Aston Scott makes first deal of 2017, eyes more acquisitions

Brokerage Aston Scott is plotting more acquisitions this year following its purchase of Derbyshire-based broker Bell & Co.

 

The latest deal is Aston Scott’s first acquisition of 2017. The company, which trades over £100 million of gross written premium, said there are several other deals in the pipeline.

 

The broker also said that it will look for further acquisitions to bring into the Bell & Co business “over the coming months and years.”

 

“The two businesses have a lot in common; both chartered, independent and client focused,” said Aston Scott group CEO Peter Blanc. “We look forward to supporting Bell & Co with their expansion plans in the region and I look forward to meeting all of the team over the next few weeks.”

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Operating for more than 35 years, Bell & Co serves the needs of over 3,000 clients in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. The company’s 25 employees will now be part of Aston Scott but the newly acquired business will retain its brand.

 

“We have been talking to Aston Scott and building foundations over the course of the last year and we look forward to becoming part of a larger independent broking group,” said Richard Salt, Bell & Co managing director.

 

Salt said that over the next few years, the company aims to grow into a business with £20 million gross written premium.

 

“As part of Aston Scott we will be very well positioned to achieve this,” Salt said. “This is an exciting time for Bell & Co and we look forward to meeting our new colleagues in Aston Scott.”