Businessmen shake hands at a table, sealing a deal in the UK.
Seventeen Group has acquired 1st Choice Insurance, a Shrewsbury-based company specializing in commercial motor and fleet insurance, according to Insurance Business. The acquisition aims to enhance Seventeen Group’s motor fleet capabilities and strengthen its presence in the West Midlands.
Founded in 1982, Seventeen Group manages approximately £400 million in premiums across its broking, underwriting, and risk and claims management operations, with around 25 offices across the UK, DACH region, and the Isle of Man. Oliver Thorne, Seventeen Group’s chief executive, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, noting 1st Choice’s growth and client service.
This deal aligns with Seventeen Group’s strategy of making targeted acquisitions to gain regional and sector-specific expertise. The group’s portfolio includes James Hallam (broker), Touchstone Underwriting (MGA), and 4Sight Risk Management (loss adjuster). 1st Choice Insurance brings a focused book of business covering fleet, taxi, van, and broader commercial motor insurance, as well as property and general commercial covers for SMEs.
The acquisition also follows a 2025 investment by European private equity firm IK Partners, which aimed to support Seventeen Group’s accelerated growth and further consolidation in the insurance distribution market.