Yorkshire insurance broker sold to investor Global Risk Partners

Marshall Wooldridge, the Yorkshire-based independent insurance broker, has been acquired by specialist sector investor Global Risk Partners (GRP).

Established in 1973, Marshall Wooldridge is an independent commercial and personal lines broker with offices in Leeds and Rotherham and handles more than £20m in premiums.

The corporate finance team at KPMG in Leeds advised independent Marshall Wooldridge on the deal.

KPMG acted as financial adviser to the shareholders of Marshall Wooldridge on the sale of a majority equity stake to GRP.

Managing Director James Hall and the management team at Marshall Wooldridge will continue to lead the business following the completion of the transaction.

The acquisition by GRP will provide Marshall Wooldridge with access to financial resources, network and expertise to accelerate its expansion.

James Hall, managing director of Marshall Wooldridge, said: “The investment from GRP provides an excellent platform to fast track our growth agenda and will benefit our clients, staff and insurer partners.”

Shareholders of Marshall Wooldridge were advised by KPMG’s Christian Mayo, who was supported by Stewart Cape and Mick Morris, and Lester Wilson and Louise Parker of DWF’s corporate team in Leeds.

Christian Mayo, partner and head of corporate finance at KPMG in Yorkshire, commented: “We are seeing a real uptick in M&A activity across the insurance sector with strong demand for high quality regional brokers such as Marshall Wooldridge.

“There is no doubt that having the backing of a leading industry player in the form of GRP will signal a major transformation for the company.”

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