Miller has announced that GIC, a global institutional investor, and Cinven, an international private equity firm, have reached an agreement for GIC to acquire Cinven’s shares in Miller, “securing its long-term independent future as a leading specialist broker.”
The transaction is expected to close at the end of Q1 2024, and will see GIC become the majority shareholder in Miller, subject to completion and regulatory approval.
According to Miller, this agreement represents a “major milestone in its evolution into a leading independent specialist broker”, with the backing of a long-term owner committed to supporting its “entrepreneurial culture, one team approach and unrivalled focus on client service.”
Miller noted that since returning to independence in 2021, it has seen significant sustained growth, with annualized revenues now well over £200m.
The firm has also made acquisitions in Europe and Asia and launched its first MGA sister entity, Casper Specialty UK Limited.
James Hands, CEO of Miller, commented, “When Miller returned to independence in 2021, we outlined a bold and ambitious vision and today’s announcement reflects how we’ve delivered against this.
“We have meaningfully grown our revenues, both organically and inorganically, added well over 250 colleagues across the UK, Europe, Asia and Bermuda and built on our reputation for market-leading specialism and highest quality of service to our clients.
“Our shareholders have been pivotal in helping us to achieve this, and I would like to thank Cinven for their support and investment.
“Looking ahead, GIC’s ownership will enable us to maintain the exciting trajectory we are on. As we seek to add new talent and continue our M&A strategy, stable long-term ownership and independence will be critical differentiators for Miller.
“GIC’s investment is also a strong statement of confidence in our future and the strategy the management team has set to build on our platform. As we enter 2024, I am more confident than ever in my belief that if you are a leader in specialty insurance you should be at Miller.”
Yong Cheen Choo, Chief Investment Officer of Private Equity, GIC, said, “We are delighted to deepen our relationship with Miller and are grateful to Cinven for their partnership over the last three years.
“This further investment in Miller is consistent with GIC’s strategy of developing long-term relationships with our portfolio companies and targeting the highest quality businesses.
“The defensive nature and strong market dynamics of the (re)insurance market, coupled with Miller’s positioning, have seen the business consistently deliver growth with the foundations laid for continued sustainable success.”
Chris Reid, Head of Direct Investments Group, Private Equity Europe, GIC, added, “Since GIC’s first investment three years ago, Miller has continued to prove itself as a dynamically growing specialist broker with competitive expertise across a number of franchises, such as marine & energy, sports & entertainment, professional & financial risks, property & casualty and cargo.
“GIC’s new investment is a statement of our belief in Miller’s people and culture, their expertise and growth potential of the business. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and supporting James and Miller’s employees in this next exciting chapter for the company.”
Commenting on the investment, Luigi Sbrozzi, Partner at Cinven said, “We are very proud of the journey Miller has travelled over the last three years and its strong growth during that time, which has been supported by expanding into new geographies and product lines.
“It is a great example of Cinven’s strategy to support leading companies with sustainable, resilient business models that can perform well through macroeconomic cycles. We wish the team continued success in the future.”
