Howden has acquired the independent insurance broker Born Consulting AG in Switzerland.

Born Consulting, founded in 2003, is a broker that serves national and international intermediaries, large companies, and the public sector. According to a release on the acquisition, Born Consulting’s client experience, its “entrepreneur for entrepreneur” approach, and its capabilities were a “strong strategic and cultural fit” for Howden.

"Howden is the perfect new home for us and provides us with the opportunity to continue to play an active and entrepreneurial role in shaping the company,” said Born Consulting AG CEO Massimo Contino. “Our clients will benefit from the advantages of an international brokerage group, with distribution and expertise in 45 countries, combined with our local knowledge and capabilities.”

Contino added that with Born Consulting joining Howden, his team can continue to grow its business and offer “an unrivalled, client-focused service as part of a company that values independence and an employee-first culture.”

"We are the natural home for independent brokers in Switzerland and today’s announcement will enable clients to access the expertise and specialisms of Howden's international network,” commented Howden Switzerland CEO Felix C. Jenny. “The acquisition of Born Consulting fits perfectly with our growth strategy of consistent and steady execution through strong organic growth, talent acquisition and strategic partnerships with like-minded firms that share our culture of entrepreneurship and ownership."

Howden Europe CEO Luigi Sturani prefaced that the acquisition of Born Consulting further reinforces Howden’s position as one of the leading brokers in Europe.

“We both share the same principles based on top talent, employee empowerment and a collective culture and vision, all of which are underpinned by an enviable client-centric approach,” Sturani explained. “Today’s agreement brings us a step closer in fulfilling our ambition to position Howden among the leading brokers in Switzerland and we’re looking forward to welcoming Born Consulting’s employees and clients to Howden.”

Read more: Howden M&A announces senior hire for Europe

Just last week, Howden M&A – the international mergers and acquisitions broker division of Howden – appointed Charles-Henri Gridel as its associate director for business development in Europe. He joined Howden from Herbert Smith Freehills, where he most recently served as head of business for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).