That same month Alliance Capital Management, which is indirectly controlled by the French insurance company AXA Group, agreed to buy Sanford C.

FORBES: Name Game

"It's absolutely crucial for France to remain as close as possible to Germany and to continue the euro, " said Eric Chaney, chief economist at AXA Group.

WSJ: Next Up: Franco-German Clash of Europe Ideals

Hawkins and Cates a decade ago failed to prevent AXA Financial from selling itself to MONY Group.

FORBES: Dell Buyout's Biggest Losers: Famed Investors Who Put Faith -- And Billions -- In Turnaround

The Transport committee will continue its probe into the cost of motor insurance with evidence from former Home Secretary and Justice Secretary Jack Straw, and then from the Motor Accident Solicitors' Society, AXA UK, and former MP Andrew Dismore, who now represents the Access to Justice Action Group.

BBC: Viewing guide: The coming week's highlights in Parliament