OAMPS says it will continue its long-term acquisition program throughout the year in a bid to offer “even better rewards” to shareholders.

The top-five Australian brokerage – which has acquired more than 100 businesses in the past five years – has just added Wagga Wagga-based Australian Professional Insurance Brokers and Hobart’s Hadrill Insurance Brokers to the stable. The two businesses will bring a total of $11 million in premiums and about 4000 clients to the group.

OAMPS CEO Tony Robinson told Sunrise Exchange News the acquisition program will continue in 2004 in a bid to increase the group’s earnings per share for shareholders. “We’ll continue to look for good businesses of value, with good people behind them.”

He says the group – which recently upgraded its profit forecast for the year ending June 30 from 10% to 25% up on last year – has experienced the kind of growth which generates “a lot of interest from potential shareholders and other industries”.

Mr Robinson says the group’s experience in Australian risks at the “larger end of town” is what sets it aside from competitors. “We offer excellence in providing Australian risks for big business and for smaller risks we have the resources to search for the best possible cover.

“We’re considered a top-five Australian brokerage but we like to think we’re the largest specifically focused on Australian risks, not international ones.”

And his tip for brokers wanting to get ahead in today’s market? “Ensure procedures are strong and consistent, as consumers will no longer settle for mediocre service.”