Willis Towers Watson buys French insurance broker

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Willis Towers Watson has announced its acquisition of Dero Courtage, a risk adviser and insurance broker with a strong presence in the French region of Normandy.

Dero Courtage, headquartered in Le Havre, has been developing its insurance broking expertise for more than 80 years. It will now operate under the brand of Willis Towers Watson’s French business, Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France.

Paul Morris, Head of Western Europe, Willis Towers Watson, said: “The Dero team bring a wealth of experience and industry knowledge, and I’d like to offer them a warm welcome. France is a key market for us and this move reinforces our leading position as a global adviser with an extensive local network.”

Gilles Bénéplanc, Managing Director of Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson France, said: "I am thrilled by this deal, which builds on our strategy to develop and strengthen our regional network. Normandy holds clear growth potential, and the Dero Courtage team adds specialised expertise in a range of fields such as logistics and port activities, and asset management."

Christophe Dero will be the managing director of the new business unit, supported by the senior management team of Jérôme Lees and Bruno Poyac. The existing teams based in Le Havre will remain the main contacts of Dero Courtage’s clients.

Christophe Dero, CEO of Dero Courtage, said: “Joining such a prominent French risk adviser enables us to benefit from the full strength of Willis Towers Watson, and the wide range of solutions they offer, including human capital management. It will allow us to consolidate and expand our ability to support our clients in their development and their access to new markets, especially in international business.”

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