Direct Line Rejects 'Unattractive' £3.1 Billion Bid From Ageas
- Belgium insurer confirms possible offer in regulatory filing
- Direct Line says bid significantly undervalued the insurer
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Direct Line Insurance Group Plc said its board unanimously rejected a bid from Ageas, describing the offer as “uncertain” and “unattractive.”
The Belgian insurer said in a regulatory filing Wednesday that “it is in the preliminary stages of considering a possible offer” to acquire all of Direct Line. The statement detailed a cash-and-stock deal that values the UK firm at approximately £3.1 billion ($3.9 billion), a premium of 42.8% to the Tuesday closing price.