​Global investment and insurance organisation acquires ERS owner

Global investment and insurance organisation Starr has entered into an agreement to acquire IQUW Group.

IQUW Group has gross written premiums (GWP) of approximately £1.4bn ($1.9bn) and includes two Lloyd’s syndicates –IQUW, a specialty (re)insurer that operates across multiple specialty lines, and UK motor insurer ERS.

Starr has acquired the group to expand the classes of business that it underwrites and felt the deal will position the combined company for growth across a broader range of global market segments.

”The acquisition will bring together Starr’s specialty insurance and reinsurance capabilities with IQUW Group’s strong market presence and complementary portfolio, creating one of the most diversified platforms at Lloyd’s,” Starr added.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Until the deal closes, both companies will continue to operate independently.

‘Exceptional team’

Following completion of the transaction, Peter Bilsby, IQUW Group’s chief executive, will lead Starr’s international business, working closely with Stuart Scott, Starr’s president of UK and EME, and José Ribeiro, Starr’s president for APAC and LATAM.

“This strategic acquisition of IQUW Group is about diversification and a focus on underwriting profitability, consistent with our own. The combination of our companies will give us a larger footprint in the London market and result in a stronger organisation,” said Jeff Greenberg, chairman and co-chief executive officer at Starr.

“We have known and respected Bilsby for a number of years. He has built an exceptional team and I am delighted that he will lead our international business.”

Bilsby added: “I cannot think of a better new home for IQUW Group than with Starr. When we launched IQUW, our vision was to bring together market-leading talent with technology and data analytics to enhance service and decision-making for our brokers and (re)insureds.

”Being part of Starr will enable us to scale up our specialist products and our tech and data capabilities will be of benefit to the wider Starr group. I am incredibly excited for this next chapter and what we can achieve together.”