AJG acquires another Australian broker

Arthur J Gallagher has acquired Australian broker Blue Holdings, three days after the acquisition of Australian broker Instrat Insurance Brokers.

Established in 2005, Blue Holdings is an insurance broker and risk management services firm that provides retail property/casualty and insolvency insurance products and services primarily for its middle-market clients throughout Australia.

It also specialises in coverages for the construction, transportation, engineering, mining and professional services industries.

Blue's chief executive officer (CEO), Richard Smith, and his associates will continue to operate from their Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Townsville locations under the direction of Andrew Godden, head of Gallagher's Australian brokerage operation.

"Blue is a good example of how we continue to find new acquisition partners that fit well within our international platforms," said J. Patrick Gallagher, chairman, president and CEO. "Its strong presence will add to our national brokerage footprint and its national insolvency practice will be a wonderful new niche specialisation for us. Blue will be an excellent complement to our Australian operations, and we are pleased to welcome Richard and his colleagues to our growing Gallagher family of professionals."