Ardonagh Europe acquires Groupe Leader Insurance

Ardonagh Europe, part of The Ardonagh Group , has agreed to acquire Groupe Leader Insurance (“GLI”), one of the top 10 wholesale and multi-specialist brokers in France.

Founded in 2003 by entrepreneur Yoann Chery, GLI has built a strong reputation as a French leader in specialist insurance, initially focused on construction risk. Over the past 20 years, the company has significantly diversified its offering, becoming a significant player in specialist property and motor insurance.

Headquartered in Paris, GLI employs more than 350 people in France and internationally, providing insurance solutions to individuals and SME clients through direct channels as well as a network of over 4,000 broker partners. In 2024, GLI managed €190 million in gross written premium.

This acquisition represents a significant milestone in Ardonagh Europe’s growth strategy, complementing its existing presence in Ireland, the Netherlands, Greece, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland.

GLI will continue to operate under its current brands and leadership team following completion of the transaction. Yoann Chery will become a shareholder in Ardonagh and lead the Group’s French operations, while remaining President of GLI’s holding vehicle (Generation Insurance).

“The French insurance market is one of the largest in the world, with a rich tradition and a level of sophistication that makes it particularly attractive for Ardonagh. We are now looking forward to working with Yoann and his team to bring new products and innovative solutions to our brokers and clients in France. We have been following this market closely for many years and have now found in Yoann an ambitious and driven entrepreneur, who has successfully built a talented team. We are excited to work alongside him to further develop our strategic platform in France. This acquisition marks a key step in our journey to becoming a leading insurance distribution platform across Europe.” – Conor Brennan, CEO of Ardonagh Europe.