Lloyds bank set to disinvest stake in esure

Lloyds bank has today revealed plans to sell off its 70% stake in esure at a price which is believed to be in excess of the current book value of £185 million. It is believed that Peter Woods, co-founder and chairman of esure, is to acquire the stake via a new holding company. Those who follow the insurance market may be aware that Peter Woods, originally famed because of his Direct Line insurance creation, set up the esure business with HBOS back in 2001.

However, since HBOS became part of the Lloyds bank group there has been friction between Peter Woods and the Lloyds bank management and the sale of the Lloyds bank stake was expected by many. Esure is a well-known insurance brand in the UK and is also the owner of the infamous Sheilas Wheels brand with its array of striking adverts on the TV.

The company specialises in various niche markets and has made an excellent name for itself with profits topping £38 million in 2008. Quite what Peter Woods has in store for the future remains to be seen but he appears relieved to be on the verge of taking total control of his "baby".