Howden acquires a majority stake in HQ Insurance

Howden acquires a majority stake in HQ Insurance, strengthening its bloodstock expertise in the Pacific

Sydney, 16 November 2023: Howden, the global insurance group, announces today that it has acquired a majority stake in HQ Insurance (HQ), a Sydney-based specialised boutique insurance broker in the Australian bloodstock market, enhancing the scale, depth and expertise of its sport and entertainment specialty offering in the Pacific.  

Founded in 2013, HQ is a leading bloodstock intermediary offering a comprehensive suite of equine industry solutions predominantly in bloodstock, covering foals, weanlings, yearlings, broodmares, racehorses and stallions. The transaction follows Howden’s recent UK acquisition of Tysers’ bloodstock broking business and DUAL’s acquisitions of Tyser’s bloodstock MGA, Galileo, and David Ashby Underwriting. The acquisition of HQ represents another step in Howden’s strategy to be the leading equestrian insurance intermediary in the global insurance market. 

Matt Bacon, CEO Howden Pacific, commented: “We are delighted to have been able to acquire HQ Insurance, with the Pacific bloodstock offering a key pillar in our global bloodstock strategy. The team at HQ have a wealth of experience and we are excited to have them on board at Howden. When combined with the access to Howden Equine, Galileo and David Ashby Underwriting, the HQ Team will be able to be best placed to serve bloodstock clients in the Pacific. We will continue to develop our bloodstock offering in the Pacific market by attracting market leading talent, who share the Howden commitment to bloodstock clients and our passion for the equine world.” 

Howden is an official partner of Ascot racecourse in the UK, and recently announced a three-year partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) as their official insurance partner. Howden’s sponsorship of the Melbourne Cup Carnival also reinforces its commitment to the horse racing industry in Australia.

David Howden, Group CEO, Howden, said: “Joining with HQ strengthens our connection to the Australian racing industry and means we are now positioned to provide world-class expertise in all the major equine markets, with a global team that offers decades of experience in designing products for businesses and horse owners around the world.”