Global insurance group, Howden, has announced its acquisition of Contacto Corredores de Seguros S.A (Contacto), a leading insurance broker in the Peruvian market.
This strategic move is part of Howden’s plan to extend its footprint in Latin America, enhancing its ability to serve clients in the region.
Founded in 1984 by Maximiliano Goller, Contacto is now Peru’s second-largest insurance broker, focusing on Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits. It primarily serves the precious metals mining industry and was acquired by Buenaventura (BVN), a leading Peruvian precious metals producer and mining conglomerate, in 1987. The company is headquartered in Lima and boasts a client base of approximately 3,000, Howden noted.
Pablo Bores, CEO of Howden LatAm, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasising the increasing demand for specialised insurance solutions in Latin America.
Bores noted, “With the Contacto team on board, we will be the second largest insurance broker in Peru, providing a credible alternative for clients in the country. Howden LatAm is strengthening its position as a leading broker, combining local, specialised expertise with the scale of Howden’s international offering to meet growing client demand.”
Sonia Caamaño, CEO of International Growth Markets at Howden, described Contacto as a market leader in Peru and highlighted the acquisition as an excellent opportunity to establish a stronger presence in another Latin American economy.
She stated, “Adding Contacto’s talented team to our Latin American footprint solidifies Howden’s presence in the region and will enable us to provide the scale and bespoke solutions that our clients require.”
Giulio Valz-Gen, CEO of Contacto, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, highlighting their successful partnership with Howden through the Howden One network since 2017.
He stated, “Joining the Howden family permanently is the logical next step in our growth strategy and represents an outstanding opportunity for our people and our clients. By leveraging Howden’s global network, data and analytics capabilities, and specialist expertise, we will provide the very best service for our clients and continue the growth momentum we have achieved as Contacto.”
This acquisition strengthens Howden’s presence in Latin America and significantly increases its headcount in the region. Upon completion, Contacto will add to Howden’s Latin American team, bringing the total headcount to more than 800 people across Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Brazil, with support from Howden’s hub in Miami
