YORKSHIRE insurance and financial services group Rockford has been acquired by Swinton for an undisclosed sum.

The group, which includes Rockford Insurance Brokers Ltd, specialises in commercial insurance and has offices in Leeds, Huddersfield and Trawden.

John Green, CEO of Pierce Group, the chartered accountancy and business advisery group based in Blackburn, was lead adviser for the vendors, Rockford.

Mr Green said: “We have acted for Rockford for seven years since the company’s inception and it is re-assuring for us to see the vendors realise the value of their investment in the business, and also have the opportunity to continue to work within a bigger environment and take the business even further.

“The insurance market is very acquisitive at the moment and our role was in identifying suitable purchasers and maximizing the price in terms of the deal. We also provided tax advice.”

Swinton was formed in the 1950s with its first branch opening in Salford. In 2001 the company was brough by French insurers La Mutuelle Du Mans Assurance (MMA), and now has more than 3,000 staff and almost 450 branches.

The firm’s three vendors, Leon Davidson, Allan Hardill and Mark Browne are now working within the firm’s new structure.

Mr Davidson said: “This will allow us to take the business to the next stage, which is growth through investment in quality businesses and quality individuals.

“We have become the commercial arm of Swinton, and our intention is to grow it to a £100m premium over the next few years.

“Pierce were a great help in advising us in this deal, and making sure everything went smoothly.”

John Hartup of DWF solicitors also acted for Rockford. Rosemary Downs of Yorkshire based solicitors Keeble Hawson acted for Swinton, along with Ernst & Young, and Swinton’s in-house acquisition team led by Hazel Walker.