Cork's O'Leary Life acquired by Brown & Brown

US firm previously acquired O'Leary's general insurance business  in a multi-million euro deal

Following the acquisition by Brown & Brown all members of the O’Leary Life team will remain with the business. 

US insurance group Brown & Brown has acquired Cork’s O’Leary Life for an undisclosed sum.

The deal comes six years after the Florida firm acquired O’Leary’s general insurance businesses in a multi-million euro deal.

In a statement, Brown & Brown said the deal had received regulatory approval.

O’Leary Life specialises in pensions, savings, and protection for the corporate and private sector, and operates from Cork, Dublin, and Mallow. 

It was founded in 1973 by Archie O’Leary and Tim Goggin. It is now owned by the second generation headed by Ronan Goggin, Brian Goggin, and Anthony O’Leary.

Following the acquisition, all members of the O’Leary Life team will remain with the business. 

O’Leary Life MD Ronan Goggin will join the Brown & Brown Ireland leadership team.

Accounts for O’Leary Life for the year to the end of June 2025 show turnover rose 4% to €3.59m. Pre-tax profits more than tripled to €198,385, from €57,502.

“We are immensely proud of how our business has evolved over the last 50 years, into one of the largest employee benefits and financial services brokers in Ireland,” Mr Goggin said.

“This has only been possible through the loyalty of our valued customer base, both businesses and individuals alike, with many relationships now spanning a third generation; a true testament to the strength of our service and the trust placed in us.

“That success was made possible by an exceptional team, past and present, who have shaped O’Leary Life over five decades.

“We are delighted to be joining Brown & Brown, having been particularly impressed by their commitment to customers and teammates alike.

“Their scale, specialisation and global reach will bring real benefits to our customers as we begin the next phase of our journey together.”

Diarmuid Nolan, CEO Brown & Brown, Ireland, said: “As customer needs continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for more joined-up advice across insurance, financial and retirement planning.

“O’Leary Life strengthens our ability to meet that demand in Ireland, complementing our existing general insurance offering.”