The Clear Group has officially integrated Phelan Caswell Insurances into Clear Insurance Ireland, marking another step in its strategy in the Irish insurance market.
The move follows Clear's 2024 acquisition of Phelan Caswell, which included the business' financial planning assets. As of Nov. 1, Phelan Caswell now trades under the Clear Insurance Ireland brand, enhancing the company's market reach and operational scale across the country.
Founded in 1998 and formerly known as BHP Insurances, Phelan Caswell has built a strong reputation in commercial insurance, particularly across the construction, hospitality and event sectors, while expanding through acquisitions, such as EBIB Insurances in 2023 and the Sweeney Walsh and Associates book of business in 2024.
Under the integration, managing director Mark Phelan and his team of 18 staff members have joined the Clear Insurance Ireland operation. Their expertise and local knowledge are expected to strengthen Clear's market position and broaden its client offering.
The deal also builds on Clear Group's previous Irish acquisition of MBC Insurance, underscoring the company's long-term commitment to investing in Ireland as part of its broader international expansion.
Des Murphy, CEO of Clear Insurance Ireland, said the integration reinforces the company’s growth strategy in the region, noting that Phelan Caswell’s established client base and industry reputation complement Clear’s existing strengths.
According to Phelan, the transition provides both clients and staff with greater resources and opportunities while maintaining the firm’s local focus and service standards.
Mike Edgeley (pictured), group CEO of the Clear Group, said the integration marks “an important milestone” in building a client-focused business across Ireland, adding that Phelan Caswell’s reputation aligns closely with Clear’s service-led approach.
Clear Group’s expansion into Ireland reflects a wider trend of UK intermediaries and broker groups seeking cross-border growth to diversify market exposure and access new commercial segments. Ireland’s insurance market continues to attract interest from acquirers seeking scale, distribution reach, and regulatory stability within the EU.
The integration forms part of Clear Group’s wider acquisition strategy, which has seen it complete more than 40 acquisitions since 2001, focused on partnering with independent, client-centric brokers that enhance its specialist capabilities and geographic reach.
With Phelan Caswell now operating as part of Clear Insurance Ireland, the group is positioned to leverage combined expertise, broader product access, and data-driven capabilities to compete more effectively in the mid-market commercial space.
