Sands Point Risk Milestone: $250M in Premiums and Strategic Growth
Sands Point Risk, a managing general agency (MGA) platform established by former DUAL executives, has achieved a significant milestone with $250 million in gross written premium. This accomplishment follows its acquisition of Launch Environmental Underwriters, marking the largest deal in its brief history and underscoring the rapid consolidation in specialty lines backed by private equity.
Launch Environmental specializes in managing complex environmental liability risks across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, and chemicals, now forming the cornerstone of Sands Point's new environmental division. Concurrently, Sands Point is diversifying its product offerings to include political violence and terrorism, aviation, and directors and officers (D&O) liability programs, reflecting an expansion strategy beyond a single specialty area.
In July 2025, Sands Point acquired BRM Specialty Markets, a Philadelphia-based managing general underwriter with a focus on medical stop-loss. Led by CEO Dennis Kearns, who previously led the transaction risk program at DUAL, Sands Point aims to evolve into a $1 billion premium platform within approximately three years. Backed by Avesi Partners, Sands Point plans two to three acquisitions annually, with deal values typically between $5 million and $50 million.
This acquisition reflects a notable trend of increasing private equity investment and merger activity among MGAs in the U.S. insurance market. Both carriers and private equity investors have intensified their engagement, notably as U.S. companies have expanded their international presence.
Recent industry movements include the Vistria Group's acquisition of Dallas-based MGA Lumen Holdings, paving the way for a platform investment in financial services. Furthermore, Ryan Specialty completed its acquisition of Stewart Risk Underwriting in late 2025, following its earlier acquisition of 360° Underwriting.
Significantly, the environmental liability segment continues to attract substantial investment. The global market for environmental liability insurance is expected to grow from $7.47 billion in 2024 to $14.08 billion by 2032, at an approximate compound annual growth rate of 8.2%. North America dominates with nearly 45% of new policies, driven by the manufacturing and energy sectors where Launch Environmental excels.
The transaction received support from Monroe Capital, acting as the sole lead arranger and administrative agent for the senior credit facility, although financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed.