Melbourne-based broker McLardy McShane has expanded in central Victoria with the acquisition of King Insurance Brokers.

King, a fellow Steadfast broker, was established in 1989 and has offices in Bendigo, Kerang, Swan Hill and the Melbourne suburb of Kew.

McLardy McShane has offices in the Victorian regional centres of Shepparton, Rosebud and Phillip Island, plus a Corowa branch in NSW serving the Murray and Riverina district.

MD Don McLardy told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company plans further expansion in regional Victoria, and he is particularly keen on a presence in the Geelong, Warrnambool and La Trobe Valley regions.

The acquisition gives the company a strong city and regional presence to build on, and Mr McLardy says he wants to “acquire, joint venture or employ like-minded insurance professionals in our network. In addition we will also continue to partner with authorised representatives.”

The purchase of King is the company’s biggest deal to date, and all 10 of King’s staff will join McLardy McShane.

King MD Paul Kaiser told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company decided it had to acquire or be acquired to grow.