Montagu Private Equity (Montagu) has signed an agreement to
acquire Misys General Insurance (MGI) for £182 million. MGI is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Misys plc, a global business providing
specialised software applications to the healthcare and banking
industries. Final completion of the sale is expected within the
next three months.
MGI consists of two main operating divisions, Misys Financial
Systems ("MFS") and Misys Insurance Management. MFS provides
hardware, software and IT services to UK general insurance
intermediaries. Misys Insurance Management, also known as
Countrywide, is a network of independently owned insurance brokers
who work together with Insurers to provide superior products and
servicing for their customers.
In the year ending 31 May 2005, MGI achieved EBITDA of £17.5m on
sales of £33.7m. The business employs 300 people and is
headquartered in Worcester.
Commenting on the announcement, Jason Gatenby, Director of Montagu
Private Equity said:
"Since the current managers were appointed to MGI in 1999 the
Company has more than doubled its profits. This acquisition is in
line with our favoured strategy of backing established teams in
businesses with positive momentum. We were attracted to the
business by its excellent record of profit growth and cash
generation, the potential for growth in commercial lines business
and the possibility of synergistic acquisitions. We plan no changes
to the management of MGI, with whom we have been very impressed, or
the way it is run, and are delighted to be associated with another
very high quality business."
Phillip Bell, CEO of MGI added:
"We are pleased that Montagu has decided to back us in continuing
to grow MGI. Customers should be reassured that we are committed to
continuing the highest levels of service and intend to develop MGI
further via organic growth and selected acquisitions. The senior
management team is fully committed to staying with the business, to
build on the success we have already achieved.
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