Howden Expands with Barnett Waddingham Acquisition

Deal News | Mar 26, 2025 | EIN

Howden Expands with Barnett Waddingham Acquisition

Howden, a prominent global insurance and employee benefits intermediary group, has acquired Barnett Waddingham, a UK-based professional services consultancy. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Howden's capabilities in pensions, investment, and insurance advisory services, allowing it to expand into global markets effectively. The deal significantly increases Howden's global employee benefits business, with the joint company now employing approximately 4,000 experts and generating a combined revenue nearing $647 million. Howden's CEO, David Howden, emphasized the strategic alignment and entrepreneurial synergy this acquisition brings. The merger allows Howden to strengthen its position in the UK and Irish markets and provides a platform for broader geographical reach. The newly scaled entity will serve a diverse clientele, including major multinational corporations and SMEs, offering a comprehensive range of products and services. Howden operates in 55 countries, employing 20,000 people, and handles $44.7 billion worth of premiums annually.

Sectors

  • Insurance
  • Professional Services
  • Wealth Management

Geography

  • United Kingdom – Barnett Waddingham is based in the UK, and Howden aims to expand its capabilities in the UK and Ireland.
  • Global – Howden operates across 55 countries and aims to expand its global market reach through this acquisition.

Industry

  • Insurance – Howden is a global insurance intermediary group, making this Industry Classification relevant.
  • Professional Services – Barnett Waddingham is a UK professional services consultancy, focusing on risk, pensions, investment, and insurance, thus falling under this classification.
  • Wealth Management – The article discusses mergers and acquisitions in the wealth management sector, with Howden expanding its employee benefits services.

Financials

  • 647 million – The combined revenue generated by the merged businesses worldwide.
  • 2.4 billion – The total investment made by Howden over the last five years to expand its UK footprint.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
HowdenBidding CompanyCompanyA global insurance and employee benefits intermediary group.
Barnett WaddinghamTarget CompanyCompanyA UK professional services consultancy specializing in risk, pensions, investment, and insurance.
David HowdenCEOPersonCEO of Howden, overseeing the acquisition strategy.