Markel acquires Allsport

Markel Canada, Montreal, Toronto, April 6, 2017 --- Markel Canada has acquired the 50% of Allsport Insurance Marketing Ltd that it did not already own.

Allsport is an incorporated managing general agent (MGA) specializing in providing insurance to Canadians for sport, leisure and recreation activities. It was founded in 1987 and has been part owned by Markel since 1997.

The move will expand Markel’s position in the west of Canada and reflect Markel’s growing focus on all parts of this attractive sector.

Gina Bennett, president of Allsport, will become vice president of Markel’s western region.

Karen Barkley, president of Markel Canada said: “We have been working closely with Allsport for twenty years, we know the business and the people really well and so we are delighted that they are now part of our team. Together our strengths will create more opportunities for growth.”

Gina Bennett said: “Over the past 20 years, Markel Canada, formerly Elliott Special Risks, has been a shareholder of Allsport Insurance. We can now combine our strengths and operate under a single brand for the entire sector. We are excited to merge Allsport’s laser-focused expertise with Markel’s depth and capacity, creating a winning proposition for our brokers and policy holders. Markel’s people, culture, underwriting and products give Allsport truly national sales and operational presence.”