Crewe-based insurance specialist The County Group has expanded its national portfolio with the acquisition of two businesses.

The rapidly-growing company, based on Crewe Business Park, has acquired Britannia Consultants Services Limited in Northwich and CJN Insurance Services Limited in Tenbury Wells bringing the total number of brands under its umbrella to 30.

Britannia, based on London Road, has been writing commercial lines insurance for over 10 years. All staff will remain with the business in the current office.

County Group managing director Alastair Christopherson said: "Britannia is a quality local commercial insurance broker. I warmly welcome directors Stephen Farrell and Joanne Ford and their team to County Group.

"Stephen has built Britannia's success by focusing on high retention rates and a commitment to relationship management, the mark of a business with outstanding local connections and relationships. We have had our eye on them for some time, so we were delighted when Stephen and Joanne agreed to become part of County."

Stephen Farrell said: "County is the leading regional broker in our part of the world, with an incredible recent history. Becoming part of their story was always the most likely outcome once we decided we wanted to move to the next stage of our journey. In these uncertain times, it is vital to feel a valued part of a bigger group. The resources provided by both County and parent company GRP make me very optimistic about our future."

The County Group, part of Global Risk Partners (GRP) now operates 30 offices countrywide including its Crewe headquarters where more than 70 local people work.

Attracted by its strong customer retention rate, County sealed a deal acquiring 100% of the share capital of CJN earlier this month.

CJN has been writing personal and commercial lines insurance for more than 60 years. The business has a team of seven and all, including directors Peter and Stephen Short, have moved across, remaining in the Tenbury Wells office.

Mike Bruce, Group CEO at GRP, said: "County Group is on a roll, adding to its portfolio of excellent local businesses following the recent acquisition of CJN and now Britannia. In continuing to grow their regional footprint, Alastair and his team at County are proof positive of how our hub and spoke strategy creates value for all our stakeholders."

The County Group, one of the UK's Top 25 Insurance brokers, caters for all types of personal and business insurance. Its business portfolio is set to expand further with a number of deals in due diligence.