Deal was well advanced before Gallagher bought Oval

Oval has acquired the business of independent Northern Ireland broker Trotter and Reid for an undisclosed sum.

The deal, which was completed yesterday was well advanced before the acquisition of Oval by Arthur J Gallagher last month.

The existing Trotter and Reid offices in Belfast and Ballymena will close, while the servicing team will move to the Belfast Oval office. Trotter and Reid owner Simon Aldred will continue to look after clients’ from there.

Oval Norther Ireland regional managing director Shane Matthews said: “I warmly welcome Trotter and Reid and their clients to Oval.

“We look forward to offering clients a wide range of benefits that comes from being part of a larger group, such as a broader range of products and services as well as increased leverage with insurers.”

Aldred, who has managed the business for over 20 years said: “Shane painted a compelling picture of the opportunity for me and my staff, and we very much look forward to working with him to continue to build the business in the Northern Ireland market.”

Gallagher had no involvement in the Trotter and Reid negotiations.