Global Risk Partners builds regional strategy as County buys Rawlins in the UK

Broking firm the County Group (County), part of Global Risk Partners (GRP), has acquired a UK insurance broker with more than 70 years of trading in the Stoke on Trent area “bringing significant scale” to County’s North West UK hub.

The acquired firm, Eric Rawlins & Company (Rawlins), manages personal and commercial insurance, with expertise in contractors, property owners, business and fleet risks, with its headquarters in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

County CEO Dave Clapp said: “This is a marquee signing for us. Rawlins is a well-respected broking firm that has stood the test of time and become one of the largest independent brokers in Stoke on Trent and the surrounding area.

“We are delighted to have added Rawlins to our group. We now handle in excess of £20 million gross written premiums in the Stoke area, bringing significant scale to our North West hub.”

Rawlins managing direction Phil Alcock, and the board of directors, is expected to remain with County after the deal to ensure a smooth integration. “Once that is done, we will look at ways to further develop this great business,” Clapp added.

Alastair Christopherson, County managing director, said: “This is a landmark transaction for us as it now takes our group gross written premium to in excess of £100 million, which is a significant milestone in our own development.”

Alcock added: “We have watched from afar as County has grown and developed their model over the last few years. When deciding on the right home for our business, and as part of our own due diligence on County, we took references from a number of vendors of businesses they have bought previously and the feedback was very positive.

“The decision has become easier as a result of the dealings we have had with Dave and Alastair through the due diligence process. It was an important strategic decision for us to join another broking group after such a long time as an independent but we are sure we have made the right choice. We look forward to working with all of their team and helping to take the business on the next stage of its exciting growth journey.”

Mike Bruce, GRP group managing director, said: “County has delivered another great deal.

“Part of the attraction of GRP for growth-hungry businesses like County is that we provide them with the support and capital to enable them to follow through and deliver their strong acquisition pipeline. I’m delighted to welcome Phil Alcock and all the Rawlins people to GRP.”

County was founded in 2003 by Clapp and has grown organically and through acquisitions. Its strategy is to develop its branch network by purchasing commercial and community brokers across its region.

Its parent company, GRP, buys brokers and managing general agents (MGAs) trading in the UK retail and global, specialty insurance markets. It purchased Crewe-based County in 2018 as part of a strategy to build regional hubs.

Get all the latest re/insurance industry news with our daily newsletter -  sign up here.

More of today's news

Allianz terminates exclusive bancassurance alliance in Spain for €936.5m gain

HSCM and Nephila back $2m funding for AI insurtech start-up Tensorflight

AXIS Re taps CNA Hardy Asia CEO to lead Australian business

Beazley hires specialty treaty underwriter to expand product solutions unit

Everest, Asta and MPS to form Lloyd’s medical malpractice partnership