Mergers & acquisitions (M&A)
Somerset Bridge Group posts loss but rising Ebitda ahead of sale
Somerset Bridge Group has reported a loss after tax of £42.4m for the year ended 31 December 2020 ahead of being snapped up by Bermuda reinsurer Arch Re.
European Commission approves Aon/WTW merger on condition of divestitures
The European Commission has approved Aon’s $30m (£22m) takeover of Willis Towers Watson, on the condition that parts of WTW’s business are divested.
View from the Top video: Aston Lark group CEO Peter Blanc
In this exclusive interview recorded as part of the Insurance Post Live Annual Conference 2021 Peter Blanc, group CEO of Aston Lark, shares his thoughts on how recent trends have impacted insurance in the UK.
Aon and Willis Towers Watson antitrust court date set for November
Aon and Willis Towers Watson have been given a November date for the start of their antitrust trial against the US Department of Justice, which has objected to the proposed merger.
Partners&’s Stuart Reid on what the rapid pace of broker consolidation means for insurers
Stuart Reid, chair of Partners&, urges insurers to look for brokers that espouse the right values in their service to clients when considering which firms to support rather than being addicted to market share.
Climate Wise outlines priorities; WTW claims Lloyd's digital first with Ki; AIG publishes ESG report; Freedom secures funding
Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week.
Covéa expected to do 'anything and everything' to make an Axa XL Re deal happen
Covéa is reportedly mulling a third attempt in four years to buy a reinsurer as it eyes Axa XL Re, with experts noting the insurer would look 'pretty hapless' if it failed to get another deal over the line.
Ardonagh to launch reinsurance broker Inver Re
Ardonagh is looking to launch a reinsurance broker in the second half of the year following its purchase of BGC's insurance business.
Jensten Group adds £50m GWP with 'slam dunk' Tasker acquisition
Jensten Group has acquired Tasker Insurance Group for an undisclosed sum, adding businesses to its retail broking, wholesale broking and managing general agent divisions.
Competitors see opportunities as Aon-WTW delay risks leaving the brokers in 'no man’s land'
Further delays to the Aon-Willis Towers Watson merger caused by the decision by the US Department of Justice to file a civil antitrust lawsuit to block the transaction will lead to opportunities to snap up staff and clients, according to UK brokers.
Sky takes majority Neos stake from Aviva
Exclusive: Sky UK has taken a significant stake in smart home insurtech Neos from Aviva.
Bermuda reinsurer Arch buys Arron Banks’ Somerset Bridge
Arch Reinsurance has struck a deal to buy Arron Banks-backed Somerset Bridge, snapping up the motor managing general agent, distribution arm, affiliated insurer and claims operation for an undisclosed sum.
A-Plan targets £1bn GWP within four years
A-Plan Group is aiming to break the £1bn gross written premium barrier within the next four years, CEO Carl Shuker told Post.
Headwind concerns drive European insurers to consider business sales
European insurers are increasingly look to divest parts of their business in the wake of the pandemic, a survey of chief financial officers conducted by rating agency Moody’s has found.
Aegis launches assailant parametric product; Amicus in MBO; Davies buys two; and Vitality Car launches
Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week.
US DOJ sues to stop Aon/WTW merger
The US Department of Justice has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit to block Aon’s proposed $30bn acquisition of Willis Towers Watson, saying the merger threatens to eliminate competition, raise prices, and reduce innovation.
Scor and Covéa ink truce bringing bitter feud to an end
Covéa and Scor have signed a settlement agreement that will see all legal action between the two dropped.
Tom Wakefield named Gallagher Re CEO ahead of Willis Re merger
Gallagher has revealed that Tom Wakefield will become CEO of Gallagher Re taking over from Simon Behagg.
RSA targeting motor and SME, says CEO Scott Egan as takeover completes
RSA is in a “cracking place” and ahead of where it would expect to be, according to Scott Egan CEO for the UK and international.
Howden unveils ESG insurer; DLG launches tech platform; Zego introduces pregnancy loss leave; Hiscox in legacy tie up; Brit debuts consortium
Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week.
Insurtech Focus: Incumbents and insurtechs
Over recent years the talk around insurtechs has moved from disruption to co-operation. With this in mind, Post canvassed a host of major insurers to discover which start-ups they work and/or invest in; and what they look for when it comes to digital…
RSA sale to Intact and Tryg completes
RSA has been bought by Canadian insurer Intact and Danish provider Tryg as scheduled for £7.2bn in cash with CEO Stephen Hester departing.
Ardonagh acquires adjuster; ERS enters new lines; Geico partners with UK insurtech; and Partners& buys in Devon
Post wraps up the major insurance deals, launches, investments and strategic moves of the week not covered elsewhere on www.postonline.co.uk
Ardonagh to buy Besso and Ed owner BGC's insurance business
Ardonagh has agreed to purchase BGC Partners’ insurance operations, including Besso and Ed.