Financial consultancy MarshBerry has said that although the 13 insurance distribution deals announced so far in 2026 are up on the 10 announced during the same period last year, the figure is significantly below the long-term average of 18.2.

MarshBerry said there had been 11 different buyers involved in the 13 deals announced this year ranging from a quoted FTSE 100 insurer to privately held firms and consolidators backed by private equity. The consultancy said it remained upbeat about the level of demand for insurance distribution business.

John Nisbett, managing director at MarshBerry, said: “While it is true that a large proportion of all sector M&A involves a relatively concentrated group of serial acquirers (the top 10 most active buyers in 2025 accounted for 58% of all deals), there is still a very broad range of firms active in sector M&A, with many others on the sidelines waiting for the right target, or in some cases being frustrated in their ambitions by the high level of competition for good businesses.”