Icen Risk Attracts Zurich's Strategic Investment to Fuel Global Expansion

Deal News | Apr 01, 2025 | Re-Insurance News

Icen Risk Attracts Zurich's Strategic Investment to Fuel Global Expansion

Zurich Insurance Group, a leading global multi-line insurer, has announced a strategic investment in Icen Risk, a specialist M&A insurer renowned for offering bespoke coverage for Warranty & Indemnity, Tax, IP, and Environmental risks in European mid-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The transaction is expected to secure regulatory approval and reach completion by Q3 2025, leading to Zurich acquiring an equity stake in Icen Risk. This move underpins Zurich's intent to support the rollout of new insurance products and broaden their reach across geographies. While Icen Risk will sustain its operations independently under its renowned brand and leadership, the transaction terms designate Stephen Moss, Global Head of Financial Lines and Cyber at Zurich, as a new member of the Board of Directors at Icen Risk. Icen Risk, founded in 2018 by Dawn Bhoma and Rob Brown, already commands a strong presence in private company M&A insurance with gross written premiums surpassing 70 million. Their expertise in underwriting profitability and a record of substantial growth complements Zurich's strategic growth ambitions in the Specialties market, positioning them collectively to better serve global M&A clients. In alignment with the partnership, Icen Risk aims to leverage Zurich's expansive brand and international network to extend its presence not only across Europe but also in North American markets. With the projected overall M&A insurance market valued at 2.5 billion and experiencing substantial growth, the collaboration between Zurich and Icen Risk appears poised to significantly influence the industry landscape. The partnership is intended to develop innovative solutions addressing emerging risks while also capturing new opportunities as the market expands.

Sectors

  • Insurance
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
  • Financial Services

Geography

  • Europe – Icen Risk's current focus and operational base in European mid-market M&A transactions highlight the region's relevance.
  • North America – The article underscores plans for Icen Risk's expansion into North American markets, emphasizing future geographical growth.

Industry

  • Insurance – The article discusses Zurich Insurance Group's investment in Icen Risk, a player in the M&A insurance market, specifically highlighting its role in providing Warranty & Indemnity, Tax, IP, and Environmental risk coverage.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) – The focus on M&A insurance and the expansion of Icen Risk in the mid-market segment underlines the sector's critical role in facilitating complex deal-making activities by mitigating associated risks.
  • Financial Services – The involvement of Zurich and Icen Risk in the financial services sector is crucial as their insurance solutions directly cater to the needs of private equity, investment funds, and corporates.

Financials

  • 70 million – Gross written premiums of Icen Risk.
  • 2.5 billion – Size of the M&A insurance market.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Zurich Insurance GroupInvestorCompanyA global multi-line insurer investing in Icen Risk to expand capabilities in the M&A insurance sector.
Icen RiskTarget CompanyCompanyA specialist M&A insurer focusing on Warranty & Indemnity, Tax, IP, and Environmental risks for mid-market transactions.
Stephen MossAppointee to Board of Directors of Icen RiskPersonGlobal Head of Financial Lines and Cyber at Zurich, joining Icen Risk's board post-transaction.
Dawn BhomaCo-Founder and Managing Principal of Icen RiskPersonIndustry veteran and leader at Icen Risk.
Rob BrownCo-Founder and Managing Principal of Icen RiskPersonIndustry veteran and leader at Icen Risk.