After nearly five years of operational changes and international expansion under Bridgepoint, Kereis is set to transition to a new ownership structure, with Advent International entering exclusive negotiations to acquire the European insurance broker.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and employee consultation.
According to Kereis CEO Philippe Gravier, the proposed acquisition would support the firm’s long-term strategy focused on digital capability, market expansion, and maintaining service to business partners.
"We look forward to working closely with Advent as we continue to invest for the long term in our digital capabilities, expand into new markets, and deliver innovative solutions to our partners and clients across Western Europe.”
Headquartered in Paris, Kereis operates across seven European countries with a workforce of more than 1,700. It specialises in insurance distribution for both insurers and banking partners, offering tailored products through a network of retail brokers. The company manages over 17 million contracts in Western Europe and is considered the largest broker of housing protection insurance in France.
Advent partner Benjamin Buerstedde said the firm plans to support Kereis in further developing its wholesale brokerage operations and sustaining its role as a distribution partner for banking and insurance firms.
Advent has a history of investing in financial services and insurance-related firms, including CCC Intelligent Solutions and Shift Technology. The firm has made 15 platform investments in France over the past 25 years, including recent acquisitions of Mangopay in 2022 and Parfums de Marly – INITIO in 2023.
"Our potential investment in Kereis builds on Advent’s long-standing track record in financial services," said Advent director Hadrien de Bardies. "We will leverage our global network and operational resources to help Kereis scale further, broaden its product offering, and strengthen its leadership position in the European market.”
Bridgepoint acquired Kereis in 2020. Since then, the brokerage has more than doubled its revenues and expanded its services into corporate risk, health, and property and casualty segments. Kereis has also undergone a digital transformation and pursued acquisitions as part of its growth strategy, positioning itself among the top five wholesale brokers in France.
Bridgepoint officials described the firm’s tenure as a period of active expansion. Vincent-Gael Baudet, Partner and Head of Bridgepoint Europe in France, said the company worked closely with Kereis management to build a European platform.
Carl de Vergie, also a partner at Bridgepoint, noted gains in client acquisition, revenue, and new market entries as key outcomes during their ownership.
"We’re excited to see what’s next for Kereis,” said de Vergie.
How do you see this potential acquisition affecting the competitive landscape of European insurance distribution? Share your thoughts in the comments.
