Pedro Matthynssens, CEO at Vanbreda: ‘We’re delighted to welcome both firms into our group. We’re always open to new partnerships that make our continued growth possible, not just organically but also through targeted acquisitions. With 18 entities in the Vanbreda group, we now have more than 800 employees on board. Some subsidiaries have been part of our growth story for more than a decade now. The acquired firms continue to grow and flourish, and that’s something we’re really proud of as a Belgian company. We deliberately choose partners with a strong commercial drive, local ties and a similar corporate culture. This last point is the key ingredient for successful integration and long-term collaboration.’
Pascal Joosten, Director of Risk & Broker Services at Vanbreda, on Dekerf & Partners: ‘This family business, established in 1959, has developed into a leading player in the Pajottenland. Its turnover was 1.4 million euros in 2023. Dekerf & Partners focuses on private individuals, the self-employed and SMEs. The firm has a unique approach to building and construction insurance and its own repair network for claims management. Its location perfectly supplements our regional network of offices and represents an ideal base from which to launch further growth in Flemish Brabant under Dirk Dekerf’s leadership.’
Dirk Dekerf, manager of Dekerf & Partners: ‘The personal relationship with our clients is our priority. We are there for them in all the eventualities of daily life. This partnership will enable us not just to continue our personal approach, but to further optimise our services. The product range will expand, allowing us to respond even better to every client’s needs. Joining forces in this way also puts us in a stronger negotiating position with insurers. For Dekerf Verzekeringen, this is the next step in the process that began with a first client in 1959 and has created a large network of clients in Flemish Brabant and the Pajottenland.’
Evelyne Lauwers, Director of Employee Benefits at Vanbreda: ‘The years of experience and expertise that Simplex has built up are unique in the market. Managers Bob Daenen and Miek Debusschere run an attractive client portfolio of self-employed people, SMEs and large companies. As well as traditional personnel insurance (pension, death, hospitalisation, disability and accidents), the personal and financial risks of directors and their companies are also covered. We can see clear synergies between our organisations and our clients and are convinced that this collaboration will enable us to take our services to an even higher level. Both managers will remain on board at Vanbreda Simplex and will continue to play a key role in the future.’
Bob Daenen, manager of Simplex: ‘For us this is an opportunity for further growth in expertise, technical innovations and capacity as insurers. We’ll be able to serve our clients even better thanks to this collaboration with Vanbreda. We have confidence in this next step and are ensuring the long-term continuity of our organisation with it.’
Do you have any questions about this press release, or would you like to receive more information? Contact:
- Isabelle Hoes
- Advisor External Communication at Vanbreda Risk & Benefits
- mobile phone number: +32 487 575 042
- email: isabelle.hoes@vanbreda.be
