Markel’s Strategic Investment in Certa Accelerates Growth in the Tax Insurance Market

Markel, the renowned global specialty insurer, has announced its strategic investment of 49% in Certa, the leading tax Managing General Agent (MGA). This partnership aims to propel Certa’s product development and expansion plans, while providing Markel with enhanced access to the thriving niche sector of tax insurance.

Certa, established in 2019 by industry professionals Ed Beckwith, Tom Cartwright, Rachel Hine, and Adam Singer, has quickly emerged as a market leader in tax and contingent risk insurance. With the support of Markel as one of its original capacity providers, Certa has become the only underwriting agency exclusively focused on tax insurance, backed by 12 capacity providers. Headquartered in London, Certa also has offices in Germany and Spain.

The investment from Markel signifies a strong vote of confidence in Certa’s potential for long-term growth. By working closely with Certa’s management team, Markel aims to support the MGA’s business strategy and complement its own in-house Warranty and Indemnity (W&I) portfolio. Markel’s W&I portfolio offers M&A insurance cover for SME transactions to buyers in the UK and European Economic Area (EEA).

David Sawyer, Divisional Managing Director of Professional and Financial Risk (PFR) and Cyber at Markel International, expressed his belief in Certa’s capabilities, stating, “Markel has provided capacity to Certa from day one, and in a short period of time Certa has become a market leader in its specialist sector. We believe the business has plenty of headroom for growth in the coming years as the tax sector continues to mature.”

Ed Beckwith, one of Certa’s founders, expressed excitement about the investment, stating, “We are extremely excited to have secured a 49% investment from an organization with Markel’s specialty lines pedigree. Markel’s extensive global footprint, coupled with its high-level underwriting and operational expertise, will hugely aid our potential in developing more tax insurance solutions and other products, as well as providing crucial capacity support for our next expansion phase.”

Markel’s reputation as a leading global specialty insurer, coupled with its people-first approach, positions the company as a trusted partner for Certa’s growth. Markel operates the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, along with State National, Nephila, and other portfolio protection and program services operations. The company’s broad range of capabilities and expertise enables them to create intelligent solutions for complex risk management needs.

The collaboration between Markel and Certa promises to bring exciting advancements to the tax insurance market. With Markel’s global reach and underwriting expertise, Certa can further develop innovative tax insurance solutions and expand its operations. The future looks bright as these two industry leaders join forces to accelerate Certa’s growth and solidify its position as a market leader in the tax insurance sector.

About Markel:
Markel is a leading global specialty insurer that prioritizes people and relationships. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), the company encompasses Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, along with State National and Nephila. Markel’s commitment to its clients, brokers, and colleagues sets it apart in the industry, allowing them to deliver intelligent risk management solutions for even the most complex needs.

SOURCE Markel.