UK competition regulator opens inquiry of Aviva buy of Direct Line

(Alliance News) - The UK competition regulator on Wednesday opened a probe into the acquisition ...

Alliance News 14 May, 2025 | 9:06AM
Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

(Alliance News) - The UK competition regulator on Wednesday opened a probe into the acquisition of Direct Line Insurance Group PLC by larger peer Aviva PLC

The motor and home insurer accepted a GBP3.7 billion cash-and-shares takeover offer from Aviva back in December. Both companies are based in London.

Direct Line shareholders will receive 0.2867 of an Aviva share, 129.7p in cash, and up to 5p in dividends payments for each Direct Line share held.

Because of the share element, Direct Line shareholders will hold 12.5% of the enlarged group.

At the time, the offer valued each Direct Line share at 275 pence. Direct Line shares were down 0.3% to 288.20p early Wednesday in London.

Aviva shares were down 0.4% to 571.40p on Wednesday but are up 21% so far in 2025, so the value of the share component of the offer has risen.

Direct Line shareholders voted in favour of the deal back in March.

The Competition & Markets Authority on Wednesday said it is considering whether the merger of insurance rivals "may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services".

It has invited comments on that question, with a deadline for this of May 29. The CMA must make its phase 1 inquiry decision by July 10.

By Tom Waite, Alliance News editor

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Email Form Facebook Twitter LinkedIn RSS

Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Aviva PLC 622.20 GBX -0.02
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC

About Author

Alliance News

Alliance News provides Morningstar with continuously updating coverage of news affecting listed companies.

© Copyright 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures