Clear Group has acquired Shire Insurance Services Limited (SIS), a specialist insurance broker focused on the UK veterinary sector, marking Clear’s first acquisition of 2026 and a further expansion of its UK Retail pillar.
Founded in 1981, Shire Insurance Services is based in Alcester and employs 15 people. The firm places around £7 million of gross written premium and is owned by majority shareholder Keith Dickinson. Clear said Dickinson and the wider Shire team will remain with the business following the transaction to support continuity for clients, insurer partners, and employees.
Clear described the deal as adding another specialist proposition to its growing portfolio, strengthening the group’s expertise in the veterinary market. Shire’s offering includes a veterinary surgery scheme placed with Ecclesiastical, alongside broader specialist insurance solutions for veterinary practices. Clear also said the business complements its employee benefits capabilities and is positioned to benefit from growth tied to a resurgence of independent veterinary practices and corporate carve-outs.
The acquisition continues Clear Group’s strategy of building specialist propositions within its retail operations as it looks to deepen sector expertise and broaden product capabilities across its UK platform.
KEY QUOTES:
“Shire Insurance Services is a highly regarded specialist business with deep expertise in the veterinary sector. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of building leading specialist propositions within our UK Retail pillar. We are delighted to welcome Keith, and the entire Shire team to Clear as we begin 2026 with another high quality addition to the Group.”
Mike Edgeley, Group CEO, Clear Group
“Clear Group shares our values, commitment to specialist advice and ambition for growth. Joining Clear provides Shire with the scale, resources and support to continue investing in our people and enhancing the services we deliver to veterinary clients across the UK, while preserving the specialist focus that has defined our business for decades.”
Keith Dickinson, Managing Director, Shire Insurance Services
