hillewaere | News_Detail

Hillewaere Group continues to grow strongly. Since 2022, we have completed thirty acquisitions, eleven of which took place in 2025 alone. Earlier this year, Carlier Verzekeringen from Kortrijk and, more recently, the Stabroek-based branch of Groep Callens joined our group. The latter brings with it sixteen employees and approximately 2.1 million euros in commission revenue.

However, our CEO Roel Druyts warns against an overly simplistic view of consolidation in the insurance brokerage sector. “With sufficient capital, anyone can buy branches these days. The real challenge only begins afterwards: turning all those different entities into a single coherent, efficient and profitable company. That is where many players are going wrong today.”

Targeted growth, with a focus on integration

At Hillewaere, we remain firmly committed to further expansion in Flanders and Brussels. “Wallonia is not on the agenda at present. Integration requires focus and speed. If we spread ourselves too thinly geographically, there is a risk that this will be at the expense of the pace and quality with which we are building our group.” – Roel Druyts

That focus aligns with the broader context in which we operate at Hillewaere. Our group forms part of a Benelux partnership with the Dutch Alpina Group, which was recently refinanced. “There is no shortage of financial clout. But capital is not what sets us apart. The difference lies in the way we integrate.” – Roel Druyts

Financial performance as a result of structure

This approach is also reflected in clear figures. In 2025, Hillewaere achieved a turnover of approximately 55 million euros and an EBITDA of around 15 million euros. “That result is the outcome of a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions. But above all, it stems from the fact that we succeed in structuring that growth and making it profitable.” – Roel Druyts

In our view, integration is therefore the key success factor in any buy-and-build strategy. “Many acquired estate agents operate using different systems, processes and commercial arrangements. If you allow that to continue, you build up complexity and erode your economies of scale.” – Roel Druyts

A single, fixed integration model, right to the core

At Hillewaere, new branches are therefore fully integrated into our group within around two months, following a fixed integration model. This applies not only to IT and data, but also to financial, operational and commercial aspects. “Not just a cosmetic change, but right at the core of the business.” – Roel Druyts

An additional distinguishing feature is our shareholder model. From day one, selling entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to participate in our group’s capital. “We do not believe in structures where you promise that integration will happen ‘someday’. Anyone who joins us immediately becomes a co-owner. That creates commitment, discipline and a shared interest.” – Roel Druyts

Full focus on growth and professionalisation

Our strategic focus today is entirely on the further expansion and professionalisation of our business. “There is a lot of speculation in the market about exits, but that is not what we are focused on. Our priority is to demonstrate that integration works at scale. If you do that well, the opportunities will follow naturally.” – Roel Druyts

Within the Hillewaere Group, growth is therefore not an end in itself, but a sustainable process that requires discipline and careful choices. By prioritising integration and actively involving entrepreneurs in our journey, we aim to continue building a company that creates value for our customers, employees and partners, both today and in the future.