“With strong strategic and cultural alignment, BWV is the ideal partner 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,” Jenny said.

Manfred Wanger, co-founder of BWV, also commented on the deal and expressed delight at the opportunities presented by the new partnership.

“Over the last twenty years, we have built a strong business and under our new Howden brand we hope to expand our regional footprint in Switzerland and in the Principality of Liechtenstein, while also developing opportunities with Howden Austria,” Wanger said. “I am delighted that we will continue to work in an entrepreneurial-minded business as we increase our ability to differentiate ourselves by providing value-added services and expertise to our clients.”

Howden’s continued growth

Howden’s latest acquisition marks its continued investment in local specialist expertise, a press release said, building on previous deals with Born Consulting, Bachmann & Partners, and Broker Center Zurichsee in Switzerland. Howden Switzerland, which was established in 2021, has already grown to include 75 employees across seven offices in Zurich, Bern, and Zug.

“The partnership with BWV comes at an interesting time as demand grows across Europe for increasingly sophisticated insurance products and services,” said Luigi Sturani, CEO of Howden Europe. “Howden is therefore strengthening its position as one of the leading brokers in Europe capable of providing the scale, expertise and a range of bespoke solutions for which our clients are looking.” 

Howden has also recently expanded in the UK with the acquisition of Reich Insurance Group, one of the country’s top independent insurance brokers.

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