Seasecure Group, which is among the biggest marine and cargo insurance brokers in France, has been snapped up by international insurance brokerage Howden for an undisclosed sum.
The acquired business consists of operating entities Seasecure and Guian, which together serve shipowners, charterers, operators, and other supply chain stakeholders. The group’s customer count stands at more than 2,000.
Founder and general manager Jean Brossollet noted: “Seasecure and Guian are among the last French brokers whose activity is exclusively dedicated to risk management in the marine and cargo sector. We operate in a fast-moving environment, which requires both to be at the forefront of expertise, and to meet all the insurance needs of the companies that place their trust in us.
“Howden’s ambition is to be one of the leading brokers in France, with a strong presence in the country and a range of services in the ‘specialties’. By combining our expertise and our energy to develop an ambitious – and necessary – alternative in the French market, we will be able to offer our clients a comprehensive range of services.”
Set up in Le Havre in 2008, the marine broker swooped for Guian – the expertise of which spans merchant and service vessels, inland waterways, and French & international fisheries insurance – in 2018.
“With the acquisition of Seasecure and Guian, Howden is laying the foundations of a marine branch that will be significant in France,” added Brossollet. “This combination opens up tremendous opportunities for our clients and our teams.”
In addition to its headquarters, Seasecure Group also has offices in Paris, Marseille, and Lorient.
“Seasecure and Guian provide the talent, technical knowledge, and skills that will allow us to both expand and enhance our platform in France,” stated Howden France president and general manager Nicolas Aubert. “Their specialist positioning is perfectly aligned with our strategy for Howden France.
“Building on the acquisitions of C.R.F and Théorème, this latest deal reaffirms our ambition to build a platform based on leading experience and expertise, which will welcome the best talents in the French insurance market.”
Under the finalised transaction, Brossollet will serve as marine and cargo director at Howden France.
“Having Jean’s experience and enthusiasm to drive our strategy and our marine and cargo business is an extraordinary opportunity for Howden,” said Aubert. “Thanks to him, we have a great team and look forward to strengthening it across France by welcoming other industry specialists who want to join our project.”
Meanwhile Howden Europe chief executive Luigi Sturani added that buying Seasecure Group, which was described as “the last remaining independent marine broker in France,” brings Howden a step closer to fulfilling its aspirations in the French broking market.
