PIB Group acquires broker and MGA platform Thoma in the Netherlands

November 28 2024

● PIB Group expands Benelux presence with new acquisition
● Thoma will become a platform for future PIB Group growth in the region
● The acquisition complements PIB Group businesses in the Netherlands

PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’ or ‘the Group’), a leading specialist insurance intermediary, has today announced the strategic acquisition of commercial lines insurance broker and MGA platform Thoma Exploitatie BV and its subsidiaries in the Netherlands. 
 
This investment marks a strategic milestone in PIB Group’s ongoing European expansion establishing a strong platform with Light and Risqwise for growth in the Benelux region. 
 
Thoma was founded in the east of the Netherlands in 1959. The business provides risk management, insurance and pension advisory to commercial clients and private individuals and offers a wide range of products, including property, liability, motor, transportation, life protection and health solutions through their own MGA. The acquisition, from previous owner Guardian Holdings Limited, will see PIB Group provide investment and support for the Thoma team to continue its successful track record of buying businesses in the Netherlands. 

The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval in the Netherlands, bolsters PIB’s presence in the region, adding to the existing portfolio of Light and Risqwise. 
  
With backing from world-leading private equity firms, Apax Funds and The Carlyle Group, this investment is a crucial step in realising the strategy for PIB Group of consolidating specialist insurance distribution across major European markets.
 
Brendan McManus, CEO of PIB Group, stated: "The acquisition of Thoma is a testament to the team's successful track record and tenacity of growth in the region. Its longstanding history, outstanding business performance, and proven M&A and integration capabilities offer an attractive opportunity for PIB Group to leverage local insight and knowledge in Benelux. 

"I want to give a warm welcome to the team at Thoma, and we will work closely as a team to integrate our new colleagues into the PIB Group family.”
 
Onno Janssen, CEO of PIB Group Europe, commented: “I am incredibly excited about this investment as this will position us very well for future success in the Benelux region. Thoma’s considerable development since 2012 offers a great platform together with our existing businesses, Light and Risqwise, to further accelerate our growth in the Benelux region. Together with Thoma we will be well placed to act as a hub for further expansion in this very important market.”
 
Aernoud Hage, CEO of Thoma, commented: “We are delighted to announce the integration of Thoma into PIB Group subject to approval. PIB Group’s leadership, culture and expansion plans align with Thoma’s ambition. With our expertise and strong track record we expect to see strong growth in this partnership.”

Ronald van de Laar, CEO of Light and Risqwise, commented: “The announcement of PIB Group’s acquisition of Thoma is a commitment to the Group’s future in the region. We are looking forward to Aernoud and the team joining the PIB Group family in the Benelux region.”