A new range of insurance has been introduced by Direct Line catering for the needs of small hotel owners having 12 rooms or less.
The Direct Line insurance cover offers both public and product liability up to GBP2 million as well as loss of income protection up to GBP500,000. Policies can also be tailored to incorporate add ons specific to individual needs, typical examples being loss of licence or personal accident.
A spokesperson from Direct Line commented that this new insurance cover would be perfect for smaller operations, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits offered by an insurance company the size of Direct Line with the tailored fit provided by the policy itself.
The Prudential has named its new chairman as Harvey McGrath, previously the chairman at leading hedge fund company Man Group. Mr McGrath retired from that position late last year but has clearly felt the need to return back into the financial services sector with this new appointment.
The role will be a non-executive one for which he will receive a fee of GBP500,000 annually. Mr McGrath felt that the Prudential combined a very strong history with an exciting future and as such seemed the perfect choice for him. He also meets the requirements of investors who wanted to see a chairman who was based in the UK but also brought experience of the international arena.
Mr McGrath has plenty of experience to draw upon and is looking forward to the challenge, with lots of background and hands on knowledge of many things the Prudential are currently dealing with.
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.