News
Brightside shares boosted by Bidco deal
Shares in Brightside were trading 27.15% up at close of markets yesterday following news of its imminent acquisition by Belvedere Bidco.
More M&A activity predicted for 2014 as UK leads the way in Europe
Mergers and acquisitions completed within the UK insurance market last year dwarfed similar deals in the rest of Europe, according to Grant Thornton, which is predicting more acquisitive activity in 2014.
QBE's Fitzpatrick to join Ascot
Ascot Underwriting has appointed David Fitzpatrick as executive underwriter for international casualty.
Geneva Association zeroing in on social value of insurance
The Geneva Association is conducting research on the social and economic value of insurance, according to its annual report.
Warmelink rejoins Towers Watson in Hong Kong
Towers Watson has appointed Marco Warmelink as regional director of its risk management practice for Asia-Pacific.
Lloyd's calls for climate change risk modeling
Lloyd's of London is asking the insurance industry to factor climate change into risk models on an annual basis.
Black rain hits Hong Kong again
For the second time this year the Hong Kong Observatory has raised the black rain warning as thunderstorms hit the city on 8 and 9 May.
Alterra deal boosts Markel International premium income by 40% in Q1
Markel International president and chief executive William Stovin has attributed last year’s acquisition of Alterra as the driving force behind a 40% increase in premium income to $414m (£244m) in the first quarter of 2014.
Brightside agrees to £127m acquisition by AnaCap company
Brightside has agreed to a £127m acquisition by a newly incorporated company indirectly owned by private equity firm AnaCap Financial Partners.
One Insurance discovers fraud claims worth £100k
Doncaster-based One Insurance has halted two fraudulent claims which could have cost the company more than £100 000.
Bluefin hires Towergate's Watts for regional role
Bluefin has appointed Towergate's Paul Watts as Stockport branch director, corporate division.
Broker Network boss Duggan to take over from Johnson at Paymentshield
Paymentshield chief executive Tim Johnson is leaving the Towergate division and will be replaced by Broker Network CEO Gary Duggan.
Hill Dickinson launches reputation product
Hill Dickinson's insurance business group has developed a reputation risk audit product.
Jargon-busting claims transparency scheme unveiled by Axa
Axa has teamed up with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association in a bid to provide a more transparent claims process for customers.
MOJ calling for feedback on whiplash report costs
The Ministry of Justice is seeking feedback on whiplash reform proposals including fixed costs for medical examinations and reports.
Bexhill targets SME brokers with premium finance offering
Bexhill UK has launched a premium finance solution for small-medium sized insurance brokers.
Allianz appoints Wenzel as actuarial and planning director
Allianz has appointed Kevin Wenzel as director for actuarial and planning, replacing Kathryn Willis who is retiring from the business.
Kerry London rebrands as Kelliher Insurance Group
Kerry London Group has rebranded to Kelliher Insurance Group drawing on the business' history and the values of its founder Joe Kelliher.
Nelson urges industry to factor climate change into cat models
Climate change is real and must be factored into all future catastrophe modelling, Lloyd’s chairman John Nelson has warned.
Towergate NED Homer to chair energy consultancy
Former Towergate chief executive Andy Homer has been named chairman of energy consultancy Utility Aid.
NIG launches telematics app for small fleets
NIG has launched a telematics smartphone app to help SMEs manage their fleets.
Beazley's posts $2m fall in GWP for Q1
Beazley posted gross written premium of $516m (£304m) for the first quarter of 2014, down from $518m in the first three months of 2013.
RSA sees NWP fall 4% in first quarter
RSA saw underlying net written premiums fall 4% in the first three months of 2014 as the effects of its portfolio action plan and a more disciplined underwriting approach across all regions took hold.
Munich Re's Q1 2014 profit falls 5%; April pricing weakens 8%
Profits fell 5% in the first quarter at global reinsurer Munich Re and April renewal prices declined 8%.