Date: 15th May 2012

Date: 17th April 2012

Date: 20th March 2012

Date: 19th March 2012

BESSO MANAGEMENT LIFTS SHAREHOLDING
TO 70 PER CENT AND LOOKS TO EXPAND

Besso Insurance Group has completed a share transaction that results in the management team owning 70 per cent of the independent Lloyd’s broker and provides it with the means to grow the business by retaining and attracting broker teams - and via acquisitions.

Besso decided to exercise its option to purchase a 15 per cent shareholding from Brian Marsh Enterprises Ltd and the AIM-listed venture capital firm BP Marsh & Partners PLC for £1.1 million. The option was granted in 2011 when BP Marsh increased its investment in Besso as part of the broker’s management buy-out. As a result of the share purchase arrangement BP Marsh & Partners PLC owns 30% of the group.

It is further intended to create a Share Option scheme to include Besso employees.

Michael Wade, Besso Chairman, said: “This share purchase marks an important step forward for us. Our key business producers will become significant shareholders in Besso and consequently the management team’s interest is aligned with shareholders in focusing on building our successful independent Lloyd’s broker for the long-term.

“Besso is well placed to attract new individuals to join our group as well as actively seeking opportunities to acquire specialist firms.”

-ENDS-

For more information please contac

Besso Michael Wade 020 7480 1215
Pelham Bell Pottinger Zoe Pocock 020 7861 3961

Background to Besso Insurance Group Besso is an independent, 70% management-owned Lloyd's broking group with 180 employees. It has been operating in the London market for over 40 years and prides itself on providing a dynamic service both to clients and to underwriters. Besso is primarily focused on working with other brokers and intermediaries across the world where they need specialist access to the Lloyd's and London / Bermudian insurance & reinsurance markets. The Group’s reputation has been built upon its ability to place complex or high risk commercial insurance contracts.

Date: 7th December 2011

BESSO INSURANCE GROUP STRENGTHENS BOARD

Besso Insurance Group, the independent Lloyd's broker, has appointed Stephen Greene as non-executive director. His business experience in particular will be a valuable addition to the Board.

Stephen, a partner with BDO Stoy Hayward from 1974 to 2002, is executive chairman of Rankvale Holdings PLC and Rankvale European Property Investors, an umbrella organisation for property investment and development opportunities both in the UK , continental Europe and the US .

Stephen is a board and council member of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, of which he was president from 2007-2010. He is also a non-executive director of Radio Taxis Group Ltd and a member of the RADA council and audit committee. In addition, since 2007 Stephen has been the executive chairman of Ed's Easy Diner Holdings Ltd, an American-style diner group.

Michael Wade, executive chairman, said: “Today Besso faces new opportunities and the composition of the group board must reflect a broad experience. Stephen, together with Tony Hulse who joined as a NED in October, will help the executive management team fulfill its strategy of growing the business.

“These highly capable individuals give Besso valuable experience at a time when the company is focused on continuing to provide creative thinking and a high-level personal service to our clients.”

•  ENDS -

For more information please contact

Besso Michael Wade 020 7480 1215
Pelham Bell Pottinger Zoe Pocock 020 7861 3961

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Date: 6th October 2011

BESSO INSURANCE GROUP APPOINTS INSURANCE SPECIALIST
AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AS PART OF GROWTH STRATEGY

Besso Insurance Group, the independent Lloyd’s broker has appointed Tony Hulse as non-executive director.

Tony is an insurance specialist with more than 35 years experience advising and auditing insurance and other businesses. He recently retired as a partner from KPMG, where he spent the last two years as Head of General Insurance Markets in the UK. He is currently a non-executive for Flagstone Syndicate Management at Lloyds.

During his extensive time at KPMG his clients included international and domestic insurers and reinsurers, brokers and Lloyd's groups to which he provided a range of services, including audit, consulting, transaction services and corporate finance advice. In addition, he advised insurers and reinsurers on strategic financial and regulatory issues associated with start ups, acquisitions, reorganizations and disposals.

Michael Wade, executive chairman, said: “Tony Hulse is an excellent addition to our Board and brings highly relevant qualities which will benefit the Company. His considerable experience with a broad range of companies and his in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry will be of great value as we embark on our strategy to grow Besso.”

For more information please contact

Background to Besso Insurance Group

Besso is an independent, management-owned Lloyd's broking group. It has been operating in the London market for over 40 years and prides itself on providing a dynamic service both to clients and to underwriters.

In March 2011 a new shareholder structure was introduced when Michael Wade acquired a 15% stake in the Group and became chairman, and Brian Marsh Enterprises acquired 11%. Existing shareholder B.P. Marsh & Partners increased its stake to 34%. Colin Bird, who led Besso’s MBO in 1995, remains Chief Executive.

Besso is primarily focused on working with other brokers and intermediaries across the world where they need specialist access to the Lloyd's and London / Bermudian insurance & reinsurance markets. The Group’s reputation has been built upon its ability to place complex or high risk commercial insurance contracts.

Background to Tony Hulse

Joined KPMG 1974; qualified 1976
Partner 1990-2010
Head of Lloyd’s Markets 1990-2007
Head of General Insurance Markets in the UK 2007-2009
Director KPMG LLP April 2010-March 2011
Non-executive director of Flagstone Syndicate Management April 2011-

During his time at KPMG he lead the accountancy firm’s expansion in the Lloyd’s and London market from a negligible position in the late 1980s to one of the leading auditors and advisors. KPMG’s general insurance practice now includes about 500 professionals.