Germany
Uniqa sells hotel assets to concentrate on insurance
The Uniqua Group has confirmed the sale of its interests in Austria Hotels International Group in order to focus on its core insurance business.
Mutuals outgrow insurance market, says new research
The period between 2007 and 2011 saw premium income for the world's mutual and cooperative insurers grow by 25.4%, compared with 12% for the insurance market as a whole.
Allianz Belguim and Allianz Netherlands to merge
German insurer Allianz is integrating its Belgian and Dutch operations in a bid to strengthen its presence in the Benelux region.
Munich Re reinsurers guarantees for Chinese PV manufacturer
Munich Re has taken the step of reinsuring the performance guarantees that Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer Yingli Green Energy gives to its customers for multicrystalline modules.
'Stabbed' insurance boss Rüther backtracks on attack
The German insurance boss who claimed to have been stabbed amid speculation of a possible takeover has admitted that no such attack took place.
Over 50% of European firms unprepared for cyber threats
Despite 98% of continental European firms experiencing a cyber incident in the past five years, research has found that a significant proportion are unprepared to deal with this threat in the future.
German insurance market faced 'inertia' in 2012 P&C results
The outlook for the German insurance market remains negative, according to rating agency Moody's.
Allianz Worldwide Care partners with Australia's Medibank
Allianz Worldwide Care has formed a partnership with Australian private health insurer Medibank to provide cover for expatriates based in Australia.
Stabbing in Germany could be linked to Allianz takeover possibility
A German insurance chief has been stabbed before an important staff meeting.
Munich Re hails offshore wind first
Munich Re claims to have become the first insurer to offer serial loss cover for offshore wind energy units, providing investor security and helping renewable energy gain a foothold in the market.
Capco to offer insurance services in Europe
Global business consultancy Capco will offer insurance services throughout the UK and continental Europe.
Willis splits European operations
Global broker Willis is dividing its European operation into two distinct regions: Western and Central & Eastern Europe.
Allianz linked with German public sector insurer
Allianz could make a bid for German public sector insurer Provinzial Nordwest, but may have trouble wooing the firm's shareholders, according to a Reuters report.
Ace study highlights business travel risk
The increasingly globalised business environment is driving concern about business travel risk among European companies, according to research published by Ace Group.
Vintage car insurance in Europe
Despite being a niche sector, with owners treating their vehicles like part of the family Anna Pitton explains why vintage motor insurance could be a missed opportunity for insurers.
The emerging business travel risk
Global travel is an important part of today’s business world, but as Pat Drinan explains increased compliance issues can come with insuring risks across borders.
Interview: Reg Brown - Been there, done that, got the t-shirt
Reg Brown has seen it all in more than half a century working in insurance, but the chairman of the Managing General Agents’ Association’s drive to improve the industry and inspire its next generation is stronger than ever.
Indirect tax changes to hit European insurers in 2013
Insurers should brace themselves for an unprecedented level of indirect tax changes in Europe in 2013, intensifying the challenge of maintaining tax compliance.
Allianz Worldwide Care opens Brussels support centre
Allianz Worldwide Care Services has opened an operational support centre in Brussels to provide a local contact point for the company's intergovernmental organisations and corporate clients.
Talanx profit up 83% in first nine months
Talanx posted an 83% increase in operating profit to €1.3bn in its first results since its initial public offering, assisted by high investment income.
Can Germany's local brokers serve global firms?
After calls for the German insurance market to open up to the international market, Francesca Nyman asks whether it could really support new business from this quarter.
Is a hard market dawning in Germany?
With the Eurozone crisis, impending Solvency II regulations, and deteriorating loss ratios in certain lines, Francesca Nyman asked German insurers whether the market will harden in the next 12 months.
Zurich says German write-down is "isolated case" as BOP falls 34%
Zurich Insurance Group posted business operating profit of $733m for the third quarter, down 34% on the prior year after financial adjustments in its German general insurance portfolio.
Germany sees premium growth but motor still loss making
German insurers are expected to reap a 1.5% rise in premiums to €180.7bn this year, the head of the industry trade body GDV said on Wednesday.