Noble Insurance Group to Acquire Specialist Insurance Intermediary

OakNorth, the leading digital bank for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs, has provided a £5m loan to Noble Insurance Group, the integrated network of specialist insurance intermediaries across multiple classes. 

Founded in 2019 via the management buy-in of Noble Marine, a leading pleasure craft specialist, Noble Insurance Group was launched to build a family of specialist insurance brands. Its current brands, including CBI, Graham Sykes, New Moon and WG Yachts, offer a diverse range of insurance products and services covering day to day insurance needs and specialist requirements. 

The £5m loan from OakNorth will support the acquisition of specialist insurance intermediary, Caravanwise. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Christchurch, Dorset, the firm specialises in the camping and leisure market and arranges insurance cover for touring and static caravans, as well as for trailer tents, folding campers, park homes, motorhomes, campervans and horseboxes. The loan will also help accelerate the Group’s buy and build strategy, that has seen it complete twelve acquisitions to date. 

OakNorth were advised on the transaction by Cowgills and HCR, and Noble Insurance Group were advised by SMB.

Henry Arundel, Co-founder and Managing Director of Noble Insurance Group, commented on the transaction: “Caravanwise is an excellent addition to our portfolio. It has a highly impressive brand reputation, loyal customer bases, and deep expertise in the caravan and leisure markets. Dale and his team’s support enables us to continue acquiring complementary, specialist brokers that align with our strategy and values. We look forward to working with OakNorth further as we scale the platform and continue delivering value to both our insurer partners and policyholders.” 

Dale Cowdell, Director of Debt Finance at OakNorth, added: “As a result of Henry and Ian’s leadership, Noble Insurance Group has built a robust, high-margin platform in a highly specialised part of the insurance market. With a proven buy-and-build strategy and strong insurer partnerships, coupled with the growth in revenues that insurance agent and broker market is set to deliver over the next five years, the business is well-positioned for continued sustainable growth. We’re delighted to support Henry, Ian and their teams as they expand their presence with this latest acquisition.”