Delta Lloyd positive on potential NN Group deal, which could deliver €200m savings

Dutch insurer Delta Lloyd has reiterated that it is open to a potential merger with NN Group and stated that such a deal could deliver cost synergies of approximately €200 million per year over and above its existing cost savings plans.

NN recently reconfirmed its intention to make a public offer for Delta Lloyd. This follows the company making an unsolicited and conditional proposal to acquire Delta Lloyd for a possible cash offer at €5.30 per ordinary share in October. Delta Lloyd rejected this proposal saying it substantially undervalued Delta Lloyd, its prospects and its strategic opportunities and failed to reflect an appropriate share of the benefits of Dutch consolidation.

After this rejection, Delta Lloyd and NN Group say they have engaged in a number of discussions and meetings including senior management of both companies, to discuss a potential transaction and to share its estimates of the substantial cost and capital benefits that a combination could deliver.

In its results covering the first nine months of the year, Delta Lloyd again stated that it is not opposed to "transactions that will create value for our shareholders and deliver benefits to other stakeholders."

It also now estimates that a transaction with NN Group could deliver cost synergies of approximately €200 million per year over and above its existing cost savings plans updated today.

Delta Lloyd also said it estimates there to be substantial capital and other financial benefits from a combination with NN Group, including one off diversification and tax related capital benefits, the accelerated usage of the partial internal Solvency II model, financing, reinsurance and re-risking earnings uplifts. Delta Lloyd will make further announcements if and when required.