County Group (County), the North West business of Global Risk Partners (GRP), has today unveiled its second M&A deal of the year – acquiring 100% of the share capital of Wales broker Archenfield Insurance Management (Archenfield). The deal has received regulatory approval and the consideration is undisclosed.
Archenfield, which operates out of offices in Monmouth and Cardiff Bay, was founded over 25 years ago and writes a blend of commercial and personal lines insurance. The broker will continue to operate from its current locations following completion, and MD Francis Walsh will continue to lead the business.
Commenting on the deal, CEO of County Alastair Christopherson noted it is the second of several acquisitions that the group has in the pipeline for 2022. County has always been acquisitive, he said, and its appetite for acquisitions remains strong as it continues to grow its market presence in the North West and across Wales.
“Archenfield is a high-quality community broker with deep local roots and a highly entrepreneurial management team that is hungry for growth,” he said. “In our discussions with Francis Walsh it was clear that he shared our focus on profitable growth, and we especially liked the fact that many of his new clients come from personal recommendations.”
Walsh added that County has an “enviable footprint” as well as a good reputation for looking after the businesses it acquires and helping them achieve greater levels of success. The group represents a great custodian for the business and its clients, he said, and he is confident that Archenfield has a bright future under the County and GRP umbrella.
