Private equity (PE)
Direct Line float will test the waters for IPO sentiment
A Direct Line Group initial public offering will be one of the UK's biggest ever general insurance listings, including Admiral's flotation in 2004, according to market experts.
DLG private equity bids still possible, says analyst
Analysts believe there is still a "good chance" that a private equity bid for Direct Line Group may emerge, despite RBS this morning stating its intention to float.
Monte Carlo preview: The calm after the storm
With 2011 rocked by political uprisings and catastrophes, delegates at the Monte Carlo Rendez-vous had much to discuss. However, a year later, with the market beginning to settle, what will be on the agenda?
Monte Carlo preview: The calm after the storm
With 2011 rocked by political uprisings and catastrophes, delegates at the Monte Carlo Rendez-vous had much to discuss. However, a year later, with the market beginning to settle, what will be on the agenda?
Adjusters grow unattractive to private equity houses
Private equity houses are growing increasingly cautious about investing in loss adjusters, and one firm has already written down its investment in the market by millions, Post can reveal.
Cat bonds and sidecars favoured over traditional reinsurance, Fitch finds
Fitch Ratings has revealed that capital market alternatives to reinsurance from sources such as catastrophe bonds, collateralised quota-share reinsurance vehicles, and other risk transfer structures represent an increasingly viable alternative to…
Swedish insurer on cusp of record private equity sale
Swedish insurance group Länsförsäkringar is close to selling a €1.5bn portfolio of private equity interests, which if completed would be one of the largest divestments by a European institution.
Geddes unmoved by PE takeover talk as DLG divestment date looms
Direct Line Group chief executive Paul Geddes has distanced himself from speculation linking the business with a private equity-backed divestment, insisting that his focus remains on securing a second-half public flotation.
Chinese insurers to benefit from broader investment scope
The relaxation of investment rules for Chinese insurers should allow them to match the duration of their assets and liabilities more accurately and benefit from improved earnings stability, Fitch believes.
RBS denies speculation of affinity split with DLG
The Royal Bank of Scotland has denied suggestions that UK Insurance will be stripped of its position as personal insurance provider for banking customers following the upcoming separation.
Interview: Allanfield's Darryl Noik, Gary Field and Tim Allan - The real deal
Allanfield is five years old and has just 18 staff, yet the company has cemented itself as a major name among real-estate insurance brokers. Tim Allan, Gary Field and Darryl Noik share the secrets of their success and discuss their vision for the future.
Homeserve denies sale talks
Homeserve has issued a statement on the London Stock Exchange in which it denies having engaged in discussions with potential buyers.
DLG's ambition to float in doubt amid reports of PE bids
The Direct Line Group's plans to float have been put in jeopardy, according to reports claiming that two private equity consortiums could launch rival bids for the business.
LAS chairman Posner retires
LAS Claims Management chairman Howard Posner, pictured, has stepped down following a management restructure to position LAS for further business growth.
Personal Lines Broking: Challenges on the horizon
After facing multiple threats that promised doom and gloom, personal lines brokers are ready to face down further challenges coming their way
Flotation deemed 'only option' for Direct Line Group divestment
Analysts have rubbished recent claims that Direct Line Group could be bought by a private equity house, stating that the insurer has to go ahead with the planned initial public offering to obtain the best price and appease UK taxpayers and the European…
PE interest to shake up motor insurance market
Growing interest in motor insurance from private equity firms is likely to increase dynamism in the sector, according to Ernst & Young.
3i reaffirms Hyperion commitment amid rumours of cut-backs
Hyperion private equity backer 3i has brushed aside suggestions that it may abandon the international insurance intermediary group, following rumours of cost-cutting at the firm.
CIRC outlines plan for private investors to own 20% of a single Chinese insurer
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission has revealed that an individual private investor would be able to own a fifth of a single insurance company, as part of new proposals.
Brightside boss Holman eyes up employee benefits offering
Newly appointed Brightside boss Martyn Holman, pictured, has announced plans to start reviewing the business in the next two weeks and potentially enter new lines including employee benefits.
Post Blog: Haste & Guardiola - Why Chelsea have more chance of getting their man than Aviva
The current scramble for new managers at top football clubs Chelsea and Liverpool draws a parallel with Aviva's hunt for a new CEO.
Hyperion valued at £165m as BP Marsh sells a stake to Murofo
BP Marsh & Partners announced this morning that its wholly-owned subsidiary, BP Marsh & Company, has sold 1 193 500 shares (2.75%) in Hyperion Insurance Group for a cash consideration of £4.5m.
Merlin to make up to 70 staff redundant as part of business review
Loss adjusting and claims management company Merlin has started a redundancy consultation with 70 staff as part of a wide-ranging review.