As the insurance market in Europe continues to expand and consolidate, it's becoming increasingly clear that a deep understanding of local markets and trusted local leadership isn’t just a nice to have – it’s essential, says PIB Europe’s CEO Onno Janssen.

Shares in UK motor and home insurer Direct Line Group rose over 7 percent at the open on Friday after it announced a preliminary agreement to be acquired by Aviva following an increased bid of 275 pence a share.

UK motor insurer Direct Line Group has agreed to merge with Aviva after its larger rival increased its bid to 275 pence a share.

Berenberg has lifted its share price target for London-listed Direct Line Group by more than 25 percent on the back of expectations that the insurer could see further takeover advances from Aviva and Ageas.

Consolidation among mid-market firms is expected to drive M&A activity in 2025 following momentum in the large corporate space this year, according to WTW's global M&A outlook.

Hub International’s omnichannel insurance brokerage platform, VIU, has acquired Connecticut-based BIS Management Services, operating as Insuritas, an embedded insurance provider for financial institutions.

Shareholders in Lloyd's insurer Inigo are considering options for the sale of the speciality (re)insurance group, this publication understands.

Brown & Brown (Europe) has continued its M&A push with the acquisition of employee benefits specialist Drewberry Limited.

Generali has agreed to sell its insurance business in the Philippines to Insular Life Assurance Company.

Gallagher has acquired Dawson & Keenan Insurance, a retail insurance brokerage based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, that serves personal and commercial lines clients across northern Ontario.

California-based full-service insurance agency Alkeme has acquired Jacobson Professional Insurance, a West Orange, New Jersey-based provider specialising in legal malpractice insurance and risk management services.

Gallagher has bolstered its footprint in Australia with a deal to buy commercial insurance intermediary Hann Insurance Brokers for an undisclosed sum.

Zurich has closed the previously announced acquisition of AIG’s global individual personal travel insurance and assistance business.

German insurtech Wefox Holding AG has reached an agreement to sell its Liechtenstein-based insurance carrier to a consortium of Swiss companies led by pension service provider Berag.

Analysts and rating agency Moody’s have said a takeover of Direct Line Group by Aviva would be credit positive for both groups, following news of last month's rejected £3.28bn approach.