Swinton expands commercial division with Lawrences acquisition

by Gill Montia

Story link: Swinton expands commercial division with Lawrences acquisition

Swinton Group has acquired independent brokerage, Lawrences, via its Swinton Business division.

The move forms part of an ambitious programme to expand Swinton’s commercial business, which aims to exceed premium income of £150 million by 2011.

Lawrences, which has been trading for over 50 years, is based in Sevenoaks, Kent and has gross premium income of around £6 million.

The firm employs 15 staff and specialises in providing commercial insurance for the SME market. It also advises on health and safety matters.

Swinton chief executive, Patrick Smith, said: “Lawrences is a strong, well established broker and is the type of business we are looking to acquire in order to expand our commercial arm, Swinton Business.

In 2008 the group acquired a record 45 brokers including three well established commercial brokers: Vectis, Rockford and Andinsure.