Willis Insurance & Risk Management (IRM) has acquired specialist insurance broker Playle Russell (Special Risks) and its online brand Thatchline for an undisclosed sum.

Established more than two decades ago, Playle Russell specialises in providing individually designed thatch and private home insurance.

Thatchline on the other hand is an online insurance brand, which insures historic buildings in the UK.

Willis IRM group MD Richard Willis said: “The acquisition of Playle Russell (Specialist Risks) and Thatchline complements our existing personal lines and specialist business and supports our ongoing exciting growth plans.

“We’re pleased to welcome Richard Playle, Tom Barclay and Pat Diaper to our wider Willis IRM team. I have no doubt that the experience they will bring to the table will further increase our offering to clients.”

Playle Russell (Specialist Risks) founding partner and managing director Richard Playle said: “The team is very much looking forward to joining the Willis IRM Group. The breadth of services that Willis IRM provides to clients will greatly enhance the Playle Russell/Thatchline offering.”

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Northern Ireland-based Willis IRM was founded in 1978. It acquired Hale Kavanagh, a Leeds-based insurance brokerage company in December 2019.

Earlier this month, Aston Lark Ireland acquired Dublin-based home and car insurance provider McMahon Galvin.

Prior to that, the Goldman Sachs-backed Aston Lark agreed to purchase D O’Loughlin & Co.