Howden has agreed to buy the employee benefits consulting arm of wealth adviser Evelyn Partners for an undisclosed sum. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal is expected to complete in the first quarter of next year. 

The acquisition marks a further foray into the UK consultancy market by the global insurance intermediary, which revealed in March that it is buying Barnett Waddingham. 

With the sale, Evelyn Partners aims to refocus solely on wealth management, having already sold off its professional services and fund solutions businesses, earlier this year.  

Evelyn’s EBC business employs 38 people in London, Bristol, Glasgow and Guildford and focusses on mid-market, scale-up and fast growth firms. Head of employee benefits Gareth Sawyer will transfer to Howden in 2026, reporting to Cheryl Brennan, managing director, Howden Employee Benefits. 

“EPFS bring a highly experienced team with an excellent reputation and a culture that mirrors our own,” said Brennan. “This acquisition reinforces Howden’s investment in our market-leading, full-service employee benefits proposition, strengthening our ability to deliver fresh thinking and trusted advice for corporates seeking a global employee benefits broker with a client-first approach.” 

Sawyer said the deal provides clarity on Evelyn EBC’s future and will bring opportunities as it becomes part of a larger, global organisation.  

“Our clients can expect business as usual, with the team remaining focused on delivering high quality advice to help them attract and retain talent in a competitive market, while retaining a close relationship and continued collaboration with Evelyn Partners,” he said.  

Evelyn Partners chief executive Paul Geddes said: “Howden will be a great long-term owner of this business, providing new opportunities for our employee benefits team and continuity of the services they provide to clients. I would like to thank the team for the contribution they have made to our business over many years and wish them well for the future as part of Howden.”