PIB chief executive says the acquisition marks ‘the start of many more exciting developments to look forward to this year’ as the business plans to grow in Europe

Independent commercial insurance intermediary business PIB Group has started its 2021 acquisition spending spree by buying Manchester-based independent construction broker UK & Ireland Insurance Services.

Established in 1993 and situated in Altrincham, UK & Ireland Insurance Services provides insurance products for all professional, commercial and manufacturing sectors, covering construction, haulage, retail, property and leisure.

The broker, whose customers include some of the country’s largest construction companies, also offers an in-house claims handling service.

UK & Ireland Insurance Services currently has 21 staff, with a combined 150 years of industry experience.

Speaking on the acquisition, PIB Group chief executive Brendan McManus said: “I’m so excited to welcome to PIB Group another superb business through the acquisition of UK & Ireland Insurance Services.

“Our new colleagues are experts in their field and passionate about providing customers with an excellent service, making them a great addition to PIB while further strengthening our construction proposition.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2021 and mark the start of many more exciting developments to look forward to this year.”

Kevin McNeill, director of UK & Ireland Insurance Services, added: “UK & Ireland Insurance Services are delighted to be joining PIB Group and feel very excited about the future.

“With the passion and drive that our existing team have, we see this as a perfect fit and a fantastic opportunity for growth and expansion.

“Our focus now is to continue to offer the service that all our clients expect and aspire to develop all potential possibilities with PIB’s investment and professionalism.

“A new chapter starts in 2021 for UK & Ireland, one that we can’t wait to get started.”

European expansion

PIB Group is looking to spread its acquisition wings further afield in 2021, with plans “to be a European business and diversifying across a number of European economies”, added McManus.

This strategy will build on some of last year’s acquisitions, which include WDB in Poland and Marx Re-Insurance Brokers in Germany.

McManus continued: “In 2021, we’ll look to take things a little further from our first step into Poland and Germany.

“In 12 months, I see ourselves as beginning to be a European business and diversifying across a number of European economies.

“We’re all set and raring to go for an exciting year ahead, which is backed by the expertise and ongoing commitment of our talented people across the group.”