Aon to acquire Griffiths & Armour to strengthen UK and Ireland market presence

Aon, a global professional services firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AON, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Griffiths & Armour, a UK-based insurance broker.

Aon, a global professional services firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AON, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Griffiths & Armour, a UK-based insurance broker.

Upon completion, Griffiths & Armour will become wholly owned by Aon UK Limited and will be branded as “Griffiths & Armour, an Aon company.”

This acquisition supports Aon’s strategy to expand its presence within the UK and Ireland, bringing added depth and breadth to its insurance solutions.

The transaction is expected to bolster Aon’s service offering by combining Griffiths & Armour’s specialised expertise with Aon’s resources, creating a platform for further growth in the region and beyond. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Aon provides a broad range of services, including risk, retirement, and health solutions to clients worldwide.

The company has a significant presence in financial and insurance markets globally, and it aims to enhance these services through strategic acquisitions that align with its client-centred “Aon United” strategy. The addition of Griffiths & Armour to Aon’s portfolio supports this ambition by enhancing its insurance broking capabilities in the UK and Ireland.

Founded and based in northern England, Griffiths & Armour has built a strong reputation in professional indemnity and general insurance broking, employing around 200 people across its offices in Liverpool, Manchester, Dublin, and London.

Known for its expertise in specialist insurance solutions, the company is celebrated for its unique client-focused culture, which has developed over 90 years.

Aon remains committed to Griffiths & Armour’s presence in Liverpool, ensuring that its offices in Liverpool’s Princes Dock will continue to operate as part of the acquisition.

The deal also secures the future of Griffiths & Armour’s existing teams across all locations, preserving the culture and relationships that underpin the firm’s success.

Closing of the acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and the transaction is expected to complete by Q1 of 2025. Until the closing date, Aon and Griffiths & Armour will continue to operate independently.

Greg Case, CEO of Aon, said, “As we continue to go further, faster to help our clients navigate growing uncertainty and volatility, we are looking forward to welcoming Griffiths & Armour to Aon. Our complementary capabilities and cultures will create unmatched client and colleague experiences across the UK and Ireland and contribute to our global 3×3 Plan to accelerate our Aon United strategy.”

Carl Evans, CEO of professional risks for Griffiths & Armour, commented, “Becoming part of the Aon family is the result of a meticulous search for a trusted partner with whom we can work, to ensure the future success of Griffiths & Armour and to enable us to enhance, grow and expand our unique client proposition. This proposition is founded on a culture that has been created and refined over the last 90 years, of which we are immensely proud.”

Matt Donnelly, CEO of general insurance for Griffiths & Armour, added, “We have long-regarded Aon for its professionalism and client service excellence. In them we have found a partner who will not only help deliver continued growth, but also preserve and embrace the culture that we and our client community hold dear. We very much look forward to this next chapter.”

Jane Kielty, UK CEO at Aon, said, “Griffiths & Armour is a brilliant business and will bring quality, expertise and an exceptional platform for growth to our firm. We’re very excited to work with the leadership team to deliver the fantastic results for clients and colleagues that we passionately believe will be created by joining together.”

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