2024
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2024
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2024
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2024
Brokerslink celebrates 20th anniversary
Brokerslink celebrates 20th anniversary
2024Brokerslink celebrates 20th anniversary

MDS is proud to form a part of thisstory which has become inspirational to the sector both in Portugal and theworld. A global network created in Oporto that has become a leadinginternational player and now a hub for 45,000+ professionals from 133 countries.



Acquisition of D’Or Consultoria
Acquisition of D’Or Consultoria
2024Acquisition of D’Or Consultoria

Thanksto this acquisition, we consolidate MDS leadership in the Brazilian Health andBenefits sector, and now manage a portfolio worth over 1.5Bn Euros (8Bn Reais)in premiums.

Through this operation, we’ve brought in about 900 newcolleagues and now have 2,300 employees worldwide.

MDS awarded COTEC Innovator Status for third year in a row
MDS awarded COTEC Innovator Status for third year in a row
2024MDS awarded COTEC Innovator Status for third year in a row

Thisaward from COTEC Portugal recognises companies which, for the quality of theirleadership, management, and performance, become role models for the wholecountry in terms of competition, grown, and valuecreation through innovation.

Theaward reflects the commitment and investment MDS has devoted to innovation,exploring new technologies and strategic partnerships which have contributed tothe group’s outstanding growth and positioning over the years, adding value tothe sector and the country.

Pedro Pinhal leads RCG
Pedro Pinhal leads RCG
2024Pedro Pinhal leads RCG

The Board of the MDS Group hasappointed Pedro Pinhal as the new CEO of RCG Risk Consulting Group.

With over 20 years experience, Pedro Pinhal has had adiversified and consolidated professional career in the risk and insurancesector

MDS comes to the Azores
MDS comes to the Azores
2024MDS comes to the Azores

This is another important step inour national expansion as we now maintain a direct presence in both Portuguesearchipelagos.

Footprint in Madeira enhanced
Footprint in Madeira enhanced
2024Footprint in Madeira enhanced

Havingacquired Bónus Mediaçãode Seguros,we’ve strengthened our presence and leadership in Madeira, adding three newcustomer service locations across the region, in Funchal and Câmarade Lobos.

Acquisition of broker Ilídio Maia Casais
Acquisition of broker Ilídio Maia Casais
2024Acquisition of broker Ilídio Maia Casais

Thanks to this operation, whichdemonstrates our ability to attract solid partners who enjoy prestige andstrong ties with the market, MDS will broaden and enhance its portfolio ofcustomers in relevant sectors, pursuing a strategy of national expansion.

MDS and Ardonagh earn accolades at the UK-Portugal Business Awards
 MDS and Ardonagh earn accolades at the UK-Portugal Business Awards
2024 MDS and Ardonagh earn accolades at the UK-Portugal Business Awards

Thisaward from the United Kingdom Government acknowledges the success ofinvestments undertaken by Portuguese and British companies in both countries.

Álvaro Mengotti joins the MDS Group
Álvaro Mengotti joins the MDS Group
2024Álvaro Mengotti joins the MDS Group

Álvaro Mengotti, a leading manager in theinternational insurance and reinsurance sector, joins Executive Committee atthe MDS Group.

2023
Acquisition of Renaissance
Acquisition of Renaissance
2023Acquisition of Renaissance

And sowe enter another territory: Cyprus, integrating the portfolio held byRenaissance, the country’s largest independent broker, a specialist in RiskManagement, Employee Benefits and Corporate Risk.  

Investment in RSG in Chile
Investment in RSG in Chile
2023Investment in RSG in Chile

TheGroup makes another strategic move key to international expansion as it entersLatin America’s third largest market through the acquisition of a majoritystake in RSG, one of Chile’s top 10 brokers. 

Acquisition of Firstagille
Acquisition of Firstagille
2023Acquisition of Firstagille

Thismove strengthens our expertise in strategic sectors and amplifies our reachinto more lines of business, adding a highly valuable roster to our portfolio,namely, companies in the industrial sector, telecommunication serviceproviders, beverage distributors, commodity transportation, and temporarylabour.

Acquisition of Pacific Insurance
Acquisition of Pacific Insurance
2023Acquisition of Pacific Insurance

Thisoperation broadens our geographic scope in Portugal and increments our customerportfolio. With ahead office in Alverca do Ribatejo, Pacific Insurance holds a portfoliocovering over four thousand customers, including companies in the service,transportation, and construction sectors.

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2023
Operations begin in the US and Mexico
Operations begin in the US and Mexico
2023Operations begin in the US and Mexico

Thanksto the acquisition of broker MRM. 

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2023
2022
Integration into the Ardonagh Group
Integration into the Ardonagh Group
2022Integration into the Ardonagh Group

In December 2022, the Ardonagh Group concluded the acquisition of100% interest in the MDS Group through their subsidiary, Ardonagh Global Partners.

Ardonaghis the UK’s largest independent broking group and one of the top 20 brokers inthe world. Their show of faith in MDS demonstrates the leading position in thesector we’ve earned over the years.

This operation equips MDS with newspecialist, technology, and capital resources, which will translate into clearbenefits for its customers, partners, and employees.

Brokerslink Global Conference
Brokerslink Global Conference
2022Brokerslink Global Conference

On 26and 27 May Oporto welcomed the Brokerslink Global Conference, an eventhosted by MDS, which attracted over 360 attendants from 71 countries to thecity of Oporto. The two days offered a schedule devoted to current globalaffairs and risk management, providing opportunities to network, share ideasand work on new solutions to mitigate the risks posed by an ever-changingworld.

2021
MDS Group CEO acclaimed “Person of the Year” in Brazil
MDS Group CEO acclaimed “Person of the Year” in Brazil
2021MDS Group CEO acclaimed “Person of the Year” in Brazil

JoséManuel Dias da Fonseca was named "Person of theYear” by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo. The award celebrateshis and MDS’s role in furthering business and relationships between Portugaland Brazil, which have been expanding these past few years, highlighting theCEO’s and the company’s instrumental roles. 

 

Acquisition of Segurtime
Acquisition of Segurtime
2021Acquisition of Segurtime

This acquisition allowsthe MDS Group to consolidate its position in Portugal, namely in the Centralregion.

AmongSegurtime’s 10,000+ customers you will find companies who conduct national andinternational business in sectors like recycling, ceramics, mold-making,furniture, metallomechanics, construction, and public works.

Acquisition of Média Mais
Acquisition of Média Mais
2021Acquisition of Média Mais

MDS hasacquired a majority stake in the mediation company Média Mais, with a headoffice in Marinha Grande.

Média Mais is a prestige insurance mediation brand inthe region, which is of strategic importance to the country, and MDS,specifically for the company’s robust focus on industry, exports, and services.


2020
Acquisition of Média Seguros in Angola
Acquisition of Média Seguros in Angola
2020Acquisition of Média Seguros in Angola

Pursuingour strategy for diversified growth, the purchase embodies our Africanambitions, especially in the Angolan market, amplifying the Group’s presenceand consolidating our position among the national top 3 and our status as aleading broker.

Thanksto this acquisition, MDS Angola not only grows exponentially but also enhancesits team (very meaningfully) benefiting from the technical excellence andmarket knowledge held by the Média Seguros team. This has been a constant inour acquisition strategy: grow, develop our customer portfolio but also, noless importantly, attracting new colleagues who may add a great deal of valueto our operations.

2019
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2019
MDS in Madeira
MDS in Madeira
2019MDS in Madeira

MDS hasexpanded its presence on Madeira island, an autonomous Portuguese province, byacquiring a majority stake in WinBroker, one of the region's main brokers withover 20 years’ experience.

Thisinvestment will lead to an increased geographic presence in this valued marketand bolstered technical skill, as well as the solutions and services we makeavailable to customers and partners.

2018
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2018
FERMA awards José Manuel Fonseca
FERMA awards José Manuel Fonseca
2018FERMA awards José Manuel Fonseca
José Manuel Dias da Fonseca, Global CEO at MDS, was honoured as Broker Leader of the Year in insurance brokerage by the Federation of European Risk Management Associations. 

This award comes as recognition for his work in advancing and energizing risk management. His name was put forward by renowned European specialists. This is the first time a Portuguese national receives such an award. 

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2018
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2018
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2018
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2018
New MDS Brasil CEO
New MDS Brasil CEO
2018New MDS Brasil CEO
Ariel Couto takes on the leadership of MDS Brasil as its CEO.
José Diogo Araújo e Silva is the new CFO of the MDS Group
José Diogo Araújo e Silva is the new CFO of the MDS Group
2018José Diogo Araújo e Silva is the new CFO of the MDS Group
A graduate of Portuguese Catholic University with cum laude honours, José Diogo de Araújo e Silva brings a remarkable track record in investment banking and risk capital at the international level, namely in the United Kingdom and the Iberian Peninsula. He has held positions in companies like BPI, Accenture, JP Morgan e Magnum Capital, accruing vast experience in mergers and acquisitions in Europe and as a company and investment manager. 

Now, José Diogo Araújo e Silva will take over the financial reins for the MDS Group, contributing to its growth and development.

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2018
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2018
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2018
2017
José Manuel Fonseca takes on additional executive leadership role in Brazil
José Manuel Fonseca takes on additional executive leadership role in Brazil
2017José Manuel Fonseca takes on additional executive leadership role in Brazil

José Manuel Fonseca, MDS Group CEO, took on additional executive leadership role at MDS Brazil, replacing Hélio Novaes, who had served as CEO since 2010

MDS becomes Broker at Lloyd’s
LLoyd's Broker
2017MDS becomes Broker at Lloyd’s

MDS cements its place in thePortuguese market’s history by becoming the only Portuguese-speaking brokeramong 258 globally authorised to work with Lloyd’s of London.

Lloyd’s is thelargest specialised insurance market in the world, bringing together the mostrenowned professionals to manage emerging or complex risks. A clear indicatorof MDS’s global contribution to the insurance sector and recognition of itsreputation for excellence, service, efficiency, quality and innovation.

 

Coverholder status
Iberosegur
2017Coverholder status

TheMDS Group, through its company Iberosegur, extends its expertise and range ofsolutions and becomes a coverholder for specialised insurance, including jewelleryand transportation.

FlexBen investment
Flexben
2017FlexBen investment

MDSreinforces its reputation for innovation and leadership within the EmployeeBenefits area by purchasing 45% of tech company FlexBen, an expert in the fieldof flexible benefits.

New MDS Portugal CEO
New MDS Portugal CEO
2017New MDS Portugal CEO
Ricardo Pinto dos Santos takes on the leadership of MDS Portugal as its CEO.
2016
Mozambique expansion
Moçambique
2016Mozambique expansion

MDS Africastrengthens its commitment to the African market by working with a localpartner to open for business in Mozambique.

New MDS Africa leader
João Alvadia
2016New MDS Africa leader

João Alvadia takes onthe leadership of MDS Africa, strengthening MDS’s growth strategy in thismarket.

 

Filhet-Allard investment
Filhet-Allard MDS
2016Filhet-Allard investment

MDS invests in Spainthrough a joint venture with Filhet-Allard, two brokers that are shareholders ofBrokerslink. Filhet-Allard MDS is now a strong Iberian player.

 

Brokerslink share offer
Brokerslink Board
2016Brokerslink share offer

Brokerslinkbecomes a Global Broking Company, offeringprivate investment opportunities to its members in the form of shares.

This evolutionof a firm, comprising 50 shareholders from 40 countries, illustrates itsdynamism and geographical reach and represents a milestone in the growth of acooperative broker network created by MDS in 2004.

 

2015
MDS RE created
MDS RE created
2015MDS RE created

MDS RE is created, areinsurance broker operating in Portugal, Africa and Brazil. This is animportant step in the Group’s growth strategy, evidencing its continuouscommitment to specialised insurance and risk consulting services.

Phoenix launch
Phoenix launch
2015Phoenix launch

As a result of ongoinginvestment in innovation and technology, both in the people and tools they use,and a clear commitment to streamline management processes, MDS  developed Phoenix - a cloud-based system thatenables integrated management of the group’s customers, insurers and agents.

 

2014
MDS 30th anniversary
MDS 30th anniversary
2014MDS 30th anniversary

MDS celebrates its30th anniversary by hosting an event in Porto that brings together theindustry’s renowned international experts.

 

CIAB board member
CIAB board member
2014CIAB board member

José Manuel Fonseca,CEO of MDS Group, is appointed to the Board of Directors of the Council ofInsurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB), the American association of insuranceagents and brokers.

2013
New Herco Global leader
Jorge Luzzi
2013New Herco Global leader

Jorge Luzzi, one ofthe world’s leading experts in risk management, joins MDS Group, taking on theleadership of Herco Global.

With extensive experience in the area of riskmanagement, Jorge was group risk management director of Pirelli, chairman of theFederation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) and is currently chairmanof the Associação Portuguesa de Gestão de Riscos e Seguros (Portuguese RiskManagement and Insurance Association), Apogeris. 

MDS Portugal appointment
Mário Vinhas
2013MDS Portugal appointment

Mário Vinhas joinsMDS as deputy country manager. He is currently deputy executive director of MDSPortugal.

Angola expansion
Angola
2013Angola expansion

MDS begins operatingin Angola through a joint venture with a local investor.

2012
Towers Watson Partnership
Towers Watson
2012Towers Watson Partnership

Towers Watson appointsMDS as broking and consulting services provider in the benefits area, combiningMDS’s extensive experience in employee benefits with that of pensions,healthcare and risk management. This partnership evidences MDS’s expertise andresponsiveness when asked to support a renowned global player. 

New Group COO
Jacqueline Legrand
2012New Group COO

Jacqueline Legrand,after more than a decade working for a large New York broker, joins MDS aschief operating officer. With extensive knowledge and international experience,Jacqueline is an example of MDS’s ability to attract top multi-skilled people witha global perspective. 

2011
João Alvadia joins MDS
João Alvadia
2011João Alvadia joins MDS

João Alvadia joinsMDS.

MLearning rolled out
Mlearning
2011MLearning rolled out

MLearning is created,with the goal to develop and support insurance and risk management knowledge growth.The provision of training coupled with access to a wide range of material and aknowledge centre, enables MDS to capitalize on its experience, skills andimportant partnerships with international players, benefitting the market and customers.

Herco created
Herco
2011Herco created

In line with its focuson innovative risk management services and solutions, MDS creates Herco - aspecialist risk consulting and Enterprise Risk Management company.

 

Proximity Launch
Proximity
2011Proximity Launch

MDS developsProximity, an online customer portal that enables people to manage theirinsurance portfolio anytime, anywhere. This confirms a commitment from MDS toconstantly innovate, demonstrates its technological knowledge and an ambitionto provide advanced solutions that meet customers’ needs. 

 
HighDome launch
Highdome
2011HighDome launch

MDS launches insurerand reinsurer, HighDome, a captive Protected Cell Company (PCC), with aEuropean focus. MDS is the only Portuguese insurer with this model, underliningits strategy to provide innovative risk transfer tools, alternative to thetraditional insurance market.

2010
Ricardo Pinto dos Santos joins MDS
Ricardo Pinto dos Santos
2010Ricardo Pinto dos Santos joins MDS
Ricardo Pinto dos Santos joins MDS Portugal.
MDS Partners launch
MDS Partners
2010MDS Partners launch

The wholesaleplatform MDS Partners is launched. 

MDS Auto created
MDS Auto
2010MDS Auto created

MDS acquires 50% ofCoral, formerly owned by Salvador Caetano Group, creating MDS Auto, the firstPortuguese broker focused exclusively on the automotive sector.

Acquisition of Quórum
Acquisition of Quórum
2010Acquisition of Quórum

Lazam-MDS acquires Quórum, whoseCEO, Hélio Novaes, takes over as leader at MDS Brazil.

2009
Suzano Group investment
Suzano
2009Suzano Group investment

Suzano Groupacquires 49.99% of MDS SGPS. Further confirmation of a strategy to increaseshareholdings.

 

First Brokerslink conference
Brokerslink
2009First Brokerslink conference

Brokerslink’s firstGlobal Conference, held in Hong Kong and attended by numerous international industryexperts.

 

FULLCOVER launch
Fullcover 1
2009FULLCOVER launch

Launch of FULLCOVER, a creative project published bythe MDS team, sharing their extensive expertise and experience and carryingarticles from renowned international experts across many countries. Recognised asan important tool for sharing and building insurance and risk management knowledge.

MDS Brazil reinforces presence at the national level
MDS Brazil reinforces presence at the national level
2009MDS Brazil reinforces presence at the national level

InBrazil, acquisition of brokerage firms ADDmakler and Miral. With theseacquisitions MDS consolidates its national presence by doubling its size.

2008
Seguros Continente created
Seguros Continente
2008Seguros Continente created

MDS is behind anotherinnovative Portuguese insurance sector project - the creation of SegurosContinente (Continente Insurance), a subsidiary of the Modelo ContinenteHipermercados brand.  Providingprotection solutions for private customers via digital and call centre channels,MDS is one of the first European brokers to sell insurance via a retail brand, confirmingits position as a Portuguese pioneer. This operation is still active.

 

2007
Cooper Gay shareholding
Cooper Gay
2007Cooper Gay shareholding

MDS acquires32% of Cooper Gay (currently Ed Broking), a major London reinsurance broker,becoming its largest shareholder. This is the largest ever Portugueseinvestment in the international insurance industry. Undertaken by a broker, itunderlines MDS’s commitment to deliver a global service by accessing the mainmarkets and specialist knowledge.

 

2005
Lisbon chairs FERMA meeting
Ferma
2005Lisbon chairs FERMA meeting

Federation ofEuropean Risk Management Associations – FERMA - has its forum in Portugal. Thisis one of the largest risk management and insurance meetings in the world,representing an historic milestone for this sector in Portugal.

As president of thehosting association, Associação Portuguesa de Gestão de Riscos e Seguros  - APOGERIS - (Portuguese Risk Management and Insurance Association), José ManuelFonseca CEO of the MDS Group, was the event’s chairman.  He was vice-president and board member ofFERMA for several years. 


Unibroker acquisition
unibroker
2005Unibroker acquisition

Acquisition ofUnibroker positions MDS as the country’s leader in its sector – something itstill holds today.

 

2004
Brokerslink launch
Brokerslink
2004Brokerslink launch

MDS takes the lead inthe creation of Brokerslink, a partnership between four brokers from different countries.Launched in Porto, this international network of insurance brokers has become arespected global player. 

Lisbon office opening
Lisbon
2004Lisbon office opening

MDS expands itsnational presence by acquiring a local broker and opening an office in Lisbon.

Purchase of the Integridade brokerage firm
Purchase of the Integridade brokerage firm
2004Purchase of the Integridade brokerage firm

Absorptionof Integridade, the brokerage firm, by MDS Brazil. With this acquisition,Jacques Goldenberg, one of the most widely respected professionals in thesector, joins the MDS group.

2003
Pérouse investment
Pérouse
2003Pérouse investment

The investment in theFrench market is strengthened with investment in Pérouse, a prestigious broker from Lyon, giving rise to Pérouse-MDS.

2002
Lazam acquisition
Lazam
2002Lazam acquisition

MDS’s second internationalacquisition takes place with the purchase of 45% of the Brazilian Lazam, owned by the Suzano Group. MDS iscurrently among the largest brokers in the Brazilian market. 

2001
FirstAssur acquisition
FirstAssur
2001FirstAssur acquisition

MDS Group’s first acquisition in the European marketwith investment in the French Internet broker, FirstAssur.

This move - the first Portuguese investment in aforeign broker - is a clear sign of the Group’s innovative strategy to focus onspecific areas of expertise, create synergies with international players and enternew emerging markets. The acquisition signalled the beginning of a growth inrelationships with affinity businesses and has resulted in MDS now holding  a significant position in the domestic market. 

2000
Sonae RE formation
Sonae Re
2000Sonae RE formation

Launch of MDS-managedSonae RE, a captive reinsurer and part of the Sonae Group with headquarters inLuxembourg.

 

MDS CEO appointment
José Manuel Fonseca
2000MDS CEO appointment

José Manuel Dias da Fonseca becomes CEO of MDS. His appointment reflectsa change in the company’s strategic direction, with a vision to become a global leaderin the insurance and risk management sector.

 

1997
Risk consulting launch
MDS Building
1997Risk consulting launch

MDS expandsits activity, begins to operate outsideSonae Group and creates the first specialist risk consulting team.

 

1984
MDS created
MDS created
1984MDS created
Sonae creates MDS to manage Sonae group’s insurance. 
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