AJG buys UK MGA

Arthur J Gallagher (AJG) has acquired UK managing general agent (MGA) Evolution Underwriting Group.

Established in 2004, Evolution provides commercial insurance products and services tailored for the small-to-middle-market sector to its independent retail broker clients.

It specialises in a wide range of commercial risks including commercial combined, property owners, vacant property, professional indemnity, tradesmen, directors & officers liability and excess of loss.

Paul Upton and his colleagues will continue to operate under the direction of Mark Armitage, head of Gallagher's UK MGA operations.

"This is a good example of how we continue to find great new acquisition partners that fit well within our UK platform and add to our client capabilities. Evolution is well-known for its strong commercial insurance expertise, solid broker relationships, efficient technology-enabled processes and dedication to the highest quality client service," said J Patrick Gallagher, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

"Their team's strong service culture and entrepreneurial spirit are a natural fit with Gallagher, and their expertise in using technology to transact with smaller brokers and their clients will be a great complement to our existing UK commercial underwriting operations. We are pleased to welcome Paul and his associates to our growing Gallagher family of professionals."