Transaction Overview

LONDON (November 25, 2019) – H.W. Kaufman Group, a global network of insurance companies, announced today the acquisition of Barbican Protect Limited, as part of its continued expansion into the UK market, subject to regulatory approval. Barbican Protect, previously of Barbican Insurance Group, will rebrand as Burns & Wilcox and join H.W. Kaufman Group London. This is the fourth acquisition by Kaufman in the UK in the past seven years, as the company follows a strategic growth plan that expands their expertise and resources to serve a growing base of international clients.

Barbican Protect Limited specializes in commercial property, casualty, financial lines and marine, focusing on regional retail brokers across the UK.

Commenting on the acquisition, Alan Jay Kaufman, Chairman, President and CEO, H.W. Kaufman Group, parent company of Burns & Wilcox, said: “Barbican Protect’s leadership in risk solutions adds a powerful resource to the Burns & Wilcox underwriting platform as we expand in the UK and build the capacity to continue to grow globally. Barbican Protect has created a unique and dynamic position supporting insurance brokers throughout the UK with a solid, successful operating model. We welcome the firm to the Kaufman family.”

Stuart Kilpatrick, Managing Director, Barbican Protect Limited, has led the MGA for 10 years after serving as divisional manager for UK Property & Casualty and client relationships manager at ACE Europe. In his new role, Kilpatrick will lead Burns & Wilcox as Managing Director and will report to James Stevenson, Managing Director, H.W. Kaufman Group London.

“The strength of our longstanding relationships and technical underwriting expertise has allowed Barbican Protect to successfully grow and develop over a number of years,” said Kilpatrick. “Kaufman’s investment further enables us to continue that momentum under the Burns & Wilcox brand, and become an even more valuable partner to our insurance brokers, their clients, and insurance partners.”

“This strategic acquisition will continue to provide choice and expertise for our insurance brokers at a time when consolidation and withdrawal of markets is becoming commonplace,” said James Stevenson, Managing Director, H.W. Kaufman Group London. “Barbican Protect’s strength of expertise fits well with H.W. Kaufman Group’s companies, as they also focus on their niche sectors and markets.”

Barbican Protect will operate in the H.W. Kaufman Group London office and in Manchester, England, as Burns & Wilcox. The transaction is expected to close in the next 60 days, pending regulatory approvals.

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About H.W. Kaufman Group and Burns & Wilcox
Burns & Wilcox is the insurance industry's leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager internationally recognized for its expertise in commercial and professional liability, property, environmental, marine and personal insurance.

Burns & Wilcox is a member of H.W. Kaufman Group, which has over 60 offices across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom and employs more than 2,000 professionals. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Metro Detroit, H.W. Kaufman Group also includes: Burns & Wilcox Brokerage, Burns & Wilcox Canada, Atain Insurance Companies, Afirm, Global Excess Partners, RB Jones, Stonemark, Minuteman Adjusters, Kaufman Institute and London-based, Chesterfield Insurance Brokers, Lochain Patrick, Cranbrook Underwriting and Node International. More information can be found at www.burnsandwilcox.com or www.hwkaufman.com.

Media Contacts:
Ryan Foster / FleishmanHillard U.S. / 313.324.7854 / Ryan.Foster@fleishman.com
George Ross / FleishmanHillard U.K. / 44 (0)20 3451 9131 / george.ross@fhflondon.co.uk