Starr Announces Acquisition of IQUW Group
Starr Announces Acquisition of IQUW Group
Starr has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire IQUW Group, a specialty insurance and reinsurance business with gross written premiums of approximately $1.9 billion. The group includes two Lloyd’s syndicates: IQUW, a specialty (re)insurer operating across multiple specialty lines, and ERS, the United Kingdom’s largest motor insurer at Lloyd’s, as well as IQUW Re Bermuda, the company’s Bermuda-based reinsurance platform.

The acquisition will expand the range of business classes that Starr underwrites, significantly enhancing its presence in both the London and Bermuda markets. Following the transaction, Starr’s managing agency is set to become the ninth-largest operating agency at Lloyd’s.

Peter Bilsby, chief executive officer of IQUW Group, will assume leadership of Starr’s international business, working closely with Stuart Scott, Starr’s president for the United Kingdom and EME region, and José Ribeiro, president for APAC and LATAM. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Jeff Greenberg, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Starr, described the acquisition as a strategic move focused on diversification and underwriting profitability. He stated that combining the two companies would expand Starr’s footprint in the London market and strengthen the organisation overall. Greenberg also commended Bilsby’s leadership and team, noting his confidence in their ability to drive the company’s international growth.

Steve Blakey, president and chief executive officer of Starr Insurance Holdings, said that the transaction represents a major step in expanding Starr’s presence across Bermuda, the UK retail motor market, and the London wholesale segment. He highlighted that there is limited overlap between the two organisations, which will allow Starr to serve a wider range of clients and brokers across more specialist classes and market segments.

Peter Bilsby, chief executive officer of IQUW Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition and described Starr as an ideal new home for the company. He noted that IQUW was founded with the vision of combining market-leading talent, technology and data analytics to enhance decision-making and service for brokers and insureds. Bilsby thanked Aquiline and Abry for their support and stated that becoming part of Starr would enable IQUW to scale its specialist products and technology capabilities for the benefit of the wider group. He added that he looks forward to the opportunities this new chapter will bring for both teams.

The acquisition marks a major milestone for Starr as it strengthens its position in key global insurance markets and reinforces its commitment to underwriting excellence, innovation and growth.

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