The Brazilian arm of Zurich Insurance has just announced the purchase of two insurance companies in the South American country.
The deal, which is worth around GBP120 million, gives Zurich Insurance and 87 percent stake in one company and a 100 percent stake in another. Zurich will make an initial payment of GBP89 million for the two businesses, plus a GBP15 million bancassurance agreement and the potential for a further GBP15 million paid out if performance figures are achieved.
Bancassurance will enable the newly acquired businesses to sell their Zurich Insurance products through local bank branches, a significant opportunity and well worth the amount paid.
Post Office Insurance has just introduced a new motorbike insurance policy with an introductory offer of one month free cover.
The new motorcycle insurance policy provides several options for the customer, including cover for up to 4 bikes on the same policy or alternatively having GBP500 of accessories cover. Female motorcyclists will be very interested in the Post Office insurance policy since there is a discount offered simply for being female. Saving up to 36 percent is a good incentive to check this out.
More and more insurers are moving into the motorbike insurance market now as the market expands. There are around 1.2 million bikes on the road now, up by well over a third compared with 10 years ago. Post Office Insurance are aiming for a part of this growing market.
A spokesman from Norwich Union has said that the GBP2.6 billion reattribution of surplus funds is close to being resolved following previous disputes.
A representative for policyholders has been asking for changes since the reattribution of funds was biased in favour of Norwich Union shareholders and needed attention. Following this a committee from the government has been looking at the situation to ensure fairness.
Norwich Union are offering payments to with profits insurance fund policy holders but they will then not be eligible for any further annual bonuses. They are yet to hear if this latest offer is acceptable but hope it will be so that the funds can be paid out.
