JLT acquires Dutch marine broker

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group (JLT) has agreed to acquire Independent Risk Solutions (IRS), a marine specialty broker based in the Netherlands, from Brokerage World Solutions (BWS). The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

IRS provides insurance broking services to a number of marine and energy industries such as shipping, shipbuilding, on/offshore construction, contracting dredging and land reclamation. With a track record in the placement of a wide range of high profile projects and annual programmes, IRS will add to JLT's existing strong presence in the marine and energy sectors and in particular will broaden JLT's specialty offering in the Dutch market.

The business will be re-branded in due course and will form part of JLT Specialty, reporting into Henrik Ryden, CEO of JLT's Nordic Region.

“IRS has a well-developed, and highly specialist client base of prominent national and international companies, operating in the offshore/marine sector,” said Hans Liem, CEO, Independent Risk Solutions. “JLT's client-first focus means that our clients will continue to receive an excellent level of service as well as gain enhanced support for their long term growth plans through JLT’s deep specialist expertise, international capabilities and additional products and services."

Ryden added: “We are delighted to welcome IRS’s clients and team to JLT. IRS's reputation as a professional and highly skilled organization, with deep knowledge of the maritime sector and a client-first approach, makes this an excellent cultural and business fit. This is an exciting acquisition for JLT as it not only offers the opportunity to strengthen our leading specialty marine capabilities but also to develop JLT's wider offering in the Dutch market."