RiskSTOP Group Ltd

Meridian was thrilled to advise the shareholders of RiskSTOP Group Limited on the sale of their company to Ardonagh Advisory.

RiskSTOP Group Limited (RiskSTOP) is an award winning, dedicated provider of insurance technology and services focused on risk management within the UK market, servicing underwriters, insurance companies, insurance brokers, and policyholders.

Based in Poundbury, Dorset, RiskSTOP has been providing innovative solutions to risk management for over 20 years and has become the market leader in the sector by offering a suite of products to support the entire insurance lifecycle.

Ardonagh Advisory operates within the broader Ardonagh Group and is recognized as the UK’s largest independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 global broker.

This acquisition signifies RiskSTOP’s integration into a broader family of exemplary entrepreneurial and specialised brands, constituting a network spanning over 200 locations and a collective workforce of 10,000 individuals. Mirroring RiskSTOP’s inclusive ethos, Ardonagh embraces diversity, fostering a culture that empowers everyone to excel. Describing itself as "progressive, passionate, proud to drive the best client outcomes, and a place where our people matter," Ardonagh shares common values with RiskSTOP, particularly in the realms of integrity, innovation, people, society, and the environment. It is this shared purpose that attracted Ardonagh Advisory to RiskSTOP, motivating the latter to take this significant step.

The RiskSTOP business will continue to be led by Managing Director, Danny Lillington alongside the existing management team.

Phil Bayles, Chief Commercial Officer, Ardonagh Advisory said, “RiskSTOP is a highly regarded and pioneering risk management business that protects its clients from hazards and harm, including the growing issue of underinsurance. This is an accomplished and well established company, run by real experts in this field. We’re looking forward to supporting the team so that they can grow further and deliver even more valuable services to their clients across the market.”

Danny Lillington, RiskSTOP Group Managing Director added, “For more than two decades, RiskSTOP has worked with integrity to provide information that ensures people and organisations are safe and secure. We’re now looking to see how we can achieve even greater impact and take what we do to the next level. By joining Ardonagh Advisory we will be able to continue to support our clients with the same great level of service, while also working to innovate and develop our offer for the benefit of all.

Meridian, led by Philip Mettam and his team, provided an unparalleled level of service throughout our entire journey. Their exceptional expertise as negotiators guided us seamlessly through the end-to-end process. Their commitment to clear and straightforward communication made every step comprehensible and empowering.

Meridian went beyond being mere advisors; they were skilled navigators, demonstrating precision and robustness in balancing negotiations with our buyer. Their dedication to excellence transformed what could have been a complex transaction into a smooth and successful experience.

We express our gratitude for their exceptional service and unwavering support. A special acknowledgment to Antonia, whose assistance in the due diligence process ensured the swift and efficient finalization of the transaction, allowing us to continue running the business seamlessly. I highly recommend the Meridian Team to anyone looking to sell their business."

The deal was led by Philip Mettam, Director and Antonia Roberts, Associate at Meridian. Legal support was provided by Paula Eckton and Shaun Guppy at Steele Raymond. Accounting support was provided by Hannah Justice and Phil Todd at BSN Associates.