LONDON (dpa-AFX) - According to insiders, the French asset manager Amundi is interested in the Allianz asset manager Allianz Global Investors (AGI). The French and the German insurer have repeatedly discussed a deal in recent months, the Bloomberg news agency reported on Wednesday evening, citing people familiar with the matter. A complete takeover of AGI by Amundi and a merger of Amundi and AGI, whereby Allianz would then have a larger stake in the new company, had also been discussed. However, it remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached.

Allianz has also held preliminary talks with Deutsche Bank about a possible merger of its asset management subsidiary with that of Deutsche Bank (DWS), it said. Neither the shares of Allianz, nor those of Deutsche Bank or DWS reacted significantly to the news./mis/edh