Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
This week: A whole new world
I'd like to tell you in my spare time this week I've learnt a new language or picked up a new skill but in the true spirit of staying indoors we've mostly been bingeing on Disney Plus, with the Aladdin remake a firm favourite.
Staveley Head buyer to move ‘majority’ of customers to A-rated paper
One Sure Insurance, which has purchased in-administration Staveley Head's intellectual property and renewal rights, will look to place the majority of its new buy’s customers with A-rated insurers.
Ex-Jelf boss Phil Barton to helm PE-backed broker agglomeration
Former Jelf boss Phil Barton is set to return to the market as CEO of Partners &, a private-equity backed broker that brings together five broking houses operating across the South East, South West and Midlands.
Avantia CEO dispels sale rumours
Mark Eastham, Avantia CEO, has dismissed rumours that the company is for sale.
This Month: Covid-19
On the first Friday in April it is hard to remember what the first Friday in March was truly like. To misquote: that past was a foreign country, we did things differently then.
Analysis: Risk manager associations downbeat on Aon-Willis takeover
Post gathers feedback from across the industry on what Aon’s takeover of Willis – to create the biggest broker in the world – will mean for the market
Aon-WTW merger expected to continue unabated despite pandemic
The deal struck between broking giants Aon and Willis Towers Watson to combine to form the world’s largest insurance broker is unlikely to be jeopardised by the coronavirus pandemic, a corporate advisory expert has told Post.
Arc Legal chases 20% growth following integration of Amtrust stablemate
Legal expenses insurer Arc Legal is aiming to capitalise on developments around whiplash reforms and fixed recoverable costs in commercial disputes, following the integration of fellow Amtrust subsidiary Composite Legal Expenses.
Kingsbridge sold to US-based NSM Insurance
Private equity backer Dunedin has exited Kingsbridge following its sale to Pennsylvania-based NSM Insurance.
Aspen reports ‘disappointing’ results for 2019 as it appoints CFO
Aspen Insurance has reported an operating loss after tax of $48.4m (£39.7m), which it says is driven by costs relating to the acquisition of the company by Apollo Global Management, restructuring costs, reserve strengthening, unrealised investment losses…
Mazars flags CMA interest in Aon/WTW deal
Mazars has forecast that the Competition and Markets Authority will look closely at Aon’s takeover of Willis Towers Watson, as the accountants also predicted the deal could lead to further mergers and acquisitions.
Ratings agencies positive on Aon/WTW deal
Ratings agencies S&P and Moody's have reacted positively to the Aon and Willis Towers Watson merger deal, despite highlighting "significant" execution and integration risk.
'Disappointing' Aon/WTW merger could see risk managers turn backs on broking giants, warns Airmic CEO
The UK risk management association Airmic has voiced disappointment at Aon’s merger with Willis Towers Watson, warning that its members are prepared to turn to alternative modes of risk transfer if they feel they aren’t getting value for money.
Aon CFO outlines costs and timeline of WTW merger
The cost of bringing together Aon and Willis Towers Watson will be up to $1.8bn over three years, with the combined firm facing a months-long process of securing regulatory approval in almost 100 jurisdictions around the world.
Aon strikes deal to buy Willis Towers Watson
Aon is set to buy fellow broking giant Willis Towers Watson in an all-stock deal worth $29.9bn expected to close in the first half of 2021, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
UK General in advanced sales talks
Exclusive: UK General Insurance is in “advanced” sale “negotiations”, Post can reveal, with market sources tipping Primary Group as poised to buy the firm back.
L&G pegs sale of loss making GI business to Allianz at £255m
Legal & General has booked an estimated consideration of £255m for the sale of its general insurance business to Allianz as the division reported an operating loss of £35m for 2019.
Analysis: Broker M&A pace picks up again
Acquisitions in the UK distribution space rose 13% last year, according to research by Imas Corporate Finance. Post investigates what is driving the increase in consolidation and the challenges buyers are facing in their traditional hunting grounds
Interview: Aon’s Jane Kielty, Tracey Threlfall and James Fell
Just over two years since the takeover of Henderson by Aon its leaders met with Emmanuel Kenning to discuss how the deal came about, why now is the right time to rebrand after the heavy lifting of the integration has been completed and what comes next…
Ardonagh adds agricultural specialist Rural to MGA suite
Ardonagh has acquired agricultural specialist Rural Insurance Group from Primary Group for an undisclosed sum.
Arch to pay £400m for Coface minority stake
Arch Capital Group has agreed to pay Natixis €480m (£401.8m) for a 29.5% stake in France-based trade credit insurer Coface.
Operating profit down one third at Allianz UK
Allianz UK has reported profit of £138.1m for 2019 supported by investment gains as operating profit fell.
Ardonagh buys Bennetts for £26m
Ardonagh Group has agreed to pay Saga £26m for Bennetts Motorcycling Services.
Analysis: 19th Century insurance frauds
Scandal, fraud, deception and rabid profiteering have never been far away from the insurance industry. Indeed, it is probably fair to say they have been uneasy bedfellows ever since the modern insurance industry started to lay its foundations in this…