Germany
ACGS offers new reputation harm product
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty has launched a new product designed to protect smaller companies from reputation harm.
"Waiting is no longer an option," McGavick tells risk managers
Insurers must "change their mindset" if they are to remain relevant in a changing world, XL chief executive Mike McGavick, pictured, told risk managers in Germany yesterday.
Ace poaches Zurich's surety head
Ace has recruited Zurich head of credit and surety Luc Reuter to drive the expansion of its surety division into continental Europe.
Talanx primed for autumn IPO if market remains stable
German insurance group Talanx is planning an initial public offering this autumn after putting its long-held ambitions on the back burner earlier this year.
Kiln bolsters European operation with Frankfurt hire
Specialist insurance and reinsurance underwriting group Kiln has appointed a new property underwriter in Frankfurt.
Allianz poised for sub-Saharan growth with new CEO appointment
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty is to establish a significant local presence in sub-Saharan Africa with the appointment of Delphine Maidou as chief executive of its regional subsidiary.
Ergo at centre of further scandal over staff "rewards"
Munich Re owned primary insurer Ergo is once again courting controversy after reports that the firm paid for employees to visit a swingers' party in Jamaica and a brothel in Spain.
German police recruit sniffer dogs to tackle arson claims
German police have recruited specially trained sniffer dogs that can track down chemicals used to deliberately start fires after a massive rise in insurance claims.
Uniqa posts earnings up 43.2%
The Uniqa Group has posted first-half earnings before tax up 43.2% to €106.5m (2011: €74.4m).
New Swiss Re office targets large corporates in the Benelux region
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has bolstered its presence in the Benelux countries with the opening of an office in Amstelveen in the Netherlands.
13% growth in CEE helps VIG Group profit grow 7%
The Vienna Insurance Group has posted a 7% increase in profit for the first half of 2012 compared to 2011, helped by a 13% growth in profit from Central and Eastern Europe.
Canopius completes Omega acquisition
Canopius Group has completed its acquisition of Omega Insurance Holdings.
Allianz considers renewable funds
German insurer Allianz believed to be planning the launch of closed-end investment funds focusing on renewable energy in the future.
Solarif extends PV cover after customer demand
Solar Insurance and Finance has expanded its policy terms and conditions for solar photovoltaic insurance to "align with customer wishes".
Indian PMI insurer Apollo Munich Health aims for profit in 2013
Indian health insurer Apollo Munich Health Insurance has recorded gross written premiums of Rs 475.9 crore and aims to turn a profit next year.
Munich Re posts €1.6bn profit for H1
Munich Re posted consolidated profit of €1.6bn for the first six months of 2012, €812m of which derived from the second quarter.
Markel International returns to underwriting profitability and COR of 84%
Markel Corporation has reported gross written premiums of $514m for the six months ended 30 June 2012, compared with $483m for the first half of 2011, and a combined ratio of 93% for the six months compared with 107% for the same period in 2011.
German Mutual Insurance downgraded after wind strom hits results
German Mutual Insurance Company has had its financial strength rating downgraded to B+ (Good) from B++ (Good) and issuer credit rating to 'bbb-' from 'bbb'. The outlook for both ratings is negative.
Allianz Group 'robust' despite lower operating profit in P&C
Allianz Group has posted revenues of €25.2bn in the second quarter of 2012, up 2.5%, or €24.6bn, on the same period in 2011.
Allianz, Generali and Munich Re dominate as European travel insurance market prospers
European markets for travel insurance and assistance continue to flourish with Allianz, Generali and Munich Re heading the market.
Generali sees profits boost from premiums outside Italy
Generali Group has posted net profits up 4.5% to €842m (2011 H1: €806m) for the first half of 2012, with the operating result stable at €2.34bn despite significant catastrophe events.
1350 jobs at risk as ERGO 'streamlines' sales
Munich Re-owned primary insurer ERGO said today it plans to cut up to 700 salaried sales posts as part of a "quality and efficiency plan" intended to streamline sales.
Half of CEOs responsible for risk management as terrorism tops concerns
The chief executive or chief operating officer has formal responsibility for risk management at 50% of European companies, according to a new survey which found that companies feel underprepared for terrorism and political violence risks.
EC approves acquisition of Groupama's Gan by Allianz France
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation Allianz's proposed acquisition of a non-life insurance portfolio of Groupama-owned Gan Eurocourtage.