London, Jan 20, 2026, 07:59 GMT — Premarket
- Zurich has unveiled a 1,280p-per-share cash bid for Beazley.
- Beazley shares surged 42.7% in the latest session, closing at 1,170p.
- A crucial UK takeover deadline is set for Feb. 16.
Zurich Insurance has launched a public bid for Beazley, offering 1,280 pence per share in cash and shaking up the London-listed insurer just before Tuesday’s open. Beazley shares closed Monday at 1,170 pence, jumping 42.7%. 1
The move matters because Zurich has labeled the approach a “possible offer” under the UK Takeover Code, rather than a confirmed bid, kicking the clock into motion. Zurich now faces a deadline: it must declare a firm intention to make an offer or drop the idea by 5 p.m. London time on Feb. 16.
Zurich is aiming to expand its specialty insurance footprint, pitching a deal that would form a “global leader” with roughly $15 billion in gross written premiums—that’s the total value of policies before reinsurance. The company plans to finance the acquisition through a mix of cash and new debt, topping it off with an equity placing, meaning it will issue new shares. 2
Beazley has not yet weighed in on the updated terms. The company informed shareholders it hasn’t had the chance to review the new proposal and advised them to hold off on any moves. 3
On Monday, Beazley’s shares fluctuated from 818 pence up to 1,198 pence before settling at 1,170 pence, according to data. The stock remains beneath Zurich’s headline price. 4
The bid pushed other London insurers higher as investors mulled the chances of wider consolidation. Hiscox and Lancashire climbed Monday, while Zurich’s shares slipped. 5
Jefferies analysts described the premium as “generous,” yet noted that Beazley’s cyber segment and its returns might justify a steeper valuation. 6
Zurich revealed it holds roughly 1.465% of Beazley and noted the 1,280p price will be adjusted downward for any dividends declared after the announcement. 7
Beazley released a standard takeover-code disclosure early Tuesday, revealing 599,509,906 ordinary shares outstanding. 8
The downside remains clear. If Zurich fails to solidify its offer, or Beazley’s board pushes back with no competing bids, the share price could slide back to pre-approach levels. Funding might also become an issue if market conditions sour on an equity placing.
In the next session, traders will eye if Beazley moves toward 1,280p during early London trading and if the company lays out a timetable for its reply. The bigger test arrives on Feb. 16, when Zurich has to either make a formal offer or withdraw.
