The Fortegra Group, LLC ("Fortegra"), a global specialty insurer, and subsidiary of Tiptree Inc. (NASDAQ: TIPT), today announced it has completed its acquisition of ITC Compliance GRP Limited ("ITC"), the United Kingdom's largest secondary intermediary Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Network.

The acquisition further establishes Fortegra's footprint in the region and provides a wholly vertical compliance solution for the UK's automotive market. The partnership will also enable Fortegra to tap into ITC's array of digital platforms to provide enhanced services to the company's automotive partners.

"For nearly 20 years, ITC has been an innovative leader in providing compliance solutions to allow businesses to focus on what they do best," said Sanjay Vara, Chief Underwriting Officer and Executive Vice President at Fortegra. "We are thrilled to join forces, expand our distribution channel, and continue investing in cutting edge technology for our clients and partners."

Founded initially as an insurance specific training company, ITC is a market leader in providing regulatory support and exempt status. To date, ITC has provided Appointed Representative (AR) status to more than 2,600 organizations across the UK and Northern Ireland, allowing those ARs to engage in regulated financial activities with less risk and more speed than if they were to acquire their own direct authorization. In addition to acting as a regulatory intermediary, ITC also acts as a broker and third-party administrator, complete with bespoke systems and self-funded premium credit.

"Today is a milestone for our company, as it further validates our market leadership and industry excellence," said Matthew Dyer, Founder and CEO of ITC. "Fortegra's strength and outstanding reputation are traits we will leverage going forward, just as they were important factors in our selection process. I can't wait for our next chapter."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and existing ITC members can continue to work with insurers and finance providers of their choosing. ITC and Fortegra will provide all network members a complimentary direct sales platform to ensure immediate benefit. 

About ITC

Incorporated in 2003, and specialising in the automotive sector, ITC Compliance GRP Limited are the UKs largest secondary intermediary Network. ITC delivers innovative IT systems and training alongside the provision of a regulatory umbrella to over one thousand retail outlets across the UK. This umbrella enables the distribution of Finance and Insurance products without the requirement for complex direct Financial Conduct Authority authorisation. For more information, visit https://www.itccompliance.co.uk.

About Fortegra

For more than 40 years, Fortegra and its subsidiaries have underwritten risk management solutions that help people and businesses succeed in the face of uncertainty. As a global specialty insurer, we offer a diverse set of admitted and surplus insurance products and warranty solutions. Fortegra's A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) is a result of our strict underwriting standards, consistent profitability, and high cash flows. For more information, please visit: https://www.fortegra.com.

Fortegra’s parent company Tiptree (NASDAQ:TIPT) has been included on a list of “Top Performing Stock Predictions for 2022” by the Wall Street Transcript. The same article also named Fortegra CEO Rick Kahlbaugh as one of the 20 highest returning CEOs in 2021.

Commenting on Fortegra’s success, Rick said, “It’s our ability to complement underwriting revenue with fee revenue that changes the dynamic of the investment for shareholders — little safer, little outsized-return environment.” Click here to read more.

The Wall Street Transcript focuses on covering investor and investment related news. This includes putting together stock news, reporting on investment sector reviews, and interviewing CEOs of top public and private companies.

For more than 40 years, Fortegra and its subsidiaries have delivered risk management solutions that help people and businesses succeed in the face of uncertainty. As a global specialty insurer, we offer a diverse set of admitted and surplus insurance products and warranty solutions. Fortegra’s A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) is a result of our rigorous underwriting standards and consistent profitability.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fortegra Europe Insurance Company (“Fortegra” or “Company”), a leading international specialty insurer and subsidiary of Tiptree Inc. (NASDAQ: TIPT) (“Tiptree”), today announced the registration of a branch office in Prague, Czech Republic. The establishment of which will further strengthen Fortegra’s European presence. The Czech branch has all the regulatory approvals in place and is ready to write business in the Czech Republic, effective immediately.

Fortegra chose Prague for its strategic location within the heart of Europe and its proximity to Fortegra’s Central and Eastern European administrator, DEFEND INSURANCE GROUP (“DEFEND”), headquartered in Prague.

The branch will be led by Andrew Quirke, whose experience in the automotive insurance industry spans 25 years and five countries. Quirke co-founded DEFEND, which was acquired in 2019 by Fortegra. Apart from his industry expertise, he has extensive knowledge of the local market, which will help the Company further expand its footprint in the region.

“I’m delighted by the many opportunities the Prague branch brings for the Czech insurance market. Brokers and agents will now have a direct relationship with an insurer that has a local presence in the country,” said Andrew Quirke, the branch’s General Representative.

Sanjay Vara, Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriter, commented, “This branch opening is another step forward for our European growth strategy. By providing Central and Eastern European partners with direct access to an A- rated insurer, we hope to inspire trust and confidence.”

The branch establishment underlines the Company’s continued confidence in the long-term growth potential of Central and Eastern Europe. The Czech branch will create new avenues for growth by offering the same innovative, flexible, and customer-responsive programs that have been the hallmark of DEFEND’s success.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fortegra Financial Corporation (“Fortegra”), a leading specialty insurer and subsidiary of Tiptree Inc. (NASDAQ: TIPT), announced today that it is now the exclusive vehicle service contract provider for Motorpoint, UK’s largest independent car retailer.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Fortegra Group, LLC (“Fortegra”), a global specialty insurer and subsidiary of Tiptree Inc. (NASDAQ: TIPT), today announced the expansion of their partnership with Badcock Home Furniture &more (“Badcock”).

For almost 15 years, Fortegra has been providing Badcock customers with both credit insurance and furniture service contracts. By replacing the previous provider of service contracts on appliances & electronics, Fortegra will now be the exclusive credit insurance and protection plan provider across all 382 Badcock stores.

“We decided to consolidate our product offerings with Fortegra based on their approach to the business and the way in which they value the partnership. They not only listen to our business needs, but more importantly, are very intuitive to our customers’ needs, and that is where the magic happens,” said Badcock’s Vice President of Retail Operations and Chief Credit Officer Mitchell Stiles. “We are in the relationship business, and we want the customer to feel comfortable with their home furnishing purchases. Fortegra’s Concierge service team enhanced and personalized the claim process, which gives us the confidence that our customers are in good hands.”

“Over the last few years, retail has evolved dramatically, and we are always thinking about how to make sure service contracts keep up. So we worked closely with Badcock to reimagine their service contract process. From sales to claims, we created a simplified, multi-channel approach that better meets consumer needs,” said Holly Bohn, Chief Marketing Officer at Fortegra.

About Fortegra

The Fortegra Group, LLC is a global specialty insurer. Fortegra and its subsidiaries underwrite and administer a comprehensive and diverse set of admitted and surplus insurance products and warranty solutions across the United States and around the world. For over 40 years, Fortegra’s collaborative approach, experienced team, and innovative products have fueled consistent growth and increasing demand from both domestic and international partners. The Company holds an A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent). For more information on Fortegra, visit: https://www.fortegra.com/

About W.S. Badcock Corporation

Founded in 1904, W.S. Badcock Corporation is one of the largest privately-held home furnishings companies in the United States. Headquartered in Mulberry, Florida, its more than 380 corporate and associate dealer stores employ more than 2,500 employees in eight southeastern states. Its branded Badcock Home Furniture &more stores carry a complete line of furniture, appliances, bedding, electronics, home office furnishings, accessories, and seasonal items while offering easy in-house financing for its customers. The Company was named “2018 Retailer of the Year” by the National Home Furnishings Association.

Contacts

For Fortegra:
Holly Bohn Pittman
904.357.2122
press@fortegra.com

For Badcock Corporation:
Jennifer Grecsek
863-425-7545
Jennifer.grecsek@badcock.com