Melbourne-based brokerage Smart Insurance Services has been acquired by Gallagher.  

Founded in 2009 by Steve Maxwell, Smart includes an online MyMarketInsurance offer providing coverage to market stall holders and operators across Australia.  

Mr Maxwell and team member Boi Bolinao have moved to Gallagher’s East Melbourne office and will now use the Gallagher brand and offer clients claims advocacy, placement capabilities and access to global markets. 

Gallagher Australia CEO Sarah Lyons says brokerages committed to building trust with clients and investing in people “make ideal merger partners for Gallagher”. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Steve Maxwell and Smart Insurance Services to Gallagher. Our merger activity is a great endorsement of what we have to offer, from our culture, ethics and our people, to the way we work, our business capabilities and our focus on clients,” she said.  

Gallagher has announced six other acquisitions recently, including Melbourne-based JLS Insurance Consulting this month, which was founded by Jodi Sharman in 2004, and Torquay-based National Insurance Group in July.  

Mr Maxwell was formerly marketing manager at Aon for 15 years and also spent over a decade at Marsh and says after a 45-year career kicked off as a school leaver in 1977, he embraced the opportunity to join Gallagher. 

“It's been a great transition and I feel at home already. Everyone's been friendly, had a smile on their face and been welcoming,” he tells insuranceNEWS.com.au.   

“From the moment I met Sarah and then the rest of the team, I knew Gallagher had the best understanding and best fit for my business. I've got total comfort my clients will be looked after.”