Leicestershire insurance group swoops for counterpart

Northampton-based specialist commercial insurance broker MRSL has been acquired by Lutterworth firm Birrell Group, part of independent insurance intermediary GRP.

MRSL serves the commercial business sector in Northamptonshire and the surrounding area, and all employees will remain with MRSL on completion.

Birrell Group, which trades as Kingsway Insurance Services, became GRP’s Midlands hub in January 2020.

MRSL director John Meadows said: “We have had fruitful discussions with James and Leigh Birrell and are excited by the opportunity to become part of the wider team, with additional access to the services and financial muscle of GRP.”

James Birrell, director of Birrell Group said: “John heads up a quality business with good community connections and some exciting portfolios. I am delighted that MRSL is our first acquisition as part of GRP. We are confident of landing more deals as we seek to build our Midlands presence.”

Stephen Ross, head of M&A for GRP, added: “When investing in the Birrell Group, we were confident that they would quickly find more opportunities for us and MRSL gets us off to a great start.”

MRSL will retain its brand and office facilities.