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Insurance agency M&A declines 15% in first half 2026
Deals fell to 292 in the first half, and second-quarter transactions dropped 25% to 138, with OPTIS calling the U.S. and Canada downtrend near a bottom.
Insurance Journal reports that insurance agency mergers and acquisitions in the first six months of 2026 fell 15% versus the same period last year, continuing a broad slowdown across U.S. and Canada dealmaking.
OPTIS Partners said the early 2026 pace has been the slowest start for a year since 2016, with 292 insurance agency deals in the first half. The firm added that activity in the second quarter dropped 25% to 138 transactions, and described the downturn as likely near the bottom.
OPTIS Partners also noted that several of the largest, most active buyers from recent years have cut back significantly, while emerging private equity firms and buyers anticipating recapitalizations or sales have increased activity. The firm said 10 companies accounted for 45% of first-half 2026 deals, led by Broadstreet Partners with 37 transactions, followed by Inzone Insurance Services with 33.
In terms of deal mix, OPTIS said 68% of first-half sellers were property and casualty agencies, with 198 transactions. The firm projected that while the industry is still “riding down” a nearly four-year slide in M&A volume, a very large number of firms will likely need to sell over the next five to 10 years.