OAMPS has merged its Sydney and Melbourne businesses with leading commercial transport insurance broking specialists Carlingford. The merger is expected to generate about $7 million in premium revenue in the next year and will further strengthen the OAMPS Transport Insurance Services (OTIS) division’s presence in this niche market.

OAMPS Chairman John Jones said the acquisition is significant. “Transport insurance has always been a vital part in the hub of OAMPS specialised insurance skills. We have now added new clients, new staff and premium volume to this very important area of our general insurance activities.”

Carlingford was created by Dennis Hogan and Garry Moore in 1998. Mr Hogan says that in the current environment the company needs better resources and stronger market power. “We know that OAMPS gives us these attributes that will enable us to better compete and expand our business.”

OAMPS announced a 60.6% increase in total revenue to $179 million for the six months to December 31 2001 compared to $111 million for the same period in 2000.