Lark Group have today announced the purchase of Somerville Insurance Services Limited, a Lloyd's broker based in the City and Sudbury, Suffolk.

Following the acquisition Lark Group, which provides insurance broking services to a broad cross-section of corporate and personal clients, will have annual revenues of around £17million and employ around 240 staff in 6 offices across London and the South East.

Graham Lark, Chairman of Lark said

"We are delighted to add Somerville to our existing operations. It is a top quality broking business and an ideal fit with our strategic objective to become one of the leading independent brokers in the South East."

"John Butcher, Sally Buckle and the rest of the Somerville team will be joining Lark following the acquisition to ensure a high level of continuity and we are looking forward to working with them. There is a strong cultural fit as they share our belief that there is considerable opportunity for insurance brokers who provide clients with sound advice and excellent service."

The transaction does not include Somerville's IFA business, Somerville Financial Services Limited or its underwriting operations.