DCJ Insurance acquires Real Insurance

Chesterfield-based DCJ Insurance Group has announced the acquisition of Real Insurance Group, subject to regulatory approval.

It is the GRP-owned broker’s second transaction in 2021 and follows the purchase of Lincoln-headquartered commercial broker J E Sills & Sons in March.

Real Insurance, a commercial broker based in Mansfield, was founded in 1976. It was a member of Marsh UK’s network business, which was also acquired by GRP earlier this year and rebranded to Hedron Network.

Stephen Ross, head of M&A for GRP, commented on the move: “Offering brokerages an option to create value from their work via a sale was part of the rationale behind our deal to buy Hedron Network, so I’m especially pleased that we have brought Real Insurance across the line so quickly to be part of DCJ.

“A number of other network members have reached out to us to discuss alternatives, which I hope will translate into further deals during the next few months, either through our hubs or as standalone acquisitions.”

Deal
Real Insurance reportedly provides a range of commercial insurance including business insurance, property owners, motor trade, and manufacturers.  

According to a press statement, there are no plans to move the business from its current location, and it will continue to serve its customers in the East Midlands. 

David Jones, founder of DCJ, said: “Real Insurance is a very well-established business in Mansfield, and building upon our recent transaction of Lincoln based J E Sills, the deal represents a significant increase in our footprint across the East Midlands.”

Changes
Jones explained that the acquisition is substantial for DCJ, as he said Real is a quality business which would give the firm a great platform to expand.

Steve Taylor, Real Insurance managing director, will continue to run the business following completion of the deal. He said the opportunity to move into new ownership came “at a really good time for us”.

According to Taylor, his fellow vendors, Paul Mason and Helen Mason, wanted to exit the business while he wished to take it on to a new phase of growth.

He said: “I am hugely excited by the prospect of working alongside David and the DCJ team to further build our presence in the East Midlands.”

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