France
Mutuals outgrow insurance market, says new research
The period between 2007 and 2011 saw premium income for the world's mutual and cooperative insurers grow by 25.4%, compared with 12% for the insurance market as a whole.
French motor market counts cost of annuity changes
French motor insurers are set to take on costs previously covered by the state. Edmund Tirbutt asks how they plan to cope with the burden.
Over 50% of European firms unprepared for cyber threats
Despite 98% of continental European firms experiencing a cyber incident in the past five years, research has found that a significant proportion are unprepared to deal with this threat in the future.
French insurers call for nation-by-nation capital approach
Proposed strict capital rules for EU-based insurers should be made flexible enough to suit the needs of companies in each country, according to a European insurance lobby group.
Axa moves to divest US assets worth $500m
French insurer Axa is seeking buyers for US life insurance assets worth at least $500m, Bloomberg said yesterday, quoting sources.
Groupama 'BB-' IFS rating affirmed
Groupama SA has had its BB- long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength rating affirmed by Standard and Poor's, along with its guaranteed subsidiaries.
S&P affirms Groupama SA rating following UK sale
Standard & Poor's has affirmed its BB- long-term counterparty credit and insurer financial strength ratings on French insurer Groupama SA and its guaranteed subsidiaries.
BNP Paribas' insurance arm turns lender
The insurance subsidiary of French banking group BNP Paribas will take on the job of lending to companies as tougher regulations ramp up the cost of traditional loans, Reuters reported.
Capco to offer insurance services in Europe
Global business consultancy Capco will offer insurance services throughout the UK and continental Europe.
Willis splits European operations
Global broker Willis is dividing its European operation into two distinct regions: Western and Central & Eastern Europe.
Helvetia completes Gan acquisition and confirms Letac as CEO in 2013
Helvetia has completed its acquisition of the French transport insurance portfolio of Gan Eurocourtage.
Ace study highlights business travel risk
The increasingly globalised business environment is driving concern about business travel risk among European companies, according to research published by Ace Group.
Vintage car insurance in Europe
Despite being a niche sector, with owners treating their vehicles like part of the family Anna Pitton explains why vintage motor insurance could be a missed opportunity for insurers.
The emerging business travel risk
Global travel is an important part of today’s business world, but as Pat Drinan explains increased compliance issues can come with insuring risks across borders.
Axa confirms Taiwan exit
Axa is withdrawing from Taiwan after failing to gain a licence from the country's regulator.
MMA to implement Cameleon software
French mutual insurance firm MMA Group will implement Cameleon Software’s configure, price, quote technology in a bid to help modernise its information systems and improve business agility.
French insurers urged to invest in SMEs to boost innovation
A report into France's declining industrial competitiveness proposes encouraging insurers to increase investments in small to medium sized enterprises.
Germany-based businesses more likely to succeed, says Coface report
Corporate insolvency laws, profitability and stable sources of funding are among the reasons German companies are less likely to fail than those based in France, a Coface report has found.
Covéa reveals executive team line-up
Covéa Insurance, the business created from the merger of MMA Insurance and Provident Insurance, has confirmed the members of its executive team.
Environmental risk concerns top list for mid-size European companies
Environmental issues are climbing the corporate risk agenda in Europe, according to Ace Group.
Jumping into the multi-national risk pool
Multinational pooling of group risk products seems to have so many benefits it's a 'no-brainer' but, as Edmund Tirbutt reports, the European market is holding back and wondering whether it's too good to be true.
EU consults on the harmonisation of limitation periods
As the European Commission seeks to consult on the impact of Rome II, Kelvin Farmaner and Paul Lavelle explain the options for further harmonisation of limitation periods.
Aviva reveals 97% COR in steady results
Aviva's general insurance business delivered a combined operating ratio of 97% in the first nine months of 2012, in line with the previous year, excluding RAC.
Top five European news stories
The top five news stories from www.insuranceinsight.com over the past seven days.