Howden Acquires Help Me Compare Group Limited
Howden Group Holdings, a prominent global insurance intermediary, has strategically acquired Help Me Compare Group Limited (HMCGL), including its subsidiaries, ActiveQuote. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Howden's footprint in the UK health and life insurance brokerage sector, enhancing its capabilities to cater to a diverse clientele ranging from individual consumers to multinational corporations.
Founded in 2009 by Richard Theodossiades, HMCGL has established itself as a reputable entity in the insurance industry, employing 132 staff at its Cardiff Bay headquarters and managing approximately £60 million in premiums. The acquisition aligns with Howden's broader strategic objective to expand its employee benefits offerings, addressing the increasing demand for private medical insurance solutions.
The timing of this acquisition is particularly noteworthy, as Mike Dalby, Managing Director of UK Consumer Life & Health at Howden notes: “This acquisition comes at a crucial time. Over the past 12 months, we've seen a 46% surge in interest from individuals seeking private medical insurance to speed up their access to diagnosis and treatment. By bringing HMCGL (ActiveQuote) into our fold, we are perfectly positioned to meet this growing demand.”
Glenn Thomas, CEO and Global Practice Leader of Howden Employee Benefits says: "HMCGL (ActiveQuote) are a well-respected group with strong expertise, an outstanding reputation, and a great team that we have known for a long time. We are therefore delighted to welcome CEO Rob Saunders, and their highly experienced team into Howden. This acquisition reflects our ambition to grow the UK consumer health insurance market under Mike’s leadership.”
Rob Saunders, CEO of HMCGL, Rob Saunders, CEO of HMCGL (ActiveQuote), adds: “After 15 years of independence, growth, and development, becoming part of Howden is a significant step in our growth journey – both for our people and our clients. Howden was the only company we wanted to join and together we will provide enhanced solutions for our clients.”
This acquisition not only strengthens Howden's position in the UK health insurance market but also reinforces its commitment to expanding its global employee benefits team, which now spans over 2,500 employees across 38 countries. As Howden continues to grow its capabilities and market presence, the integration of HMCGL represents a pivotal step in its journey to becoming a leader in the consumer health insurance sector.
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