Overview

• The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a phase one investigation into Aviva's £3.7 billion acquisition of Direct Line to evaluate potential competition concerns.
• Interested parties have until May 29 to submit comments, with the CMA set to deliver its phase one ruling by July 10.
• If competition concerns are identified, the merger will proceed to a more detailed phase two review, during which remedies can be proposed.
• The deal, agreed in December 2024, would create a dominant UK motor insurance provider, covering over 20% of the market and targeting £125 million in cost savings.
• Aviva has warned that up to 2,300 jobs could be at risk following the integration, adding to concerns about the merger's broader impact.