Aviva will take over Direct Line by July 1, despite employee concerns

Aviva is expected to complete its £3.7 billion (€4.35 billion) takeover of Direct Line Insurance on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after receiving key approvals and expressing confidence in final clearance from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

CMA will publish its findings for phase one on 10 July, but Aviva and Direct Line are both optimistic. Aviva is confident that it will receive unconditional clearance before the phase 1 deadline, following constructive engagement with CMA. This was reported by Proactive Investors.

First announced in December 20, 2024, the deal will create an important player in UK motor insurance with a 20 percent market share. Direct Line brands Churchill and Green Flag are included, as well as its core offerings for car, home and pet insurance.

But the merger has caused concern among employees. Aviva had previously stated that 2,300 jobs may be threatened due to cost-cutting measures following the merger. The Independent.

Direct Line, which had earlier rejected a bid from Belgian insurer Ageas, is currently undergoing a £100 million cost-cutting programme under new CEO Adam Winslow, who took over in March.

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