Alan & Thomas Insurance Brokers has acquired commercial insurance broker Abrey Beatty Ltd, with effect from 31 March 2004.

All Abrey Beatty staff will be relocated to Alan & Thomas's Bournemouth offices, the company said.

Alan & Thomas managing director, Julian Boughton, said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil Abrey and staff into the fold of Alan & Thomas and we look forward to achieving great things together.

“Their book of business is an excellent strategic fit and will ensure we hit our £ 15m premium income target two years ahead of schedule.

“We are now positioned as the most dominant independent commercial broker in our region and will be seeking to maximise our position as a result of this acquisition.”