Arthur J. Gallagher Expands UK Pension Services with First Actuarial Acquisition

Arthur J. Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm based in Illinois, has expanded its UK pension services through the acquisition of First Actuarial, a UK-based pension administrator. First Actuarial specializes in pension administration, consultancy, employee benefits, and investment services, supporting employers and pension plan trustees. The acquisition integrates First Actuarial into Arthur's UK Benefits and HR Consulting Division, led by David Piltz, with the existing team maintaining their operations from current locations under David Joy's leadership. This acquisition complements Arthur J. Gallagher's growing portfolio in employee benefits consulting and pension services, following significant recent transactions, including the November 2025 purchase of Tompkins Insurance Agencies for approximately $223 million. Tompkins provides property and casualty (P&C) insurance and employee benefits in Pennsylvania and New York. Further, in August, Arthur J. Gallagher finalized the acquisition of AssuredPartners for $13.45 billion, bolstering its commercial P&C, specialty, employee benefits, and personal lines offerings. Arthur J. Gallagher operates globally, delivering insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting services across roughly 130 countries through owned operations and a network of brokers and consultants. The company's strategic acquisitions reflect a focus on expanding its comprehensive services across various insurance sectors and geographies. The integration of First Actuarial is expected to strengthen the firm's presence and capabilities in the UK pension administration market. These developments highlight ongoing consolidation trends in the insurance brokerage sector as firms seek to broaden service capabilities and geographic reach. Arthur J. Gallagher's approach demonstrates a strategic emphasis on diversified offerings, including pension services and employee benefits, to serve a wide client base effectively. The firm's global infrastructure supports cross-border operations and compliance with international regulatory environments. For insurance professionals, these moves underscore the importance of monitoring market consolidations and evolving service portfolios within brokerage and consulting firms. The expansion of pension administration services in the UK by a major U.S. insurer signals potential shifts in competitive dynamics and client service models. Staying abreast of regulatory changes and operational integration practices will be crucial for stakeholders navigating this evolving landscape.