Global insurance group, Howden, has established a retail presence across Luxembourg through its acquisition of the portfolio of United Brokers S.A. (United), and has also strengthened its position in Belgium with the acquisition of WDR Insurance Group BV (WDR).
Both of these acquisitions reflects the company’s ongoing strategy to invest in expertise and partner with culturally aligned firms to expand its geographical footprint into local markets for the benefit of its clients.
Through the acquisition of a portfolio of business from Luxembourg-based Financial Lines specialist United, Howden Belgium enters a new and particularly important market across Europe.
The company explained that this is the beginning of a major growth journey, which also includes the establishment of a branch in Luxembourg City. Partnering with Jacques Emsix – the branch representative and former owner of the portfolio – Howden will develop a retail business in the country.
Moreover, WDR specialises in P&C as well as Employee Benefits product lines servicing corporates, public sector and SME clients.
With offices ranging across Drogenbos, Aalst, and Antwerp, this acquisition will allow Howden to further expand its footprint in the broader Brussels area, complementing existing offices in Zaventem and Uccle.
At the same time, this acquisition will also facilitate the growth of Howden’s business in the Antwerp region, including the Port of Antwerp, where Howden already serves a range of clients.
Both of these acquisitions align with Howden’s growth strategy in Europe, bolstering local expertise, as well as establishing and building footholds in new markets.
The company also noted that this marks a significant milestone for Howden Belgium, which obtained its broking license to operate in the country in June 2020.
Herman Kerremans, CEO, Howden Belgium, commented: “These two acquisitions reinforce our commitment to Belgium and the wider region, and reflect our strategy to invest in talent and to deepen our expertise for the benefit of our clients. With strong strategic and cultural alignment, WDR and United are the ideal partners for Howden as we cement our position as the natural home for independent insurance brokers looking to give clients access to the expertise and specialisms of an international network within their local market.”
Marie-Anne Van Kerckhoven, Arnaut Ingels and Walter Huybrechts, Managing Directors, WDR Insurance Group, said: “Even though WDR is already a well-known broker in our selected markets, we’ve been on the lookout for a partner with international reach for years. Howden is the perfect fit for our expanding business – sufficiently large to offer advanced solutions in a complex global market yet still wholly dedicated to delivering the very best service for our clients. Joining Howden feels like finding a permanent home and we are excited to be part of a business that values people and independence. Our well-established, trusted team remains committed to delivering the professional service and support our clients have come to expect.”
Jacques Emsix, Former Portfolio Owner, United Brokers Luxembourg, added: “Over the past two decades, we’ve established a robust business portfolio in Luxembourg, and joining forces with Howden is the perfect opportunity to further grow our presence in the market. Our alignment with their entrepreneurial spirit and client-centric approach is a key factor, and we’re eager to leverage Howden’s extensive network to enhance our ability to meet our clients’ needs more effectively.”
