Company news
My other life: Mark Cookney, lead guitarist in a rock band
When Mark Cookney isn’t working as a construction underwriter at Thames Underwriting, he can be found playing rock covers in his band.
RSA merges commercial businesses
RSA UK & International has merged its Commercial Risk Solutions and Global Risk Solutions businesses to create a single business unit focused on commercial lines, as it seeks to regain profitability.
Robin Thomson appointed Tasker MD
Robin Thomson will target acquisitions in his role as Tasker Insurance Brokers managing director.
Ex-Allianz CEO joins Cuvva
Exclusive: Former Allianz Partners UK and Ireland CEO Serge Corel has joined Cuvva as director of partnerships, following the insurtech’s move into travel insurance.
Marsh Networks to rebrand
Exclusive: Marsh Networks will rebrand as Marsh Commercial Networks.
Insurance stalwart David Palmer passes away
David Palmer, a well-known industry figure in the 80s and a past master of the Worshipful Company of Insurers has died. He was 92.
Gefion faces further recapitalisation delays
Danish insurer Gefion has further pushed back its expected timeline for a capital injection in the business, following an order by the regulator that it cannot expand into further territories until it bulks up its coffers.
David Priebe appointed as Guy Carpenter chairman
Marsh sister company Guy Carpenter has appointed David Priebe as chairman, effective immediately.
Finch group completes its biggest acquisition to date
Finch group has completed the acquisition of Bridle Insurance, bringing £10m in gross written premium to the company.
Allianz increases fraud savings by 30%
Allianz has uncovered more than £29.6m worth of fraud in the first half of 2019, an increase of £6.9m compared to the same period last year.
RSA raises £350m but ‘not for a specific transaction’
RSA is raising £350m through a senior notes offering, which it intends to use for “general corporate purposes”.
Gefion still ‘in the process’ of arranging a capital injection
Exclusive: Gefion still remains “in the process” of recapitalising, more than six weeks after the Danish regulator ordered it to hold off on expanding into new territories until its finances are back on track.
Ardonagh reveals future plan for Swinton as all branches close
Ardonagh group has confirmed the closure of all Swinton branches as the integration of the business is almost complete.
Admiral sees £33m Ogden blow in first half
Admiral has reported a hit of £33m from Ogden in the first half of 2019, with a total estimated hit of between £50m and £60m.
Zurich posts a 144% profit increase in H1
Zurich UK GI has seen an increase of 144% in operating profits for the first half of 2019.
QBE replaces Munich Re as underwriter for invoice insurtech
Invoice insurance startup Nimbla has replaced its previous underwriter Munich Re, with QBE.
Sedgwick acquires Nordic loss adjuster
Sedgwick has acquired Nordic Loss Adjusting and related entities, for an undisclosed amount.
Gallagher Bassett acquires Welsh claims management firm
International risk services firm Gallagher Bassett has acquired the assets of Welsh claims firm, Adjusting Associates, to expand its offerings in the UK.
ERS refreshes senior team
ERS has made changes to its senior team, as chief finance officer Kate Wade has chosen to take some time out of the market.
RSA to ‘remain vigilant’ on London Market business
RSA UK & International CEO Scott Egan hailed progress in the first half of 2019, but said the insurer will remain “vigilant” where it comes to its London Market business.
Arch beefs up Lloyd's presence with Barbican buy
Arch Capital has agreed to buy Lloyd’s insurance group Barbican.
Direct Line profit slips 10% in H1
Direct Line saw profit slide 10.2% for H1 compared to the first half of 2018.
Nexus buys MGA Plus Risk Limited
Nexus has acquired financial and professional lines managing general agent Plus Risk Limited.
Sabre GWP drops in H1 from ‘intense competitive pressure’
Sabre’s combined operating ratio remained in its target of within the mid-70s range, while premiums shrank 7% in the first half of 2019.