The transaction will confirm Utmost International as a leading global provider of insurance-based wealth solutions
Note: This is a copy of the official Utmost Group press release, available at http://www.utmostgroup.com
Utmost Group plc (“Utmost Group” or “the Group”) today announces that it has received all necessary regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition of Lombard International Assurance Holdings Sarl (“Lombard International”). The acquisition is expected to complete on 30 December 2024.
On completion, Lombard International will become a part of Utmost International, the international life assurance business of Utmost Group. The acquisition brings together two large-scale insurance-based wealth solutions businesses, strengthening Utmost’s position in key European markets and providing a strong platform to serve its clients’ long-term financial needs.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Thompson, CEO of Utmost Group plc said:
“I am delighted that we are now in a position to complete this transformational acquisition, which represents a major strategic milestone for the Group. This acquisition enhances our geographic footprint, client offering and local market knowledge, strengthening the platform with which to execute on our strategy.
“We have bold strategic ambitions for our business and I am confident that we are well placed to serve our clients’ long-term financial needs and deliver long-term value to our people and shareholders. I am excited by our future prospects and look forward to welcoming Lombard International’s employees, clients, and partners to Utmost Group.”
Key Highlights
- Confirms Utmost International’s leading market position: The acquisition will strengthen the Group’s client offering by combining the existing distribution partner relationships and complementary product suites. On a combined basis as at 30 June 2024, Utmost International would have had over £100bn of assets under administration and approximately 210,000 policyholders.
- Operational integration: Following the completion, Utmost will commence the integration of Lombard International into Utmost. Lombard International will continue to operate from Luxembourg with its existing suite of products. These will be distributed under the Utmost brand by a single combined global salesforce in parallel with Utmost’s existing products, maintaining the combined group’s existing distribution models.
- Robust financial strength: On completion, the Group’s capital strength will remain strong. Utmost will continue to operate with financial discipline, maintaining balance sheet resilience and flexibility, while remaining focused on delivering growth and operational efficiency. Fitch Ratings have confirmed an expected IFS rating of 'A+' for Lombard International, subject to the completion of the acquisition. This rating is in line with Utmost Group's other rated insurance entities.
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Utmost Group plc proforma as at 30 June 2024 |
| Assets under Administration |
£108.9bn |
| HY 24 Gross Flows |
£2.6bn |
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| Group Own Funds |
£2,690m |
| SCR Coverage |
180% |
| Net SII EV |
£2,350m |
| Shareholders Own Funds |
£1,990m |
For further information, please contact:
Utmost Group plc
Utmost Group Press
Tel: +44 (0)203 861 4343 / Email: press@utmostgroup.com
Temple Bar Advisory
Alex Child-Villiers / Sam Livingstone / Alistair de Kare-Silver
Tel: +44 (0)20 7183 1190 / Email: utmost@templebaradvisory.com
About Utmost Group plc
Utmost Group plc is a leading provider of insurance and savings solutions. Its principal businesses are Utmost International and Utmost Life and Pensions, which together are responsible for £64.7bn of primarily unit-linked policyholder assets for over 475,000 policyholders. Utmost Group plc is subject to group supervision by the PRA.
On 11 December 2024, Utmost Group announced it had received all necessary regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition of Lombard International Assurance Holdings Sarl. The acquisition is expected to complete on 30 December 2024. On a proforma basis at HY 2024, Utmost Group would have had over £100bn of assets under administration for over 500,000 policyholders.
About Utmost International
Utmost International is a leading provider of insurance-based wealth solutions. Utmost International operates across the UK, Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. Its solutions are largely based on unit-linked insurance policies. Utmost International manages £59.1bn of assets, of which £57bn are held on behalf of unit-linked policyholders at HY 2024.