I am pleased to announce that BGC Partners, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Ed Broking Group Limited.

As I said when the deal was first announced, BGC see insurance as a key opportunity. They have an excellent track record in industries where an intermediary offers advice to the customer. Their strong track record in sectors such as financial markets and real estate where they have been able to bring technology, investment and people together is inspiring, for example with Newmark Knight Frank, the global real estate consultancy, which has since grown to be one of the most dynamic and innovative service providers in the industry.

This is an exciting time and we’re only at the beginning. Over the coming weeks and months we will be able to share more about what’s in store for the new insurance division of BGC Partners. We’ve already got off to a great start with the creation of a brand new operation in Bermuda.

As always, on a day to day basis we all still have budgets to meet and business as usual to get on with. But, for everyone at Ed, this truly is the next leap into redefining broking.

Steve Hearn