** Shares of Steadfast Group SDF.AX rise as much as 1.1% to A$5.53, their biggest intraday gain since Oct. 29

** Insurance broker says it has acquired London-based insurer HW Wood & HWI France in a trans-national deal valued at 23.5 mln pounds ($30.27 mln)

** Co says the acquisition will help expand its portfolio in the UK, France & Greece

** Co expects the deal to be immediately EPS accretive

** Shares of co set for third session of consecutive gains, if current trend holds

** Stock down 5% YTD, including current session's move, as at 0032 GMT

($1 = 0.7763 pounds)

(Reporting by Kumar Tanishk in Bengaluru)

((Tanishk.Kumar@thomsonreuters.com;))