Insights

The number of serious house fires has noticeably increased in recent years. Why? Because we simply live differently than, say, 20 years ago. Our current homes are full of electronic devices that are constantly being charged. Moreover, we all too often forget to update our insurance policy. For instance, as many as one in five homes is underinsured.

Did you know that Belgian companies collectively pay around 100 million euros in ransom to cyber hackers every year? These organisations, large or small, fall prey to so-called hostage software that leaves them without access to their own computer network. Protect your business against cyber fraud and cover yourself with cyber insurance.

We have successfully completed our initial acquisition plans with Hillewaere Group, acquiring a total of seven insurance offices in Flanders and Brussels. Thanks to this substantial expansion, we immediately double in size, to 200 employees and a turnover of EUR 24 million.

Merchant bank Rothschild & Co is taking a majority stake in Hillewaere Group. The two parties have just concluded an agreement to that effect. Specifically, Rothschild & Co is stepping into the capital of the Antwerp-based real estate and insurance specialist via Five Arrows Principal Investments (FAPI). With the investment, FAPI aims to grow further in the European insurance and real estate sector. The management of Hillewaere Group will remain in the hands of CEO and founder Roel Druyts.