Inflexion creates enlarged insurance broker group

Inflexion Private Equity today announces that funds managed by Inflexion have backed the simultaneous buyout and immediate merger of Bollington Insurance Brokers (“Bollington”) and Wilsons Insurance Brokers (“Wilsons”). The new structure, Bollington Wilson Group, will generate annual gross written premiums in excess of £120m and will be among the UK’s leading independent insurance brokers.

Focused on niche products across the UK, Bollington and Wilsons operate complementary product lines in commercial and personal insurance. The group will focus on UK expansion, creating a diversified platform from which to accelerate growth through scale and add-on acquisitions. The businesses will continue to trade under their independent brands, capitalising on their heritage and strong reputations. Customer service is paramount and their combined customer base will benefit from an increased range of products and wider choice of blue-chip insurers.

Capitalising on Inflexion’s track record in acquisitive growth and the fragmented nature of the insurance broker market, Inflexion will help create significant value through a buy and build programme. Working closely with Paul Moors and John Wilson, respectively CEO and Chairman of Bollington Wilson Group, Inflexion will help to digitally enhance and integrate operations; this will create a strong platform to support acquisitions and embed customer service excellence.

Paul Moors, Bollington Wilson Group CEO, commented, “We believe this creates more choice and more flexibility for all of our valued customers. With Inflexion’s track record in integration and acquisitive growth we are truly excited about the future of our new group. Their support will help Bollington Wilson Group expand across the UK and develop further product lines. We look forward to an ambitious partnership together.”

John Wilson, Bollington Wilson Group Chairman, commented, “There are many opportunities across commercial and personal insurance broking that can be enhanced by increased scale. The merger of Bollington and Wilsons creates a compelling platform from which to realise those opportunities. Meeting Inflexion has been transformational for our businesses and we look forward to the next stage of growth.”

Simon Turner, Managing Partner, Inflexion, commented, “We are delighted to complete the double buyout and immediate merger of Bollington and Wilsons. Our team spotted this compelling merger opportunity and navigated through a complex transaction process. Leading discussions with the ambitious management team of each business, we shared a vision for accelerated growth under this new structure. We welcome Bollington Wilson Group into Inflexion’s portfolio and look forward to working in partnership.”

The Inflexion deal team comprised of Carl Wormald, Malcolm Coffin, Matt McKinlay and Jon Andrew; Carl and Malcolm will join the Group’s board.