The integration of the IRM Broker Group into the HBC platform creates a powerful Austrian hub for commercial and industrial insurance with an international reach.
The IRM Broker Group has integrated its companies into the internationally positioned Hanseatic Broking Center GmbH and is participating in the HBC Group as part of this partnership. With this step, IRM sets the course for its next phase of development while strengthening its position as one of the leading specialized commercial and industrial brokers in Austria. The integration into the HBC platform creates a powerful Austrian hub for commercial and industrial insurance with an international reach.
For more than 36 years, IRM has been considered a hidden champion in the Austrian market. With a highly specialized product portfolio – including commercial general liability, logistics/transport, industrial and large commercial business, and franchise – and established relationships with leading Austrian family businesses, the company holds an exceptionally strong market position.
For clients, the partnership primarily means one thing: additional strength. Through its incorporation into the HBC Group, IRM gains access to international placement expertise, expanded specialist know-how, and additional resources for complex and cross-border mandates. At the same time, IRM remains operationally independent and maintains its clear focus on commercial and industrial business in Austria.
Michael Patocka, founder and managing director of IRM, explains: “We have built IRM over decades as a highly specialized partner for commercial and industrial clients. By integrating into the HBC Group, we are not only securing our long-term development but also creating new opportunities for our clients – especially for international programs, complex risks, and larger mandates. At the same time, we remain what has made us strong: entrepreneurial, specialized, and close to the market.”
As part of the partnership, Michael Patocka will also lead the Austrian holding company of the HBC Group as CEO, in addition to his role as managing director of the IRM Group. In this role, he will be responsible for the further development of the Austrian platform, the expansion of market and product provider relationships, and the strategic positioning of the group in Austria.
Christian Wimmer also remains on board as Head of Industrial Clients. With his experience from international corporations, franchise structures, and private equity environments, as well as his access to leading family businesses, he sustainably expands the group’s network and strategic impact.
Christian Wimmer emphasizes: “IRM has established itself over many years as a specialist with an excellent reputation. The partnership with HBC opens up new strategic perspectives for us – particularly with regard to larger industrial and family businesses and international growth opportunities. At the same time, our entrepreneurial DNA remains fully intact.”
“By integrating into the HBC Group, IRM specifically strengthens its growth and performance capabilities – especially to the benefit of its commercial and industrial clients through expanded international access and additional resources, with a clear perspective for employees and for the next generation around the founder’s family,” says Fabian Tröppner (MarshBerry), M&A advisor to Mr. Patocka and Mr. Wimmer.
Wir freuen uns sehr, die Kolleginnen und Kollegen der IRM in unserer Gruppe willkommen zu heißen. IRM bringt ein außergewöhnlich starkes Team, tiefes Fachwissen und eine beeindruckende unternehmerische Erfolgsgeschichte mit.
Gert Schlossmacher, CEO HBC-Gruppe
“Exactly such partners enrich our group – both personally and professionally. Together, we want to further develop this expertise and unlock new growth opportunities for our clients and our organization,” adds Gert Schlossmacher.
The partnership forms the foundation for further growth in Austria. The goal is to further expand the strong market position in commercial and industrial business, scale exclusive specialist solutions, and create additional capacities for larger mandates. For clients, this means more expertise, more stability, and even more effective support – both nationally and internationally.