Technology

Howden Makes Waves in Japan: Major Acquisition of Holos Broker

2025-07-02

Author: Yu

Howden Expands Footprint in Japan with Holos Acquisition

In a bold move set to reshape the insurance landscape, Howden, the global insurance powerhouse, has secured a commanding 68.3% stake in Holos Holdings Co., Ltd., a leading retail insurance broker based in Kyoto.

A Dynamic Force Since 2001

Founded in 2001 by industry veteran Kei Horii, Holos has grown into a formidable player in Japan’s insurance market, boasting over 400 employees across 20 locations. This acquisition not only elevates Howden's presence in Japan but also enhances its service offerings with local expertise.

Strategic Move for Growth

This acquisition is more than just a statistic; it’s a pivotal step for Howden as it accelerates its expansion strategy in Japan, following its 2024 market entry. With more than 450 staff now onboard, Howden is poised to deliver comprehensive life and non-life insurance solutions to a diverse clientele ranging from individuals to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations.

A Vision for the Future

Following a series of bold initiatives in 2024, including the launch of Howden Re Japan and collaborations with Keystone ILS Capital, the acquisition of Holos can be seen as a cornerstone of Howden’s ambition to establish itself as a trusted name in the Japanese insurance sector.

Voices of Leadership: A Collaborative Vision

David Howden CBE, CEO of Howden, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "To provide premium services, strong local expertise is vital. With Holos’s extensive market knowledge, we are now even better equipped to serve our clients with a holistic suite of insurance services. This partnership marks a transformational shift towards our long-term commitment in this vibrant market."

Holos: A Legacy of Trust and Growth

Kei Horii, CEO of Holos Holdings, expressed excitement over the merger, stating, "After 25 years of growth supported by our dedicated team and clients, we’re ready to embrace this new chapter with Howden. By leveraging our life insurance expertise alongside Howden’s extensive resources, we aim to evolve into an even more trusted insurance group."

Shared Values Lead to Promising Future

Kentaro Tada, CEO of Howden Japan, highlighted the cultural synergy between Holos and Howden. He stated, "Both of us value independence and strive to optimize insurance solutions to enhance client satisfaction. I’m eager to collaborate with the Holos team to expand our business while maintaining the trust of our clients."

Conclusion: A New Era in Insurance Awaits

With this strategic acquisition, Howden is not only reinforcing its commitment to the Japanese market but is also setting the stage for a new era of insurance solutions that promise to benefit a wide array of clients. The collaboration between these two industry leaders is sure to bring innovative and high-quality services to the forefront of the market.