Clearwater advises the Ecclesia Group on its investment in BS&F
We have advised the Ecclesia Group, the largest financial advisor in Germany, on its acquisition of BS&F, a leading service provider in insurance and social security solutions for Dutch municipalities.
Ecclesia Group views the acquisition of BS&F as a strategic and logical step towards its goal of becoming a leading player in financial advisory services for the business and public sectors in the Netherlands. As the largest financial advisor in Germany, the Group is further strengthening its position in the Dutch market. Following the transaction, Ecclesia Group will have approximately 475 employees in the Netherlands, who will continue operating from their established locations in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Veenendaal, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Breukelen, and Zwolle. This acquisition creates a seamless and comprehensive service offering, enabling the Group to better serve and support its clients.
The Ecclesia Group was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Detmold, Germany. The international insurance broker has branches in seven European countries and more than 2,700 employees. It aims to achieve a strong market position within its chosen target groups. The Netherlands is an important market for Ecclesia Group. In the Netherlands, Ecclesia B.V., Veerhaven Assuradeuren B.V., Finance & Insurance, Sibbing Adviesgroep, Xolv, and BS&F are part of the Ecclesia Group. In the Netherlands, Ecclesia Group is among the top 10 financial advisors for the business sector.
BS&F, a Dutch company founded in 1995 and based in Zwolle and Breukelen, primarily supports municipalities within the social domain by improving the physical, mental, and financial well-being of vulnerable citizens. Through its innovative solutions, BS&F simplifies municipal processes, making essential services and facilities more accessible to those who need them most. Other clients include government bodies, health insurers, energy providers, and other organisations. BS&F, consisting of 50 specialists, and manages Gezondverzekerd.nl, an advanced IT platform to streamline municipal processes across 315 municipalities in the Netherlands. Prominent solutions include ‘gemeentepolis’ (affordable health insurance), ‘stadspas’ (allowances), and the ‘meedoenplatform’ (online platform for products and activities supporting social inclusion).
The team at Clearwater has again supported us very well on this transaction. Harald Miedema and Christian van Iersel have provided us with outstanding guidance throughout this unique transaction, which uniquely required insurance as well as technology knowledge. The Clearwater team has showcased the expertise necessary to navigate this complex process towards a successful outcome for all.
We are very happy that we have supported Ecclesia Group once again in an important acquisition process, and found a well-suited long-term shareholder situation for BS&F. With this acquisition, Ecclesia Group strengthens its service offering for Dutch municipalities as well as its software capabilities. With this acquisition, Clearwater further strengthens its track record in insurance distribution and software deals in the Netherlands.