Plus ça change but will it be the même chose?
Last Friday Ageas announced that it was in exclusive talks with Groupama about the UK business. The latter had been formally on the market since the start of this year and linked with pretty much every provider going, private equity and MBOs.
Speculation of a sale had of course been raging for months beforehand.
The question of why the process has taken quite so long - and indeed the announcement was of four weeks of exclusive talks rather than a deal - is just one that is still to be answered.
However the overwhelming reaction from brokers has been one of relief.
The French-owned insurer has been in limbo for too many months and while brokers were initially supportive there is no doubt that the pressure was, and still is, on the
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk.
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@insuranceage.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@insuranceage.co.uk
More on Broker
How do brokers strengthen their proposition as an attractive employer?
Five takeaways from the RSA-sponsored personal lines roundtable at Broker Expo
Clegg Gifford to close offices due to Markerstudy duplications
Markerstudy is set to close some Clegg Gifford offices, but will maintain the branch footprint on the back of duplications following the Atlanta merger.
Car and motorcycle insurance complaints stick in FOS top five
The number of car and motorcycle insurance complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service in the second quarter of 2024/25 dropped compared to the same period a year ago however the sector has remained in the top five.
Start-up broker partners with Shepherd Compello on motorsport insurance
Shepherd Compello has partnered with start-up Podium Insurance Brokers, a specialist motorsport broker.
Investments bring downward pressure on profits at Bridge for 2024
Bridge Insurance Brokers has reported a drop in profits for the year ended 31 March 2024 as turnover fell 3% year-on-year.
Analysis: Placement strategies – are brokers turning the tables?
What is driving brokers’ decisions on which markets they use? While once it was insurers holding the aces, it now appears the boot is on the other foot, finds Rachel Gordon
Polaris at 30 – Ray Vincent
As insurance industry owned Polaris celebrates its 30th birthday, Insurance Age asks experts for their recollections on the dawn of digital trading and what is coming next.
Leeds regional review: Buoyant market optimistic for continued growth
Insurance experts in Leeds are confident in the region’s prospects as competition for talent ramps up, reporter Rosie Simms discovers in her review of the Yorkshire city.