GRP’s County Group buys broker in third deal of 2022

County Group – part of Global Risk Partners – has bought the business and assets of broker Marsh and Co (Marsh).

This represents the third purchase of the year for County Group, with the acquisition completing with immediate effect. The consideration is undisclosed.

Marsh is based in Leicester and has a branch in Weston-Super-Mare.

Rob Marsh and Alan Marsh founded Marsh and Co in 1995. The business has a significant commercial book, including leisure and associated personal lines.

Marsh also set up its own MGA called Ginger Markets, which specialises in marquee and glamping insurance and was set up by Marsh to provide an in-house facility for brokers.

Alastair Christopherson, County Group’s chief executive, said: “Rob [Marsh] and his team are community brokers par excellence, now seeking to introduce a step-change in business growth under the umbrella of County Group and GRP.

“These well-run brokerages are hugely valuable assets and it’s great news that they have chosen to put their future with County Group.

Read: FCA confirms significant delays in M&A process

“We have enjoyed a fast start to the year, having completed three deals, but we are actively looking for more opportunities and remain keen to talk to vendors seeking to take some value from their life’s work, and/or move to the next stage in their development.”

The purchase of Marsh follows two recent Wales-based acquisitions – PG Insurance in March and Archenfield in April.

Excellent custodians

Christopherson said Marsh was a “dynamic family-owned broker with plenty of experience and a hunger to expand”.

Rob Marsh explained that when he first sat down to talk to Christopherson about becoming part of County Group it became clear that the business would “prove excellent custodians for our business, our people and our clients”.

“We are all very excited about the move across and the opportunities that await us as part of a larger family. All our people are moving across to be part of the new arrangements,” Rob Marsh said.

He added that the business will continue to trade under the Marsh brand from both offices and “the whole team are looking forward to further growing the business with County and GRP”.