The HBC Group, one of the leading insurance brokerage groups in the German-speaking region, has acquired DUPI Underwriting Agencies Nordics A/S (DUAN), a Danish insurance underwriting agency based in Copenhagen. The integration of DUAN strengthens HBC’s international marine expertise and expands the company’s presence in the Nordic region.
DUAN was founded in 2017 and has quickly established itself as a leading provider of hull insurance and renewable energy insurance in Denmark. As a Lloyd’s Coverholder, the company works with a well-established network of brokers in the Nordic countries. With an experienced management team and over 50 years of combined industry experience, DUAN brings in-depth expertise in underwriting, claims handling under the Nordic Plan, and disciplined risk management.
“With DUAN, we welcome a highly professional team that perfectly complements our international marine expertise,” says Gert Schlossmacher, CEO of the HBC Group. “Together, we will create an even stronger foundation for growth, quality, and trust in this important market.”
Diese Akquisition ist ein weiterer wichtiger Schritt in unserer Strategie, das diversifizierte Angebot an Spezialversicherungen innerhalb der HBC-Gruppe auszubauen. Sie erweitert unsere Kompetenz im Bereich Underwriting und Risikomanagement und stärkt unsere Fähigkeit, innovative Produkte anzubieten, die den sich wandelnden Bedürfnissen unserer Kunden und des Marktes insgesamt gerecht werden.
Dr. Sebastian Friese, CFO der HBC-Gruppe
“DUAN is a strong and respected Nordic agency, particularly in the area of hull insurance. However, the Nordic market does not offer the development opportunities that align with SMABTP’s historical expertise and our strategic goal of building a European multiline insurer. For this reason, and in full agreement with the minority shareholders, we have agreed that DUAN can realize its full potential with a shareholder whose strategy is fully aligned with the Nordic market. We believe this transition will support DUAN’s next growth phase while preserving the team’s strengths.”
— Hervé Leblanc, Deputy CEO, International and Large Accounts, SMABTP Group, Sole Shareholder
Peter Kegel, CEO of the DUPI Group, says: “We are grateful for the professionalism and commitment of our Nordic colleagues over the years. We are confident that they will continue to be successful with a shareholder fully focused on the Nordic market. For DUPI, this transition enables us to concentrate our energy on developing our European multiline activities in the Netherlands and Belgium.”
Lars Hendriksen, Managing Director Nordics, adds: “Joining the HBC Group is a logical next step for us. We look forward to combining our local expertise with HBC’s international strength—for sustainable growth and genuine added value for our partners.”
DUAN was advised by MarshBerry during the divestment process.
With this transaction, the HBC Group continues to expand its presence in the international specialty insurance market. The Group’s marine MGA activities will now be complemented by a strong unit in the Nordic countries—another step toward building an integrated, pan-European insurance platform.
