Zurich Insurance Group clears EU hurdle for $11 bn Beazley acquisition

The European Commission has granted approval for Zurich Insurance Group’s purchase of British insurer Beazley under a simplified merger‑control procedure. The regulator found no significant competition concerns in the specialist insurance markets affected by the deal, which is valued at just under $11 billion.

The acquisition is intended to expand Zurich’s capabilities in high‑growth specialty lines such as cyber‑risk, infrastructure and renewable‑energy insurance. Zurich’s share price rose about 0.6 % on the news. While EU clearance removes a major regulatory obstacle, the transaction still requires further authorisations in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as court approval of a “Scheme of Arrangement” in Britain, before it can close, expected in the second half of 2026.