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Eversheds Sutherland advises Aston Lark on its agreed sale to Howden

  • United Kingdom
  • Global

    18-10-2021

    Eversheds Sutherland is advising Aston Lark on its agreed sale to Howden.

    Aston Lark is one of the UK’s largest and leading, independent, specialist complex commercial and private client brokers, specialising in complex commercial and private client insurance and employee benefit advice.

    Howden is an international insurance broking group. The highly complementary union completes Howden’s UK broking business, with Aston Lark joining A-Plan Group and Howden UK to create a full-service broker unrivalled in its quality, scale and reach in the UK.

    The Eversheds Sutherland team is led by corporate Partner Catherine Eley and Principal Associate James Finney, supported by Senior Associate Lauren Chamberlain and Associate Amy Bagni.

    The transaction marks Howden’s largest acquisition to date and creates a UK business managing over £6bn of gross written premium for more than 1.7 million policyholders who are served by over 5,000 employees from 160 locations in the UK and Ireland.

    The business will be led by a combined management team to optimise client solutions and service. Upon completion, Aston Lark Chief Executive Peter Blanc will become Executive Chairman of Howden’s UK retail broking operations while current A-Plan Chief Executive Officer, Carl Shuker will be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the new platform. Andy Bragoli, Chief Executive Officer of Howden UK, will lead Howden’s International Specialty business. The management team will report into Jose Manuel Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, Howden Broking Group.

    The deal is subject to regulatory approval.

    Catherine Eley, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

    “The success of this deal really is down to a combination of a significant team effort and the quality of the technical experience and knowledge we were able to draw on to ensure the best outcome for our client. We’re delighted to have supported and look forward to continuing that support in the future.”

    Tim Holland, Group Chief Financial Officer, Aston Lark, said:

    “Eversheds Sutherland provided excellence at every point, from the team’s legal technical know-how and commercial awareness to the level of client service we received. This was a notable deal and the Eversheds Sutherland team was exemplary in its delivery. We’re delighted.”

    Catherine Eley, Partner

    This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full terms and conditions on our website.

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