Willis IRM buys two regional brokers

Northern Ireland broker Willis Insurance and Risk Management (Willis IRM) said it has completed the acquisitions of two regional brokers: Kennett Insurance Brokers based in Hessle, East Yorkshire and McCausland, Light and Rankin based in Belfast.

Richard Willis, managing director, Willis IRM said “Our ambition to be the leading insurance broker in Northern Ireland is reinforced with the addition of the McCausland, Light and Rankin into our group. This will increase our footprint and our leverage in the Northern Ireland market.

“The acquisition of Kennett Insurance Brokers enables us to build our GB presence further. It will supplement our Reading office and give us a presence in the North. Both acquisitions are part of our strategic growth plan and I am delighted that they have come to fruition”.

The acquisitions of McCausland, Light & Rankin and Kennett Insurance Brokers will increase the size of Willis IRM to GWP £32m and over 100 staff.

Willis said that being a member of Willis Towers Watson Networks was key to achieving the deals.

“They helped us identify businesses that fit our acquisition profile and importantly facilitated introductions and discussions to make the process a smooth one. Without the help of Willis Towers Watson Networks, we would not have been in the position we are now”.

Kennett Insurance was set up in 1975 and employs 12 staff.

McCausland Light and Rankin (MLR) was established in 1993 by Gary McCausland and employs more than 20 staff.

Photo Left to Right: Richard Willis (managing director Willis IRM) and Robert Willis (chairman Willis IRM) with Nick Wride (managing director, Kennett Insurance Brokers) and Luigi Maggio (director, Kennett Insurance Brokers).