Charles Taylor plc, the London stock exchange quoted insurance management group, is acquiring three companies that run the Shipowners' Mutual Strike Association.

The Strike Club, set up nearly 60 years ago, provides shipowners with insurance cover for delay to vessels caused by labour disputes as well as a growing list of other threats to the ability to trade a ship.

The mutual chaired by Johan Hagn-Meincke of Clipper Group has signed a management contract with Charles Taylor, which has a diversified range of businesses providing services to the insurance market.

Hagn-Meincke