Articles by Jan-Henrik Förster

Swiss Insurers Baloise, Helvetia Said to Explore Combination

Baloise Holding AG and Helvetia Holding AG have been exploring a possible combination that could create one of Switzerland’s largest insurers, according to people familiar with the matter. The companies have held on-and-off discussions in recent months about a potential …

Generali Near Deal With Natixis for Asset Management Venture

Assicurazioni Generali SpA and Natixis SA are close to a deal for a joint venture in asset management to cut costs and team up on distribution, according to people familiar with the matter. The two firms are still finalizing details …

Swiss Insurer Helvetia Said to Mull Sale of German Operations

Helvetia Holding AG is considering a sale of its loss-making German insurance operations, according to people familiar with the matter. The Swiss insurer has hired JPMorgan Chase & Co. and plans to collect non-binding offers for the unit in the …

Liberty Mutual Weighs Sale of Thailand, Vietnam Assets

Liberty Mutual Holding Co. is considering a sale of its businesses in Thailand and Vietnam as the US insurer seeks to streamline its operations, according to people familiar with the matter. Liberty Mutual is working with a financial adviser on …

Cevian’s Baloise Move Triggers European Insurers to Study Deal

Baloise Holding AG has become one of the most-discussed takeover candidates in the European financial sector, after agitation by an activist investor triggered top industry players to take fresh looks at the Swiss insurer. Zurich Insurance Group AG, AXA SA …

AXA, Apollo’s Athora Scrap Life-Insurance Deal in Germany

Athora Holding Ltd., an insurance affiliate of Apollo Global Management Inc., and AXA SA have terminated a deal to transfer life insurance policies in Germany almost two years after announcing it. The deal was meant to shift €19 billion ($20.3 …

BNP Paribas Considers Buying Fosun’s Ageas Stake

BNP Paribas SA is considering a potential acquisition of Fosun International Ltd.’s stake in Belgian insurer Ageas, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The French lender has been holding discussions on a possible purchase of Fosun’s holding in …

Direct Line Rejects ‘Unattractive’ £3.1 Billion Bid From Ageas

Direct Line Insurance Group Plc said its board unanimously rejected a bid from Ageas, describing the offer as “uncertain” and “unattractive.” The Belgian insurer said in a regulatory filing Wednesday that “it is in the preliminary stages of considering a …

Canada’s Intact Financial Kicks Off Sale of RSA’s Personal Insurance Business

Intact Financial Corp. has kicked off the sale of its personal insurance subsidiary in the UK, which could be valued at around £500 million ($620 million), people with knowledge of the matter said. The Canadian insurer is working with JPMorgan …

Lufthansa Weighs Sale of Aviation Insurance Broker, Insurer: Sources

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the German airline, is looking to sell its insurance brokerage unit Albatros and insurance business Delvag, according to people familiar with the matter. The country’s largest carrier is working with advisers to find a buyer for the …