Dutch Authorities Launch Anti-Trust Probe

Dutch regulatory authorities, the Nederlandse Mededingingsautoreit (NMa), has launched an investigation of the country’s insurers for possible anti-competitive practices.

Although the probe will examine the entire industry, so far only Delta Lloyd, a subsidiary of the U.K.’s Aviva Plc, has been specifically identified as being under investigation.

Delta Lloyd is the Netherlands fourth largest insurer, and concentrates mainly on life and pension products. Last November it signed a deal with ABN Amro bank to market its products through its branches.

A report from Dow Jones Newswires indicated that no specific charges had been made. Aviva and Delta Lloyd have promised to fully cooperate with the investigation. The NMa is also reportedly examining the records of the Dutch Insurance Association as part of its investigation.