DLG26 Feb 2014 23:41
Positive Points:
The group adopts a conservative investment strategy with a mix of cash, government bonds, and corporate debt. As a key part of their business, insurance companies invest the premiums they receive, and investment returns contribute to profit.
The insurer benefits from market leading brands and multi-channel distribution. Through its stable of household brands - Direct Line, Churchill, Green Flag, Privilege and NIG - the company provides insurance covering homes, cars, pets, travel and small businesses.
In October, the Group agreed the sale of its closed life insurance operation, Direct Line Life Insurance Limited, ("DLL") for £62 million.
Over the last 18 months, a number of regulatory reviews and initiatives have been announced by the UK Government, the Ministry of Justice ("MoJ2) and the Competition Commission in relation to the motor insurance industry. In December 2013, the CC published its provisional findings of its ongoing investigation into the UK private motor insurance market. Direct Line is engaged with major stakeholders and continues to support the introduction of a coherent set of reforms.
The insurer achieved a successful separation from RBS Group and subsequent IPO of Direct Line Insurance Group on the stock market in early October. In March 2013, RBS Group placed a second tranche of 251.4 million ordinary shares in Direct Line Group with institutional investors. In September 2013, RBS Group sold a further 300.3 million shares in Direct Line Group to institutional investors. RBS Group's shareholding in Direct Line Group now stands at 28.5%.
The group aims to make inroads on IT migration during 2014 to reduce its dependence on RBS Group's IT infrastructure.