Brown & Brown has acquired leading Employee Benefits & Life broker, O’Leary Life

October 08, 2026

Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (Ireland) Ltd., part of Brown & Brown, Inc. (“Brown & Brown”), has acquired O’Leary Life Ltd. (“O’Leary Life”), a leading Irish-based Employee Benefits and Financial Services broker, specialising in pensions, savings and protection (life insurance, illness, income protection) on behalf of both Corporate and Private Clients.

Operating from three locations across Ireland – Cork, Dublin and Mallow – O’Leary Life has grown into one of the largest Irish-owned Employee Benefits/Financial Services Firms operating within the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1973 by Archie O’Leary and Tim Goggin, the firm is now in its second generation of ownership through Ronan

Goggin, Brian Goggin and Anthony O’Leary. Post-acquisition, all members of the O’Leary Life team will remain with the business and continue to operate from their existing locations. Ronan Goggin will join the Brown & Brown, Ireland Leadership Team.

Ronan Goggin, Managing Director, O’Leary Life, said:

“We are immensely proud of how our business has evolved over the last 50 years, into one of the largest Employee Benefits and Financial Services Brokers in Ireland. This has only been possible through the loyalty of our valued customer base, both businesses and individuals alike, with many relationships now spanning a third generation; a true testament to the strength of our service and the trust placed in us. That success was made possible by an exceptional team, past and present, who have shaped O’Leary Life over five decades.

Finding the right partner for the future was, therefore, a carefully considered decision, with a clear focus on cultural alignment and shared values. We are delighted to be joining Brown & Brown, having been particularly impressed by their commitment to customers and teammates alike. Their scale, specialisation and global reach will bring real benefits to our customers as we begin the next phase of our journey together”.

Diarmuid Nolan, CEO Brown & Brown, Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to welcome O’Leary Life to Brown & Brown. They are a highly regarded business with a long-established reputation for quality advice and customer service, and they bring excellent depth of specialisation in the Employee Benefits and Financial Services space. As customer needs continue to evolve, there is a growing demand for more joined-up advice across insurance, financial and retirement planning. O’Leary Life strengthens our ability to meet that demand in Ireland, complementing our existing general insurance offering. Just as importantly, there is a very strong cultural fit between our organisations. The O’Leary Life team have a shared focus on relationships, professionalism and doing the right thing for customers. We look forward to working closely with Ronan, Brian and the team to support their continued success.”

The deal has received regulatory approval, and the consideration is undisclosed.

About Brown & Brown:

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm delivering comprehensive and customised insurance solutions and specialisation since 1939. With a global presence spanning 700+ locations and a team of approximately 23,000 professionals, we are dedicated to delivering scalable, innovative strategies for our customers at every step of their growth journey. Learn more at BBrown.com.

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