Gallagher says its Australian and New Zealand brokerage business recorded property and casualty organic growth of 6% in the first quarter.

Pricing in the region is seeing mid-single-digit increases, with “strength across all classes”, the company told a conference call after announcing its first-quarter results.

Group-wide, Gallagher’s net income was $US286 million ($381.23 million), up 18% on the first quarter last year, while revenue gained 11.6% to $US1.84 billion ($2.45 billion).

“We had an excellent start,” Chairman, President and CEO Patrick Gallagher said. “Organic growth in a moderately improving insurance market, merger and acquisition growth, margin expansion and a culture that promotes teamwork, professionalism and a dedication to delivering the very best service – I believe we are very well positioned for the remainder of the year and beyond.”