Ardonagh’s SME broking unit reveals hat-trick of M&A deals in expansion move

Ardonagh Advisory, the SME broking platform of  The Ardonagh Group, has acquired AMS Insurance Solutions, its third M&A deal in a week, to bolster its presence in the south-west of England.

AMS is a regional broker, providing commercial and personal lines insurance, with specialisms in construction, manufacturing, liability and warehousing and distribution products as well as a range of insurance solutions for small businesses.

Established in 2008 and based in Nailsea, near Bristol, the firm is led by a team of three directors, Andrew Burrell, Mark Evans and Simon Thomas, who each have around 30 years’ experience in the industry.

The business will join Towergate Insurance Brokers, part of Ardonagh Advisory, and will work alongside Towergate’s existing Bristol-based business, complementing its commercial lines expertise.

The acquisition follows that of PB Curran and Sentinel Insurance Solutions last week. With more than 50 years’ experience in general insurance, PB Curran will join Ethos Broking, building its presence in Yorkshire and the North East of England. Sentinel is a commercial broker specialising in self-drive hire insurance products in the UK. It also joins Ethos Broking.

Phil Bayles, chief commercial officer, Ardonagh Advisory, said: “As our third ‘hat-trick’ deal of the week, the addition of AMS Insurance Solutions offers real cause for celebration and is yet further demonstration of our strategy to invest in top-quality businesses that bring value to Ardonagh Advisory.

“AMS is a business that fits neatly into Towergate and the wider Ardonagh Advisory platform, enhancing our presence in the south-west and our offer to clients. We’re excited to welcome the business to the platform and look forward to seeing the new opportunities this brings. I think it’s clear that we’re always looking to have conversations with people who are interested in joining the Group and would encourage anyone thinking about making the move to get in touch.”

Andrew Burrell, director, AMS Insurance Solutions, commented: “Joining Ardonagh represents the natural next step in our company’s journey. As part of the Ardonagh Advisory platform, we will benefit from increased buying power and access to a wider range of products and services, ultimately improving our offer to clients. We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our clients and our insurer partners who we’ve worked with over the years and who have helped the business to become what it is today.”

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