London, February 5, 2026, 08:19 GMT — Regular session
- Beazley shares held steady early Thursday, following a sharp rise the previous day on news of Zurich’s takeover terms
- Zurich and Beazley have agreed in principle on a cash offer of 1,310p plus up to 25p in dividends, setting a firm offer deadline for Feb. 16
- Investors are focused on the bid spread, conducting due diligence, and looking out for any rival bids
Beazley (BEZ.L) shares held steady around 1,240 pence (£12.40) in early London trade Thursday, following a strong jump the previous day triggered by Zurich Insurance Group’s enhanced takeover offer. The stock has remained confined to a tight range today. Beazley is set to release its next earnings report on March 4. (Investing)
The proposed deal adds another major company to the growing list of firms exiting London’s public market, intensifying scrutiny on UK takeovers and their impact on the City’s pool of investable stocks. (The Guardian)
For investors, the key focus is the spread. The stock trades significantly under the bid’s headline price, reflecting the market’s judgment on timing, conditions, and the risk the deal might fall through.
Zurich and Beazley announced Wednesday they’ve agreed in principle on key financial terms for a potential recommended cash offer, but cautioned there’s no guarantee a firm bid will materialize. Zurich would offer 1,310 pence per share in cash — roughly a 60% premium over Beazley’s closing price on Jan. 16. Beazley can also pay dividends up to 25 pence for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025, pushing total consideration to as much as 1,335 pence. Together, the firms would generate around $15 billion in gross written premiums before reinsurance. Per the UK Takeover Code, Zurich must either confirm a firm offer or walk away by 5 p.m. London time on Feb. 16. (Investegate)
Beazley surged 6.9% to close at £12.40 on Wednesday, hitting a fresh 52-week peak along the way, according to MarketWatch data. Volume spiked sharply, outpacing recent trading levels. (MarketWatch)
Such price moves are common in cash deals that aren’t quite locked in. Traders tend to factor in time for detailed due diligence—a thorough check of the target’s financials and obligations—plus the steps involved in making a formal offer and securing approvals.
Beazley’s shares are still lagging behind the offer price, trading around 1,261 pence Wednesday morning, below the bid, Bloomberg reported. Zurich CEO Mario Greco described Beazley as “a very complementary business,” telling Bloomberg News there’s “nothing we don’t need or don’t like.” Analysts Kevin Ryan and Charles Graham at Bloomberg Intelligence called the higher bid “generous,” especially after Beazley’s specialty lines saw sharp price drops during the Jan. 1 renewal season. (SWI swissinfo.ch)
January 1 marks the renewal season for many commercial insurance contracts. Softer pricing often emerges later in premium growth and underwriting margins, which helps explain the buzz around the takeover premium.
The bid has sparked speculation that other specialty insurers listed in London might attract attention, with Hiscox and Lancashire frequently mentioned, according to The Times.
The announcement isn’t a binding offer yet; Zurich can still walk away if due diligence reveals problems or if circumstances shift. Even if the deal moves forward, shareholders will only receive the full value if Beazley pays the allowed dividend and the transaction closes.
Investors are focused on filings for stake-building and any hints of a competing bid as the clock ticks down. The next key deadline hits at 5 p.m. London time on Feb. 16.
