Approval for acquisition of Cheshire insurance broker

The County Group, part of Global Risk Partners, has acquired Britannia Consultants Services for an undisclosed sum.

Britannia, based in Northwich, has been writing commercial lines insurance for more than 10 years.

Alastair Christopherson, County Group managing director, said: “Britannia is a quality local commercial insurance broker, based near our head office in Crewe. I warmly welcome directors Stephen Farrell and Joanne Ford and their team to County Group.”

He confirmed that all staff will be remaining with the business at their current office and that there are no plans to remove the Britannia brand.

He added: “Stephen Farrell has built Britannia’s success by focusing on high retention rates and a commitment to relationship management, the mark of a business with outstanding local connections and relationships.

“We have had our eye on them for some time, so we were delighted when Stephen and Joanne agreed to become part of County.”

He also confirmed that County’s acquisition pipeline remained strong, despite the recent pandemic: “We have a number of deals in due diligence and I am expecting to close a number of those during the remainder of 2020.”

Stephen Farrell said: “County is the leading regional broker in our part of the world, with an incredible recent history.

“Becoming part of their story was always the most likely outcome once we decided we wanted to move to the next stage of our journey.”

He added: “In these uncertain times, it is vital to feel a valued part of a bigger group. The resources provided by both County and parent company GRP make me very optimistic about our future.”

Mike Bruce, GRP group chief executive, said: “County Group is on a roll, adding to its portfolio of excellent local businesses following the recent acquisition of CJN.

“In continuing to grow their regional footprint, Alastair and his team at County are proof positive of how our hub and spoke strategy creates value for all our stakeholders.”

The acquisition has received regulatory approval.

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