Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, the UK's largest broker, has confirmed it is in discussions with the Heath Lambert Group concerning a possible offer. JLT said “the discussions are at an early stage and may or may not lead to a transaction. The transaction, if effected, would not require an equity capital raising. A further statement will be made as and when appropriate."

Press reports have indicated that London-based Heath Lambert could be worth around £130 million. The broker operates in the Lloyd's market, in the UK general market and internationally on both a retail and wholesale basis. It is a founding partner of HLA Global, the world's largest independent insurance brokerage network.