ESSEX-based media insurance specialist Allan Chapman & James has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by United States-based Integro Insurance Brokers.

Allan Chapman & James (ACJ), which employs around 45 people at offices on the Blue Barns Business Park at Ardleigh, near Colchester, is one of the UK’s leading providers of broking services to the independent film, television and media sectors and has provided insurance cover for the production of television shows such as Billy Connolly’s Route 66, The Jonathan Ross Show and Sherlock.

It will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Integro Insurance Brokers, which is part of the New York-based Integro group, but will retain is current trading name.

Founders Les Marshall and Terry Austin, and commercial director John Claffey, will continue as directors of the company, and will be joined on by board by Bill Goldstein, Integro’s chief financial officer, Ron Whyte, chief executive of Integro International, and John Owens, chief financial officer of Integro’s London operations.

Mr Whyte said “We are delighted to welcome the ACJ team. This acquisition will provide tremendous momentum to our focused drive in the UK retail arena and enhance our global presence in the media and entertainment sector.”

Mr Austin said: “We are confident joining Integro will enable us to increase our present market position while expanding into new geographical markets.

“This is an exciting time for our company. We will continue to deliver high levels of service to the media industries, which distinguishes us from our competitors and has led us to become recognised as a leader in this sector.”

Integro chief executive Peter Garvey added: “It has been our strategy to grow by adding experienced and extremely capable people, and this acquisition exemplifies that.

“Like its 3,000 clients – including some of the major names in film, television and media in Britain and beyond – Integro appreciates Allan Chapman & James’ combination of quality, cost effective cover and high levels of client service.”