UK insurance sector to 'require' more mergers and acquisitions consultants

Conditions could be ideal for a takeover

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) consultants could be required to facilitate the growing number of takeovers in the British insurance industry.

A number of deals have taken place following Prudential's ill-fated attempt to purchase the Asian division of rival firm AIG.

RSA is currently attempting to finalise a deal with Aviva, while the European Commission has instructed Royal Bank of Scotland to sell its insurance unit, which includes Churchill and Direct Line.

Many UK insurers could be tempted into purchasing the popular brands as firms look to expand their operations.

Marcus Barnard at stoke broking advisory firm Oriel Securities claimed now is an ideal time to conduct talks.

"If you're a CEO now is probably not a bad time to do M&A. If you go backwards a year, the finance wasn't there and if you go forwards a year the valuations will be a lot higher," he told the Guardian.

Companies can also save costs by merging or acquiring rivals as a larger operation can streamline expenditure.