Brown and Brown Europe announces two acquisitions

Brown and Brown Europe has announced two acquisitions as part of plans to expand its retail business.

The deals will see the firm acquire 100% of the share capital of Garratts Insurance Brokers, as well as the business and assets of BNF Insurance Services.

Garratts is a chartered insurance broker that specialises in a range of sectors, including motor trade, education, food and hospitality and retail.

The family business was established by George Garratt in 1877 and has since passed through the Garratt family over several generations.

It is currently led by directors Richard Garratt and John Grindley, who have recently overseen a period of expansion.

Alastair Christopherson, regional managing director at Brown and Brown Europe, said: “We are thrilled to be acquiring a business with such a long-standing family history and we look forward to welcoming Richard, John and the rest of the Garratts’ team.”

“The business will continue operating in Preston and I look forward to supporting them as they embark on the next stage of their journey as part of the Brown and Brown team.”

BNF

Meanwhile, BNF is a retail broker based in Clacton, Essex, which writes insurance for commercial customers and creatives, as well as property and motor.

Proprietor Barry Burns, who operates as a sole trader, and the rest of the transferring team will operate from the WM Brokers office in Ipswich, as part of the Brown and Brown team covering East Anglia.

David McGowan, managing director of WM Brokers, said: “It’s great to welcome Barry and his team to Brown and Brown.

“He has run a highly successful brokerage with a quality book of customers and a strong affinity for the local area where his business operates. BNF will be a valuable addition to our portfolio.”