GRP-owned County acquires West Midlands broker

The County Group has acquired Swinford Insurance Consultants.

Based in Kinver, West Midlands, Swinford was founded in 1982 and sells both personal and commercial lines. Directors Chris Dunn and Mike Brevitt will both stay with Swinford post deal.

County chief executive Dave Clapp said the group would invest in Swinford to help it grow within its catchment.

He added: “Swinford is a quite excellent fit, as the team, most of whom are long-serving employees, have built a book of loyal customers, and the result is a really attractive portfolio for our insurer partners.”

Plan

This is the fourth acquisition completed by County since getting bought by GRP in January 2018. The broker completed three deals last year - Guardian in July, Rahon in October and Douglas in November.

Clapp said: “Our plan is for 2019 to be our most productive year yet and with GRP’s backing, we have a compelling proposition that is generating great interest and our pipeline has never been healthier.

“We aim to continue to work hard to bring these opportunities to fruition and have invested heavily in our integration team ensuring that we bring every business on board with the group as quickly and as effectively as possible.”

Swinford director Dunn explained that several firms had expressed interest in acquiring the broker, but that County was the preferred option.

He said: “The opportunity to become not only part of County but also the wider GRP family was compelling, and will be the best fit for our customers and people alike.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Mike Bruce, group managing director for GRP, said: “The County Group continue to deliver their pipeline with another first class deal completed.

“Swinford is a quality business that complements our existing footprint in the Midlands. I warmly welcome everyone at Swinford to our team.”