Germany
Sale of DLG's international units not set in stone, claims Geddes
Direct Line Group chief executive Paul Geddes has denied the sale of the insurer's Italian and German operations is a foregone conclusion, despite talks on offloading the international divisions gathering momentum.
DLG reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ over German and Italian disposals
Direct Line Group is in advanced negotiations over the sale of its operations in Germany and Italy according a report from Reuters.
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.
Brokers told to explain their services to customers as disclosure decision looms
German transparency U-turn means mandatory commission disclosure is likely
Munich Re's general insurance arm buys in Singapore
Ergo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Munich Re, has bought property and casualty insurer SHC Insurance for €66m ($90m).
German motor market to turn a profit in 2014
Premium increases in the German motor market are expected to trigger a sub-100% net combined operating ratio for the first time in seven years, according to a report by Fitch Ratings.
Legal update: International Law: Whose law is it anyway?
Alistair Kinley and Angel-Maria Sealy outline the ramifications of a case that resulted in much deliberation over whether English or German law should be followed
Germany set for direct business expansion
German insurers are set to benefit from a boosted proportion of direct business, according to a report from Fitch.
Catastrophes 'manageable' as global reinsurers post solid profits
Global reinsurers posted solid underwriting gains in 2013, as catastrophe-related losses were manageable and loss reserve development remained favorable, according to Fitch.
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.
Friendsurance looks to Hong Kong billionaire for backing
German peer-to-peer insurer Friendsurance has received funding from two new investors including a Hong Kong billionaire.
Allianz confirms missing plane payment
Allianz has confirmed that it has made payments to Malaysia Airlines over missing flight MH370.
Allianz agrees to pay missing plane claim
Allianz has agreed to pay the hull and liability claim for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, despite ongoing uncertainty about the fate of the aircraft along with its passengers and crew, Post understands.
Legal Update: Jurisdiction: Noteworthy arguments raised in pre-Rome II German road traffic accident case
Alistair Kinley details an ongoing case with ramifications for claims with foreign elements.
Europe: Pet insurance opportunities
With around $1bn premium volume, the pet insurance market in the UK is by far the world's biggest - but increasing competition and rising vet fees over the past few years have seen what was once fertile ground become a highly contested area, with a large…
Europe: The run-off legacy
The run-off market looks set to consolidate its position in Europe, a trend borne out by a Clyde & Co survey which found 60% of insurer respondents expect to complete a deal in Europe in the next 12 months.
Allianz takes 8.3% Bayern Munich stake
Allianz has agreed a deal for an 8.33% stake in Bayern Munich football club in a deal worth €110m.
European appetite for run-off deals set to grow, survey finds
France and Germany have been tipped as the most likely European countries to see run-off deals completed, according to insurance industry respondents to a Clyde & Co survey.
Europe: Weathering the storm
Europe got a battering from natural catastrophes in 2013, resulting in the region clocking up the most loss events for the year across the globe.
Kiln appoints Richter to German surety role
Kiln has appointed Werner Richter as regional head of credit, surety and special risk in Germany.
Amlin Europe opens German office
Amlin Europe has expanded its non-marine business opening an office in Hamburg following approval from German and Dutch regulators.
Car dealers took €16.3m from insurance services in 2012
Europe's car dealers sold policies worth an estimated €16.3bn in 2012 across six major insurance, warranty and assistance types plus niche insurance products available in some countries, according to research by Finaccord.
Modena becomes Markel analyst after nine years at Euler Hermes
Markel International has appointed former Euler Hermes UK senior risk underwriter Maren Modena as senior risk analyst in its trade credit division.