Spain
Swiss insurer Helvetia sees profits up 8.7%
Swiss insurer the Helvetia Group has reported increased profits of 8.7% for the first six months of 2011 compared to 2010.
The growing interest in renewable energy
The renewable energy market is gaining in popularity across Europe and insurers seem keen to be at the forefront of the sector. Anne-Louise Fogtmann explores whether the market insurers have enough knowledge of new technology in this sector and what they…
Spanish funeral insurer Ocaso receives A+ rating
Spanish insurer Ocaso, S.A. Seguros y Reaseguros has had its financial strength rating affirmed as A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit rating of “aa-” by ratings agent AM Best. The outlook for both ratings is stable.
Compensation harmonisation across the EU
The European Union has a raft of measures to try and achieve harmonisation between member states but as Sarah Hamilton reports there is a long way to go in achieving a single compensation system.
Irish insurer FBD reports a return to profitability
Irish insurer FBD has reported pre-tax profits of €20.5m for the six months ended 30 June 2011.
Fitch affirms Mapfre at 'A+' with a stable outlook
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the Spanish insurer Mapfre SA and its core operating subsidiaries' insurer financial strength ratings at 'A+' and Mapfre's long-term issuer default rating at 'A-'.
Mapfre targets used car warranty market
Spanish-owned insurer Mapfre Assistance is seeking a share of the £600m UK used car warranty market with the launch of its new brand, Mapfre Warranty.
Interview - A&A Group: A constantly evolving company
Starting as a two-man operation in a house in Twickenham, A&A Group has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. Jonathan Swift talks to Tony Allen and Steve McPherson about keeping pace with changes in the market.
Travelers motor exit prompts market withdrawal speculation – Insurance News Now
Post reporter Callum Brodie outlines this week's major general insurance stories including Travelers’ decision to pull the plug on its private motor business in Ireland, leading to speculation that the insurer is planning to withdraw from the country…
Insurance Insight weekly update live
Insurance Insight’s weekly update is live with an article on buying habits for travel insurance and a blog on women in insurance.
The diverse and evolving nature of travel insurance distribution
Consumers’ travel habits and purchasing of travel insurance varies from country to country. Simon Tottman takes a look at which product and channels are dominating this line of insurance throughout Europe.
Groupama downgrade poll results
Find out what the market voted for on Fitch's downgrade of Groupama.
Short selling of insurance stocks banned in four EU countries
France, Spain, Italy and Belgium have imposed bans on short-selling on bank and insurance stocks to stabilize markets.
Bupa sees improved European performance in H1
Healthcare provider Bupa has reported half year revenue for Europe and North America of £1,464.4m, which contributed 37% to the group revenues of £3,929m.
Europe's senior-level professionals pack work for their holidays
Europe's senior-level managers and executives are bringing work with them on holidays according a recent survey.
EU corporate governance poll results
Find out what the market voted for on EU corporate governance.
Generali reports strong growth in Q2 but net profits down 7.7%
Generali has reported operating result of €2.4bn for the first six months of 2011 reflecting a stronger pace of growth in the second quarter, with robust progress in Italy, France and Eastern Europe.
Global storm activity increased in July
Aon Benfield's Impact Forecasting has revealed that July was characterised by an increase in global tropical cyclone activity as the calendar turns to the Atlantic Hurricane Season reaching its historical peak of activity.
Barclays Corporate bolsters insurance team with new appointment
Barclays Corporate is growing its corporate banking franchise in the insurance sector with the appointment of Jean-Pierre Darque, who will take on the role of relationship director within the insurance team, covering Western Europe.
Groupama reports rise in net income despite €84m Greece hit
Groupama SA has reported premium income of €8.4bn for the first six months of 2011, down -2.5% on a like-for-like consolidation and exchange rate basis.
Aviva reports 21% jump in European profits in first half of 2011
Aviva this morning reported that its European business reported an IFRS operating profit up 21% to £525m in the first six months of 2011 (HY10: £434m).
Axa sees P&C revenue up 3% to Euros 15.4bn in first half of 2011
Axa Group has revealed that underlying earnings are up 10% to Euro 2.2bn (£1.34bn) in the first half of 2011.
Mapfre sends Spanish travel specialist to UK
Mapfre Assistance has appointed Jair Marrugo as its managing director of UK travel.
Mapfre names UK travel MD
Mapfre Assistance has appointed Jair Marrugo as its managing director of UK travel.