Verlingue boosts employee benefits division with acquisition

Verlingue has continued to grow its presence in the Midlands and Southwest with the acquisition of Brunsdon Employee Benefits, according to a statement from the broker released today (3 August 2023).

Verlingue explained that the acquisition would “boost its employee benefits capabilities in the SME and mid-corporate market”, which could diversify its offerings to broking clients.

The independently owned Gloucester-based broker provides schemes and advice to a range of clients across the Southwest and the rest of the UK.

The acquisition will see the Brunsdon Employee Benefits’ team join Verlingue.

Meanwhile, Brunsdon Employee Benefits’ current managing director, Seb Merritt, will take on the role of head of employee benefits at Verlingue.

He will report to the chief executive officer Mike Latham.

Mark Pugh, current head of employee benefits, will now step down from previous operational responsibilities and concentrate on expanding and delivering Verlingue’s multinational, major client and partnership propositions, said Verlingue.

Expanding footprint

Mike Latham, chief executive officer at Verlingue, commented: “This is an exciting acquisition for Verlingue, which not only expands our footprint in the employee benefits market but builds on our recent expansion as a group in the Midlands and Southwest.

“Our strategy is to continue to grow our employee benefits operation.”

Merritt added: “The whole of the Brunsdon Employee Benefits team are excited about joining forces with Verlingue as we truly believe that our improved scale and service capabilities will benefit our clients and colleagues immensely.”

This followed a “hot on the heels” launch of a new general office in Birmingham.

Verlingue opened a new Birmingham office to give the business a “strong backbone and presence across the whole of England” and a “real link up” with offices nearby, according to corporate director Ian McKinney.

The chartered insurance broker announced the new office in April 2023 as part of its ambition to expand its existing client base in the Midlands and Southwest.