Talks between the AA and Hastings are over and, according to some sources, never really got started. The problem facing the two companies now is that some might be wondering whether their insurance businesses are in need of some roadside assistance of their own.
AA shares have performed poorly this year, even before boardroom antics prompted a further recent slump in the stock. Meanwhile, although Hastings has continued to keep the engine revving on its motor insurance-led business, its doubters wonder whether it can continue to grow at the same pace. Not everyone believes that it can hit its target of three million policies in 2019 and one analyst — Eammon Flanagan, at Shore Capital — said after its half-year results this summer that the