Optio Group, a specialty insurance managing general agent (MGA), has been acquired jointly by Cinven and La Caisse from Preservation Capital Partners. The transaction, terms undisclosed, brings together two firms with a strong track record in the specialty underwriting space.

Optio originates, underwrites and manages specialty risk on behalf of more than 60 third‑party capacity providers across six business lines—profession and specialty; transportation, property and energy; healthcare; transactional liability; surety and credit—spanning over 30 products. The company has a solid European core and an international presence with 18 offices in 15 countries, including the UK, Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia. Optio is currently backed by Preservation Capital Partners, reinforcing its position as a key player in the market.

Cinven has monitored Optio for over two years, building a relationship with its management, and the deal builds on past investments in Compre, Miller and Policy Expert. For La Caisse, the acquisition reinforces its focus on insurance platforms across Europe, North America and Australia. “Specialty insurance is a market where technical underwriting expertise, disciplined risk selection and scale increasingly matter,” said Martin Longchamps, EVP and head of private equity at La Caisse. “Optio’s differentiated platform and growth potential align with our long‑term conviction in the sector.” The transaction underscores the growing importance of technical underwriting expertise, disciplined risk selection, and scale in the evolving specialty insurance landscape.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.