Sands Point Risk, a multi-program managing general agent (MGA) platform, has announced the acquisition of Launch Environmental Underwriters, a specialized provider of environmental liability insurance, in what the company described as the largest deal in its history.
The transaction pushes Sands Point’s combined gross written premium (GWP) above $250 million. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Launch Environmental focuses on complex environmental general liability risks across the energy, infrastructure, construction, chemical, mergers and acquisitions, and industrial sectors. The acquired company will serve as the foundation of Sands Point’s environmental practice.
“Bringing Launch Environmental onto the Sands Point platform is a transformative moment for our business,” said Dennis Kearns (pictured), chief executive officer of Sands Point Risk. “In just over two years, we have built a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization, growing organically, launching new programs, and executing strategic acquisitions.”
Kearns added that the deal “not only accelerates that momentum but also underscores Sands Point’s strength and its appeal to complementary organizations and individuals seeking to join our platform.”
John O’Brien, chief executive officer of Launch Environmental, said the acquisition offered his firm a stronger footing for growth.
“Sands Point has built an impressive platform in a remarkably short period of time,” O’Brien said. “Their vision, resources, and entrepreneurial culture make them an ideal partner for our team and our clients.”
Erik Matson, chairman of Bridgehaven Europe Specialty Ltd. and executive chairman of Launch Underwriters LLC, expressed support for the transition.
“John O’Brien and the team at Launch Environmental are consummate professionals who have built an industry-leading track record,” Matson said. “We are proud to support the company joining Sands Point, which offers a proven platform for growth and scale.”
Beyond the environmental acquisition, Sands Point said it is launching new programs in political violence and terrorism, aviation, and directors and officers liability. The company already holds underwriting programs in representations and warranties, tax liability, construction, and medical stop-loss.
Kearns said the $250 million GWP milestone reflects broader market confidence.
“We see significant opportunity ahead, not only to continue growing organically, but also to partner with best-in-class underwriting teams and businesses looking for a platform like ours,” he said.
The acquisitions come as MGAs have emerged as one of the insurance sector’s primary growth engines. Capacity appetite for MGAs remains healthy heading into 2026, with interest in the MGA model intensifying across a wide variety of specialty lines, including construction, cyber, emerging technology risks, and niche liability products.
The global specialty insurance market stood at $108.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $120.41 billion in 2026, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.7%.
