Stephenson Harwood advises Optio on its acquisition by Cinven and La Caisse

Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has advised the management team of Optio Group (“Optio”), a leading specialty insurance Managing General Agent (MGA) platform, on its acquisition by international private equity firm Cinven and global investment group La Caisse (formerly CDPQ).

Headquartered in London, Optio originates, underwrites and manages specialty risk on behalf of more than 60 third-party capacity providers. The business underwrites a diversified portfolio of specialty risks across six business lines – Profession & Specialty, Transportation, Property & Energy, Healthcare, Transactional Liability, and Surety & Credit – spanning more than 30 products. Optio operates 18 offices across 15 countries spanning the UK, Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia. Optio’s management team will remain significantly invested, and will continue to lead the business following completion of the transaction.

Both Cinven and La Caisse have deep experience in the specialty underwriting sector and a strong relationship with the Optio management team. This investment will support Optio’s next chapter as it continues to expand its specialist underwriting capabilities, broaden its product offering and grow its international presence.

The Stephenson Harwood team was led by Partners Sam Gray and Chris Manning, who were supported by Managing Associates Gerald Seeto and Kunal Shah and Associates Samuel Tyler, Eleanor Wardley and Gary McArthur.