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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Jack Simpson

MYSTERIOUS: Direct line shares surge amid takeover speculation - You Need To See This

the Direct Line website
Direct Line has been hit by sluggish profits and payouts to customers it had overcharged. Photograph: M4OS Photos/Alamy

Direct Line has rejected a £3.1bn takeover offer from a Belgian rival, saying the proposal “significantly undervalued” the business.

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the British insurer said it had received a “highly opportunistic” offer from the Brussels-based Ageas last month and rebuffed it, saying it was “uncertain and unattractive” for shareholders.

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