Consolidation
French insurance industry outlook remains negative
A new report by Moody's Investors Service has said that the outlook for the French insurance industry remains negative, primarily driven by ongoing pressures on profitability in both the non-life and life segments.
Legal review of the year: Less doing more
Consolidation among insurance law firms was the hot topic for 2010, as they try to meet insurers' demands. Veronica Cowan reports on an interesting year.
Ex-Irish PM slams tax rise demands
A former Irish Prime Minister has said that forcing Ireland to raise corporation tax from 12.5% would have been "counter-intuitive" of countries involved in bailing out the troubled economy.
Interview - Tim Oliver: The capacity for flux
Incoming president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers Tim Oliver tells Mairi MacDonald how the organisation plans to adapt to a changing legal environment over the coming 12 months.
Lark and Bollington spared in Groupama consolidation
Groupama this week insisted its specialist commercial broking operations will not be subjected to the same consolidation and rationalisation that are set to impact other subsidiaries.
IAG UK acquires second commercial broker with NBJ swoop
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett has almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
IAG UK swoops to double size of Barnett & Barnett
IAG UK-owned broker Barnett & Barnett has almost doubled its size to £50m gross written premium, with a move for a controlling stake in Bromley-based commercial and personal lines specialist NBJ.
View from the top: Kick start from Solvency II
For an increasing number of people in the UK general insurance industry, Solvency II is already a significant issue.
Interview - Adrian Colosso: The comeback kid
Having come close to going bust in 2005, Daniel Dunkley talks to Heath Lambert's chief executive Adrian Colosso about the challenges facing the firm as it continues to punch above its weight.
Heath Lambert looking to buy after refinancing
Heath Lambert chief executive Adrian Colosso has revealed the company's recent refinancing package could enable the broker to make a long-awaited acquisition.
Editor's comment: Lloyd's soap rumbles on
As the clock ticked down to the Friday (15 October) deadline to complete a deal for Brit, the Dutch-domiciled insurer confirmed an extension has been granted to bidders Apollo and CVC Capital Partners.
Brit extends deadline for Apollo bid
In a stock exchange announcement Dutch domiciled Brit has confirmed an extension has been granted to the deadline for a formal bid by Apollo and CVC Capital Partners.
Brit extends deadline for Apollo bid
In a stock exchange announcement Dutch domiciled Brit has confirmed an extension has been granted to the deadline for a formal bid by Apollo and CVC Capital Partners.
View from the top: Specialist understanding not price is the answer.
When I started in insurance, almost 30 years ago, the UK industry looked very different and an incredible amount has changed since then. The changes in the European market, however, have been equally dramatic.
Interview - James Shea: Going back to basics
Two years on from 'AIG day' Mairi MacDonald met the newly appointed managing director of Chartis UK James Shea to discover his plans for the company.
Brit shareholders set to accept new Apollo bid
Brit Insurance shareholders are expected to accept a renewed offer to buy it outright from Apollo Management, after the investment company secured the backing of CVC Partners.
Giles in legal dispute
Giles has taken action against a rival broker.
Oval in out of court settlement over restrictive covenants
Oval has confirmed it has reached an out of court settlement with Liverpool-based broker Butterworth Spengler.
Manchester moves for Marsh and Mercer
Marsh and sister consultancy firm Mercer are to consolidate their Manchester operation from the current three locations into one.
BIS countdown - Douglas Williams: Speaking economically
With a track record in successfully predicting the economy, Douglas McWilliams gives Jonathan Swift his current forecast.
Consolidation - global brokers: Too big for their boots?
The creation of the global broker in the 1980s resulted in a dominant few. David Trezies asks whether this consolidation has produced any tangible benefits for clients.
Bermuda: Island of the giants
In the wake of the deal between Max Capital and Harbor Point, Seb Kafetz looks at whether bigger is really better in Bermuda.
Interview - Alex Alway: A real sense of community
Jelf chief executive Alex Alway speaks to Stephanie Denton about market speculation, Quinn, consolidation and why he still has a lot to learn about insurance.
Towergate outlook changed from 'stable' to 'negative', says Moody’s
Moody's Investors Service today also affirmed the B2 Corporate Family Rating of the broker.