Francois-Xavier Boisseau
Briefing: ERS' commercial push - a perfectly timed diversification
With the news that ERS is planning to enter 'specialist commercial' lines, Post content director Jonathan Swift asks if we can get any insights into what that might mean by looking at previous diversification plays, recent appointments and its IT overhaul.
C-Suite Broker: Just a little respect
The industry already provides excellent service, but joined-up thinking will lead to mutual respect, says Francois Xavier Boisseau.
C-Suite - Insurer: People power
A sharper focus on the human touch improves the insurance experience of both customers and staff
Ageas given High Court approval to transfer Groupama covers
Ageas has received approval for the formal transfer of all Groupama business to its Optima and Exclusively brands from the end of October.
Ageas heralds the start of Groupama brand transition process
The Groupama brand transition to Ageas Insurance is underway.
Industry mulls Matras’ options after Ageas shake-up sees high profile exits
Past and present colleagues of Laurent Matras have paid tribute to the outgoing Groupama Insurances managing director, with one suggesting he could seek to further his career at a smaller firm in a bid for more dynamism.
Groupama MD Matras set to depart as Ageas unveils management shake-up
Ageas has this afternoon confirmed that former Groupama Insurances managing director Laurent Matras will leave the business, as the integration of the acquired firm gathers momentum.
Smith to spearhead Ageas growth with three-year plan
Ageas UK's new chief executive Andy Watson has stressed that the firm will keep an active eye on potential acquisitions after taking the reins from Barry Smith, who has stepped up to become the group’s first chief operating officer.
O'Roarke frustrated at missing out on Groupama 'bargain'
LV boss John O'Roarke admits he was left rueing a "missed opportunity" after hearing how much Ageas paid to secure the acquisition of Groupama.
Penny Black's Insurance Week
Ageas' confirmed £116m purchase of Groupama, following two weeks of discussions, is sure to lead to a shake-up of the senior management at the newly merged company, but there is one man who seems set to land a leading role.
Editor's comment: Groupama - going, going, gone?
After months of uncertainty, employees at Groupama's UK insurer operation can be a little buoyed by last Friday's news that a named bidder had finally cast its hat into the ring to buy them.
Cost of summer floods proves high as industry reports poor six-month results
This year's first-half results revealed a reverse in fortunes for Lloyd's and London market firms, while general insurers took a hit from the summer floods.
Lark buyout casts doubt on long-term viability of insurer-owned brokers
The management buyout of Lark after five years of Groupama ownership has raised questions over the long-term viability of insurers taking controlling stakes in broking businesses.
More of the same in H2, says FXB, as Groupama targets strategic shift
Groupama chief executive François-Xavier Boisseau has dismissed suggestions that the divestment of the firm's UK broking arm is likely to significantly dent the future financial performance of the business.
Groupama UK criticised for bid to distance itself from French parent
Groupama's UK operation has been accused of "ignoring its financial history" by attempting to distance itself from the group’s Standard & Poor's BBB- downgrade.
FXB says Groupama stakeholders still on board after downgrade
Groupama UK chief executive François-Xavier Boisseau has branded concerns that brokers will stop placing business with insurer as a result of the Standard & Poor downgrade a "storm in a teacup".
Groupama UK fights back over S&P downgrade
Groupama Insurances in the UK is strong and secure, according to CEO François-Xavier Boisseau.
S&P drops Groupama's rating to BB
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has lowered its long-term counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on France-based insurer Groupama SA and its guaranteed subsidiaries to 'BB' from 'BBB-'.
Communicating Change: Preparing to be purchased
Groupama UK and its broker subsidiaries were put up for sale in January. How has its management communicated the process to ensure that positive commercial momentum is maintained?
Groupama UK CEO eases sale concerns with "terrific" results
Groupama UK chief executive Francois-Xavier Boisseau has declared himself "delighted" with his firm's performance after recording a pre-tax profit increase of 84% to £43.5m last year across combined operations.
News analysis: Management buyouts on the rise as teams tire of waiting
Following MBOs at Europ Assistance and A&A Group, could 2012 see a rise in such deals?