• Bridgepoint acquires majority stake in HBC, founders and management remain significantly invested
• Focus on sustainable growth, digitalisation and expansion of M&A strategy
• Objective: To establish the leading integrated platform for SME insurance in the DACH region
The Hanseatic Broking Center Group (HBC), an owner-managed, independent platform for insurance brokers, welcomes Bridgepoint as a new shareholder. The global investor, headquartered in London, is acquiring the shares from Preservation Capital Partners. The founders and management team remain significantly invested and will lead HBC into its next phase of growth together with Bridgepoint.
Since its foundation in 2022, HBC has established itself as one of the leading independent insurance brokerage groups in German-speaking countries. The group serves over 40,000 customers in a wide range of insurance lines, manages a premium volume of more than €600 million and has quadrupled its EBITDA since its inception through organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
‘Our vision has been clear from the outset: we want to create a platform that offers medium-sized companies access to specialised, independent advice and modern digital solutions – close to the customer, technically strong and entrepreneurial,’ explains Gert Schlossmacher, Executive Chairman and co-founder of HBC. ‘Bridgepoint not only brings a deep understanding of our market, but also the operational experience to deliver our ambitions on a large scale. Together, we will accelerate our growth strategy and further expand an attractive ecosystem for customers, partners and insurers. We thank PCP for building HBC together over the past three years.’
With this new partnership, HBC will continue to drive forward the expansion of its MGA expertise, the digitalisation of its platform and its expansion in the DACH region. Recent acquisitions such as LTA (travel insurance), HYV Schomacker (yacht insurance) and Schinner (commercial property insurance) underscore HBC's strategic ambition to strengthen its position in a targeted manner in line with the needs of its customer groups.
‘We believe in the value of independent, specialised advice – especially for medium-sized companies, which are often underrepresented in the market,’ says Hauke Martinsen, CEO and co-founder of HBC. ‘With Bridgepoint, we have a partner at our side who not only enables growth financially, but also supports us with strategic expertise. This benefits not only us, but above all our customers and partners.’
Carsten Kratz, Partner at Bridgepoint and Head of DACH, is delighted: "Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the German economy, but are significantly underserved when it comes to tailor-made insurance solutions. HBC impresses with its entrepreneurial team, clear specialisation and impressive growth. We see enormous potential in supporting the company as it continues to expand its expertise, digitalise its operations and expand regionally."
HBC is an outstanding company in a structurally attractive market: founder-led, fast-growing and with a clear track record of success.
Chris Brackmann, Partner at Bridgepoint and responsible for DACH investments.
'The conditions for building a true champion in the DACH region could hardly be better. We look forward to working with Gert, Hauke, Sebastian, Johannes, and the team to turn this vision into reality,' adds Chris Brackmann.
‘It was a pleasure to accompany Gert and his team during the development phase of HBC. In just three years, they have succeeded in establishing one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing brokerage groups. We are proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to watching HBC continue its journey under the leadership of Bridgepoint,’ said Jeroen Bischops and Armin Holeisen of Preservation Capital Partners.
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.
