Howden expands sport and entertainment arm with broker buy

Broker Howden has acquired Hencilla Canworth as part of plans to expand its sport and entertainment division.

Croydon-based Hencilla Canworth is an independent specialist broker providing insurance solutions for the performing and creative arts.

It has established insurance schemes with several organisations in the sector, including the Musicians’ Union and Broadcasting Entertainment Communications and Theatre Union.

Howden said acquiring the firm would add further scale and product expertise to its sport and entertainment arm.

Duncan Fraser, global practice leader for sport and entertainment at Howden, said: “We are building our capabilities and expertise to meet the growing demands of our sport and entertainment sector clients across all our key markets.

“Hencilla Canworth’s team have strong relationships with many leading clients in the music and performing arts sectors, presenting us with a significant opportunity to develop our business.”

Other deals

The addition of Hencilla Canworth follows a series of other recent acquisitions by Howden’s sport and entertainment team across Europe.

This includes Franz Gossler Insurance Group, a German film and entertainment insurance broker, Assimovie, an Italian television and film broking house, and Media Insurance Brokers, a UK and Irish film and television insurance intermediary.

David Pollard, chief executive of Hencilla Canworth, said that joining Howden would improve his firm’s ability to provide solutions that are tailored to client needs.

“We have established a leading brand in the performing and creative arts insurance sector, with deep expertise and established ties to the industry,” he added.

“Our clients will reap the benefits of us being part of Howden’s global network.”