Aston Lark buys O’Loughlin Insurance Group in Ireland

Aston Lark has bought D O’Loughlin & Co, trading as O’Loughlin Insurance Group, in its second Irish deal this year.

The move follows its purchase of North County Brokers in Balbriggan, County Dublin, in March.

O’Loughlin is based in Swords, County Dublin, and was founded in 1984 by the late David O’Loughlin.

According to Aston Lark, O’Loughlin was followed into the business by both his sons in the early 90s. The broker is now led by managing director Paul O’Loughlin and director Michelle Richardson.

The company offers insurance across both personal and commercial lines.

Ireland
Aston Lark first entered the Irish market in January 2019, when it bought Dublin-based Robertson Low. This was followed by its purchase of Irish broker Wright Insurance Brokers with offices in Wexford and Carlow in December 2019.

The business has previously said that its Irish brokers would be brought together and rebranded as Aston Lark Ireland this month.

Robert Kennedy, Aston Lark Ireland CEO, said: “O’Loughlin Insurance Group will be a great addition to Aston Lark in Ireland, bringing expertise in a number of niche areas across personal and commercial insurance.

“Dave O’Loughlin, having founded the business more than 30 years ago, was well known in both the insurance industry and North County Dublin.

“His customer-first ethos has continued to this day and he would be very proud of the business Paul O’Loughlin, Michelle Richardson and the team have built over the past few years.”

Kennedy noted that further deal announcements in Ireland were “imminent”.  

Future
Peter Blanc, Aston Lark Group CEO, added: “The Aston Lark management team are delighted to see Rob and his team secure another excellent acquisition.

“We’re fast becoming the acquirer of choice in the Irish market and I know Rob is very keen to continue finding like-minded brokers to join the group.”

Paul O’Loughlin, managing director of O’Loughlin Insurance Group, said: “Following consultations in a very active mergers and acquisitions market, we are delighted to have chosen the Aston Lark Group for the future of the business.

“We are excited about their vision for developing the insurance broker business in Ireland and locally, and the opportunities it will provide for our staff and customers. It’s a competitive market and we are pleased that Aston Lark values the local broker and the service we provide to our loyal customers. We are very excited about the future as part of the Aston Lark Group.”

Deals
O’Loughlin is Aston Lark’s eighth deal this year and follows its purchase of DNA Insurance earlier this month.

The Goldman Sachs-backed consolidator has also recently bought Bruce Stevenson in Scotland, as well as managing general agent Magenta Insurance. In early March, it completed three deals in a week.

For all the latest industry news direct to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.