Direct Line Insurance Group said it rejected the 3.28 billion pounds ($4.16 billion) takeover approach from insurer and asset manager Aviva as it substantially undervalued the company. Describing the approach as highly opportunistic,

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has switched sides to advise Aviva Plc on its £3.3 billion ($4.2 billion) takeover bid for Direct Line Insurance Group Plc, only eight months after helping the target successfully defend against another suitor.

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Aviva has contacted shareholders in Direct Line in a move that could pave the way for a hostile takeover bid for its smaller rival. The FTSE 100 insurer began to ...