Argenius and RVA under Howden's wing in strategic Swiss expansion

Howden has extended its reach in Switzerland by acquiring Swiss insurance brokers argenius Risk Experts AG and RVA Versicherungsbroker AG.

The primary motivation behind these acquisitions is to strengthen Howden Switzerland’s offerings to large institutions and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Howden’s aim is to provide these clients with better access to expert knowledge and an international reach via their local market. The financial details of the transactions have not been disclosed.

RVA caters to small and medium-sized businesses by addressing all their insurance and risk concerns. Moreover, RVA operates as a specialty broker, focusing on social institutions. On the other hand, argenius provides advice to medium and large organisations, specialising in complex risk analysis and portfolio placement.

These acquisitions build upon Howden’s successful purchase of three Swiss brokers in the past two years, which include Born Consulting, Bachmann & Partners, and Broker Center Zurichsee.

Once both acquisitions are finalised, the inclusion of argenius and RVA will increase Howden Switzerland’s headcount to 130 across eight regions, namely Zurich, Basel, Zug, Bern, Lucerne, Chur, Geneva, Lugano, and the principality of Liechtenstein.

Howden Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein’s CEO, Felix C. Jenny, said: “We are delighted to welcome argenius and RVA to Howden Switzerland as we fast become the natural home for independent brokers in the region. The addition of these like-minded, entrepreneurial-spirited businesses advances our ambitious growth strategy for the region and brings us one step closer to becoming the leading broker of choice in Switzerland.”

In addition, Howden Europe’s CEO, Luigi Sturani, added: “The acquisition of argenius and RVA comes at an exciting time, as demand grows across Europe for increasingly sophisticated insurance products and services. Combining the local, specialist expertise of argenius and RVA with Howden’s international offering will strengthen our position as one of the leading brokers in Europe capable of providing the scale, expertise and range of bespoke solutions that clients require.”

Keep up with all the latest FinTech news here.