GRP acquires Henshalls: commercial broker to retain brand and focus on growth in Shropshire and Staffordshire
Global Risk Partners (GRP), a Brown & Brown company, has acquired John Henshall Ltd, trading as Henshalls Insurance Brokers (Henshalls).
Henshalls is a long-established commercial broker, founded in 1967 and headquartered in Newport, Shropshire, with offices in Shrewsbury and Stafford. Henshalls has particular specialisms in food and drink, manufacturing, construction, charities, sports and hospitality. Henshalls also operates two other successful brands, Bayliss and Cooke and Coachline, providing cover for buses, coaches and minibuses.
Henshalls’ directors Mark Freeman, Martin Pitchford, Dave Williams, Anthony Hughes, Neil Atkinson and all of their 42-strong team will remain with the business.
Mark Freeman (Henshalls Managing Director) noted: “We have operated as a proud independent broker since 1967 and decided that now was the right time to join GRP. This will enable us to continue our historical growth and expand our footprint in this area of the UK.”
He added: “In our discussions with Stephen Ross (GRP’s head of M&A) and Mike Bruce (GRP CEO), it became clear that joining GRP was the best future option for our business, our excellent team and our customers. It provides us with a strong platform on which to build the next exciting chapter for the business.”
“The added strength provided by Brown & Brown’s ownership of GRP, and particularly its ‘forever company’ ethos, was a major factor behind our decision to join the business,” he noted.
Commenting on behalf of GRP, Stephen Ross, head of M&A, said: “Henshalls is a really good fit for our retail business giving us a valuable presence in Shropshire and Staffordshire.”
“That part of the world is not widely served by brokerages, so we are pleased that Henshalls, which has been trading successfully for many years, has chosen to join our retail division.”
Henshalls marks the fifth acquisition completed by GRP so far this year, including four in the retail division and Nucleus Underwriting for the MGA.
The acquisition has received regulatory approval, and the consideration is undisclosed.
About Global Risk Partners
GRP operates retail broking, specialist MGA, network and Lloyd’s businesses, enabling the business to serve the growing insurance and risk management needs of its clients. GRP is an operating unit of Brown & Brown, Inc.’s Retail segment.
About Brown & Brown, Inc.
Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, delivering risk management solutions to individuals and businesses since 1939. With more than 14,500 teammates in 450+ locations worldwide, we are committed to providing innovative strategies to help protect what our customers value most. For more information or to find an office near you, please visit bbrown.com.
This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results which are forward-looking statements, including those associated with this acquisition. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Brown & Brown’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Brown & Brown’s control. It is possible that Brown & Brown’s actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning Brown & Brown and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect Brown & Brown’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, is contained in Brown & Brown’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such factors include those factors relevant to Brown & Brown’s consummation and integration of the announced acquisition, including any matters analyzed in the due diligence process, and material adverse changes in the business and financial condition of the seller, the buyer, or both, and their respective customers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and Brown & Brown does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which Brown & Brown hereafter becomes aware.
Information: Ben Welsh 07568 382040