Global insurance group Howden has announced the successful acquisition of Haakon AG, a specialised international reinsurance broker headquartered in Switzerland.
The strategic move positions Howden as the premier reinsurance broker in Switzerland, enhancing its European reinsurance platform and client offerings, the company said.
Formerly a part of the Baloise Group, Haakon boasts a remarkable 43-year track record in providing treaty, facultative, and complex reinsurance solutions to clients across Switzerland, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
With offices in Basel and Kuala Lumpur, Haakon is set to become an integral part of Howden’s rapidly growing European reinsurance platform, particularly the Howden Tiger reinsurance platform.
The acquisition marks Howden’s ninth in Switzerland within two years, solidifying its ambitious growth strategy and reinforcing its status as the preferred home for independent brokers in Europe, the company noted.
Massimo Reina, CEO of Howden Tiger International, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We have found the ideal partner in Haakon to achieve our reinsurance ambitions in Switzerland.”
Haakon’s CEO, Thomas Meier, sees the acquisition as a defining moment in the company’s history, emphasising the alignment of visions and cultures with Howden.
He stated, “Combining with the world’s fastest-growing reinsurance brokers gives us the scale, depth of talent, and distribution capabilities to continue positioning our business for long-term success.”
Ivo Gugolz, CEO Reinsurance at Howden Switzerland, added, “By creating the largest reinsurance broking team in Switzerland, we’re bringing a new and exciting long-term proposition to clients and talent.”
