Fenchurch is pleased to have advised AXIS Capital (“AXIS”) on its recommended cash acquisition of Novae Group (“Novae”) for £478 million.

The acquisition combines a leading specialty Lloyd's franchise with a world-class international specialty (re)insurer, strengthening a broad, balanced and efficient global underwriting platform.

Albert Benchimol, President & CEO of AXIS, commented: “Fenchurch’s knowledge of the Lloyd’s sector and UK Takeover Code were critical contributions to our consummation of this transaction. We were well-served by the entire team which was highly engaged throughout the process.”

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised the shareholders of Lark Group on the merger with Aston Scott, backed by Bowmark Capital.

Founded in 1948, Lark Group is one of the UK’s pre-eminent independent insurance brokers, with specialist capabilities across commercial lines, mid to high net worth private clients and employee benefits, serving over 50,000 clients. The merger with Aston Scott will create one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, controlling over £240m of GWP.

Graham Lark, Chairman of Lark Group, said: “Throughout the transaction, the professionalism and commitment shown by the Fenchurch team were exceptional. Fenchurch’s insight and senior level access into the insurance market ensured a highly satisfactory outcome for all of the shareholders, our colleagues and our clients.”

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised Ryan Specialty Group (“RSG”) on the sale of Ryan Direct Group (“RDG”) to HPS Investment Partners and Madison Dearborn Partners.

RDG is a leading provider of insurance solutions to the UK general insurance industry with a particular expertise in the specialist personal lines sector.

Michael Rice, Managing Director of RSG, commented: “Fenchurch brought an intimate knowledge of the potential buyer universe for Ryan Direct Group and an in-depth understanding of the key valuation drivers for the business. Their clear guidance and strategic advice allowed us to execute a crisp sale process and deliver a successful outcome for all parties.”

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised Primary Group on the sale of UK General to J.C. Flowers & Co. for an undisclosed consideration.

UK General is the UK’s largest personal lines MGA, offering specialist insurance products across the property, leisure & lifestyle, income protection, financial loss, motor financial, warranty, travel and personal accident categories.

Karen Beales, Managing Director of UK General, said: “Fenchurch’s in-depth knowledge of the personal lines insurance sector was critical in positioning the equity story for UK General. The level of senior engagement throughout the project was invaluable and helped ensure a successful outcome for all stakeholders in the business.”

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised AXA on the sale of its UK P&C commercial broker Bluefin Insurance Group (“Bluefin”) to Marsh for £295m.
 
Bluefin is a leading insurance broker, providing services to private individuals, small businesses, and large corporates in the UK, with approximately 1,500 employees based in 45 locations. It also operates a broker network and a growing MGA business.
 
Marsh will combine Bluefin with Jelf to create one of the UK’s largest insurance brokers for mid-size and SME companies, serving over 250,000 clients in 80 locations across the UK.
 
Fenchurch also advised Jelf on its sale to Marsh in 2015.
 
Amanda Blanc, CEO of AXA UK commented “Fenchurch helped us develop a bespoke and confidential process which resulted in AXA securing excellent transaction terms through an accelerated timetable whilst minimising execution risk”.

Fenchurch is pleased to have acted as financial adviser to Lonmar Global Risks on the sale of a majority stake to Global Risk Partners. Lonmar’s management team, led by David Pexton, Chief Executive, will continue to lead the business and retain a significant equity stake following completion of the transaction.


Established in 1977, Lonmar is a leading independent Lloyd’s broker based in London. Serving a global client base in over 70 countries, including local intermediaries and insurers, Lonmar provides expertise and access to specialist underwriters and insurance capacity in London and other leading markets, worldwide.

Lonmar specialises in handling large-scale, complex and specialist risks, including Accident & Health, Agencies, Binding Authorities, Bloodstock, Casualty, Fine Art, Specie, Marine, Professions and Property.

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised Oakley Capital on the sale of Broadstone to Livingbridge.

Broadstone is a leading, mid-market employee benefits consulting firm based in London.

Broadstone provides pensions, employee benefits, actuarial and investment consulting advice to small and medium sized employers, pension scheme trustees and individual pension scheme members.

Fenchurch is pleased to have advised Congregational and General Charitable Trust on the sale of Congregational & General Insurance plc (“C&GI”) to Inter Hannover.

C&GI is a leading specialist insurer of places of worship. The sale includes C&GI’s interest in Integra the home insurance MGA jointly developed with Inter Hannover.

Margaret Atkinson, Chairman of Congregational & General Charitable Trust, commented:  “Fenchurch played a pivotal role in orchestrating this transaction, successfully balancing the objectives of multiple stakeholders and demonstrating a clear understanding of our  charitable status. Their senior team remained fully committed and provided valuable advice over an extended period.”

Fenchurch was pleased to act as financial adviser to Jelf Group plc on the recommended all cash acquisition by Marsh. The 215 pence per share acquisition values Jelf’s aggregate equity share capital at £258m.

Jelf is a leading provider of insurance, healthcare and financial advisory services to the UK mid-market and SME sectors. Following its establishment in 1989, Jelf was admitted to trading on the AIM market in 2004. Capital Z became the company's largest shareholder through a secondary market transaction in 2010.

Since 2004, Jelf has delivered sustained growth in revenue from £8.5m to £82.6m in 2014. Growth has been achieved through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. 
 


Joining the Marsh group will provide Jelf with the opportunity to accelerate the achievement of its strategic and financial objectives and will enable its shareholders to realise value today at an attractive multiple.

Fenchurch is pleased to have acted as financial adviser to RFIB Holdings Limited on the sale of a majority stake to San Francisco-based private equity firm, Calera Capital. Management and employees of RFIB will retain a significant equity stake in the business.

RFIB is a leading, mid-market, Lloyd’s insurance and reinsurance broker based in London. The business focuses on marine, non-marine and specialist classes of business where it has superior technical and territorial knowledge. With an established presence in eleven locations, it is a truly international broker with exposure to both developed economies and emerging markets.

Jonathan Turnbull, Chief Executive of RFIB, commented: “Fenchurch’s technical expertise and strong execution skills helped us achieve a successful outcome to a complex transaction involving various stakeholder interests. We were particularly impressed by their commitment to achieving a successful conclusion and the high quality of advice and support we received at all stages of the transaction.”