Deals: Aston Lark Are Hungrier Than Aldi’s Caterpillar

The deals keep on coming across the UK and Ireland insurance broker sectors, here’s the latest news;

Aston Lark, the Chartered insurance broker backed by Goldman Sachs, today announces it has agreed terms to acquire D O’Loughlin & Co Limited which trades as the O’Loughlin Insurance Group. The acquisition will be Aston Lark’s second in Ireland this year.

Based in Swords in County Dublin, the O’Loughlin Insurance Group was founded in 1984 by the late David O’Loughlin who worked tirelessly to establish the business as one of North County Dublin’s leading insurance brokers. Dave was followed into the business by both his sons in the early 90s and under the later guidance of Paul O’Loughlin and Michelle Richardson, and through the hard work of the company’s very loyal staff, the business has continued to grow.

O’Loughlin Insurance Group prides itself on investing in technology to support its experienced and diligent staff in providing an excellent service in both personal and commercial lines insurance.

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. Following on from the recent acquisition of North County Brokers, this is another step in an exciting journey for Aston Lark in Ireland. With further deal announcements imminent, we are on track to realise our ambition of becoming Ireland’s leading independent insurance broker.”

Commenting on the acquisition, 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.”