Insurance intermediary Towergate has acquired Harry Fort Insurance Brokers.

Harry Fort Insurance Brokers was established in 1982 by current managing director Chris Fort's father and brother.

The company has been a member of the UK's independent insurance brokers network for 10 years and handles both commercial and personal lines business.

Towergate retail division chief executive Michael Rea said that the acquisition will allow the firm to grow in a previously untapped area of Dorset.

"We are currently in discussions with a wide range of regional brokers, who are thinking of selling their businesses," Rea said.

The latest purchase is the tenth acquisition Towergate has made, and fourth in the South West region in the past year.

In April 2012, Towergate Insurance has acquired Gill Knott Insurance, Lloyd Manley Associates and the general insurance unit of Airevalley Insurance Services.