RPC advises H.W. International B.V. on the sale of its UK, French, and Greek operations to Steadfast Group

International law firm RPC has advised H.W. International B.V. (HWI BV), the Amsterdam based insurance broker group, on the sale of its subsidiaries, H.W. Wood Limited (H.W. Wood) in the UK and HWI France, to Steadfast Group, the largest general insurance broker network and underwriting agency group in Australasia.

The transaction, announced 7 November 2024, is expected to complete in early December, subject to customary regulatory approvals. 

Founded in 1982 and established as a Lloyd’s broker in 2003, H.W. Wood provides wholesale, retail, and reinsurance solutions across a range of sectors including international marine and cargo, property, and fine art and specie. Together, the acquired businesses have more than 75 staff in the UK, France and Greece.

Steve Rudduck, Managing Director and CEO of H.W. Wood added: "This marks the beginning of a new era for H. W. Wood. This new venture is a pivotal moment in our history, enabling us to enhance our technology and product offerings, expand our market reach, and build on our long and successful history.  With Steadfast’s support, we look forward to an exciting future ahead.  It has been great to work with the RPC team for several years across the HWI BV business and we thank them for their support and knowledge in this sector."

David Nelson, NED Chair of HWI BV and H.W. Wood said: "It is good to have concluded another milestone in the reorganisation of the group which I am confident both provides an exciting opportunity for everyone at H. W. Wood, under Steve’s continuing leadership, with Steadfast, and for our retained businesses in Spain, Germany and Australia. I thank RPC, with their deep knowledge and expertise across the sector, for their very considerable contribution in reaching this point in the Group’s journey and look forward to continuing to work with them."

James Mee, RPC Partner and Head of Commercial Insurance and Private Equity, commented: "We are delighted to have supported H.W. International B.V. and the team at H.W. Wood on this significant transaction. We've been pleased to work with the team on a series of deals, and we wish the H.W. Wood and HWI France team well for the future. We are sure they will continue to thrive under Steadfast Group’s ownership.”