Wed, 21 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Independent insurance broker Clear Group has acquired a Warwickshire-based firm specialising in the UK veterinary sector in its first acquisition of 2026. Shire Insurance Services’ specialist capabilities further strengthen Clear Group’s UK retail pillar.
Shire Insurance Services was founded in 1981 and is based in Alcester. The specialist broker employs 15 staff and places approximately £7 million of gross written premiums (GWP).
The company is owned by majority shareholder Keith Dickinson alongside co-founder John Worton. Post-acquisition, Dickinson and the wider Shire Insurance Services team will remain with the business, helping to ensure continuity for clients, partners and colleagues.
The acquisition adds another specialist operation to the growing Clear Group portfolio and comes after the firm completed six acquisitions in 2025. Shire Insurance Services will significantly enhance the group’s veterinary sector expertise.
The Warwickshire firm has a strong veterinary surgery scheme placed with Ecclesiastical, as well as complementary employee benefits capabilities. In addition, it provides an array of other specialist insurance solutions to veterinary practices.
As a result of its range of capabilities, the company is seen as being well placed to capitalise on future growth opportunities arising from the resurgence of independent veterinary practices and increasing corporate carve-outs.
Mike Edgeley, Group CEO of Clear Group said: “Shire Insurance Services is a highly regarded specialist business with deep expertise in the veterinary sector. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building leading specialist propositions within our UK Retail pillar.”
Keith Dickinson, Managing Director of Shire Insurance Services, added: “Clear Group shares our values, commitment to specialist advice and ambition for growth. Joining Clear provides Shire with the scale, resources and support to continue investing in our people and enhancing the services we deliver to veterinary clients across the UK, while preserving the specialist focus that has defined our business for decades.”
After years of consolidation in the UK broker market, buyers are increasingly turning their attention towards specialist firms
This well-established Chartered Building Surveyors Consultancy offers over 30 years of esteemed expertise in the London and South East region, backed by a strong repeat customer base and an experienced team. With significant potential for growth thro...
This well-established IFA firm on the South Coast, managing £400m in Funds Under Management, presents an excellent opportunity for businesses seeking expansion or entry into the area.
This well-established firm in Central Scotland offers a rare opportunity to acquire a technologically advanced business with a strong client base and impressive average fees of £4,200.
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.