GRP-owned County completes third acquisition of 2018

GRP-owned County Group has acquired Douglas Insurance Brokers.

The deal, which has received regulatory approval, is the third by County this year following Wigan-based Guardian in July and Derby-based Rahon in October. GRP bought County in January this year as its hub for the north west.

Douglas Insurance specialises in commercial risks and is a family-owned business based in Swansea.

Dave Clapp, founder and chief executive of County said: “I am delighted that yet another fantastic business has chosen to join our family. Thanks to the backing and support of GRP, we have a winning formula for vendors and long may it continue.”

County has previously completed three acquisitions in north Wales, and has an office in Cardiff.

“Cardiff has done phenomenally well and we see this venture into Swansea as a natural extension of our current footprint, bringing the capability to service even more customers across Wales,” Clapp added.

Ian Douglas, managing director of Douglas Insurance said: “After starting discussions with Dave earlier in the year and visiting the County HQ in Crewe, I was convinced they are the right fit for our business.

“I now look forward to working with the whole team over the coming years to build out our presence in Wales.”

Mike Bruce, GRP’s chief executive of broking, said: “We knew that County had a strong pipeline when we invested at the beginning of this year, and that investment is paying off with a surge in top and bottom line growth.”

He added: “This latest move takes them another step toward their aim of doubling in size within five years. I warmly welcome Ian and his team to GRP and look forward to a fruitful and successful future with them.”