The Ardonagh Group has agreed to acquire Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar, a Netherlands-based specialist commercial lines insurance broker.
Founded in 1854, Klap advises SME companies on employee benefits, insurance, and pensions, distributing over €100m of GWP annually.
Under the leadership of Jorg Roodbeen, Klap CEO, and with support from Tim Kreté, partner at Nedvest, Klap has seen high levels of growth in recent years.
The broker will be acquired by Ardonagh Europe, through its subsidiary Ardonagh Netherlands, funded from Ardonagh’s available funds. Klap’s management team will remain with the business.
Ardonagh Europe entered the Dutch market in 2022, welcoming the Léons Group as part of its plan to penetrate new European markets.
The firm states that Léons’ Dutch roots and solid reputation in the market have enabled Ardonagh Europe to begin building a portfolio of brands with insurance broker companies that are leaders in their target markets.
“With the addition of Klap, Ardonagh Europe will tap into more than 230 years of Dutch insurance excellence, as provided by two highly respected and long-standing franchises which have high-quality portfolios of commercial lines business,” the firm said.
Conor Brennan, CEO of Ardonagh Europe, commented, “This is a hugely complementary acquisition, aligning neatly with our Group’s footprint both internationally and in the European market.
“Alongside the vast expertise of Léons, Klap further diversifies our portfolio and our customer base in The Netherlands, creating a strong platform to accelerate our growth ambitions in the region.
“Jorg leads a highly experienced management team with deep expertise in the market. We look forward to rallying the scale and experience of the wider Ardonagh Group behind them as they continue their growth journey.”
Roodbeen said, “Today’s announcement marks the start of a new and exciting chapter for us all. In Ardonagh we have found a strategic partner supportive of our ambitions. Our clients and colleagues will benefit from this.
“I am delighted that two insurance brokers with a long history have found each other with the support of a strong international shareholder.”
He continued, “The combination of Klap and Léons results in a unique collaboration. In recent years, we have been on a great journey to place ourselves on the map as a leading adviser for SMEs.
“I look forward to joining forces with the team at Ardonagh Europe, to execute our shared plan of growth through professionalism, high-quality service, and innovation. We will continue to leverage our experience and connections as we embark on this exciting new journey together.”
Kreté added, “I am proud of what we have achieved together with Klap and Jorg during our partnership, and I want to thank the entire team for their dedication.
“I believe that we have been able to provide an important piece of the puzzle. We are confident that Ardonagh is the ideal partner to take Klap to even greater heights in their continued journey.
“The acquisition of Klap by Ardonagh is a testament to Nedvest’s commitment to nurturing businesses and driving growth in their respective industries.”
