Royal London and LV= have halted merger talks saying the firms' different mutual models meant a tie-up would "not be in the best interests of members".

On 10 December 2021, Royal London said it was its belief that it could "offer an attractive future for the members of LV= as part of a growing and well-capitalised mutual". However, discussions between the groups have ended with no agreement.

Royal London group chief executive Barry O'Dwyer said: "Mutuals are owned by their customers and are run for their benefit.

"Our offer to preserve LV='s mutuality through a merger with Royal London was based on an understanding that LV= did not have a viable future as an independent company. 

"For Royal London's customers and members, nothing changes. We remain committed to delivering great value products, backed up by market-leading customer service. We look forward to sharing a substantial level of profits with our eligible customers in April, as we normally do."

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LV= said it had "become clear" that the businesses' different mutual models meant a merger would "not be in the best interests of LV= members". As a result, talks between the two companies have now ceased.

Seamus Creedon, LV= interim chair, said: "We thank Royal London for its engagement and we look forward to operating alongside it as part of a vibrant mutual sector. The strength of LV='s business performance over the past 18 months combined with its operational progress has strengthened the Board's belief in, and commitment to, the continuation of our status as an independent mutual.

"We have heard what our members have said about the importance of mutuality and the continuation of the LV= brand. We continue to maintain our strong capital position, are trading well and building a successful future for LV=, its members, employees and wider communities.

"We will shortly update our members on our business strategy and will continue to engage with them over the coming weeks and months."

The proposed mutual merger was put forward after an initial agreement to see LV= to private equity house Bain Capital fell through.