Speechly Bircham has advised privately-owned Belmont International, one of the South-East's leading  independent commercial insurance brokers and employee benefits consultants on its sale to NYSE-listed Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, a leading global insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, for an undisclosed sum.

Following the deal, the founder, Barrie Etchells, plans to retire, though he will be retained on a consultancy basis throughout the integration process.  His deputy, David Hinton, and his more than 80 associates will report through Gallagher's U.K. retail and employee benefits brokerage businesses and develop Belmont's leading position in the passenger transport segment.

The Speechly Bircham team was led by corporate partner Michael Lingens, supported by David Hicks, Holly Sage and Michelle Kpatakpa (corporate), Kirsti Laird (Employment) and Robert Birchall (Corporate Tax). Lawrence Graham advised Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Commenting on the deal Michael Lingens said "We have been advising Barrie ever since his involvement with Belmont began over 25 years ago. Acting on this transaction played to our strengths in advising not only an owner-managed business but also one that is a regulated business in the financial services sector".