Howden has agreed to acquire Gravitas Insurance Agency LLC, a Los Angeles-based brokerage specializing in contingency insurance for music, sport and live events. 

The deal, which is subject to closing conditions, marks another step in Howden's strategy to expand in the US, the world's largest insurance market, while extending its global sport and entertainment capabilities.

Expanding into US entertainment

Gravitas, founded in 2022 by John Tomlinson, has built a strong presence serving top performing artists, touring acts, live event organizers, talent agencies and record labels. The firm focuses exclusively on contingency insurance for the entertainment sector. 

Tomlinson, who previously built Lockton's North American entertainment platform, established Gravitas as a specialist brokerage. Partner Marlene Benoit, who joined from Lockton, has extensive expertise in music-related non-appearance coverage.

Howden said Gravitas’ addition supports its broader US expansion plans. The firm recently created a US leadership team to drive growth and sees entertainment insurance as a key area of opportunity.

Howden has been steadily building out its sport and entertainment portfolio worldwide. Recent acquisitions include UK-based performing arts broker Hencilla Canworth, German film and entertainment broker Franz Gossler, and Spanish entertainment broker Boni Aldaya.

The group views the US as central to its ambitions, with industry estimates suggesting the country accounts for around 60% of global sports and entertainment premiums. Howden executives said that combining its global platform with Gravitas' expertise would position the group to attract top industry talent while offering clients a broader alternative in the US market.

The move reflects Howden's intent to compete aggressively in the US retail insurance space through a mix of organic growth and targeted acquisitions. 

For the entertainment sector, the tie-up creates a larger specialist platform with the ability to deliver bespoke coverage across music, media, sport and equine.

Tomlinson described the deal as a continuation of a longstanding partnership between Gravitas and Howden, which has already delivered value for entertainment clients.

Industry observers said the combination strengthens Howden’s ability to compete with established players in a niche but growing line of business where tailored coverage is increasingly critical amid rising event risks and complex client demands.