Following four years of sustained growth, marked by six add-on acquisitions, the expansion into new segments and a significant operational transformation, Abenex has signed the exit of Groupe Leader Insurance.
A key player in insurance product distribution
Founded in 2003 by entrepreneur Yoann Chery, Groupe Leader Insurance is a multi-specialist insurance brokerage platform and a key player in the French Property & Casualty (‘IARD’) brokerage market. It offers a diversified range of products, including Decennial Liability, Structural Damage, Motor, Multi-risk Home/Building, Rent Guarantee, and Professional Liability insurance.
Groupe Leader Insurance operates through two complementary distribution channels: the wholesale brokerage channel (with a network of over 4,000 partner brokers), launched in 2011 and further strengthened through external growth transactions, and the direct distribution channel via a network of around thirty branches across France.
Based in Paris, GLI employs over 350 employees in France and internationally. The Group, which initially served a client base composed primarily of tradespeople and microbusinesses in the construction and renovation sectors, now also serves individual and SME clients through its expanded product range. In 2024, GLI managed €190 million in gross written premiums.
Organic growth and dynamic M&A activity coupled with operational structuring
Since Abenex became a shareholder in 2021, Groupe Leader Insurance has experienced remarkable growth (from €35m to €80m in revenue – source: Argus wholesale broker ranking), combining organic growth and add-on acquisitions.
Leveraging its operational expertise and a closed partnership with Yoann Chery, Abenex played a pivotal role in the development of Groupe Leader Insurance. This was achieved through the execution and integration of six strategic acquisitions (primarily in mainland France, as well as in the French overseas territories and Morocco), the adaptation of the Group’s operational processes to its new scale – including an overhaul of its business tools (back-office and broker front-end) – and a targeted recruitment strategy.
The arrival of The Ardonagh Group marks a new chapter in Groupe Leader Insurance’s development, positioning it for its next stage of growth.
Yoann Chery, Founder and President of Groupe Leader Insurance:
“I am delighted with the journey we’ve had with Abenex since 2021. I truly appreciated the partnership with the teams who supported me daily during this period of remarkable growth, both in negotiating and executing add-on acquisitions and in structuring operations.”
Julien Keignart and Nicolai Donsa, respectively Partner and Principal at Abenex, add:
“We are very proud to have had the opportunity to support Yoann and his teams in the development and scaling of Groupe Leader Insurance. The Group is now ideally positioned to enter its next phase of growth and consolidate its leadership in France with the support of Ardonagh.”
Advisors to the sellers:
M&A:
- Nemrod: Pierre Albouy, Etienne Founigault
- Rothschild & Co: Raphaël Fassier, Philippe Dubois de Montreynaud, Nicolas Faugeroux
Legal:
- Mayer Brown: Olivier Aubouin, Marine Ollive, Mélis Aribas, Charles Mercuzot
- CMS Francis Lefebvre: François Bossé-Cohic, Louise Paysant
Financial:
- PwC: Céline Appel-Schneider, Manil Bengana, Lahoucine Ichendar, Thomas Moulin, Martin Douheret
Legal, tax & social:
- CMS Francis Lefebvre: Thomas Laumière, Chantal Bouquet, David Mantienne, Charlotte Guirlet, Thomas Aguer
