Goldman Sachs backs UK insurance broker Clear Group

Insurance broker  Clear Group has secured an investment from Goldman Sachs to support its growth plans as it looks to expand its reach into new markets through targeted mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.

The private equity business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management has agreed to acquire a stake in the business following its four-year partnership with ECI Partners, subject to regulatory approval.

Clear Group boasts over 30,000 clients and handles over £330 million of premiums. It is focused on the UK corporate and SME market, with expertise in niche insurance verticals including professional lines, property lines, and commercial business diversified across several sectors.

Following the investment by Goldman Sachs,  Clear Group's existing management team under the leadership of Group CEO Mike Edgeley and executive chairman and founder Howard Lickens will continue to lead the business through the next stage of its growth plans.

Edgeley said: “This deal signals confidence both in our business and in the long-term direction of the market sector in which we operate.   It’s a real endorsement that Goldman Sachs has seen the value in our company and is keen to back us as we put the next phase of our strategy into action. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the ECI team for the support they have given us during our partnership, trebling the size of our business.”

Lickens added: “It has been a pleasure to work with ECI during the last four years, which have been transformative for  Clear Group, and we are well positioned for future growth in this new partnership with Goldman Sachs. They are an experienced investor within insurance and will allow us to continue to deliver our M&A strategy and provide more clients with the levels of service we’re known for.”

Michele Titi-Cappelli, head of EMEA financial services private equity, and Mihir Lal, managing director, within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, commented: “We are excited to invest in  Clear Group and partner with the Management team, led by Mike Edgeley.  Clear Group has a strong reputation in the market and a track record of partnering with like-minded brokers. We look forward to leveraging our extensive track record of investing in insurance and financial services businesses, and the Goldman Sachs Value Accelerator’s operating, sector, and digital experts, to support the team in the next phase of growth, whilst maintaining Clear Group’s unique culture and value proposition.”

Paul McCreadie, partner at ECI Partners, said: “ Clear Group is a fantastic business with a distinctive culture that makes it a standout in the commercial broker market. It’s been a pleasure working with Mike, Howard, and the whole  Clear Group team during our partnership and we look forward to watching them continue their growth trajectory with their new investor. We’d like to thank them for all their hard work and wish them all the success for the future.”

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