Dublin-domiciled Ardonagh Europe, part of The Ardonagh Group, a large independent insurance distribution platform, has agreed to acquire Groupe Leader Insurance (GLI), a French wholesale and multi-specialist broker.
This acquisition aligns with Ardonagh Europe’s growth strategy, complementing its existing presence in Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.
Headquartered in Paris, GLI employs over 350 people in France and internationally, providing insurance solutions to individuals and SME clients through direct channels as well as a network of over 4,000 broker partners. In 2024, GLI managed €190 million in gross written premium.
Upon completion of the transaction, GLI will continue to operate under its current brands and leadership team.
Chery will be added as a shareholder in Ardonagh and lead the Group’s French operations, while remaining President of GLI’s holding vehicle (Generation Insurance).
Cyrille de Montgolfier will continue as Chairman of the GLI business’s Supervisory Board.
Conor Brennan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ardonagh Europe, commented, “The French insurance market is one of the largest in the world, with a rich tradition and a level of sophistication that makes it particularly attractive for Ardonagh. We are now looking forward to working with Yoann and his team to bring new products and innovative solutions to our brokers and clients in France.
“We have been following this market closely for many years and have now found in Yoann an ambitious and driven entrepreneur, who has successfully built a talented team. We are excited to work alongside him to further develop our strategic platform in France. This acquisition marks a key step in our journey to becoming a leading insurance distribution platform across Europe.”
Chery added, “This partnership is unique – Leader Insurance is joining one of the largest independent brokers in the world. Ardonagh will enable our group to increase its capabilities thanks to its scale – placing close to $18 billion of annual premiums – and accelerate strategic growth in France.
“This new alliance also creates fresh opportunities and strengthens our ability to innovate, delivering best-in-class insurance solutions for our loyal brokers and clients from day one. By combining our deep market expertise and customer-centric approach with Ardonagh’s global scale and reach, we are building a powerful platform for sustainable growth.
“We would also like to thank our partners at Abenex for their support since 2021 and their
collaboration during this most recent growth phase. Their trust and commitment have allowed us to write a fantastic story together over the past four years.”
David Ross, CEO, The Ardonagh Group, added, “Ardonagh and GLI have a shared commitment to people, progress and collaboration. This common spirit, combined with the breadth of the Group’s experience and the local expertise of Groupe Leader Insurance, creates a compelling partnership. We look forward to working with the team and empowering them to set new standards of value for clients and broker partners in France.”
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