21 August 2014 Insurance

AJG unveils single brand for UK MGAs

Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG) has built a new collective identity for its UK managing general agencies to build on the creation of a single MGA operating model established earlier this year.

The model is distinct from its delegated authority underwriting arm, or MGU.

Pen Underwriting will become the single brand that unifies the collection of specialist transactional underwriting businesses which has grown substantially through acquisition and entrepreneurial start-up over the last three years — an expansion that began with the acquisition of Woodbrook Underwriting Agencies in March 2011.

The rebrand will be rolled out in a phased approach with each MGA transitioning across to Pen Underwriting as soon as is practically possible and encompasses Dallas Kirkland, e-Underwriting, Ink, IRS, Keelan Westall, OAMPS, Think, Vela, Woodbrook and Zennor.

AJG’s international underwriting operations — Contego, SRS and Australis Group Underwriting — will also transition across to the new business name. AJG’s delegated authority underwriting division, or MGU, will retain the OIM Underwriting brand.

Mark Armitage, managing director of MGA, said: “Bringing all of our MGAs together under a single brand will make it easier to understand what we do and allow us to promote our strongest credential — we’re a one-stop shop for specialist underwriting products and services. While we recognise the immense value encapsulated in each of our individual businesses, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

“A single brand gives a clear signal to insurers, our customers and the market that we are a force to be reckoned with, and provides a strong foundation on which to build our specialist expertise, quality underwriting and profitability.

“We have made no secret of the fact that we see our underwriting operations as a major growth opportunity for Arthur J. Gallagher, following the transformative effect of recent acquisitions and organic growth; coming together as Pen Underwriting will help us accelerate those ambitions.

“Deriving as it does from the industry expression ‘to pass the pen’ our new brand is a literal reflection of the trust placed in us — and our extensive expertise — by insurer partners. Our new name both connects us to underwriting history and, in its simplicity, reminds our broker customers that we stand for clarity and transparency.”

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