Verisk Acquires McKenzie Intelligence for Catastrophe Data

Verisk has acquired McKenzie Intelligence Services, a UK firm that supplies real-time geospatial intelligence for catastrophe and conflict events. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal, completed by Verisk's Catastrophe and Risk Solutions unit, pairs MIS's post-event damage assessment with Verisk's catastrophe models and claims tools. Rob Newbold, president of Verisk Catastrophe and Risk Solutions, said the combination gives clients "a more complete view of unfolding events" to assess impacts and support policyholders.

MIS aggregates satellite imagery, sensor data and other geospatial sources. It provides rapid accumulation analysis after hurricanes, earthquakes or floods. The company's data helps insurers decide where to deploy adjusters and how to estimate loss reserves in the hours after a disaster.

Forbes McKenzie, founder of MIS, said the integration felt like a natural fit. "We've worked with Verisk to integrate real-time event data for rapid accumulation analysis," he said. "Together with Verisk's risk modeling and claims solutions, we can help insurers better serve policyholders during their most challenging moments."

The acquisition follows Verisk's 2025 purchase of Verisk Model Exchange, a platform that lets clients compare multiple catastrophe models on a single financial engine. MIS will sit alongside Verisk Maplecroft, which monitors external risks across supply chains and investments.

Verisk said the transaction is not expected to have a material impact on financial results. VRSK shares trade on the Nasdaq. The company carries a Weak Alpha Score of 21, reflecting headwinds in the industrials sector.