Smart & Cook has made its 50th acquisition with the purchase of Cumbrian broker Dixon & Watt.

Dixon & Watt controls premiums worth £15m.

The purchase gives Smart & Cook a presence in an area where it had previously had exposure.

Group Chief Executive of Smart & Cook, Paul Meehan said: "Dixon & Watt is another excellent acquisition for Smart & Cook, and extends our footprint into the North West of England, in line with our strategy of combining national coverage with local service delivery.

"The Dixon and Watt business combines a strong sales and innovation culture which augments the existing Smart & Cook offering."

Jon Watt, Managing Director of Dixon & Watt, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have joined the Smart & Cook team. Smart & Cook have a proven track record of delivering on their commitment to their clients and this was integral to us in our decision to merge.

"We now have an excellent opportunity to grow our business further through the strength, scale and ambition of the Smart & Cook Group."

Dixon & Watt was founded in 1980 by Jon Watt, and in 1987 it added a Financial Services division. The company employs over 30 staff and has offices in Carlisle and Penrith.