Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
AIA tipped to make $6bn ING bid
AIA Group may make a bid for the $6bn Asian insurance operations of ING Groep, according to reports.
Editor's comment: Tempting fate on features
Commissioning editorial copy can be a bit like tempting fate. This week’s broker-focused feature on mergers and acquisitions reflected back over 2011 as its starting point, when first conceived a couple of months ago, with a writer assigned to analyse…
News analysis: Groupama UK up for sale — but who will buy the group?
Will Groupama be sold lock, stock and barrel or broken into an insurer and its broker parts?
Hyperion courts Windsor as it takes firm steps towards flotation
The proposed acquisition of Lloyd’s broker Windsor by international broking and underwriting group Hyperion could lead to additional takeover deals in 2012, and would bolster the latter’s chances of initial public offering success, following confirmation…
Broking - Mergers & acquisitions: Do not disturb
2011 was a relatively sleepy year for merger & acquisition activity in the broker sector. Could 2012 be a wake-up call or will the market stay snoozing?
Capital adequacy: Alternative finance
With Solvency II just 12 months away, and 2011 an unprecedented catastrophe year, how difficult will it be for insurers to attract equity or secure alternative funding?
Employment: Hiring and firing
There are two sides to the recruitment story in the insurance industry — while some are reducing their headcount, others are looking to bring in fresh faces.
Hyperion boss eyes market opportunities following year of growth
Hyperion is in prime position to target acquisitions and consider a stock market flotation after announcing organic growth of 18% last year.
Groupama for sale after ‘grand cru’ year
Groupama’s UK chief executive officer François-Xavier Boisseau, pictured, has told staff in the insurer and its broker subsidiaries that the company is for sale after “unsolicited approaches”.
Philippines non-life market expected to consolidate in wake of new capital requirements
The local Philippine's insurance representative body has noted that some local non-life insurers may have challenges meeting the government's new paid up capital requirements.
Editor's comment: Battle of the brands
From scrap yards to scrap heaps. Last week, the industry was getting agitated about the soaring problem of metal theft, while this week it’s more a sad tale of two well-known insurance names finding themselves destined only for the brand graveyard.
Expert analysis: Relatively calm
Although competition remains fierce in the aggregator arena, the rush for volume has slowed as the motor market moves closer to break-even point, says Tom Cooper, Igo4.
Colosso exits Gallaghers amid growth-driven exec restructure
Arthur J Gallagher International has confirmed that Adrian Colosso, chief executive of UK Retail and former CEO of Heath Lambert prior to its acquisition, will not return to the business following his sabbatical, as it unveiled a new-look executive team…
Hyperion confirms Windsor takeover talks
Hyperion has confirmed that it is in discussions with Lloyd’s broker Windsor over a potential takeover deal.
Hyperion in takeover talks with Windsor
Hyperion Group is currently in discussions with Windsor Limited regarding a potential offer for the company.
MMA to rebrand as Covéa as part of UK merger with Provident
Covéa has announced that Provident Insurance and MMA Insurance will merge into a single company, in a move which has been touted as a “platform for growth” within the UK market.
Reader to unite MMA and Provident
Covéa has appointed Provident’s managing director James Reader to the role of chief executive at the newly merged businesses of Provident and MMA.
MMA to rebrand as Covéa as part of UK merger with Provident
Covéa has announced that Provident Insurance and MMA Insurance will merge into a single company, in a move which has been touted as a “platform for growth” within the UK market.
More M&A expected in Thailand after reinsurers review flood losses
Heavy losses from Thailand’s recent floods are dampening the appetite of global reinsurers to write business in the region.
Malaysian M&A activity to continue in 2012
The high volume of merger and acquisition activities in the Malaysia financial services sectors is expected to continue in 2012, particularly in the area of insurance, a Pricewaterhouse Coopers official has said.
Voyager targets consumers with past convictions
The director if niche broker Voyager is hoping to take advantage of the reluctance by mainstream insurers to offer cover to people with criminal convictions.
BGL linked with Minster Law swoop as insurer/broker ABS uptake tipped to rise
The on-going backlash over referral fees has been credited as both a hindrance and catalyst for insurers and brokers seeking alternative business structures.
Marsh completes acquisition of Alexander Forbes' brokerage business
Broker Marsh has completed its acquisition of the brokerage business of Alexander Forbes.
Voyager boosts acquisition strategy with Culpeck deal
Voyager Insurance Services has started the new year by announcing the acquisition of a niche offering that provides cover to individuals with criminal convictions.