25 May 2012

Insurance brokers in bid spree

04/04/2008 Robert Tyerman

Insurance broker network operator Cobra Holdings and diversified insurance broker CBG have clinched £12.1 million of takeovers.

As foreshadowed here three days ago, acquisitive London-based Cobra has gone on the takeover trail again and has bought three brokers and one underwriting agency for a combined price tag that could reach £9.8 million. At the same time, its fellow AIM counter, Manchester-headquartered insurance broking, financial advice and healthcare concern CBG has bought Howgud, the holding company for Oldham-based insurance broker and financial services provider EDN, for up to £2.22 million.

Cobra’s chief executive Steve Burrows says the company is ‘taking advantage of the opportunities for consolidation in the insurance broking market’. Cobra is buying three profitable brokers, Hampshire-based Giles (Alton), Mancunian company JK Lee and GKD, which also brings with it an agency for a group of independent insurance firms.

CBG is paying an initial £1.2 million for EDN parent Howgud, its second regional acquisition so far this year, and a deferred ‘earn-out’ consideration of up to £1.125 million if certain targets are met over two years. Laurie Turnbull, CBG’s chairman, argues ‘real benefits will be derived from consolidating and integrating EDN into CBG’.

Cobra’s shares have not moved on the news and remain at 88.5p, down from 107.5p in December, valuing the company at £36.4 million. CBG is up 1p at 157.5p, down from December’s high of 191p and putting a value of £21.7 million on the company.

Growth Company Investor subscribers have full access to all our AIM and small-cap share recommendations. To subscribe today with a half-price offer, and gain immediate access to all the recommendations, click here.

Sector: General Financial

Companies: Cobra , CBG

Achieve impressive returns

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena

Click here

Achieve impressive returns on the go

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!

Institutional Investors in AIM 2011 - New Report

This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.

Coverage of AIM, techMARK and PLUS Markets

Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.

If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.

Latest small-cap and growth company news

Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.

Popular News

Latest News

Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012

Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Drilling on AIM, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Gulf Keystone Petroleum

Shell considers Cove 24/05/2012

Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.

Tags: Bid trumped, Doing business in Mozambique, Oil giants on AIM, Takeovers and bids

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Royal Dutch Shell 'A' , Cove Energy

Roxi reaches 1,360 metres 23/05/2012

Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.

Tags: AIM ventures, Doing business in Kazakhstan, Oil on AIM

Cluff Natural Resources joins AIM 22/05/2012

Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.

Tags: Entrepreneurs on AIM, Gold mining, Oil and gas on AIM

Red Emperor exercises Shabeel 21/05/2012

Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.

Tags: Business in the Puntland, Doing business in Somalia, Drilling for oil & gas, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Red Emperor Resources

Heritage happy in Iraq 18/05/2012

Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Oil on the full list, Oil production, Target depth

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Heritage Oil

More News

Sectors