BUPA 'not in client takeover talks with Axa'

Health insurer BUPA has said it is not in talks with Axa regarding the takeover of its operation in Ireland.

Axa is understood to have met government officials to explore the possibility of a takeover of BUPA customers.

BUPA said today that it "has always maintained that it seeks a situation where it is allowed to remain solvent and make a modest return. This remains its position and it wishes to retain the flexibility to re-enter the Irish market should the situation change."

BUPA added it is currently engaged in efforts to redeploy BUPA Ireland personnel to servicing the UK market and BUPA internationally.