Insurance Times looks at highlights from Q4 2024 in its review of the year
The last quarter of the year saw no let up in the big news, with some of the most viewed stories of the year coming as 2024 approached its end.
In a conclusion to whirling rumours about the fate of Direct Line Group (DLG), it was confirmed on 6 December that the personal lines insurer’s board had accepted a £3.7bn takeover bid from fellow insurer Aviva.
This represented confirmation of rumours that began with a lower £3.3bn takeover proposal at the end of November, which had been rejected.
Between the first report and the offer being accepted, DLG chief executive Adam Winslow, formerly of Aviva, reportedly pleaded with DLG shareholders to back his plans to turn the ship back to profit rather than accept the takeover.
Christmas day was the regulatory deadline for the deal to be officially accepted. On 23 December, the two firms announced that they had agreed on the terms of a cash and share offer.
Also in the fourth quarter, on 8 October, Insurance Times reported on the Guildford headquarters of insurer Allianz being occupied by Palestine Action protestors.
Windows at the insurer’s office were smashed and fake blood was splashed across the facade, while specialist police officers were dispatched to eventually remove a number of protestors from the location.
Meanwhile, this year’s Insurance Times Awards, held on 4 December 2024, were a true festive extravaganza.
With snow scattered Christmas trees, frosty blue lighting and glittering snowflakes on stage, Insurance Times had definitely brought Christmas magic to Grosvenor House’s Great Room – an opulent ballroom at the Mayfair-based hotel.
Insurance Times would like to thank everyone that attended this month’s event and we hope that you enjoyed the industry-wide celebration.
Further thanks go to Insurance Times’ amazing events team, the sponsors that backed the awards and the judges that supported the in-depth, two-stage judging process.
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