London, February 3, 2026, 09:08 GMT — Regular session
Beazley shares dropped 0.3% to 1,165 pence by 0908 GMT, pulling back after a 3.1% gain the previous day amid ongoing takeover speculation. (MarketScreener)
The latest dip follows Zurich Insurance Group’s appearance on Beazley’s share register. A recent filing revealed Zurich holds a 1.47% stake in the specialty insurer. This comes shortly after Beazley, listed in London, dismissed a 1,280-pence-per-share bid as significantly undervaluing the company and noted a previously undisclosed 1,315-pence offer. Zurich said it had “nothing to add” beyond the filing, while Beazley did not immediately reply to requests for comment. (Reuters)
Zurich labeled its 1,280 pence cash bid as an “improved” offer and noted UK takeover rules force it to declare a firm intention to proceed or drop the deal by 5 p.m. London time on February 16—unless the deadline gets pushed back. (Zurich)
“It’s built up a small stake,” said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, noting Zurich still has “a couple more weeks” to present terms that could influence the board and major shareholders. (London South East)
The offer period has sparked a flurry of disclosures under UK takeover rules. On Monday, a Form 8.3 filing revealed that FMR LLC and FIL Limited reported their holdings along with a minor transaction, the format mandatory for investors holding 1% or more of relevant securities. (Investegate)
Beazley reported its issued share capital at 599,509,906 shares, with voting rights counted as of January 30. Investors rely on this figure to determine disclosure thresholds under Financial Conduct Authority rules. The firm, a specialist insurer in areas like cyber liability, also manages seven syndicates at Lloyd’s of London. (Investegate)
Tuesday’s price puts the stock about 10% under Zurich’s 1,280 pence offer, a gap that typically signals both deal uncertainty and skepticism over whether the bidder will come back with a better proposal.
The math can shift quickly. If Zurich pulls out by the February 16 deadline — or if Beazley persuades investors its business holds more value on its own — the takeover premium baked into the shares could shrink.
Next on the radar: investors are eyeing the February 16 “put up or shut up” deadline, along with Beazley’s year-end results for 2025 set for March 4, searching for new guidance that might shake up the valuation debate. (Beazley)
