HBC Moves Towards Fast Growth with Bridgepoint Support
Deal News | Jul 31, 2025 | Hogan Lovells
HBC, a significant player in the DACH region's insurance market, has announced a strategic partnership with Bridgepoint, a renowned private equity firm. The acquisition involves Bridgepoint acquiring a majority stake in HBC, which was formed from the merger of three specialty brokers and a managing general agent in 2022. HBC currently manages €600 million in gross written premiums and serves over 40,000 clients across 15 insurance lines. This partnership aims to accelerate HBC's merger and acquisition strategy, scale its managing general agent capabilities, and enhance organic growth and digitization efforts. With Bridgepoint's backing, HBC plans to develop a fully integrated platform combining specialist commercial broking and MGA capabilities, thereby cementing its leadership in the DACH region and potentially expanding beyond. The transaction, advised by law firm Hogan Lovells, is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Sectors
- Insurance
- Private Equity
- Legal Services
Geography
- DACH Region – HBC is a significant player in the DACH region's insurance market, which encompasses Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- United Kingdom – London-based partners from Hogan Lovells were involved in advising the transaction, reflecting a geographical link to the UK.
- Netherlands – An Amsterdam-based partner from Hogan Lovells was involved in advising the transaction, indicating involvement from the Netherlands.
Industry
- Insurance – HBC operates within the insurance sector, serving clients across 15 insurance lines and managing significant gross written premiums.
- Private Equity – The acquisition by Bridgepoint represents a significant transaction within the private equity industry, as it involves the acquisition of a majority stake in HBC.
- Legal Services – Hogan Lovells, a law firm, played a crucial role in advising on the transaction, highlighting the importance of legal services in facilitating major acquisitions.
Financials
- €600 million – HBC manages over €600 million in gross written premiums.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBC | Target | Company | HBC is an insurance broker formed from a merger, serving a large client base in the DACH region. |
| Bridgepoint | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | Bridgepoint is a leading private equity firm acquiring a majority stake in HBC. |
| Hogan Lovells | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm advising on the financial transaction. |
| Wouter Jongen | Legal Advisor - Transaction Leader | Person | Amsterdam-based partner at Hogan Lovells leading the deal. |
| Nick Cusack | Legal Advisor | Person | London-based partner at Hogan Lovells involved in the transaction. |
| Thomas Freund | Legal Advisor | Person | Munich-based partner at Hogan Lovells involved in the transaction. |
| Tiziana Daxenberger | Legal Advisor - Senior Associate | Person | Senior associate at Hogan Lovells supporting the transaction. |
| Stefanie Grosch | Legal Advisor - Business Lawyer | Person | Business lawyer at Hogan Lovells supporting the transaction. |
| Maximilian Menges | Legal Advisor - Partner | Person | Hamburg-based partner at Hogan Lovells involved in the transaction. |
| Malte Ingwersen | Legal Advisor - Counsel | Person | Counsel at Hogan Lovells involved in the transaction. |
| Judith Elemele | Legal Advisor - Trainee Solicitor | Person | Trainee solicitor at Hogan Lovells supporting the transaction. |