Metrix Insurance Group has acquired Gold Coast-based Coverscope Insurance Brokers, which specialises in high-risk industries such as labour hire, rail contracting and scaffolding.

Metrix founder and MD Nicholas Bjazevic says the group’s first acquisition marks a significant step in its growth in the region, strengthening its presence in specialist and commercial business.

Both companies are part of the Steadfast network.

Coverscope, which was founded 24 years ago, will be rebranded Metrix-Coverscope. Its practice principal Sam Clark will retire after 23 years and Dion Owens will lead Metrix-Coverscope as branch manager.

Mr Owens was a senior account manager and 2IC (commercial) in Metrix’s Melbourne head office, and has worked across corporate, mid-market and specialty risks.

He will be joined later this month by Trent Emery as account manager. Mr Emery has 20 years’ experience in insurance and was most recently a relationship manager at Insurance House, focusing on construction and trades.

Mr Bjazevic says the acquisition reflects the quality of the Coverscope business and Metrix's long-term strategy to partner with leading brokerages, often when owners are considering succession and growth options.

“We have heard from a number of insurance brokerage owners who are considering what their next chapter looks like, and at Metrix our approach is entirely flexible – we create structures that allow brokers to remain involved and continue growing, or transition completely, depending on what their circumstances are,” he said.

Mr Clark says that as Coverscope grew it became clear the business needed additional resources, capability and scale, and finding the right partner was important.

“Metrix stood out because they wanted to build on our strong foundations, retain our team and ensure a seamless transition for clients,” he said.