Wed, 02 Sep 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
An Essex-based commercial motor insurance intermediary is set to be acquired by a global insurance group headquartered in the US. Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC), which is based in Houston, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Chelmsford-based Direct Commercial Limited (DCL).
DCL provides operators across the UK with commercial fleet cover. The company, which insures one in nine commercial trucks on UK roads through its dedicated broker network, writes more than £200 million in gross written premium (GWP).
Following the completion of its takeover by TMHCC, the firm will continue to operate as a standalone business, maintaining its established brand, team and broker network, while benefitting from the increased scale and financial strength of a larger group.
TMHCC Chief Executive Thibaud Hervy commented: "DCL brings us a leading specialist capability in UK fleet insurance, supported by strong underwriting discipline, claims capability and broker relationships.”
"This acquisition is a natural extension of our specialty strategy and strengthens our ability to support clients and brokers in a technically demanding and fast-growing market. We share a strong client-focused, expertise-led culture.”
DCL Chief Executive Phil Cunningham said that the company had “built a highly successful business founded on specialist commercial motor expertise, disciplined underwriting and enduring broker relationships.”
Cunningham called TMHCC “the ideal partner” to support the next stage of the firm’s development, adding that the deal “represents an exciting opportunity for our people, brokers and clients.”
He continued: "By combining DCL's proven capabilities with TMHCC's scale, resources and long-term commitment to specialty insurance, we will be well positioned to accelerate our growth while maintaining the expertise, accessibility and service that have underpinned our success."
In accounts for the year to February 28 2026, Direct Commercial Limited reported turnover of £34.4 million, up from £33.8 million a year earlier, while operating profit dipped from approximately £19.4 million to £17.2 million.
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