France
Cedants less likely to transfer business to reinsurers, says AM Best
Europe’s 20 largest cedants are benefitting from lower reinsurance rates and stronger bargaining power according to ratings agency AM Best.
Ace launches local cyber units throughout continental Europe
Ace Group today unveiled a new, independent cyber risk business unit designed to provide local specialist expertise across continental Europe.
Elite cites 'fantastic growth potential' as it launches French office
Niche lines insurer Elite has signalled its intention to grow in the French market with the opening of an office in Paris.
AA counter-fraud head calls for 'tough action' after fraud task force unveiled
The new government fraud task force is ‘a step in the right direction’ but more needs to be done to tackle the ‘out of control claims management industry' according to the AA's head of counter-fraud intelligence.
French floods force more than 3000 evacuations
Floods in Southern France have forced more than 3000 to evacuate their homes, while five people have lost their lives.
Equinox Global expands its presence in France
Equinox Global, the Lloyd’s cover holder, has appointed Vladimir Malenic at Equinox France, which recently moved into a new central Paris office.
Blog: Diff'rent strokes to move the world (of insurance)
As a popular 1970s/80s US sitcom noted: ‘the world don't move to the beat of just one drum; what might be right for you, may not be right for some' - a theme tune that is as relevant to insurance markets as it is in the wider world.
Assurant Solutions buys French mobile insurer
Assurant Solutions has completed its purchase of French mobile insurance administrator CWI Group.
Europe: Commission disclosure - disaster averted?
The Insurance Mediation Directive has been the subject of much conjecture in recent times. So what will the trialogue decide on - and what will the impact on insurers be?
Matthews Daniel purchased by Bureau Veritas
Independent energy claims adjuster Matthews Daniel has been acquired by French inspections expert Bureau Veritas.
Insurers behind banks on mobile offerings
Insurers continue to lag behind their banking counterparts when it comes to mobile websites and apps, according to research from CP consulting.
Cypriot insurers still suffering following bank bail-outs
The Cypriot insurance market has failed to rebound following the financial crisis despite the bail-out of both of the country’s major banks, according to a report published by Axco Insurance Information Services.
Environmental guarantees sought as Costa Concordia prepares for final voyage
France’s environment minister is seeking environmental assurances from her Italian counterpart before giving permission for the Costa Concordia to be towed past the French island of Corsica on its way to Genoa for scrappage.
UK broker market sees rapid consolidation after AJG buying spree
The UK commercial non-life broker market is consolidating faster than its main European counterparts due to the recent acquisitions made by Arthur J. Gallagher, new research from Finaccord has shown.
Europe faces more than €2bn losses from June thunderstorms
An outbreak of severe thunderstorms in June caused over €2bn economic losses across Europe, according to Impact Forecasting, the catastrophe model development centre at Aon Benfield.
Ana Cap ties up deal for French broker Assur One
European financial services private equity firm Ana Cap has teamed up with company management to complete the buyout of French digital insurance broker Assur One Group.
MDS Portugal boss appointed to French network
MDS Portugal chief executive Jacqueline Legrand has been appointed Conseiller du Commerce Extérieur de la France in Portugal by French prime minister Manuel Valls.
Barnett Waddingham swoops at Soc Gen for insurance boss
Consultancy Barnett Waddingham has recruited from French investment bank Societe Generale for a new head of insurance consulting.
Axa posts 3% increase in P&C revenues in Q1
Axa posted revenues of €28.5bn (£23.4bn) for the first quarter of 2014, up 2% on a comparable basis, but down 1% on a reported basis.
Covéa posts £15m profit for 2013 but sees GWP shrink 17%
Covéa Insurance posted a technical account profit of £15m for 2013, its first full year results since the merger of the MMA Insurance, Provident Insurance and Gateway Insurance businesses.
Marsh France COO Cipiere to lead RSA's French business
RSA has appointed Marsh France chief operating officer Corinne Cipiere as its new managing director in France.
BGL follows Les Furet with Hoy Hoy for Dutch market
BGL Group has rebranded its price comparison business in the Netherlands as Hoy Hoy.
BGL launches executive programme with French business school
BGL Group has developed a new director-level programme in collaboration with French business school INSEAD.
UK among most SII ready but Pillar 3 presents 'major challenge'
Nearly 80% of European insurers expect to meet Solvency II requirements before January 2016 with Dutch, UK and Nordic firms outstripping their French, German, Greek and Eastern European counterparts in terms of readiness.