ANV Agrees to Acquire Specialist MGA Assured Underwriting Group

ANV Group Holdings Ltd., a global insurance intermediary platform, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Assured Underwriting Group Ltd. (AUG), a specialist MGA providing insurance-backed financial protection products to tour operators and the travel sector across the United Kingdom and Europe.

AUG was acquired from Mobeus, a UK-based private equity firm, for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in London, AUG is the UK’s leading underwriter of insurance-backed travel bonds, with a growing presence across Continental Europe, including France and Germany. The company serves more than 1,600 clients across over 10 European countries.

Travel bonds are used by operators to satisfy the insolvency requirements mandated under UK and EU package travel regulations. In addition to travel bonds, AUG also underwrites financial failure insurance, and provides a full suite of consulting services to tour operators seeking advice on the complex regulatory and insolvency requirements that govern UK and EU travel.

AUG is led by Chief Executive Officer Richard Watson and Chief Operating Officer Walter McCulloch, who have together driven significant growth and expanded the business into Continental Europe through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions.

“AUG will continue to be a best-in-class underwriting franchise with deep expertise in travel protection and a long track record of disciplined, profitable underwriting,” said Adam Karkowsky, chairman and chief executive officer of ANV, in a statement. “This acquisition is fully aligned with ANV’s strategy of partnering with specialist MGAs in niche markets, and we’re excited to work with Richard, Walter and the team to build on this strong foundation and support the company’s next phase of growth.”

“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for AUG,” said Watson. “ANV’s long-term investment approach, established capacity relationships, and global infrastructure are ideally suited to support our continued expansion across Europe and beyond. We are confident this is the right home for our business, our people, and our clients.”

In connection to the acquisition, Grant Thornton is serving as financial adviser for Assured Underwriting Group, while Clyde & Co is acting as AUG’s legal counsel to Assured Underwriting Group. Macquarie Capital and PwC are serving as financial advisers for ANV, while Freshfields is its legal counsel.

ANV is an independent, global insurance intermediary platform operating across the U.S., UK and Europe, and was launched in December 2025 by AmTrust Financial and Blackstone Credit & Insurance. ANV brings together a portfolio of established specialist MGAs, providing a diversified range of insurance products.

Source: ANV Group Holdings