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International News

Generali in talks to buy AXA assets in Malaysia, sources say

“Asia is a fast-growing market and a focus for Generali,” one of the sources said.

Generali had been looking at a series of AXA assets in Malaysia worth around 700 million euros but the sources said it was in talks to buy the French insurer’s non-life business.

Europe’s third biggest insurer has been in Malaysia since 2015 and the deal could make it the second-biggest property and casualty operator in the country.

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Aon’s EU concessions for $30 billion Willis bid may not be enough: 

Last Friday, the London-headquartered company submitted concessions to the European Union’s competition watchdog, which did not disclose details in line with its policy. The watchdog often requires acquiring companies to make concessions that will strengthen rivals before giving its go-ahead.

Aon has proposed selling Willis Re, its biggest concession, and Willis’ German retirement benefits and consulting business. It has also offered to sell Willis’ insurance broking activities in France, including French unit Gras Savoye, as well as in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, one of the people said.

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Life insurance industry in Malaysia to reach $15.7bn in 2025: GlobalData

Amrita Sheela, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Malaysian life insurance industry is driven by retail consumer segment, which accounted for over 90% of total premiums in 2020Indonesia. The economic slowdown and uncertainty triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic restricted consumer spending and impacted life insurance business. As a result, life insurance industry grew by 4% in 2020 against 9% growth registered in 2019.”

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New global compact aims to drive down diabetes deaths, boost insulin access

“The number of people with diabetes has quadrupled in the last 40 years.  It is the only major noncommunicable disease for which the risk of dying early is going up, rather than down. And a high proportion of people who are severely ill in hospital with COVID-19 have diabetes.” 

More than 420 million people worldwide live with diabetes, a group of chronic diseases characterized by elevated blood sugar, which can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.  

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IFAD and IsDB commit $500 million to address hunger and climate change in poor rural communities

“Both institutions strive to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people and contribute to ending poverty. Through this agreement we can strengthen our impact in areas of common interests, including improving access to markets and rural financial services, increasing climate resilience and using technology and innovation to maximize impact.”said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD

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