Media Information, 20 March 2025
ERGO gains access to the U.S. market with the full acquisition of NEXT Insurance
Munich Re and NEXT Insurance have signed a definitive agreement regarding the full acquisition of NEXT Insurance by Munich Re on 19 March 2025. The envisaged transaction will have NEXT Insurance become part of ERGO, the major primary insurance business of Munich Re.
This transaction marks the start of a new chapter for ERGO. Together with NEXT Insurance, we will tap into a highly attractive market overseas, unlocking significant growth opportunities while further diversifying our existing business portfolio. At the same time, we will work with NEXT Insurance to leverage their cutting-edge technology and our technical excellence, contributing to our commitment to sustainable, profitable growth.
Today marks a significant moment for NEXT Insurance, our customers, agents, and partners alike. Over the past few years, we have transformed the U.S. small business insurance market by delivering a simple, seamless, tailored experience for business owners. This transaction will propel us forward, allowing us to scale our technology-driven approach and empower even more small business owners with innovative insurance solutions. With the strength and expertise of ERGO and Munich Re and their well-recognized re/insurance know-how, we are poised to lead the charge in reimagining small business insurance in the USA.
More than 30 million small businesses across more than 1,000 professions operate in the USA, making up 99 percent of all national companies and 44 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the insurance penetration among this type of companies remains relatively low as 75 percent of U.S. small businesses are considered underinsured. The total addressable market is highly fragmented and estimated at around $175 billion, offering significant growth potential.
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, NEXT Insurance is a leading technology-first Property & Casualty insurer focusing on the specific needs of U.S. small business owners. Through its proprietary technology stack and its digital underwriting/pricing platform, the company offers simple, digital insurance coverage, including General Liability and Workers’ Compensation. Since its creation, NEXT Insurance has witnessed significant growth and generated a top line of $548 million in 2024. Today, the company serves more than 600,000 customers and counts around 700 employees.
ERGO and Munich Re have been closely accompanying NEXT Insurance since 2017. As of today, ERGO Group AG is a major shareholder of NEXT Insurance, holding around 29 percent of the company’s outstanding share capital. As part of ERGO Group, NEXT Insurance is expected to contribute mid-triple-digit $ million earnings to the company’s net result in the medium-term, with further significant earnings potential beyond this.
The definitive agreement was concluded at a valuation of $2.6 billion, for 100 percent of NEXT Insurance’s shares. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the required regulatory approvals, and is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
Ardea Partners LP acted as lead financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to NEXT Insurance. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC also acted as financial advisors to NEXT Insurance. Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Barnea Jaffa Lande & Co., Bain & Company, Inc., and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as advisors to ERGO / Munich Re.
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NEXT Insurance is a leading digital insurer transforming small business insurance with simple, digital coverage tailored to the self-employed. Trusted by over 600,000 business owners, NEXT offers policies that are easy to buy and provides 24/7 access to purchasing and servicing, including Certificates of Insurance, additional insured, and more, with no extra fees. Revolutionizing a historically complicated insurance industry, NEXT utilizes AI and machine learning to simplify the purchasing process. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Palo Alto and has received over $1 billion in venture capital funding. The company has also been recognized by CNBC Disruptor 50, Forbes Fintech 50, Inc.'s Best-Led Companies, and Forbes Best StartUp Employers. For more information, visit NEXTInsurance.com. Stay up to date on the latest with NEXT on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and our blog.
This media information contains forward-looking statements that are based on current assumptions and forecasts of the management of ERGO Group. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the forward-looking statements given here and the actual development, in particular the results, financial situation and performance of our Company. The Company assumes no liability to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.