UK & International Business Sales and M&A News

Plymouth-based marine insurance broker Curtis Marine has been acquired by the Howden Group to become part of their rapidly expanding marine practice, trading under the Haven Knox-Johnston name. Curtis Marine will join Euromarine, A-Plan Marine and Howden Fastnet to collectively form part of Haven Knox-Johnston, the UK’s leading marine insurance provider.

As a family-run business, Curtis Marine has been providing marine insurance solutions to the South West region for the last 40 years. Organising cover for a wide variety of vessel types, from dinghies to luxury motorboats, and for marine businesses from sole traders to marinas, the Curtis team prides itself on exceptional customer service, with advice and guidance for clients throughout their insurance journey. The Curtis Marine ethos fits closely with that of the Howden Group, making it the perfect addition to the business.

The acquisition develops Haven Knox-Johnston’s national presence, with an established local team based in Plymouth able to provide excellent customer service, alongside an increased product portfolio.

Steve Hook, Head of Marine Practice at Howden Marine Practice, said:

Aidan Mepsted, Director at Curtis Marine, added:

Throughout the acquisition process, the Curtis Marine team is trading as normal and is contactable through its usual lines of communication. The business purchase has no effect on existing policies or current quotations.

Howden is a leading global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart.  Founded in 1994, it provides insurance broking, reinsurance broking and underwriting services and solutions to clients ranging from individuals to the largest multinational companies.
The group operates in 50 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, employing 14,500 people and handling $30bn of premium on behalf of clients. In the UK and Ireland it operates primarily through its A-Plan, Aston Lark and Howden brands.

Haven Knox-Johnston specialises in the leisure marine segment and has been a recognised brand since the 1980s.  The family-focused, friendly and approachable team prides itself on providing high levels of customer service whilst simplifying the boat insurance process.

Family-run Curtis Marine has been providing marine insurance solutions to UK customers for the last 40 years as an independent insurance broker.  Organising cover for a wide variety of vessel types from dinghies to luxury motorboats, alongside marine trade insurance for all types of businesses, the Curtis Marine team prides themselves on exceptional customer service, providing advice and guidance for clients throughout their insurance journey, from a review of needs and providing competitive quotes, right through to claims support.

First Peninsula Marine is a specialist business sales and acquisitions agency focused exclusively on the marine and maritime sectors. Operating nationally to provide a range of strategic advisory services to business owners, trade buyers, financial institutions and private investors. First Peninsula Marine advises on a wide range of instructions from £multimillion corporate finance backed transactions and strategic plc acquisitions to local owner-managed business sales.

• Guide Price: Undisclosed

• Financials: Undisclosed

• Transaction Structure: Acquisition of 100% of Share Capital in Curtis Marine Insurance Brokers Limited by Howden Group

• Advisors to Curtis Marine: First Peninsula Marine / Bright LLP Solicitors / Batterbee Thompson Accountants

• Advisors to Howden Group: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP