Chartered insurance broker Aston Lark has announced the acquisition of MS Amlin’s marine pleasure craft book of business.
Haven was formed as a boat insurance provider in 1986 and merged with Knox-Johnston Insurance Brokers in 1992 to become Haven Knox-Johnston, part of the Amlin Group.
A further merger in 2016 saw the business renamed MS Amlin.
Following the sale to Aston Lark, MS Amlin Boat Insurance will be re-branded Haven Knox-Johnston in January 2021, keeping the existing team of 30 and providing the same high-quality service, with MS Amlin continuing to operate in an underwriting capacity.
“I’m delighted that Aston Lark will be reviving the historic Haven Knox-Johnston brand and I’m looking forward to developing the business significantly over the coming months, including the launch of an online broker portal, whilst ensuring a continuation of the high level of service brokers and customers have come to expect,” said Peter Blanc, Aston Lark Group CEO.
“I’m pleased that MS Amlin have demonstrated their confidence in the business by agreeing to a long-term underwriting commitment.”
Tom Oostra, MS Amlin Insurance SE’s Chief Underwriting Officer for Marine, added, “I believe that the transition to Aston Lark provides significant potential to invest in and further improve what is already a great proposition for clients. I’m delighted that we will continue to provide underwriting capacity, and to be working with the team at Aston Lark.”
Founding family member Sir Robin Knox-Johnston added, “I am so pleased that Haven Knox-Johnston, the brand my brother Chris and I helped to build over so many years, is coming back. The original business was built on pillars of knowledge, fairness and integrity and I am confident this will continue under the new ownership of Aston Lark.”
