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Global insurance broker Howden Group Holdings Ltd. has agreed to acquire Atlantic Global Risk LLC, sharpening its push into the U.S. market as it looks to broaden its footprint in transaction liability insurance.

London-based Howden said Monday the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed, leaving the price tag sealed as the strategy takes center stage.

Advisors Line Up on Both Sides

Latham & Watkins LLP is advising Howden, deploying a cross-border corporate team led by partners Stelios Saffos, Leah Sauter, Zach Podolsky, Mark Austin and Jon Fox. Barclays is serving as Howden’s financial adviser.

On the other side of the table, Dentons US LLP is acting as Atlantic’s legal counsel, with a team led by corporate partner Josh Fisher. McDermott Will & Schulte and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP are also advising Atlantic, while Piper Sandler is its financial adviser.

A Deal Aimed at Private Equity Powerhouses

Howden founder and CEO David Howden said acquiring what he called “one of the top five brokers in its field” fits squarely within the company’s expansion blueprint.

By pairing Howden’s global reach with Atlantic’s U.S. strength, the combined business is expected to unlock “huge opportunities” to support leading private equity firms and their portfolio companies, he said.

Both companies’ boards have approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions that were not detailed.

Atlantic’s Rapid Rise in North America

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in New York, Atlantic has quickly grown into a key player in the North American transaction liability sector. The firm employs 110 staff, providing coverage across representations and warranties, tax liability, contingent risk and credit risk insurance throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America, according to Howden.

Howden, the largest transactional liability insurance broker outside the U.S., said the acquisition will deepen its North American presence and speed the expansion of its retail broking platform.

Under the deal, Atlantic’s founders will become shareholders in Howden, a move both companies said reflects strong cultural alignment and confidence in Howden’s long-term growth strategy. Atlantic’s leadership team is also set to play key roles shaping Howden’s U.S. retail broking and global transactional liability operations.

Financial Backdrop

Howden disclosed in December that it had refinanced roughly $3 billion in loans on improved terms, reinforcing its balance sheet as it pursues acquisitions.

Howden declined further comment. Atlantic did not immediately respond to a request for comment.