Howden further expands European footprint via acquisition

Independent insurance broker  Howden has acquired a well-known Belgian insurance broker to further expand its footprint in Europe.

The deal marks Howden Belgium’s first acquisition since its inception in the summer of 2020, as well as represents an investment in property, casualty and employee benefits insurances

Howden Belgium has acquired Brussels-based Sarton & Associés, which the broker believes complements its existing specialty lines expertise, distribution and product range, and will allow a more prominent presence across the country.

The broker has taken a similar approach in Italy and Switzerland in the last few months. A wave of talent has recently joined the company to drive growth in key markets.

Herman Kerremans (pictured), CEO of Howden Belgium, said: “I joined Howden because I was excited by its values and its empowered culture and knew it was a place where I could build a business and a team focussing on clients, expertise and added value.

“With Sarton & Associés choosing to join us, our adventure now begins a new chapter. This transaction marks Howden Belgium’s first acquisition and reinforces our strategy to invest in expertise and develop specialist capabilities that deliver the best service to our clients.

“Paul has built an incredibly strong and hugely well-respected business especially in Brussels and the French speaking part of the country. This operation aligns two highly complementary companies with people and clients at its core.”

Kerremans added: “As we continue our expansion plans in the region and pursue our ambitions to become the alternative broker of choice in Belgium, we intend to serve as the home of businesses precisely like Sarton & Associés that share our entrepreneurial, employee-owned spirit.”

Paul Sarton, founder of Sarton & Associés, commented: “ Howden was not the first company to approach us, but we chose to join them not only because of their international network, but also because of their independent and empowered culture. In Howden, we have found a place where people share our values, enabling us to continue to grow and focus on the client centricity, innovation and entrepreneurship for which Sarton & Associés has become known in the wider Brussels region. We look forward to being part of this fast growing company.”

Louise Cable-Alexander, CEO Northern Europe, added: “By attracting the right talent and empowering people to build businesses and teams, we continue to expand our footprint across Europe and invest in expertise for our clients. This latest deal means Howden Belgium is now a substantial, quality business, only a year after launching, and is another step in fulfilling our ambitions to be a leader in our chosen markets.”

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