Adelaide-based MGA Insurance Brokers has added another business to its network, taking its total number of offices around Australia to 40.

The national insurance broking firm has expanded its SA presence, acquiring the Whyalla business Brian Cotter Insurance Agencies. The deal will be finalised at the end of next month.

Brian Cotter established the agency in 1997. His son Anthony joined in July 2001 and purchased the business four years ago.

MGA MD Paul George says Whyalla is an area with “exceptional growth potential” due to the revitalisation of the local steelworks, mining and increasing tourism.

“This sort of development attracts new business and is one of the reasons we are keen to have a presence in the city,” he said.

“Anthony and his staff will continue to work in Whyalla, which will provide continuity into the future.”

Anthony Cotter says the acquisition will allow him to better service existing clients in the Whyalla, Port Augusta and Upper Spencer Gulf region.

“One of the benefits of joining MGA is that it will handle the paperwork at its processing centre in Adelaide, which frees up time for us to keep on top of the market,” he said.

“For clients nothing will really change in the short term except that the paper work will be on MGA letterhead.

“However, we will be able to better analyse products to ensure our clients get the best possible products to suit their needs.”

MGA was founded in 1975 and now has 290 staff, offices in all mainland capital cities and a strong regional presence.

It also has an office in Cambodia, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, and a presence in the emerging market of Myanmar.