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.
Zurich Insurance has named Theo Bouts the new Chief Operating Officer of Global Life, an arm of the Zurich group.
Mr Bouts is currently the CEO of the Zurich Insurance unit dealing with direct European business and partnerships, a role he will give up on 1 August to take up his new position. Having been with Zurich for only three years Mr Bouts has already taken a couple of key roles within the organisation, being seen as a key player in senior management.
His existing role is seen as critical to maintaining and developing a strong multi channel distribution policy, something Zurich Insurance do not want to lose. For this reason Mr Bouts will take a little time to fully hand over the reins of his existing role until a suitable successor is found.
A new policy has been launched by Direct Line that is designed especially for small pubs and restaurants. Cover is included for theft, accidental damage, as well as GBP2 million public liability as well as GBP10 million employers liability cover.
Customers taking out the cover for their businesses can also add on options for their personal premises too, with Direct Line incorporating that into the overall protection. The insurer is aware of the specific issues facing owners and operators of places like these and has created this policy to deal with such factors.
The public and employer liability are key elements of this insurance policy said Direct Line, since pubs and restaurants are prone to such things happening so the policy is structured to ensure sufficient protection is in place.