Arthur J Gallagher is confident of ending the year on a high note, buoyed by a strong third quarter for its core brokerage and risk management arms.

Revenue from the two businesses grew to $US1.05 billion ($1.38 billion) in the three months to September 30 from $US1.01 billion ($1.33 billion) in the corresponding period last year.

Net earnings increased to $US110.9 million ($146.07 million) from $US89.3 million ($117.6 million).

Brokerage revenue grew to $US877.6 million ($1.16 billion) from $US835.5 million ($1.1 billion), while risk management suffered a slight drop to $US176.7 million ($232.7 million) from $US179.2 million ($236 million).

“My recent meetings with dozens of insurance carriers and our own internal data suggests the domestic insurance market remains stable,” Chairman, President and CEO Patrick Gallagher said. “This is a market where expertise and value-added service should drive growth.

“Around the world, we are successfully executing our strategies… We are well positioned for a strong finish to [this year] and for another excellent [following] year.”

The US-based broker completed 28 acquisitions with estimated annualised revenue of $US97.8 million ($128.8 million) in the first nine months of the year, including seven deals in the September quarter.