Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar Acquires Merkelbag Verzekeringen to Strengthen Taxi Insurance Niche

Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar, a subsidiary of The Ardonagh Group, has acquired Merkelbag Verzekeringen, a specialist insurance broker serving the Dutch taxi and mobility sector. The deal, announced on July 13, 2026, aims to strengthen Klap’s position in the specialized taxi insurance market by integrating Merkelbag’s expertise and customer base.

Merkelbag Verzekeringen, founded in 1951 and based in Amstelveen, operates under the brands Taxiverzekering.nl and Koeriersverzekering.nl. The company serves approximately 14,000 customers, predominantly within the taxi industry. The acquisition includes the full ownership of Merkelbag, which will continue to operate as a dedicated business unit within Klap and Ardonagh Nederland. Noor Merkelbag remains at the helm, ensuring continuity for clients, partners, and employees.

The transaction is backed by the financial strength of The Ardonagh Group, the UK’s largest independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 global insurance broker, which is in turn backed by a consortium of leading institutional investors including Stone Point Capital, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Madison Dearborn Partners, and HPS Investment Partners.

Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar is a mid-sized insurance broker with offices across the Netherlands, offering risk advice and insurance solutions to both private and business clients. Since joining The Ardonagh Group in 2023, Klap has expanded its capabilities and market reach. Merkelbag’s specialization in taxi and mobility insurance complements Klap’s broader portfolio, enabling cross-selling opportunities and enhanced service offerings.

René Smit, CEO of Ardonagh Nederland, commented, “Merkelbag is a highly respected specialist with deep expertise in the taxi sector and a loyal customer base. We are pleased to welcome Merkelbag to Klap and look forward to combining our strengths to create greater value for our clients. This acquisition reinforces our position in a complex and attractive niche market and opens opportunities to expand our services within the wider mobility ecosystem.” Noor Merkelbag added, “Joining Klap marks an important next step for our organization. We share a strong focus on delivering high-quality solutions, personalized service, and sustainable insurer relationships. Together, we are well positioned to provide ongoing value and drive further growth.”

The Dutch taxi insurance market is a specialized segment requiring expert underwriting and tailored risk management. Merkelbag’s longstanding presence and specialist knowledge provide Klap with a competitive advantage in this niche. The acquisition is expected to generate synergies through cross-selling Klap’s broader insurance products to Merkelbag’s clients and leveraging Merkelbag’s expertise to attract new customers in mobility-related insurance segments.

Operational efficiencies are anticipated from consolidating administrative functions and enhancing digital platforms for customer service and claims management. Maintaining Merkelbag’s service quality and brand reputation within the larger corporate structure remains a key focus during integration.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens Klap’s market share in the Dutch taxi insurance niche and supports its strategy to deepen specialization and scale its offerings in mobility insurance. Regulatory approvals are expected to be straightforward given the nature of the deal.

Looking ahead, Klap plans to integrate Merkelbag’s specialist underwriting capabilities and expand its product range while preserving the dedicated focus on the taxi and mobility sector. This move aligns with broader industry trends of consolidation and specialization within insurance brokerage, responding to evolving client needs and competitive pressures.

Overall, the acquisition positions Klap Verzekeringsmakelaar as a leading provider in the Dutch taxi insurance market, leveraging Merkelbag’s heritage and expertise to enhance service delivery and growth prospects.