Ageas
Ageas to build broker brands as Groupama name phased out in UK
The Groupama Insurances brand is to be phased out of the UK marketplace following completion of the insurer's sale to Ageas UK.
Groupama takeover to add extra boost to 'record' Ageas profits
Ageas chief executive Barry Smith is confident that the addition of Groupama insurance activities will add further clout to performance, following nine months in which the firm's profit before tax and minority interests rose by 36.4%.
Post acclaimed as the insurer trade publication of choice
Post won Financial Trade Publication of the Year at the 2012 Association of British Insurers' Financial Media Awards last night.
Groupama to place 20 staff on redundancy consultation
Groupama Insurances has confirmed that up to 20 jobs in finance, IT, human resources and marketing are at risk as the firm seeks to reduce expenses and increase efficiencies.
Household insurance roundtable: Providing clarity over questions
The Consumer Insurance (Disclosure and Representations) Act will bring fresh rigour to household insurance underwriting. Post gathered a group of experts to debate what the incoming legislation means for the market.
Groupama appoints household development underwriter
Groupama Insurances has appointed Kirsty Williams in a bid to target niche markets.
Investing in the profession: Ageas Underwriting gains chartered status
Ageas Underwriting has been granted chartered status after meeting a number of criteria set out by the Chartered Insurance Institute, including an examination of its development programmes and training and competence scheme, which are part of the Ageas…
Industry fears homeowner panic as flood agreement expiration approaches
Brokers in high flood-risk areas have accused the Association of British Insurers of failing to "nail its colours to the mast" amid growing concern over the lack of a long-term replacement for the Statement of Principles.
Insurance Fraud Awards 2012 - The winners
Guests were welcomed to the 2012 Insurance Fraud Awards at The Brewery in London by Jonathan Swift, chairman of the judging panel, who congratulated the industry on its efforts to raise the profile of insurance fraud as a topic worthy of debate and…
RSA victory prompts rival rethink on repair strategy
RSA has seen off one potential dispute relating to its controversial motor repair model after signing a bilateral agreement with Groupama Insurances, although it is unclear whether this will survive the completion of Ageas' acquisition of Groupama.
Groupama downgraded after non-payment of coupon
Groupama Group has been downgraded by Standard and Poor's following the French insurer's statement on Friday that it will not pay the next coupon on 22 October on junior subordinated notes issued in 2007.
Groupama parent downgrade "irrelevant" to UK insurer
Groupama Insurances's chief executive has said that a revision of the security rating of its France-based parent Groupama Group has "no relevance" on the UK insurance operation.
Standard & Poor's upgrades Groupama Insurances to BB
Ratings agency Standard & Poor's has upgraded Groupama Insurances to a financial strength of BB on credit watch with positive implications, and expects to boost the rating to BBB in Q4.
O'Roarke frustrated at missing out on Groupama 'bargain'
LV boss John O'Roarke admits he was left rueing a "missed opportunity" after hearing how much Ageas paid to secure the acquisition of Groupama.
Zurich scoops trio of Insurance Fraud Awards
Zurich was the main winner at the Insurance Fraud Awards last night, picking up three gongs.
View from the top: Rooting out the rogues
As scrutiny of the market deepens, bad apples in the industry must be tackled from within, says Mark Cliff.
Market moves: Hastings and Compare the Market bolster ranks with directorial appointments
Broker Hastings and BGL-owned aggregator Compare the Market were the busiest recruiters this week, both bringing in new directors.
Insurance Strategy 2012: Insurers overlook brand power at their peril
The power of branding is an important tool for insurers to compete in a volatile market.
Interview: Peter Hubbard - back in business
After spending his time since leaving Axa in 2008 pre-occupied with a range of non-executive roles, Peter Hubbard has burst back onto the scene this week as chief executive of UK General. He talks to Post about his decision to return to a company in a…
Claims Club monthly missive: Holy motors it's David Mairs
It has certainly been an interesting week at Post Towers, with the industry's finest rowing over customer services and an stimulating encounter with AMG founder David Mairs.
Ageas confirms Winlow NED appointments
Ageas UK has confirmed that former KPMG partner Mark Winlow, pictured, has been appointed non-executive director on two of its boards.
Post Top 100 UK Insurers Supplement: Top 20 Spotlight
A detailed look at the top 20 UK insurance firms, including board members, broker agencies and UK reserves.
SMEs: Home advantage
The Olympic experience showed that flexible working is a viable option for many, but companies need to weigh up the risks as well as the benefits.
Industry divided over advantages of attending party conferences
Insurers remain divided over the merits of attending party conferences as a means of raising the profile of important industry issues in political circles.