Ripe, a UK-based provider of digital insurance products tailored for niche markets, has acquired GJW Direct from Munich Re Specialty, bringing one of the country’s oldest marine insurance brands on to its proprietary tech platform.
The acquisition, completed this month, is part of Ripe’s effort to expand its presence in specialist insurance segments through technology-led integration.
Read more: Munich Re Specialty sells GJW Direct to Ripe
Founded in 1826, GJW Direct specialises in non-commercial marine cover, offering insurance across a wide range of boat types.
The brand has now been transitioned on to Ripe’s in-house platform, Juice, which supports policy management, customer experience, and digital distribution. The move is expected to align GJW Direct with Ripe’s model of automated, data-driven insurance delivery.
The acquisition follows Ripe’s earlier entries into the marine segment through Insure4Boats and Craftinsure. With the addition of GJW Direct, Ripe consolidates a significant portion of the UK’s leisure boat insurance market under one digital infrastructure.
Munich Re Specialty, which had managed GJW Direct for over two decades, sold the business as part of its revised strategic priorities in the UK.
According to Danielle Champion, managing director of Global Markets UK, the company is now focusing on growing its suite of specialty products in response to shifting client demands.
"Our specialty strategy in the UK regional market will continue to advance in the coming years and we are excited to progress our offering of specialty solutions for today’s dynamic challenges,” said Champion.
Meanwhile, Ripe chief executive officer, Alan Thomas, said the acquisition reinforces the firm’s strategy of combining established insurance brands with digital systems.
"By integrating this prestigious brand with over 190 years of heritage into our portfolio, we're not just expanding our market presence - we're combining historical expertise with modern technology," Thomas added.
Ripe currently offers over 20 insurance products across personal and commercial lines, all delivered through its digital platform.
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