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.
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.
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.
