If anything, I think they (Liberty) were even stronger on the new business front than I was looking for. |
It's a first step in the right direction for Old Mutual. |
Many of our independent agents perceived us as lagging behind other insurance companies in technology. There is a lot of competition, especially in commercial lines, from national carriers that have bigger technology budgets than we do, which could potentially result in adverse selection by our agents. |
The agents told us they absolutely do not want to do that. It is a high cost for them. So we see seamless systems integration with agency management systems as the solution. |
There's likely to be some short-term disappointment, given that people don't know the logic behind this potential acquisition. |
This is your company's future. People who have the best interests of your company at heart need to manage it. |
We have been reasonably positive on the deal strategically. It does open up new growth areas and new markets for Old Mutual, markets which clearly lend themselves to encouraging growth prospects in the years ahead. |