Markel enters marine professional indemnity market with MGA acquisition

Specialist insurer Markel International has acquired Galleon, a London-based managing general agent (MGA) specialising in marine professional indemnity and cargo liability business.

Galleon, which was founded in 2010, underwrites on Lloyd’s paper as an approved cover holder, and its client base consists of ship managers, surveyors, consultants, freight forwarders, logistics providers and other similar businesses.

Galleon’s business will become part of Markel’s marine, energy and property division headed by divisional managing director Paul Jenks.

According to Markel, the acquisition marks its entry into the specialist marine professional indemnity market.

The business will become part of Markel’s marine, energy and property division headed by divisional managing director Paul Jenks. The acquisition will mark Markel’s entry into the specialist marine professional indemnity market.

Jenks commented: “We have known and supported the Galleon team since the business was founded and have had relationships with its principals going back 20 to 30 years. It’s a high quality team which will fit well with our existing marine portfolio and with our culture. There are strong synergies between our portfolios.

“The acquisition continues our strategy of adding niche marine products to our core portfolio. At the same time, we think we can really support the business with the strength of our marketing proposition, our international distribution capabilities and our London and US relationships.”

Chris Curran, head of underwriting at Galleon, said: “We are delighted that we are going to be able to continue the development of our business with the benefits of Markel’s financial strength and its global relationships. We are looking forward to working with Paul and his team.”