A merger between Austbrokers Countrywide and Adroit Insurance & Risk will create a business with about $300 million in gross written premium.

Austbrokers chief broking officer Ben Bessell says the merger – reported in a Breaking News story on Thursday – creates a broad geographic footprint for the combined business, with enhanced capability to support clients across key markets.  

“Consistent with our partner network strategy, this merger brings together two businesses with aligned cultures, complementary skill sets and strong reputations,” he said. 

“While Adroit and Countrywide share many strengths, each business also brings unique capabilities and expertise.”

The new operation will have more than 200 staff and nine offices, including in Melbourne, regional Victoria and southeast Queensland.

insuranceNEWS.com.au understands the merged entity will have one management team led by Countrywide executive chairman Tim Considine and GM Darren Toll.

In the short term, each business will operate under separate licences and IT platforms. Eventually they are expected to be under a single brand.

Austbrokers Countrywide, headquartered in Scoresby in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, was established in 1952. Adroit dates back to 1978, when it started as a small broking business in Geelong.

Adroit broking operations manager and former equity partner Brendan Peck has announced his retirement after more than two decades of leadership.

He will provide transitional support until the end of next month. 

Both businesses are part of AUB Group.