Brown & Brown to establish first retail brokerage operation in Canada

US insurance brokerage  Brown & Brown has snapped up a Canadian brokerage, part of which has been operational for the last 70 years, to establish its first retail brokerage operation in Canada.

Brown & Brown has acquired Highcourt Partners and its subsidiaries eUnderwriters and CLIS. Highcourt was founded in 2011 as an entrepreneurial international insurance brokerage and risk consulting firm. In April 2021, Highcourt Partners transformed into the Highcourt Breckles Group (HBG) when it merged with the Breckles Group, a Toronto-based agency with a 70 year history of providing insurance solutions.

HBG will operate within the Brown & Brown Retail segment and will continue to be led by Mark McKay, HBG chief executive officer. Following the completion of the transaction, McKay will report to Mary Raveling, Brown & Brown senior vice president and retail senior leader and become a member of the Brown & Brown senior leadership council.

HBG will establish the first retail brokerage operation for Brown & Brown in Canada.

McKay said: “This combination with Brown & Brown is very positive for our customers and colleagues and we look forward to continuing to build out and expand our offerings. Together, we have a well-run insurance brokerage focused on customer service with a local presence and global capabilities through Brown & Brown. This foundation will serve us well as we invest and grow our Canadian footprint as part of the Brown & Brown team.”

“This transaction brings many exciting opportunities to Brown & Brown,” commented Mary Raveling. “The addition of HBG to Brown & Brown offers us new opportunities, enhanced resources and a strong leadership team to facilitate growth in the Canadian market. I’m very excited to begin working closely with Mark and his talented team.”

Barrett Brown, president of the Retail segment and executive vice president, said: “Mark and his team are like-minded individuals that have a disciplined focus on doing what is best for their customers, colleagues and carrier partners. The addition of HBG to the team expands our capabilities and ability to help customers of all sizes and geographic locations. We are proud to continue our growth on a global scale.”

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