Oban insurance broker taken over

JELF, a consultancy specialising in insurance, risk management and employee benefits – and which is part of Marsh, a major business in insurance broking and risk management solutions – announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Clark Thomson, Scotland’s largest independent insurance broker.

Established in 1965, Clark Thomson is headquartered in Perth and has an office in Oban. With more than 200 employees, Clark Thomson provides insurance broking services to small- and medium-sized (SME) businesses, with particular expertise in the agriculture, renewable energy, food and drink, and retail sectors, as well as individuals and families.

Jelf is one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers for mid-size and SME companies, with almost 3,000 staff serving more than 250,000 clients from over 75 locations.

Jelf will combine its existing Scottish operations and Clark Thomson into a single business unit. The combined business will, subject to regulatory approvals, be led by Ben Bailey, managing director of Clark Thomson, and a management team drawn from across Clark Thomson and Jelf.

Mr Bailey said: ‘This deal is great news for our clients and colleagues alike. Through Jelf, our clients will have access to a wider range of services and solutions, while colleagues will benefit from being part of Marsh’s wider global network. I look forward to bringing Jelf and Clark Thomson’s operations together, and building the leading advisory business in Scotland.’

Phil Barton, chief executive of Jelf, said: ‘This is a highly significant transaction that underlines Jelf’s commitment to building the leading community-based advisory business across the UK. We are significantly broadening our geographic reach.’