Clear Group has acquired Shire Insurance Services Limited, which is a niche broker focused on serving the UK veterinary sector. Alcester-based Shire was established in 1981 and its 15-strong team places annual gross written premium of around £7m.

Majority shareholder Keith Dickinson and co-founder John Worton, as well as the wider team, will remain with the business following the deal.

Mike Edgeley, group CEO of Clear Group, said: “Shire Insurance Services is a highly regarded specialist business with deep expertise in the veterinary sector. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building leading specialist propositions within our UK retail pillar.”

Dickinson added: “Joining Clear provides Shire with the scale, resources and support to continue investing in our people and enhancing the services we deliver to veterinary clients across the UK, while preserving the specialist focus that has defined our business for decades.”