Bridgepoint to acquire majority stake in HBC

Bridgepoint, a quoted private asset growth investor, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in HBC (Hanseatic Broking Center), an independent SME+ insurance distribution platform in the DACH region, from Preservation Capital Partners.

HBC was founded in 2022 by merging three long-standing specialty brokers and a managing general agent (MGA). Since then, it has rapidly become a top consolidator in the DACH region – Deutschland (Germany), Austria, and CH (Switzerland).

Since its inception, HBC has quadrupled its EBITDA through a combination of organic growth and mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Led by Executive Chairman and co-founder Gert Schlossmacher and CEO and co-founder Hauke Martinsen, the platform serves over 40,000 clients across multiple insurance lines and generates over a third of its revenue from its fast-growing MGA segment.

The transaction sees Bridgepoint partner with the HBC management team and founders, who will remain significantly invested, while Preservation Capital Partners will fully exit its holding.

With Bridgepoint’s support, HBC aims to build a fully integrated platform that combines its specialist commercial broking and MGA capabilities. The company also plans to accelerate its expansion across the DACH region and beyond.

Schlossmacher said: “Our vision has always been to build the leading integrated insurance distribution platform for SMEs in Germany, combining local expertise, specialist knowledge and digital tools to serve a segment that’s still significantly underserved.

“With Bridgepoint, we’ve found a partner that understands both the opportunity and the operational discipline needed to capture it. This partnership allows us to accelerate our M&A strategy, scale our MGA capabilities, and continue building a platform that’s attractive for clients, carriers and entrepreneurs alike.”

Martinsen added: “We’ve built HBC around a clear belief: that specialist, independent advice is more important than ever for SMEs. I’m proud of what we’ve created so far, a platform that brokers trust, clients rely on, and insurers want to partner with. With Bridgepoint behind us, we’re in a great position to keep scaling that model, strengthen our MGA proposition, and unlock even more opportunities for our team and our clients.”

HBC has recently strengthened its offerings through several acquisitions, including LTA, a travel-focused MGA; Schomacker, a boat hull and liability broker; and Schinner, a property specialist.

These additions reflect HBC’s strategy of expanding its specialist offering and deepening underwriting capabilities to meet growing client demand.

Bridgepoint brings deep expertise in financial services, particularly with specialist distribution and consolidated strategies. The firm has previously invested in platforms like Element and Kereis, as well as several other insurance consolidators throughout Europe.

This transaction also builds on Bridgepoint’s history of supporting business in the DACH region. Its past investments include: Axplora, an API manufacturer headquartered in Germany; Infinigate, a cybersecurity software distributor based in Switzerland with significant operations in the DACH region; and PTV Group, a German mobility software company focused on transport and logistics optimisation.

Chris Brackmann, Partner at Bridgepoint with responsibility for investments in DACH, stated: “HBC is a standout business in a structurally attractive market: an ambitious, founder-led platform with a proven track record of growth.

“With strong market fundamentals and visible white space for consolidation, we see a clear opportunity to build the leading platform in the DACH region. We’re excited to partner with Gert, Hauke, Sebastian, Johannes and the team to help realise that ambition and create the next leader in European insurance distribution.”

Carsten Kratz, Partner at Bridgepoint and Head of DACH, concluded: “Germany’s SME sector is the backbone of the economy yet remains underserved when it comes to tailored insurance solutions. HBC stands out for its entrepreneurial team, specialist focus, and impressive growth trajectory.

“With a strong foundation and clear strategic direction, we see significant potential to help HBC scale further, deepen its MGA capabilities, accelerate digitisation, and broaden its reach across the region.”