BWV Versicherungsbroker AG becomes part of the Howden Group

BWV Versicherungsbroker AG has joined the Howden Group, an international independent insurance broker. This further acquisition underlines Howden's growth strategy in the European brokerage market. BWV Versicherungsbroker AG is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Howden Schweiz AG and will operate under Howden Liechtenstein AG.

BWV Versicherungsbroker AG, based in Ruggell, Principality of Liechtenstein, was founded in 2000 as an independent insurance broker for national and international companies of all sizes. From the beginning, the two founders, Erich Büchel and Manfred Wanger, could count on a promising portfolio of SME and private clients and benefit from a good network. Customer proximity and explicit teamwork, coupled with effective services in the brokerage business, have made BWV a market leader in the region in recent years. Today, BWV Versicherungsbroker AG's clients include small, medium-sized and large companies from a wide range of business sectors, public-law companies, and municipalities.

Manfred Wanger, co-founder and member of the Executive Board: "The merger with Howden is the result of our long-term interest in setting up a succession solution in which we can play an active and entrepreneurial role in shaping and developing the company. Liechtenstein is a lucrative location. People have known us for over 20 years and know our performance. We are already well networked in the Principality, the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, the Lake Constance region, and the border area. As the future Howden Liechtenstein, we want to expand our presence and strengthen the Howden Group in south-eastern and eastern Switzerland as well as in the Principality of Liechtenstein while at the same time generating synergies with Howden Austria."

Stefan Büchel, Executive Board member and son of Erich Büchel, co-founder: "In the future, our clients will benefit from the advantages of an international brokerage group with distribution and expertise in 40 countries. Joining Howden also means that we can continue to grow our business and focus on providing excellent, client-focused service to our clients as part of a company that values independence and an employee-owned culture. Our well-known and trusted team will continue to provide the professional service and support we have come to expect."

Felix C. Jenny, CEO of Howden Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein, says: "We are the natural home for independent brokers. This allows clients to access the expertise and specialisations of Howden's international network in their local market. In turn, this acquisition fits perfectly with our growth strategy of consistent and steady execution through strong organic growth, talent acquisition, and strategic partnerships with like-minded firms that share our culture of entrepreneurship and ownership."

Luigi Sturani, CEO of Howden Europe, commented: "With the acquisition of BWV Versicherungsbroker AG, we are further strengthening our position as one of the leading brokers in Europe. We share the same principles of top talent, people development, and a common culture and vision, all underpinned by an enviable client-centric approach. This partnership brings us one step closer to our goal of positioning Howden as one of the leading brokers in Switzerland, Austria, and the Principality of Liechtenstein. We welcome the BWV Versicherungsbroker AG team and clients to Howden."