Increased Investment in Summa

B.P. Marsh & Partners PLC 04 February 2008 Date: 4th February 2008 On behalf of: B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc ('B. P. Marsh' or the 'Company') B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc B.P. Marsh and a private Spanish investor agree to invest €8 million of new capital in Summa for acquisitions B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc (AIM: BPM), a niche venture capital provider to early stage financial services businesses, announces that it has agreed to invest a further €4m in Summa Insurance Brokerage, S.L. ('Summa'), a Madrid based consolidator of regional brokerages in Spain, alongside €4m from a private Spanish investor. In addition B.P. Marsh will be converting €1m of loans currently outstanding. As a result of this new investment B.P. Marsh will increase their stake from 35% to 48.625%, the new Spanish investor will acquire 28.625% with Summa's management reducing from 65% to 22.75%. The €8m of new capital will be invested in three tranches of €2.67m, expected to be made over a three year period to facilitate the next stage of Summa's expansion plans across Spain. B.P. Marsh's contribution will be €1.32m per tranche, with the first payment having been made today. As a result the Company's total commitment will be €6.5m in equity and €1m in loans. B.P. Marsh will own 48.625% of Summa immediately, notwithstanding that it will be investing its new equity over a three year period. B.P. Marsh initially invested in Summa in January 2005, agreeing to provide €1.5m in equity and €1.5m in loans for a 35% shareholding. In January 2007 the Company agreed to extend the loan facility to €2m. The valuation of the Company's equity shareholding in Summa as at 31 July 2007 was €1.8m, with the loans being valued at €2m. Since B.P. Marsh's initial investment, Summa have acquired nine brokers, six of which are directly owned through Summa, with three being acquired by subsidiaries. They are 'Aldave' and 'Erpa' in Navarra, 'JAC' and 'Aranguren' in Extremadura, 'Asgal' and 'Sergal' creating the largest independent broker in Galicia, 'Falco' in Comunidad Valenciana, 'Citibroker' in Madrid and 'Castillo' in Andalusia. Summa will seek to continue to replicate its success in other regions across Spain and to develop the acquired portfolios with further acquisitions. The Group currently manages around €30m in premiums, and the new investment will allow the business to grow more rapidly. Summa made a loss before taxation of approximately €120,000 during the 12 months ended 31 December 2006, on an unconsolidated and unaudited basis. Consolidated, but unaudited, management accounts show that Summa made a loss before taxation for the 10 month period ended 31 October 2007 of approximately €20,500. Commenting on the investment, Brian Marsh OBE, B.P. Marsh's Chairman, said: 'We are delighted that our view that there are significant opportunities for Summa has been shared by a highly respected private Spanish investor. In joining us as an investor, he has recognised Summa's excellent growth potential. We believe that, in many respects, Spain's insurance market today is where the UK market was 25 years ago and that those companies that can first establish a national presence, will gain most when valuation multiples start to catch up with the UK.' Miguel del Riego of Summa, commented: 'We are delighted with the investment we have received from our partners B.P. Marsh and a Spanish private investor through his investment vehicle 'Alvapaco'. This will enable us to pursue some exciting opportunities that we have already identified to create a substantial brokerage group operating across the length and breadth of Spain.' Further information on Summa is available at the company's website: www.grupo-summa.com - ends - For further information: B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc www.bpmarsh.co.uk Brian Marsh OBE +44 (0)20 7730 2626 Nominated Adviser Nabarro Wells & Co. Limited David Nabarro/Marc Cramsie +44(0) 20 7710 7400 Redleaf Communications (PR to BP Marsh) Emma Kane/Tom Newman +44 (0)20 7822 0200 -ends- Notes to Editors: About B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc B.P. Marsh's current portfolio contains eleven companies. More detailed descriptions of the portfolio can be found at www.bpmarsh.co.uk. Over the past 18 years, the Company has assembled a management team with considerable experience both in the financial services sector and in managing private equity investments. Many of the directors have worked with each other in previous roles, and all have worked with each other for at least five years. Prior to Brian Marsh's involvement in the Company, he spent many years in insurance broking and underwriting in Lloyd's as well as the London and overseas market. He has over 30 years' experience in building, buying and selling financial services businesses, particularly in the insurance sector. Managing Director, Natasha Dunbar, has over 10 years' experience in the financial services industry. Having joined the Company in 1994 she was made managing director in March 2002. Natasha is responsible for the day to day running of all operational aspects of the business and works closely with Brian Marsh in defining the strategic development of the Company. Francis de Zulueta is the Company's Development Director. With a wide-ranging knowledge of the financial services market, he seeks out, researches and evaluates potential new investments for B.P. Marsh. Following a 23-year broking career with Willis Faber and Aon, among others, he took an active interest in the mergers, acquisitions and venture capital business of Marsh McLennan. Jonathan Newman is the Group Director of Finance and has 10 years' experience in the financial services industry. Jonathan advises investee companies through several non-executive board appointments and evaluates new investment opportunities. Robert King is a Director and Group Company Secretary. He joined the Company in May 2003 having started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since joining B.P. Marsh he has taken on responsibility for the Group's legal, compliance and secretarial functions and played a key role in the flotation of the Company. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
UK 100

Latest directors dealings