Insurance and reinsurance broker Willis Towers Watson has announced the acquisition of Dero Courtage, a risk advisor and insurance broker based in the French region of Normandy, for an undisclosed consideration.
Headquartered in Le Havre, Dero Courtage specialises in corporate risks and the protection of executives.
Following the acquisition, the business will operate under the brand of Willis Towers Watson’s French business, Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France.
Christophe Dero, current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dero Courtage, will serve as Managing Director of the new business unit, supported by the senior management team of Jérôme Lees and Bruno Poyac.
Meanwhile, the existing teams in Le Havre will remain the main contacts of Dero Courtage’s clients, Willis Towers Watson said.
“The Dero team bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, and I’d like to offer them a warm welcome,” said Paul Morris, Head of Western Europe at Willis Towers Watson. “France is a key market for us and this move reinforces our leading position as a global adviser with an extensive local network.”
Gilles Bénéplanc, Managing Director of Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France, also commented: “I am thrilled by this deal, which builds on our strategy to develop and strengthen our regional network.
“Normandy holds clear growth potential, and the Dero Courtage team adds specialised expertise in a range of fields such as logistics and port activities, and asset management.”
Christophe Dero added: “Joining such a prominent French risk adviser enables us to benefit from the full strength of Willis Towers Watson, and the wide range of solutions they offer, including human capital management.
“It will allow us to consolidate and expand our ability to support our clients in their development and their access to new markets, especially in international business.”
