More obstacles placed in path of Sampo/Storebrand merger

Finnish insurance group Sampo is facing more difficulties in its efforts to merge with Norway’s Storebrand. The latest setback is that the Norwegian financial and insurance market regulator, Kredittilsynet, has recommended that Sampo should not be allowed to take over Storebrand. It remains to be seen what the Norwegian government, which faces an election on 10 September, will do.