Consolidation
Interest from Middle East inevitable due to depressed share prices
The European insurance industry is likely to see an investor from the Middle East take a shareholding in an established brand within six to eight months, according to a regional expert.
View from the top: It’s no accident
The number of claims for accidental damage has fallen sharply in the past few years, which has far-reaching implications for the motor insurance, body shop and vehicle recovery sectors alike.
Law firm mergers: Transforming the legal landscape
Insurer demands for scale and scope plus the emergence of Alternative Business Structures are fuelling the fires of law firm consolidation.
Escott returns to London market as Capita MD
The former boss of Brit Insurance's UK business has returned to the London market commercial space with Capita. Brent Escott — who worked for the Lloyd's group between 2002 and 2007, holding the position of managing director of the UK division, before…
Alternative business structures: I bought the law
With the arrival of alternative business structures imminent, Amy Ellis looks at the pros and cons of the ability for those outside the legal sphere to invest in services.
Brown: Aon 'could buy anyone' to expand its regional footprint
Aon UK chief executive Rob Brown has claimed the broker is well positioned to make further acquisitions in the UK market and "could buy anyone" to expand its regional footprint.
Bluefin appoints new CFO
Bluefin Insurance Group has announced the appointment of Robert Organ as Chief Financial Officer replacing Ian Story who is stepping down in April.
50% of European insurers expect to move to shared service centres, survey finds
A joint study by the European Financial Marketing Association and Roland Berger Strategy Consultants has found that over 50% of European insurers are expecting to consolidate into shared service centers.
Broker focus – private equity: the start of a broader movement?
2011 has already seen one major broking private equity deal involving Towergate. Rachel Gordon assesses whether this is likely to be a one off, or the start of a broader movement within the intermediary market.
Legal expenses: The end of after-the-event insurance?
The Jackson Report could see the end of after-the-event insurance. Veronica Cowan canvasses the views of those in the industry to find out if the market would still be viable.
View from the top: Answers outside London
The soft market is continuing into 2011 and unlikely to harden any time soon.
Everatt buy makes Parabis a £100m turnover company
Parabis Law has expanded its defendant insurance operation and secured a foothold in the Midlands after completing a takeover of Everatt & Company.
Interview - Sarah Lyons: What next for Giles?
Having joined the industry as a school leaver, Sarah Lyons is now group MD of Giles. She explains to Mairi MacDonald why growth, rather than exit plans, remains top of her agenda.
Lloyd’s & London market – review of the year: Troubled times
A succession of natural catastrophes got 2010 off to a bad start and the market continued to struggle - but the resolution of Brit’s future and the prospect of consolidation could see the year end on a high. Mairi Macdonald reports.
French insurance industry outlook remains negative
A new report by Moody's Investors Service has said that the outlook for the French insurance industry remains negative, primarily driven by ongoing pressures on profitability in both the non-life and life segments.
Legal review of the year: Less doing more
Consolidation among insurance law firms was the hot topic for 2010, as they try to meet insurers' demands. Veronica Cowan reports on an interesting year.
Ex-Irish PM slams tax rise demands
A former Irish Prime Minister has said that forcing Ireland to raise corporation tax from 12.5% would have been "counter-intuitive" of countries involved in bailing out the troubled economy.
Interview - Tim Oliver: The capacity for flux
Incoming president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers Tim Oliver tells Mairi MacDonald how the organisation plans to adapt to a changing legal environment over the coming 12 months.
Lark and Bollington spared in Groupama consolidation
Groupama this week insisted its specialist commercial broking operations will not be subjected to the same consolidation and rationalisation that are set to impact other subsidiaries.
IAG UK acquires second commercial broker with NBJ swoop
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett has almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
IAG UK swoops to double size of Barnett & Barnett
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett has almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
View from the top: Kick start from Solvency II
For an increasing number of people in the UK general insurance industry, Solvency II is already a significant issue.
Interview - Adrian Colosso: The comeback kid
Having come close to going bust in 2005, Daniel Dunkley talks to Heath Lambert's chief executive Adrian Colosso about the challenges facing the firm as it continues to punch above its weight.
Heath Lambert looking to buy after refinancing
Heath Lambert chief executive Adrian Colosso has revealed the company's recent refinancing package could enable the broker to make a long-awaited acquisition.