Willis Towers Watson buys French broker for regional expansion

Broker Willis Towers Watson has acquired Le Havre headquartered risk adviser and broker Dero Courtage to build its presence in the French market.

Following the deal, Dero Courtage will operate under the brand of Willis Towers Watson’s French business, Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France.

Christophe Dero will be the managing director of the new business unit, supported by the senior management team of Jérôme Lees and Bruno Poyac. The existing teams based in Le Havre will remain the main contacts of Dero Courtage’s clients.

“The Dero team bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, and I’d like to offer them a warm welcome. France is a key market for us and this move reinforces our leading position as a global adviser with an extensive local network,” said Paul Morris, head of Western Europe, Willis Towers Watson.

Gilles Bénéplanc, managing director of Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France, added: "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."

Dero, CEO of Dero Courtage, commented: “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.”