Shares in Hiscox jump after report on potential bid for insurer (updated)
15/05/2026 14:20
Adds details and background in paragraphs 2 and 3 May 15 (Reuters) - Shares in Hiscox HSX.L spiked as much as 15.3% on Friday, after an Insurance Post report said Canada-based Intact Financial Corp IFC.TO was exploring a potential bid for the British insurer. The possibility of a bid comes amid heightened interest in UK-listed firms for their cheaper valuations, including the ongoing $12.7 billion deal talks between Intertek ITRK.L and EQT EQTAB.ST. Intact, which provides property and casualty insurance, is looking at a big target and its CEO is known to be a "fan" of Hiscox, having spoken highly of it in the past, the report said, citing sources at the British Insurance Brokers' Association. Intact did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, while Hiscox declined to comment. (Reporting by Prerna Bedi and Tuhina in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas) ((Prerna.Bedi@thomsonreuters.com; +91 98052 24616;))