Insurance Times rounds up the biggest M&A news stories from 28 October to 1 November 

Starting off the week, Clear Group said it had entered the wholesale Lloyd’s broker space with the acquisition of Lilley Plummer Risks – its largest purchase to date.

The deal will add £150m of gross written premium (GWP) to Clear Group’s wholesale proposition.

Clear Group also announced this week that it had acquired A-One Insurance Group, a firm which controls premiums in excess of £50m.

The deal will see A-One managing director Ian Penfold and his team of more than 150 staff form a new south west region for Clear Group.

Meanwhile, a report by Bloomberg claimed that Aviva and Allianz were among firms considering bids for motor and home insurance provider Esure.

The report came after Reuters said that private equity firm Bain Capital was looking at a possible sale of Esure after acquiring the firm in 2018 for £1.21bn.

This week also saw Specialist Risk Group (SRG) acquire specialist bloodstock and livestock broker Stonehatch.

Stonehatch was founded in 2014 by Chris Williamson and serves clients globally.

Rounding off the week, Ardonagh Advisory said it had agreed to acquire Rowett Insurance Broking.

Based in St Austell and Plymouth, Rowett is a broker that specialises in commercial and personal insurance.

Ardonagh Advisory said that acquiring the firm would help expand its presence in the south west.