Geopolitics, property and the London marketplace: Here’s what’s in store for insurance next year December 30, 2024 Insurance market in 2024 was defined by record floods and soaring premiums. So what are expects predicting for 2025?
Direct Line agrees £3.7bn Aviva takeover December 23, 2024 Direct Line’s board has agreed to accept Aviva’s £3.7bn takeover of the insurer, bringing to an end the firm’s run as an independent company. In a stock exchange announcement this morning, Direct Line’s board endorsed Aviva’s latest £3.7bn offer for the business. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive 0.2867 Aviva shares, along [...]
I’m putting Markel International ‘on the map’, says president December 19, 2024 The London insurance market is the "jewel in the crown'", it's no surprise that US insurer Markel International has the City at the heart of its strategy
The intersection between the capital markets and the insurance industry December 17, 2024 Insurance is part of the DNA of global capitalism, but due to concerns around complexity and liquidity, the market has historically struggled to attract the capital needed for growth. Aon’s Capital Advisory division works with insurance clients to enhance return on capital by matching risk with capital to make better business decisions. It’s been built [...]
Ageas to acquire part of Saga’s insurance business in 20-year deal December 16, 2024 Saga, the financial services and travel provider for over-50s, has begun a 20-year partnership for motor and home insurance with Belgian insurance giant Ageas. Ageas’ UK arm will take over Saga’s price-comparison website, pricing, claims and customer service activities, while Saga will hold onto brand and direct marketing. Under the terms of the deal, Saga [...]
Lloyd’s of London insurer Canopius favours IPO in private equity exit December 12, 2024 The private equity owners of Canopius plan to list the Lloyd’s of London insurer on the UK stock market next year, City AM has learned. A consortium led by US investor Centerbridge Partners is leaning towards an IPO rather than sale as part of its review into exit options for Canopius, according to a person [...]
Aviva set for £3.6bn Direct Line takeover December 6, 2024 Direct Line is set to agree to a £3.6bn takeover by its bigger rival Aviva, after the FTSE 100 firm returned with a sweetened bid for the company today. In a joint statement to the market this morning, the two firms said they had struck the outlines of a deal in which Aviva will pay [...]
‘Good news for insurers’ after government ups personal injury discount rate December 2, 2024 Lord Chancellor revealed that the personal injury discount rate will increase to 0.5 per cent, in a move welcomed by the insurance industry
Tensions flair at Direct Line following Aviva takeover bid December 1, 2024 A battle is brewing over Direct Line about whether to accept any further takeover bids from Aviva, as its CEO seeks more time to turn the business around. Talking to the Sunday Times following the rejected £3.3bn bid from Aviva last week, Direct Line CEO Adam Winslow urged shareholders to back his turnaround plan over [...]
How Aviva and Ageas could go head-to-head in Direct Line bidding war November 29, 2024 The stage is set for a bidding war after Aviva threw Direct Line back into the takeover spotlight with a £3.3bn approach.