
Macclesfield based Bollington Insurance has announced it has completed the acquisition of Bolton based corporate insurance brokers, Watson Laurie.
The acquisition is Bollington’s fourth in 2020, and has already gained approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Paul Moors, Group CEO of Bollington said:
We are delighted to welcome Watson Laurie into the Bollington Group, as it is a company I have admired for many years. [Watson Laurie MD] Andrew Crompton and I both started our careers at Sun Alliance as Professional Trainees so we have watched our careers and businesses develop. Watson Laurie is established in the North West as one of the most innovative and professional corporate insurance brokers, with a track record in developing niche areas and professional connections.
“With its suite of specialisms and first-class reputation among clients in the UK marketplace, it makes an excellent addition to our expanding group”
Andrew Crompton, Managing Director of Watson Laurie will also join the main board of the Bollington Group. He added:
Completing this deal is great news for both parties. Watson Laurie is now part of a fast-growing and diverse group that is nationally recognised. Our clients and staff can rest assured that this development adds strength to Watson Laurie’s relationships with insurers and trading partners, giving access to more products and services in the months ahead. In addition, the wider Bollington Group will benefit from our expertise and experience in a number of niche areas.”
Bollington’s acquisition of Watson Laurie is part of the corporate insurance brokers’ expansion in the North-west since being backed by private equity firm, Inflexion, since 2017.
Legal Advisers to Watson Laurie were Brabners, Manchester, and corporate finance advisers were KPMG in Leeds. Bollington were advised and due diligence completed by DWF and Dow Schofield Watts.