Qatar Reinsurance Company (Qatar Re), the reinsurance subsidiary of QIC Group has signed an agreement to buy Markerstudy’s Gibraltar-based insurance companies, namely Markerstudy Insurance Company, Zenith Insurance, St Julians Insurance Company and Ultimate Insurance Company.

Markerstudy underwrites more than 5 per cent of the UK motor insurance market, generating premiums of about GBP750 million ($1 billion).

The QIC Group has an existing substantial relationship with Markerstudy through Qatar Re and QIC Europe Ltd (QEL).

Khalifa Al Subaey, QIC Group president and CEO said: “This deal allows QIC Group to grow its lower volatility business while leveraging our existing success in QEL. It is a natural next step in the strategy we have pursued over recent years in relation to the group international businesses, which diversifies QIC’s overall portfolio.”

Gunther Saacke, Qatar Re’s CEO, said: “This transaction builds on the strong foundation of our existing relationship. It provides Qatar Re with a greater share of lower volatility business that has performed consistently well for us, balancing our specialty and catastrophe book. In addition, the transaction will enable us to write UK business under any post-Brexit scenario.”

“Through this acquisition, Qatar Re reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovative entrepreneurship in insurance marketing, distribution and servicing,” he added.

Kevin Spencer, CEO of Markerstudy Group, said: “For a long time we have had a tremendous relationship with Qatar Re. Their proactive approach has assisted our development and this is a natural evolution; to combine our strengths to establish a primary player in the UK insurance sector.”

“This strategic alliance has three-fold benefits; it enables us to simplify our product offering and processes for our intermediaries and broker partners; it provides us with "A" rated capital backing, and ensures we maintain the continuity of marketing, distribution, service and support. Ultimately, this arrangement will facilitate our strategy for growth and profitability, positioning us for further success,” he added.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is anticipated to complete in the first half of 2018. – TradeArabia News Service