Q&A With Leaders From Reck & Co. GmbH — A Gallagher Bassett Company

Franz: Operating across continental Europe requires a strong balance between consistency and local expertise. While our quality standards, technical rigour, and client-first philosophy remain constant, we empower our regional teams to build a deep understanding of local markets, regulations, and business culture. Our people on the ground maintain close relationships with insurers, brokers, and logistics partners, allowing us to deliver genuinely localised solutions while benefiting from the scale of a wider European footprint. This combination has been central to our reputation and is something we are committed to preserving as part of Gallagher Bassett.

Marc: From a legal and recovery perspective, regional adaptation is essential. Marine claims are inherently cross border, and each jurisdiction brings its own legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and commercial practices. Our approach is to combine strong central coordination with highly specialised local knowledge. By working closely with our local colleagues and partner network, we ensure that claims strategies are legally robust, commercially practical, and tailored to our clients' requirements and specific requests.

Franz: One of the most important lessons is that successful expansion isn't about speed, but about alignment. The best growth outcomes are built on existing expertise, trusted relationships, and cultural fit. We appreciate the value of listening carefully to clients and stakeholders in each new geography and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Investing in people, maintaining service continuity, and respecting regional differences have all been critical in allowing us to expand sustainably while protecting the high service quality our clients expect.

Marc: Geographic expansion has reinforced the importance of preparation and local insight. Beyond the broad differences in legal systems and court practices, market conditions and client expectations also vary and require a tailored approach. We have learned that early local involvement, clear communication, and realistic expectations are critical to achieving effective outcomes. Expansion also highlights the value of our international networks, which continue to enable faster resolutions and more efficient enforcement across borders. Ultimately, the aim in every region is to treat your client's concerns seriously and give them confidence that every aspect of their case will be thoroughly addressed.

Franz: Our priority is clarity and reassurance. For clients, the fundamentals of doing business with Reck & Co. remain unchanged: the same teams, the same expertise, and the same commitment to service. Additionally, we are clearly articulating the benefits the deal brings, including greater international reach, expanded marine and transit capabilities, and access to broader risk and claims expertise across the Gallagher Bassett ecosystem. We're taking a relationship-led approach, engaging directly with clients to explain how these enhanced capabilities can support their evolving needs.

Marc: For me, the focus is on demonstrating tangible value. For example, we are explaining how the combination of Reck & Co.'s specialist marine legal expertise with Gallagher Bassett's global scale enhances our ability to manage complex disputes, recoveries, and cross border claims. For international clients, this means greater consistency, broader geographic coverage, and access to a greater range of integrated claims and risk solutions. Becoming a member of the Gallagher Bassett family means that every client receives more value when they instruct us on a marine case — this is a very convincing argument.

Franz: We see continued opportunity across Europe, particularly where complex cross border trade, manufacturing, and logistics activity is increasing. Beyond Europe, global supply chain complexity is driving demand for specialist marine and transit expertise in key international hubs. Being part of Gallagher Bassett strengthens our ability to support clients wherever their risk exposure takes them, and positions us well to respond to emerging opportunities as global trade patterns continue to evolve.

Marc: There are several reasons for expanding: A client may offer timely business opportunities, strong contacts in a foreign market could justify opening a local office, and the local labour market may present good hiring prospects. These factors vary greatly by country and region. The past few months have seen opportunities and risks emerge where international trade volumes have expanded, contracted or shifted. In turn, supply chains are becoming more complex. This naturally increases the need for sophisticated marine claims handling and legal recovery solutions. Although Reck & Co. continues to prioritise Europe, global connectivity means our clients increasingly require expertise that extends well beyond just one region. Being part of a global organisation allows us to respond to these developments confidently and comprehensively.