| Updated:
Phoenix still in talks with CVC Capital Partners on takeover
BRITISH life insurer Phoenix remains in talks with private equity firm CVC Capital Partners over a possible takeover, prolonging discussions which began last November but which have been hampered by debt issues.
Phoenix said in a statement yesterday that it would provide a further update on the situation no later than 28 days from now.
Phoenix, formerly known as Pearl, has been hampered by a heavy debt burden taken on to finance the £5bn acquisition in 2007 of a portfolio of closed life funds put together by Resolution’s founder, Clive Cowdery.
Last year, Resolution made a failed bid approach for the company.
Amid increased private equity interest in the sector, with Cinven having paid £275m for Aegon’s Guardian Life unit in August.