French wholesale broker snaps up two-wheeler specialist in UK

French wholesale broker April has acquired UK-based Lexham Insurance as part of plans to expand in the UK two-wheeler insurance market, a statement released yesterday (22 January 2024) said.

Lexham is a specialist broker that operates in the motorcycle, niche motor and motor trade sectors.

It offers more than 20 products to clients, including bespoke propositions for the motor space and schemes for mopeds, scooters and bikes.

April, which has a network of 15,000 partner brokers, plans to support the development of the Lexham brand by helping it offer an “increasingly differentiated insurance experience”.

As part of the deal, the French broker also hopes to expand in the UK, which it has been present in since 2012.

“April has been present in the UK market since 2012 through its London-based expatriate insurance business,” said Eric Maumy, chief executive of April.

“The group is now confirming its ambitions for international development, particularly in the property and casualty and two-wheeler insurance markets, where we already have strong expertise in France and Spain.”

‘Right home’

Lexham employs a team of over 200 people across its three UK offices.

Chief executive James Miller said it was important that the business “found the right home” after founder Richard Ironmonger decided to step down.

“With April’s knowledge of and passion for the markets we trade in, we feel we have done just that,” he added.

“The whole management team are incredibly excited to take this next step.”

Ironmonger added: “I am very proud of what Lexham have achieved since its formation in 2000 and the way it has differentiated itself in a very competitive market.

“At the age of 75, my race is now run and in April, we have found a home that will take the group to the next level.”