The Hartford

[The Voice of Reason]

So there was a big article in the Hartford business journal about the chances of The Hartford merging with Allianz.

Allianz is a great company and they are extremely well capitalized, so there is no doubt they could afford it.

But what would be the end effect on the city of Hartford if a merger like this would happen?

Analysts with Citi Investment Research and Credit Suisse agree with the Autors view on the subject.

The BOLD part at the end is the most positive element. What do you guys think?

http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news7843.html

Interesting parts of the article. (the whole thing is interesting)

MacDonald, a 41-year veteran of the insurance industry, is considered by many in the field to be a visionary maverick. He said he has seen telltale signs recently that suggest that a merger will in fact take place.

While he acknowledges that he has no current involvement with either company, he does have a long history with them. From 1980 to 1987, he was president and CEO of ITT Life, a Minnesota-based insurance company that was owned by The Hartford. And later Allianz Life of North America Co., which MacDonald headed as CEO from 1999 till 2002, when he retired.

Weeks ago, on Jan. 20, Allianz board member Clement Booth publicly denied that the company had any interest in acquiring or injecting further capital into The Hartford.

MacDonald said that denial is consistent with the company