Howden Expands with Acquisition of Barnett Waddingham
Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC)
International law firm RPC has advised Howden, a global insurance and employee benefits intermediary, on its agreement to acquire Barnett Waddingham, a leading UK professional services consultancy. This acquisition is a significant milestone for Howden's strategic growth, doubling the size of its employee benefits business and significantly expanding its global footprint. Post-acquisition, Howden will employ over 10,000 staff across more than 200 UK locations, with 4,000 experts generating nearly £500 million in revenue. RPC provided legal advice covering corporate, regulatory, employment, pensions, and tax implications, contributing to Howden's £2.4 billion investment strategy over the past five years. The collaboration highlights RPC's expertise in handling complex, high-value transactions in the insurance and employee benefits sector.
Sectors
- Insurance
- Professional Services
Geography
- United Kingdom – The transaction involves significant operations and expansion within the UK by both Howden and Barnett Waddingham.
- Global – Howden is described as a global entity with expanding international operations after the acquisition.
Industry
- Insurance – The article involves Howden, a global insurance and employee benefits intermediary, highlighting its relevance to the insurance industry.
- Professional Services – Barnett Waddingham is mentioned as a leading professional services consultancy, making this sector a relevant classification.
Financials
- £500 million – The expected revenue generated by Howden's employee benefits business post-acquisition.
- £2.4 billion – Total investments made by Howden in its UK operations over the past five years.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howden | Acquirer | Company | A global insurance and employee benefits intermediary involved in acquiring Barnett Waddingham. |
| Barnett Waddingham | Target Company | Company | A UK-based professional services consultancy specializing in risk, pensions, investment, and insurance. |
| Reynolds Porter Chamberlain (RPC) | Legal Advisor | Company | An international law firm advising Howden on the acquisition. |
| James Mee | Partner and Head of Corporate Insurance and Private Equity at RPC | Person | Led the RPC team advising on the Howden acquisition. |
| Chris Keville | Senior Legal Counsel, Howden Group | Person | Provided legal counsel from Howden during the transaction. |
| Lee Holland | Head of Legal M&A and Corporate, Howden Group | Person | Key participant from Howden in the acquisition process. |