Optio Group has finalised its acquisition of Den Hartigh Beheer & Exploitatie BV, a Netherlands and Brussels-based MGA, following the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Optio noted that the acquisition, first announced in July, aligns with its broader plans to expand its presence in the European insurance market.
Founded in 1916, Den Hartigh is a technology-driven business-to-business insurance provider offering a range of property and casualty products. Its primary focus includes land-based equipment, marine, and high-net-worth insurance solutions, distributed through brokers using a proprietary distribution platform.
As part of the transition, Jan Den Hartigh, CEO of Den Hartigh, will remain in his leadership role, continuing to oversee the company’s operations.
Optio has described the acquisition as a significant step in its European growth strategy. This deal follows Optio’s announcement of further expansion initiatives, including its acquisition of Luxembourg-based film and events specialist MGA the Circles Group and a strategic investment in Italian MGA Heca S.r.l., which remains subject to regulatory approval.
The company highlighted that these acquisitions and investments form part of its long-term plans to strengthen its foothold in Europe and broaden its portfolio of specialty insurance offerings.
Meanwhile, on the people side, the specialty MGA recently appointed Oliver Sheppard as head of financial lines, effective immediately.
Based in London, Sheppard will oversee the management and development of the company’s professional indemnity (PI) portfolio, assuming overall responsibility for profit and loss as well as market capacity.
Earlier this month, Optio also added Insi Davenport as group chief risk officer, a newly created role that will see her report directly to CEO Deepak Soni from Optio’s London office.
Davenport brings over 25 years of industry experience, having previously held senior risk and compliance roles with organisations such as HSBC Insurance Brokers, Barbon, HWF Partners, and Ardonagh Group.
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