Hyperion ranked as one of Britain’s most profitable companies for the second consecutive year

18 February 2008: For the second year running, the Hyperion Insurance Group has been recognised as one of Britain’s top 100 private equity-backed companies with the fastest growing profits over the last two years. The Group was ranked 90th in the Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 league table published yesterday. It was one of only four financial services companies to retain a ranking in the league table, and the only insurance group to be included in consecutive years.

David Howden, Chief Executive of the Hyperion Insurance Group, comments: “Our success reflects the strength of the structure we put in place ten years ago when we restructured the Group, creating separate broking and underwriting arms – a strategy that has seen us retain a position in this benchmark league table. Through operating distinct business platforms, maintaining our focus on business critical insurances, employing the best people and expanding our global footprint, we have continually outperformed our competitors. While others review their strategy simply to compete, we are moving up a gear and are embarking on a new stage of growth.”

Hyperion’s achievement is testament to the continued success of its broking and underwriting agency operations both in the UK and overseas. With 27% year on year growth in profits from £5.2 million in 2005 to £8.3 million in 2007, the Group is viewed as one of the fastest growing insurance groups in the UK. It now comprises 48 operations in 16 countries and employs over 500 people around the world.

The Group is backed by specialist private equity investor BP Marsh & Partners PLC, which holds a 28% interest in the business. Executive Chairman Brian Marsh OBE, comments: “Having invested in Hyperion fourteen years ago as effectively a start-up business, we are delighted with the Group’s continued success, and offer our congratulations on this achievement.”  

The league table ranks the 100 private equity-backed mid-market companies with the fastest growing profits over the latest two years and analyses the actual profit performance of the companies, rather than just the buyout deals themselves. The 100 companies on the league table have combined profits of £1.4 bn and employ a total of 86,175 people.