MarshBerry continues European growth strategy with significant expansion in the DACH region

MarshBerry, the leading global M&A and investment advisor for insurance brokers, Managing General Agents (MGAs) and wealth management firms, continues its successful European growth strategy by a significant expansion of footprint in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region).

Founded in the U.S. in 1981, MarshBerry has steadily expanded its international presence, marking its entry into Europe with the opening of its Amsterdam office in 2019, followed by the acquisition of leading M&A specialist IMAS (now MarshBerry UK) in London in 2023. As part of its continued European growth, MarshBerry is pleased to announce the strategic appointments of Dr. Fabian Seul (Managing Director, left), David Kuprasch-Sras (Partner, center), and Fabian Tröppner (Associate Partner, right). Together, they bring extensive experience as trusted advisors to German and international insurance carriers, consolidators, independent broking firms, and Private Equity houses, guiding them through complex transactions and strategic growth initiatives. Their expertise will support clients across the DACH region and throughout Europe.

Strategic market expansion in a key region

MarshBerry is recognized as the industry’s most experienced M&A and investment advisor, executing over 100 transactions each year for insurance distribution and wealth management firms. Leveraging its industry expertise and deep understanding of a firm’s true value and a vast global network of buyers and investors, MarshBerry empowers clients to make well-informed decisions while seamlessly managing end-to-end transaction processes.

“Our decision to invest in the DACH region reflects our long-term commitment to the European market and to bringing advisory expertise and local support to meet the unique needs of insurance businesses here,” said John Wepler, MarshBerry Chairman and CEO. “We see significant demand from insurance brokers and MGAs in Germany and across Europe for professional independent advice, and this exciting next step will enable us to build meaningful long-term client relationships and strengthens our ability to help our clients achieve their goals.”

Growing demand for professional M&A advisory in DACH

The DACH region has seen significant growth in M&A activity within the insurance broking sector in recent years. With over 400 publicly announced transactions in Germany since 2020, the market has proven its resilience amid an overall challenging M&A environment. This momentum is being driven by a mature yet highly fragmented market, characterized by a large number of well-established firms with strong reputations and solid market positions.

These favorable market conditions have attracted a surge of interest from both Private Equity investors and strategic buyers, locally and internationally. Looking ahead, MarshBerry expects M&A activity in the region to remain robust, supported by two key trends: a clear shift towards long-tail consolidation, targeting regionally anchored broking firms with a mid-sized commercial focus, specialists in corporate pension and health insurance, as well as personal lines brokers, and an increase of cross-border expansion of established players.

MarshBerry’s proprietary database shows: companies that engage professional support during their strategic realignment achieve significantly better outcomes, both in terms of exit proceeds and sustainable growth.

“We support independent broking firms and MGAs in the DACH region early on and with experienced experts, always with respect for what they have built. Whether it’s the strategic direction or succession planning: in these matters, we see ourselves as a long-term and trusted partner to owners and C-suite.” – Fabian Seul, Managing Director.

Recognized industry experts

MarshBerry’s expansion is underpinned by the appointment of three recognized industry experts, Dr. Fabian Seul, David Kuprasch-Sras, and Fabian Troeppner, who join the firm from the leading strategy and transaction advisory house EY-Parthenon.

Dr. Fabian Seul brings over two decades of experience in the financial services sector as a founder, advisor, and investor. David Kuprasch-Sras and Fabian Troeppner contribute deep expertise in advising German and international insurance carriers, consolidators, independent broking firms and Private Equity houses.

The team is supported by Senior Independent Board advisor Jan Blumenthal, former General Representative of Lloyd’s Insurance Company S.A. and Country Manager for Germany and Austria. The team works closely with MarshBerry’s industry experts across Europe and North America.

MarshBerry – Helping Clients Learn, Improve & Realize Value

MarshBerry is a global leader in Merger & Acquisition (M&A) advisory services, corporate finance solutions, and strategic consulting for insurance brokers and firms in the wealth management industry. Our mission is to help firms in insurance distribution amplify value and chart strategic courses towards a future rife with opportunities. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, MarshBerry expanded its footprint to Europe in 2019 and now boasts four locations specializing in Corporate Finance Advisory (M&A Advisory; Capital Raising), and Business Planning (Strategic Planning; Business Valuations; Perpetuation Planning). MarshBerry’s deep industry expertise, innovative solutions, and client-first philosophy support European financial service providers in optimizing their business strategies and achieving long-term success.