Advising the SPF Private Clients management team on the sale of its mortgage broking arm to Howden

We have advised the management team of SPF Private Clients in connection with the sale of the mortgage broking arm of the business to Howden, the international insurance broker. 

SPF was formed in 2011 following a management buyout and rebranding of Savills Private Finance, the finance arm of Savills plc, before Cabot Square Capital acquired a majority stake in the business in 2018. SPF specialises in residential and commercial mortgage brokerage, commercial real estate insurance, high net worth insurance, title insurance, life insurance and related wealth management advisory.

The deal will expand Howden's offering into the mortgage brokerage market while enhancing its existing general insurance and wealth management offering, including its high net worth and private client-focused businesses. SPF will join Howden’s UK and Ireland operations, further strengthening its position as an independent insurance distributor in the region. 

Commenting on the transaction, private equity partner Ed Waldron said: "We are very pleased to have supported the SPF management team on this landmark sale. We look forward to seeing the business continue to thrive as part of Howden."

Mark Harris, CEO of SPF, added: "SPF will benefit from the significant opportunities that being part of Howden will bring. We will continue to do what we do best, which will allow us to develop products to better serve our customers while allowing our talents to flourish. We are very grateful to the Taylor Wessing team for their commercial and innovative advice."

The team was led by partner Ed Waldron with support from associate Sarah Wallace and trainee Steve Moore in the private equity team. Tax advice was provided by partner Liz Wilson and associate Joe Fallon.