Monday, November 23, 1998 Published at 07:44 GMT
Business: The Company File Insurance giant in takeover talks
Guardian Royal Exchange (GRE), one of the UK's top insurance companies has said it is examining a number of alternatives which may lead to an offer for the company.
The group's announcement to the London Stock Exchange comes amid reports that it is in talks with several rivals about a takeover which could be worth more than £3bn.
GRE is believed to have put itself up for sale as a result of pressure from institutional shareholders and worsening conditions in the global insurance market.