A good mix of organic growth and targeted acquisitions: this is the key to the growth story of the country’s largest insurance broker and risk consultant. The Vanbreda group now has more than 20 entities in Flanders and Brussels. Vanbreda Cornelis and Vanbreda Soenen, acquired in 2018 and 2022 respectively, are responsible for the first acquisition successes of 2025:
East Flanders-based Vanbreda Cornelis, with Didier Lapin and Philip Rokegem at the helm, has its sights set on an old acquaintance. On 1 June 2025, the Merelbeke firm will take over the portfolio of Cornelis & Partners in Beveren: ‘We’ve worked with Patrick Bisschop at Cornelis & Partners in the past. We’re delighted to be welcoming him and his team to the Vanbreda group, seven years after our arrival. Patrick has greatly expanded the firm’s commercial activity in recent years. His portfolio focuses on the SME segment, including retirement and nursing homes and construction businesses.’
Vanbreda Soenen in West Flanders has added the acquisition of Madesco Rumbeke to its track record. Kenneth Rommens and Luc Vanoverberghe, Vanbreda Soenen’s managing directors, already have offices in Roeselare and Poperinge: ‘We took over the portfolio and staff of Madesco Rumbeke at the start of this year. Mark Desmet’s firm office specialises in a wide range of insurance products for SMEs, the self-employed and private individuals, so this strengthens our position in the Roeselare area. Our aim isn’t to be the biggest in our home town, but the best.’
Additionally, Vanbreda Soenen is responsible for a new achievement: the first merger within Vanbreda’s subsidiaries. Kortemark-based Vanbreda Missinne, which has been part of the group since 2017, will join forces with Vanbreda Soenen on 1 June 2025. Managing directors Jan and Joost Missinne are in this way ensuring the continuity of their family business, founded in 1954.
Pedro Matthynssens, CEO of Vanbreda Risk & Benefits: ‘Our Vanbreda family is expanding and we’re proud of that. Our local representation is stronger than ever. This remains a decisive factor in choosing us for the many SMEs in our portfolio. We’re always on the look-out for promising opportunities to increase our presence in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and give our services an added boost. The fact that two of our subsidiaries are responsible for the first acquisitions of the year is a fantastic development.’
