Direct Line's shares surged as investor's hoped the rejection might pave the way for a second takeover bid from the U.K.'s largest insurance company
After Aviva PLC's (LSE:AV.) £3.3 billion takeover bid for Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG) was rejected, another bid is a "distinct possibility", according to analysts.
Shares in UK insurer Direct Line Insurance soared over 36% in early trade on Thursday after it rejected a 3.28 billion pound ($4.16 billion) takeover offer from bigger rival Aviva , saying it "substantially undervalued" the company.
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) has confirmed that it proposed a takeover of motor and home insurer Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG), which revealed today it has rejected as "highly opportunistic and substantially undervalued the company".
British insurer Aviva said on Wednesday smaller rival Direct Line Insurance had rejected a 3.28-billion-pound ($4.16 billion) takeover offer from the company.
Aviva PLC's (LSE:AV.) fund management division is reportedly moving to place three incinerator power plants into administration, after writing off over £350 million on the investment already.
Bulk annuity deal volumes could hit £60 billion by 2025 according to Canadian bank RBC after talking with leading market participants including Aviva and Just Group. On the downside, RBC says the market is getting more competitive affecting margins while there is uncertainty over new regulatory requirements designed to test buyers' financial strength to protect pensioners.
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) latest trading up shows healthy sales across the group's target areas, says Jefferies, notably General Insurance premiums, up 15%, Wealth Net Flows up 21%, Protection & Health sales 22%, and Retirement sales 67% including a big chunk of bulk annuities.
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) has posted its third-quarter results and the main headline seems to be that the life insurer remains confident in achieving its previous guidance.
A packed Thursday will bring UK economic data and updates from the likes of Aviva, Burberry, B&M and WH Smith.
Aviva PLC (LSE:AV.) has seen a quiet few months after the wholesale restructuring/disposal of its overseas businesses in the past three years.
Indian police have asked Asit Rath, the chief executive of British insurer Aviva in the country, to join an inquiry into a former employee's accusations of religious discrimination in the workplace, documents seen by Reuters showed.