Direct Line News

Update: Ageas and Allianz Explore Bids for British Insurance Group esure, Sources Say

Belgian insurer Ageas has retained advisors to explore a bid for British motor and home insurer esure, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as part of plans to consolidate the UK personal lines market. Germany’s Allianz has also …

UK Insurer Aviva to Cut Up to 2,300 Jobs in $4.65 Billion Direct Line Deal

British insurer Aviva could cut up to 2,300 jobs as it takes over smaller rival Direct Line in a 3.7 billion pound ($4.65 billion) cash-and-stock deal, the companies said on Monday [Dec. 23], creating the UK’s largest home and motor …

Aviva Agrees to Buy UK Insurer Direct Line for £3.7 Billion

Aviva Plc agreed to buy Direct Line Insurance Group Plc for roughly £3.7 billion ($4.65 billion) in a deal that would create the UK’s largest motor insurer. Each Direct Line shareholder will be entitled to receive 0.2867 new Aviva shares, …

Aviva CEO Amanda Blanc Conquers Detractors and Direct Line

Amanda Blanc is determined to steer Aviva Plc to one of the biggest takeovers in its history, a highlight in a storied insurance career where she’s stood up to challenges including activist shareholders and sexist barbs. If her £3.6 billion …

Aviva Reaches Initial £3.6 Billion Deal to Buy Direct Line

Aviva Plc reached a preliminary agreement to buy Direct Line Insurance Group Plc for £3.6 billion ($4.6 billion) in a deal that would create the UK’s largest motor insurer. London-listed Aviva sweetened its bid in the latest negotiations with Direct …

UK Motor Insurer Direct Line to Cut 550 Jobs in Turnaround Bid

Direct Line Insurance Group Plc, the UK insurer that rejected a takeover attempt by Belgian rival Ageas SA earlier this year, is set to cut about 550 jobs as part of a turnaround plan aimed at saving £50 million ($64 …

UK Insurers Pull Back From Offering Cover as Flood Threats Rise

Increased flooding in Britain from overflowing rivers and blocked drains is leading insurers to pull back from offering cover, particularly for commercial properties and residential landlords, industry representatives say. London was among British cities hit by flash floods last week …

UK’s Direct Line to List on Price Comparison Websites in Strategy Shift

Direct Line will launch its eponymous motor insurance brand on price comparison websites for the first time, it said on Wednesday, as the company’s new CEO implemented a strategy shift designed to win new business. Adam Winslow, who took over …

Ageas Says It Won’t Make Third Offer for Direct Line Insurance

Ageas said it will halt its pursuit of UK insurer Direct Line Insurance Group Plc after two takeover proposals were rejected this year. The Belgian insurer had put forth an offer valuing Direct Line at about £3.2 billion ($4.1 billion) …

UK Insurer Direct Line Posts Operating Loss as it Grapples With Auto Claims Inflation

Direct Line posted a 2023 operating loss as it grapples high motor claims inflation, but reinstated its dividend as the British home and motor insurer tries to fend off takeover offers from Belgian rival Ageas. The 189.6 million pound ($242.6 …