Suncorp beats $144m Fairfax deal to acquire New Zealand's Tower

Suncorp subsidiary Vero Insurance has won the battle to acquire New Zealand-based general insurer Tower, beating Fairfax Financial's $144 million all-cash offer.

Suncorp has announced that the companies have entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement whereby it is proposed that Vero will acquire all of Tower’s ordinary shares (at NZ$1.40 per share) it does not currently own by way of a Scheme of Arrangement.

In February, Canada-based property and casualty re/insurer Fairfax had agreed to acquire 100 percent of Tower shares at NZ$1.17 ($0.84) per share for an aggregate acquisition cost of NZ$197 million ($144 million).

Vero stated that it will work closely with the Tower Board to bring the transaction to fruition.

According to the press release, the Scheme of Arrangement remains subject to a number of conditions, including approval by Tower shareholders and court approval. The transaction is also subject to necessary regulatory approvals, including approval from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Tower is one of the largest insurers in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Use code "Save20" and to save 20% on selected tickets for  for  Intelligent InsurTECH Europe 2017 - Offer ends July 15th

Today’s stories

UK ILS framework set to be in force in autumn

Lloyd’s new Brussels subsidiary may become obsolete: CEO

The Hartford transfers $1.6bn US pension liabilities to Prudential

EU insurance policies need to remain in place post Brexit: Lloyd’s CEO

Alliant Specialty MGA partners with Munich Re US to expand offering

Latin American insurance market shrinks as currencies depreciate

Starr Companies names domestic insurance CUO

Apple, Cisco push for cyber insurance discounts: Report

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.