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Direct Line rejects second “unattractive” takeover offer from Ageas
Direct Line Group has rejected a second takeover proposal from Ageas labelling it uncertain, unattractive and highly opportunistic.
Academy pivoting to commercial with five more deals in pipeline, says CEO Normand
Buying Premierline has “dramatically” shifted the balance of Academy’s book from 50% personal lines to two-thirds commercial with the broker targeting 90% in the sector through a people-first string of acquisitions, according to CEO Gilles Normand.
Academy strikes deal to buy Premierline from Allianz
Academy Insurance Services has signed up to buy all of Allianz Business Services, trading as Premierline, to become its North-West hub in its first deal since last year’s investment by private equity house Blixt Group.
Ardonagh completes more than $5bn refinance
Ardonagh has completed a refinancing process switching over $5bn of debt (£3.9bn) to better terms.
Aviva boss Storah commits to consistency and stability for brokers
Jason Storah, CEO of UK and Ireland general insurance at Aviva, has hailed the insurer’s “really strong” results and promised brokers will benefit from the Probitas deal in 2024 alongside ongoing commitment and stability across commercial and personal…
Admiral chair: Defending UK motor advantage remains ‘number one priority’
Admiral is not going to give up its crown as the UK’s leading personal lines insurer to Markerstudy without a fight, its chair has intimated.
Aviva open to bolt-on deals but unlikely to buy further in Lloyd’s, says Blanc
Aviva will maintain a “selective and disciplined approach” to mergers and acquisitions, according to group CEO Amanda Blanc as she indicated the insurer is not eyeing synergies with a Direct Line bid.
Aviva posts double digit UK GWP and operating profit rises for 2023
Aviva grew premiums in the UK by 16% last year to £6.19bn with rises across both commercial and personal lines.
Home insurance prices jump 40% in a year
The average quoted price of home insurance increased by 40.6% in the 12 months to January – the highest annual increase since Consumer Intelligence began tracking prices in 2014.
Momentum building with brokers into 2024, says Hiscox leader Musselle
Hiscox is adding 10 specialist regional underwriters to continue its push with brokers having grown the business last year, group chief underwriting officer Joanne Musselle told Insurance Age.
Kingfisher sells travel sector broking arm after product review
Advantage Financial Services, a bond and insurance broker specialising in the travel sector, has acquired Cork, Bays & Fisher from Kingfisher Insurance Services.
Hiscox reveals UK growth in 2023 as group profits soar to record
Hiscox grew gross written premiums across its SME and personal lines books in the UK by 2.4%, stripping out the effect of currency exchange, to $793.8m (£625.7m) in 2023.
Motor insurance complaints to FOS climb again
Motor insurance has remained in the top five most-complained-about products with buildings insurance also joining the list, according to the Financial Ombudsman Service as it released data for October to December last year.
BSpoke completes ‘game changer’ of a deal
BSpoke Group has completed the acquisition of the personal lines business of the Police & Forces Mutual businesses, Police Mutual Healthcare and Police Mutual General Insurance, from Royal London.
Biba adds Iprism for high value home scheme
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has appointed Iprism Underwriting to provide members with access to a high value home insurance scheme, Insurance Age can reveal.
MCE administrator report reveals £35m HMRC claim as totals soar
The administrator of MCE Insurance has received £155.7m in unsecured claims from trade and expense creditors with the figure ballooning from £32.3m, the latest progress report has revealed.
ABI campaigning for IPT cut
There has never been a greater need for a cut in Insurance Premium Tax according to the Association of British Insurers as it campaigns for an immediate drop in the rate.
News analysis: What next for the motorbike market after Axa’s withdrawal?
Axa’s withdrawal from the motorbike market next month has again raised questions about a potential capacity crunch for those brokers insuring two-wheelers. Saxon East explores what effect this and other trends are having on the sector.
A leap yeAR blog
On this different numerical day, Emmanuel Kenning takes a look at two sets of intriguing stats from the past month.
Ageas reveals 20% UK GWP growth in 2023
Ageas has reported a 20% hike in UK gross written premiums to €1.49bn (£1.27bn) for 2023, as profits in the European division rose.
ManyPets founder Mendel to step down
Many Group, parent of insurtech MGA ManyPets, has announced that longstanding group CEO and co-founder, Steven Mendel, has decided to leave his post and is to be replaced by Luisa Barile, formerly CFO and current ManyPets UK CEO.
Holmes promises to ramp up focus on smaller brokers and across mid-market
Allianz has been growing in SME business and will push ahead further with smaller brokers this year alongside targeting growth in mid-market, according to UK CEO Colm Holmes.
Allianz Holdings tops £4bn for first time with profits surging in 2023
Allianz Holdings grew gross written premiums by 7.4% in 2023 as operating profits jumped 65% reversing the fall in 2022.
April leaders on moving into UK with Lexham buy
Moving into the UK with the purchase of Lexham is part of a plan to build Europe’s premier two-wheels specialist broker, rather than the start of a buying frenzy as a new consolidator, April Group leaders have confirmed.