W K Webster Navigates Sale to Gallagher Bassett International
Deal News | Feb 05, 2025 | Blake Morgan
Blake Morgan has successfully advised W K Webster & Co Ltd on its sale to Gallagher Bassett International in a significant cross-border deal. Gallagher Bassett International, a subsidiary of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., has acquired W K Webster, a UK-based specialist in marine and transit claims management. The acquisition includes W K Webster's offices in London, New York, Rotterdam, and Singapore. Following the transaction, CEO Anthony Smith will continue to lead W K Webster with the existing leadership team, ensuring continuity of expertise and operations. Blake Morgan provided extensive legal counsel covering corporate, tax, employment, and pensions. Martin Kay, a corporate partner at Blake Morgan, led the transaction, continuing a professional relationship with W K Webster that spans over two decades. The legal advice also benefited from the international resources of TAGLaw, of which Blake Morgan is a member, involving other law firms like Rassers Advocaten for aspects concerning the Netherlands.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Insurance Services
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – W K Webster, the target company, is based in the UK, and the legal advisory was conducted by Blake Morgan, also based in the UK.
- International – The acquisition involves offices in London, New York, Rotterdam, and Singapore, representing a cross-border transaction.
Industry
- Legal Services – Blake Morgan is a legal firm that specializes in M&A and cross-border transactions, heavily involved in advising on this significant deal.
- Insurance Services – W K Webster operates in the marine and transit claims management sector, providing services to insurers globally.
- Private Equity – The acquisition by Gallagher Bassett International, a part of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., represents a strategic investment in the insurance and claims management sector.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| W K Webster & Co Ltd | Target Company | Company | A UK specialist in marine and transit claims management. |
| Gallagher Bassett International | Bidding Company | Company | A subsidiary of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., acquiring W K Webster. |
| Blake Morgan | Legal Advisor | Company | Advised W K Webster on the sale, providing comprehensive corporate, tax, employment, and pensions advice. |
| Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | Parent Company | Company | The parent company of Gallagher Bassett International. |
| TAGLaw | Legal Network | Company | An international alliance of independent law firms that supported the transaction. |
| Anthony Smith | CEO of W K Webster | Person | Will continue to lead W K Webster following the acquisition. |
| Martin Kay | Corporate Partner | Person | Lead the transaction; has a long-standing professional relationship with W K Webster. |