Toward increased M&A activity in the European insurance sector

According to Fitch Ratings, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the European insurance industry is expected to accelerate in 2026.

The anticipated increase is likely to be concentrated in the specialty insurance, reinsurance and life insurance segments in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as in Europe’s bancassurance market.

The rating agency notes that declining prices and stable interest rates are weighing on growth and limiting prospects for margin improvement. As a result, market players are increasingly turning to M&As to boost revenues, enhance profitability and strengthen their positions in their core markets.