Giles buys broker's retail broking division

Giles Insurance Brokers has acquired the retail broking division of James Hampden Insurance Brokers(JHIB).

The company, based in Chellaston, near Derby with satellite operations in Hertford and London, specialises in SME and property insurance.

The acquisition will give Giles an East Midlands presence in the SME market.

Giles chief executive Chris Giles said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the UK retail arm of James Hampden Insurance Brokers Ltd, a move which will see us expand our business into a key geographical location which has been of interest to us for some time."

Simon Hall, currently chief executive at James Hampden will continue in a consultancy role post completion.

Hall said: ‘”Giles is one of the UK’s leading independent brokers and I believe that under its ownership there is significant potential for further development of the business and team. Its strength within the UK commercial retail market will undoubtedly bring new opportunities to our clients."

Giles said Hall will continue to develop the international arm of James Hampden under a new vehicle, James Hampden International Insurance Brokers Limited.