Cinven and La Caisse to Acquire Majority Stake in Specialty MGA Optio

Private equity firm Cinven and global investment group La Caisse have reached an agreement to jointly acquire a majority stake in specialty managing general agent (MGA) Optio. The deal, announced Monday, marks an exit for the current majority owner, Preservation Capital Partners, and is intended to fuel Optio's next phase of growth.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, according to a company statement. Optio’s existing management team, led by Chief Executive Deepak Soni, will maintain a substantial investment in the business and continue in their leadership roles post-transaction.

Backing an Expansion Strategy

The investment from Cinven and La Caisse is designed to support Optio’s ongoing expansion. The company said the new capital would help accelerate its growth plans, which include:

• Expanding its specialist underwriting operations.
• Adding new insurance products to its portfolio.
• Growing its international presence across its key markets.

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Deepak Soni noted that with Preservation Capital Partners' support, Optio had successfully transformed into a diversified global platform. He added that the company plans to continue its growth strategy and expand its capabilities under the new ownership.

Optio's Growth Trajectory

Optio operates across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, writing over £460 million (approximately $612.5 million) in annual premiums. The company provides more than 30 specialist insurance products through 18 offices in 15 countries, with capacity from providers including Hiscox and other A-rated insurers.

This marks a significant expansion since Preservation Capital Partners first invested in 2018. At that time, Optio was a single-product MGA with roughly £35 million in annual premiums. Its growth into a diversified platform was achieved through a combination of more than 10 acquisitions, eight strategic team hires, and sustained double-digit organic growth.