Luker Rowe and HIA International join Clear

Clear Group has announced the acquisitions of HIA International and Luker Rowe.

The consideration for the deals was not disclosed.

Howard Lickens, executive chairman of the Clear Group, said: “We have known the teams at both HIA and Luker Rowe for many years so are confident that they will make a seamless transition to the Clear Group. Both businesses have real expertise in areas including property, pet and event insurance, which will enhance our own capability for operating in niche markets.

“These deals, once again, demonstrate the flexibility and attraction of our business model, which provides brokers with real choice in the future direction of their business. This can be through a soft succession option or through membership of the Brokerbility network.”

Expertise
Coventry-based, HIA International is a chartered broker, established in 1996. The existing management and wider team will all remain with HIA International and work closely with Clear colleagues on integrating the business.

This will include relocating the Coventry office to the Clear operation in Leamington Spa to create a scaled-up branch. A small team will continue to work from the HIA office based in Bedford.

Luker Rowe has also joined the portfolio. The Amersham-based broker began trading in 1989. Clear Group detailed that the 40-strong team and Luker Rowe handles £18m in GWP annually and brings in revenue of £3m.

Events
The broker has over 30 years’ experience providing insurance for the audiovisual and events industry and is a member of the National Outdoor Event Association, providing insurance for its event professionals. The management team and staff, led by principal, Chris Luker and managing director, John Dunn will all remain with the business.

The HIA business specialises in property owners’ insurance. It also provides Pet Professionals At Work, specifically designed to meet the insurance needs of businesses and individuals providing professional pet care services. According to Clear HIA brings in revenues of over £1.9m per annum.

Strategy
It is the latest move for Clear which bought Brokerbility last year in its largest acquisition to date. Going forward the business has a strategy to acquire well-run and profitable broking firms as well as attracting brokers to join its Brokerbility network. The organisation, backed by ECI Partners now controls £225m in GWP.

Nick Newbold, managing director of HIA International, said: “Being part of the Clear Group will enable us to further develop our business and provide a great career path for our staff. We already have a strong credibility in the property and pet insurance space, having traded in these areas for many years, and now our clients will also benefit from Clear’s wider offering and expertise.”

John Dunn, managing director of Luker Rowe, commented: “The Clear Group is a great cultural fit for our staff and provides a stronger base for our business.  We are really excited about the opportunities that being part of the Clear Group now presents to our team and clients.”

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