Insurance broker Aston Scott in West Malling completes takeover of Bell & Co

An insurance broker has made its first takeover of the year and says there are “several others in the pipeline”.

Aston Scott, based in West Malling, has completed the purchase of Derby-based Bell & Co for an undisclosed sum.

The deal adds Bell & Co’s 3,000 clients and 25 employees to the business, which employs more than 250 staff across 12 offices around the UK.

Aston Scott has completed the acquisition of Bell & Co
Aston Scott has completed the acquisition of Bell & Co

Aston Scott – which trades more than £100 million of gross written premiums – restructured in May 2015 as its founder Andrew Scott stepped back to work as an independent consultant.

It was taken over in a management buyout led by Peter Blanc, a former retail chief executive at insurance giant Arthur J Gallagher.

The insurance broking group’s planned takeover spree is backed by private equity firm Bowmark Capital LLP.

Chief executive Mr Blanc said: “We are delighted to welcome the team from Bell & Co to the Aston Scott family.

Aston Scott's headquarters in West Malling
Aston Scott's headquarters in West Malling

“The two businesses have a lot in common; both chartered, independent and client focussed.

“We look forward to supporting Bell & Co with their expansion plans in the region and I look forward to meeting all of the team over the next few weeks.”

Richard Salt, managing director of Bell & Co, said: “We have been talking to Aston Scott and building foundations over the course of the last year and we look forward to becoming part of a larger independent broking group.

“We are aiming to grow Bell & Co in Derby to £20 million gross written premium over the next few years and as part of Aston Scott we will be very well positioned to achieve this.”

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