Markel to acquire The MECO Group
Markel has entered into an agreement to purchase The MECO Group Limited, subject to regulatory approval.
Founded in 1974, MECO is a specialist marine managing general agent based out of London, Dubai and Shanghai. It provides marine insurance products and services to a diverse range of global marine clients, including charterers and traders, shipowners and entities engaged in maritime operations and global supply chains. It wrote $63 million GWP in 2024.
MECO provides coverage through its three core insurance brands – The Charterers P&I Club, Transmarine, Aurora P&I and offers complementary legal services through its law firm True North. Its insurance business brings in-depth expertise of underwriting several specialist marine classes that are complementary to Markel’s existing marine business, including charterers P&I; freight, defense and demurrage; trade disruption; loss of hire; strikes delay; small vessels owners’ P&I; contractual extension liabilities; as well as ancillary marine insurance products.
“This agreement presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our marine footprint and capabilities with new products, complementary services and client relationships in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific economies as well as in Europe. MECO will integrate into Markel but will continue to operate utilising its existing core insurance brands, leveraging Markel’s capabilities to build on existing successful relationships in its core regions. The evident synergies between our two companies will allow us to provide a more comprehensive and competitive offering for clients.” – Andrew McMellin, Managing Director of Wholesale – International, at Markel.
“We’re excited to be joining forces with Markel. Today’s announcement marks a new chapter for MECO, our colleagues and clients, as we continue to expand on the strong foundations we’ve built in many key markets over the past 50 years. There are clear strategic and cultural similarities between the two businesses. Ensuring MECO will continue operating its brands within Markel International recognises the value of our team and provides lasting benefit to clients.” – Chris Else, Chief Executive of The MECO Group .
