Skyward Specialty Launches Aviation Unit Following Acquisition of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters’ Assets

Rhea-AI Summary

Skyward Specialty Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SKWD) has announced its entry into the specialized aviation market through the launch of a new Aviation underwriting unit, following the acquisition of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters' assets. The move builds on a strategic partnership initiated last year and aligns with Skyward's strategy of expanding into specialized and underserved markets. The acquisition brings aboard Acceleration's experienced aviation team, led by founder Chris Jones, who will help establish Skyward's presence in the aviation sector. The integration combines Acceleration's expertise in niche aviation risks with Skyward's advanced analytics and tech-enabled underwriting capabilities, focusing particularly on smaller, overlooked risks within the aviation market.

Positive

• Acquisition brings experienced aviation team with proven track record in niche markets
• Strategic expansion into specialized and underserved aviation market segments
• Integration combines Acceleration's expertise with Skyward's advanced analytics and tech capabilities
• Builds on existing successful partnership, reducing integration risks

Negative

• None.

Insights

M&A and Insurance Industry Expert

Skyward Specialty's aviation acquisition supports growth strategy by entering specialized market with established expertise and scalable infrastructure.

Skyward Specialty's acquisition of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters' assets represents a strategic market expansion that aligns perfectly with their focus on specialized, underserved insurance segments. This transaction follows a prudent approach - they initially formed a partnership with Acceleration as a program manager before proceeding with full acquisition, demonstrating methodical due diligence rather than rushed expansion.

The aviation insurance market is characterized by high complexity and specialized risk profiles that require deep domain expertise. By acquiring Acceleration, Skyward gains immediate access to established underwriting capabilities and industry relationships without the lengthy ramp-up typically required when entering specialized insurance verticals. The acquisition specifically targets "smaller, overlooked risks" within aviation - precisely the type of niche where specialty insurers can achieve superior margins through specialized underwriting.

This move follows Skyward's established playbook of identifying underserved segments where their technology-enabled underwriting can create competitive advantages. The strategy focuses on complex risks that commodity insurers typically avoid, allowing for more rational pricing and reduced competition. By integrating Acceleration's domain knowledge with Skyward's analytics infrastructure, they create a compelling combination that positions them to scale efficiently while maintaining underwriting discipline.

From a capital allocation perspective, this bolt-on acquisition likely requires minimal capital while potentially delivering attractive returns on invested capital through premium growth in an underserved market segment. The transaction strengthens Skyward's diversification across specialty lines while remaining aligned with their core competency in handling complex, hard-to-place risks.

HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.^TM (Nasdaq: SKWD) ("Skyward Specialty" or "the Company") a leader in the specialty property and casualty (P&C) market, announced its entry into the specialized aviation market with the launch of a new Aviation underwriting unit. The expansion follows the Company’s acquisition of the assets of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters (“Acceleration”) and builds on a strategic partnership between the two companies initiated last year.

This move marks a bold step forward in the Company’s ongoing growth strategy, leveraging technology and data-driven underwriting to expand into highly specialized and underserved markets.

“For the Acceleration team, this is the culmination of our decades long career, and I am very proud to join Skyward Specialty to see our legacy continue,” said Chris Jones, founder of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters. “With Skyward Specialty’s growth-driven strategy and our deep underwriting knowledge, we have the backing and scale to realize the full potential of our business. I am very excited to be part of this next phase in Acceleration’s future and establish Skyward Specialty’s place in the aviation market.”

With the acquisition, Skyward Specialty gains a seasoned team of aviation experts with a proven track record of success in niche, underserved segments, which is an ideal complement to the Company’s focus on complex and hard-to-place risks.

“Over the past couple of years, we have built a terrific relationship with the Acceleration team including as a program manager writing on behalf of Skyward Specialty. They’ve carved out a smart, sustainable niche, particularly in smaller, overlooked risks within the aviation market and we find this is fits well within our strategy,” said Andrew Robinson, Chairman & CEO of Skyward Specialty. “By combining their deep expertise with our advanced analytics and tech-enabled underwriting capabilities, we are well positioned to scale this business and strengthen our position in the aviation market. This integration further reflects our commitment to our strategy to invest in specialty markets where insights, precision and innovation drive lasting value.”

About Skyward Specialty
Skyward Specialty (Nasdaq: SKWD) is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through nine underwriting divisions -- Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Specialty Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S.

Skyward Specialty's subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. For more information about Skyward Specialty, its people, and its products, please visit skywardinsurance.com.

Media Contact
Haley Doughty
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
713-935-4944
hdoughty@skywardinsurance.com

Investor Contact
Natalie Schoolcraft
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
614-494-4988
nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Skyward Specialty's acquisition of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters?

The acquisition allows Skyward Specialty to enter the specialized aviation market, gaining experienced aviation experts and expanding into underserved market segments while leveraging their tech-enabled underwriting capabilities.

Who will lead SKWD's new aviation unit following the Acceleration acquisition?

Chris Jones, the founder of Acceleration Aviation Underwriters, will join Skyward Specialty to lead the aviation unit.

How does the Acceleration acquisition align with Skyward Specialty's business strategy?

The acquisition aligns with Skyward's strategy of investing in specialty markets where insights, precision, and innovation drive value, particularly in complex and hard-to-place risks.

What market segments will SKWD's new aviation unit focus on?

The unit will focus on niche, underserved segments within the aviation market, particularly smaller, overlooked risks.

What existing relationship did SKWD have with Acceleration before the acquisition?

Acceleration was previously a program manager writing on behalf of Skyward Specialty, with the companies having built a relationship over the past couple of years.