Zurich Insurance Launches £7.7 billion Bid for Beazley
Zurich Insurance Group has made a formal takeover proposal to Beazley PLC, valuing the Lloyd’s of London insurer at approximately £7.7 billion. This follows an earlier, lower bid rejected by Beazley earlier in January 2024.
The current offer stands at £12.80 per share, an increase from Zurich’s initial, undisclosed approach of £12.30 per share. As of January 15, 2024, Beazley’s share price rose substantially following the proclamation, reaching £11.47 in afternoon trading, resulting in a market capitalization of nearly £7 billion. London Stock Exchange data confirms this surge.
Zurich’s Pursuit of Beazley
According to Zurich’s Chief Executive Officer, Mario Greco, this latest bid represents the fifth attempt by Zurich to acquire Beazley over the past year. Financial Times reporting indicates Greco stated the decision to make the offer public was intended to allow Beazley shareholders to weigh in on the proposal.
Advisory Firms Involved
Zurich is receiving financial advice from Goldman Sachs, Lazard, and UBS,according to sources familiar with the transaction.
As of January 19, 2026, 14:05:49 GMT, there have been no further confirmed developments regarding this takeover bid. The offer remains under consideration by Beazley’s board and shareholders.
