Merge with us
Could Howden be your 'forever home'?
There are plenty of broking houses on the lookout for companies to acquire.
It’s choosing the right one that’s the issue.
It’s a big decision. You want to do right by your clients, your employees and of course, yourself.
With our People First culture, sustained growth and long-term financial backing, we believe Howden could be the ‘forever home’ you’re looking for.
What are we looking for?
- We are keen to acquire personal, commercial and private client brokers, schemes brokers, specialist MGAs and employee benefits practices
- Specialisms are especially attractive – a focus on a particular niche is a distinct advantage
- We only buy businesses with an obvious passion for client service
- Honesty, integrity and professionalism are absolute musts
We usually prefer the leadership team to stay on, take an equity stake in the Group and share in the future success.
That said, if you are ready to retire, we can accommodate almost any situation, from a full retirement, where a run off deal might be appropriate, to a full broker acquisition (so long as there is a sensible plan around future management).
We are completely flexible on deal structures, earn-out periods and cash versus equity.
Almost 1/3 of Howden employees are shareholders in the Group, and this shows day-to-day, in our ‘People First’ working culture.
What we can offer you
Howden is the world’s largest European-headquartered insurance intermediary.
Founded in London in 1994, we are now in over 50 countries. The group has grown through selective acquisitions, always done in the spirit of collaborative autonomy.
All partners and offices are encouraged to be proactive, independent and entrepreneurial, whilst benefiting from the support of the Group and its central services.
This approach has led to us having the infrastructure and market influence of a large multinational company, but with the feel of a friendly, local SME. Genuinely. Come and see for yourself.
We are proudly employee-owned, with 30% of employees owning a stake in the Group. We are also backed by long term, patient investment capital.
We are ambitious for the companies we buy into
We don’t just acquire companies, we are keen to support them to grow.
As well as the obvious - improving organic growth, improved access to markets and schemes, and increased commissions through consolidated volume – joining the Group can help your company grow in other ways, too.
- Help hiring additional producers
- Training and development for all staff
- Capital and support for local acquisition ‘bolt-ons’
- Central services to improve your technology capabilities.
A solid track record in getting deals done
A key concern is always getting the deal over the line – we are deeply experienced in this.
Having conducted dozens of acquisitions in the last few years, we have a tried and tested approach.
Typically, the process can last 3-6 months from signing a Letter of Intent to Completion.
We always do everything we can to support you and your team, alongside your own legal, financial and tax advisors.
Many options for the future
Howden is a true meritocracy. When you join our firm, you’ll interact and collaborate with other like-minded leaders.
Merging with us allows your brokerage to grow and prosper through access to best practice, additional expertise and capabilities.
We structure our acquisitions so that you benefit from the accelerated growth we deliver together.
We are extremely proud of the fact that almost one third of our workforce are shareholders in our business. We would prefer that vendors take a small stake in the Group. Our options around equity participation are many and varied - we look forward to discussing these with you in due course.
