Academy Insurance Services has struck a deal with Allianz Holdings plc to purchase Allianz Business Services Ltd, which trades as Premierline. Launched in 2001 as the UK’s first direct to consumer commercial offering, it became part of Allianz in 2006.

Gilles Normand, CEO of Academy, said: “Premierline will be our hub business covering the North West, sitting alongside Academy in the South and West, and we are targeting others to act as our hubs as well as centres for further bolt on acquisitions.”

The deal is conditional on regulatory approval.