Part of a series of planned acquisitions, the purchase will pave the way to province-wide coverage through a network of regional sales offices.

Established over 20 years ago, Tony Roden Insurance Ltd has a reputation for quality of service as a broker that goes the extra mile to protect and advise clients and this, coupled with its location, made it attractive to The Autoline Group.Autoline provides a wide range of insurance, financial and mortgage services to thousands of clients across NI from a head office in Newry and the move into Downpatrick is part of a strategic plan to become the largest independently-owned brokerage in Northern Ireland.

Autoline Group MD Michael Blaney says: "We’re delighted that the staff of Tony Roden Insurance will be joining us and that their clients will benefit from the additional insurance, financial services and mortgage products we can offer them. The current staff’s experience and high level of professional, friendly service have contributed to their success and we look forward to working alongside them."

He adds: "We’re currently talking to a number of brokerages across the north to build a network of regional sales advisors so that we can engage personally with our customers and still offer the highly competitive policies they demand. Insurance can be very impersonal and we want to put real people into the centre of our service, face-to-face in the new offices, on the phone, and responding to online enquiries."

The potential of increased business has enabled Autoline to secure even better rates for clients from insurer partner companies.

The takeover of Tony Roden Insurance Ltd is effective from 1st October and all existing staff will remain in the office on Irish Street. Tony said he intends to spend more time relaxing with his family, playing golf and enjoying frequent holidays.

The new office will see the group add 12 new staff to their current 50 employees and by the end of the series of buy outs, the group is expected to expand to encompass over 100 employees.

As part of the strategic investment, Autoline is also investing £2.5 million in a state-of-the-art head office in Newry to support the regional network. Works commence in November 2007 and the contemporary new building will house the latest telecommunications and computer technology to ensure prompt and price competitive quotes for thousands of customers throughout the province.