Austbrokers Countrywide and Adroit Insurance & Risk will merge to strengthen the combined group’s presence across Melbourne, regional Victoria and southeast Queensland.

The new operation will have more than 200 staff, nine offices and gross written premium of about $300 million. insuranceNEWS.com.au understands the merged entity will have one management team led by Countrywide executive chairman Tim Considine and GM Darren Toll, but in the shorter term each business will operate under separate licences and IT platforms. Eventually the business is expected to operate under a single brand.

“We are excited with the scale and footprint of the combined business to provide opportunities for our clients and staff,” Mr Considine said today.

Adroit broking operations manager and former equity partner Brendan Peck has announced his retirement after more than two decades of leadership.

He will provide transitional support until the end of next month. 

Austbrokers chief broking officer Ben Bessell says the merger creates a broad geographic footprint for the combined business, with enhanced capability to support clients across key markets. 

“Consistent with our partner network strategy, this merger brings together two businesses with aligned cultures, complementary skill sets and strong reputations,” he said.

“While Adroit and Countrywide share many strengths, each business also brings unique capabilities and expertise.”

Adroit dates back to 1978, when it started as a small broking business in Geelong. It later expanded in regional Victoria, Melbourne and Surfers Paradise. AUB Group acquired majority ownership in 2019, and it also owns a majority stake in Austbrokers Countrywide.

Mr Peck says joining with Austbrokers Countrywide will give the Adroit businesses access to “a wealth of management expertise” and additional scale.

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring these two wonderful businesses together,” he said.