Howden has acquired bloodstock specialist broker Silks Insurance as it continues its expansion into the equine market. 

Silks was founded in 2020 by Director Stuart Doughty as a bloodstock insurance intermediary offering services for owners of racehorses, broodmares, stallions and other horses. 

Mr Doughty has praised the global broker for expanding into the market, and says the deal will help clients “reap the benefits” of Howden’s international connections and data capabilities. 

Howden CEO Matt Bacon says the purchase of the NSW brokerage complements his group’s sports and entertainment specialty offerings.  

“We are very excited to have been able to acquire Silks Insurance, as this represents the continued development of our bloodstock offering in the Pacific market,” Mr Bacon said. “The Silks team has a wealth of experience and brings across market-leading talent who share the Howden commitment to bloodstock, as well as a passion for the equine world.”  

Howden says the deal is another step in its “strategy to be the leading equestrian insurance intermediary in the global insurance market”. 

Last year, it acquired a majority stake in bloodstock specialist broker HQ Insurance and Tysers’ UK bloodstock broking team. Howden’s underwriting arm, Dual, acquired two bloodstock-focused underwriting businesses.  

“We are building the capability and expertise to respond to our clients’ needs through industry, product and geographical specialists linked together in a global practice,” Howden Global Practice Leader, Sport and Entertainment Duncan Fraser said.