New broking group created as Bollington merges with Wilsons

Bollington has merged with Manchester-based broker Wilsons Insurance, creating a new broking group commanding more than £120m of gross written premium (GWP).

The merger has been backed by mid-market private equity firm Inflexion.

The new broking group, known as Bollington Wilson Group, is headed by Bollington chief executive Paul Moors as group chief executive and Wilsons chief executive John Wilson as group chairman.

Other board members will include Bollington’s Chris Patterson and Patrick McDonnel, Wilsons’ Gareth Hooper, and Carl Wormald and Malcolm Coffin from private equity backer Inflexion.

Both Bollington and Wilsons will continue to trade under their existing brands.

The news closely followins the launch of Bollington’s new MGA, Anjuna Underwriting.

The two firms said their product sets complement one another. Bollington’s areas include corporate risks, fleet and risk management in addition to specialist niche sectors such as motor trade, courier and care & charity. Wilsons offers personal lines such as car, home, van, taxi and residential property owners.

Moors said: “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 and the prospect of further acquisitions.

“Their support will help Bollington Wilson Group expand across the UK and develop further product lines. We look forward to an ambitious partnership together.”

Wilson added: “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.”