Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
Generali sells 69.1% of Israeli Migdal for €835m
The Generali Group has agreed to sell its entire 69.1% holding in Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings to Shlomo Eliahu, founder and controlling shareholder of the Israeli financial Group Eliahu.
A winning combination: interview with Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt
Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged in late 2011 under the DAC Beachcroft banner. Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt discuss the tie-up and their plans for the future.
County Insurance hires law firm to advise on broker acquisition spree
The goal set by bosses at the County Insurance Group of buying 10 new brokers over the next five years has moved a stage closer following the appointment of Harrison Drury to advise on a regional acquisition spree.
Arch acquires Ariel Re's Zurich-based credit business
Arch Capital Group is to acquire Ariel Re's Credit & Surety reinsurance operations based in Zurich.
Markel buys Quay to launch into fine art
Markel International is to launch a fine art and collectibles niche range after buying Dorset managing agent Quay Underwriting's portfolio of business.
Post magazine – 1 March 2012
The latest issue of Post magazine is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Towergate makes two acquisitions
Towergate Insurance has acquired Centenary Insurance and William Rogers Insurance Brokers.
Chester broking boss eases client fears following purchase of stricken rival
Chester-based broker Risk Services has forged the largest independent firm in the city following the purchase of former rival Astbury Wren, days after it went into administration.
Mapfre and CEA join forces to target French travel market
Mapfre Asistencia has signed a strategic agreement with French firm Compagnie Européenne d'Assurances for joint operations in the French travel insurance sector.
Interview: Opportunity knocks for Capita's Brent Escott
Having set up, run and sold insurance businesses, Brent Escott is now embarking on a new challenge at the outsourcing giant.
High Net Worth: Opportunities abound to target the top
Despite the economic conditions, high net worth insurance continues to thrive. But will this lead to a host of new entrants in the market?
Axa buys into HSBC's insurance arm
Axa is said to have bought at least a stake in the non-life insurance business of HSBC and is expected to disclose the transaction details this week.
THB buys AFL commercial wholesale account
THB has acquired AFL Insurance Brokers' UK commercial wholesale account.
Bollington reshuffles management team as private equity speculation increases
Joe and Stephen Wall have both left the Groupama-owned firm
Editor's Comment: RBSI takes the Direct approach
The news that Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance is to use the Direct Line brand comes as little surprise.
In Series On Data: A rounded opinion
While full credit data is not available for insurers to use for underwriting, are they missing a trick not using it for credit assessment?
Economic, regulatory and talent issues holding back growth for insurance CEOs
Over two thirds (70%) of insurance CEOs are planning on changing their strategy over the next 12 months as they try to see past the current difficult economic and regulatory backdrop, according to PwC.
JLT merges Spanish arm with local giant
JLT is to combine its existing Spanish retail broking business JLT-SIACI Espana SL with the business of March - Unipsa Correduria de Seguros, SAU (Unipsa), the fourth largest commercial insurance broker in Spain and a subsidiary of Banca March, to form…
Editor's comment: Speculation turns into action
The chatter around ‘Tesco Law’, alternative business structures and law firm consolidation appears to be getting louder each week as another eye-opening deal is unveiled to the media.
Private equity: Parabis secures Duke Street backing as links are made to prospective ABS bid
Duke Street takes a majority stake in the Parabis Group, opening the way to achieve ABS status
Vietnam's finance ministry calls for consolidation to strengthen insurance market
Vietnam’s finance ministry plans to restructure the country’s insurance industry this year in a bid to stabilize the market, according to reports in the local press.
AmWINS deal gives THB “firepower”
Frank Murphy, chief executive of THB Group, told Post that it is “business as usual” in London following the AmWINS takeover of the THB Group.
Acquisition-hungry Beazley still in profit
Lloyd’s insurer Beazley reported a profit of $62.7m, down 75%, despite catastrophe losses and said it had a war chest of more than $400m to buy Hardy, other Lloyd’s businesses or European insurers struggling with solvency II.
Duke Street snaps up 'significant stake' in Parabis
Duke Street bosses have credited an “opportunity to invest in a fast growing, dynamic and fragmented sector” as reason behind its purchase of a “significant stake” in legal and claims management firm Parabis Group.