June 2003/6

After two weeks of heightened rumours, Insider Week understands that Marsh representatives had contact with HLF over a potential take-over bid.

Lloyd’s insurer Hardy Underwriting Group plc has denied it plans making a bid for rival insurer Atrium Underwriting plc.

Corporate financiers at Hoare Govett, the London broking arm of Dutch bank ABN Amro, are rounding up investors to back a £50mn plus flotation of a new UK start up, Illium Insurance.