles lowers Brit deal acceptance threshold
Achilles offer for Brit Insurance has been declared unconditional after the private equity consortium lowered the threshold for acceptance on its offer from 95% to 80% of issued share capital.