Ageas
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.
Post magazine - 27 September 2012
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Groupama sale to Ageas unlikely to improve either group's rating prospects
The acquisition of Groupama Insurances by Ageas UK should "end uncertainty" among brokers over Groupama's financial strength and creditworthiness in the UK, but will have little impact on the 'negative' rating outlooks of either parent company, analysts…
Insurance Strategy 2012: Importance of brand to grow as economy picks up
The power of branding has been highlighted as a crucial tool for insurers in the struggle to compete n a volatile marketplace.
Groupama director Lefèvre quits
Groupama SA boss Pierre Lefèvre, pictured, has resigned from the business by way of mutual agreement.
Ageas buys Groupama for £116m
Ageas UK has acquired Groupama Insurance Company for £116m in a deal that it has claimed propels it to the UK’s 4th private motor insurer with an 11.7% share of the market.
Ageas wins John Lewis account from Axa
Ageas has extended its partnership with John Lewis to provide the department store's customers with travel insurance.
ABI concedes two-year delay in mesothelioma payments 'not ideal'
The Association of British Insurers' head of motor and liability, James Dalton, has defended a new scheme to provide compensation to workers exposed to asbestos who are unable to trace a liable employer or insurer.
Editor's comment: Groupama - going, going, gone?
After months of uncertainty, employees at Groupama's UK insurer operation can be a little buoyed by last Friday's news that a named bidder had finally cast its hat into the ring to buy them.
Groupama acquisition could propel Ageas UK into top 10 insurer spot
The insurance industry is considering the effect of consolidation and change in the UK personal lines market after Ageas entered into exclusive discussions with Groupama with a view to taking over its UK insurance company.