Two of the leading protection-and-indemnity (P&I) mutuals are rumoured to be in merger talks to create a superclub that would surpass current market leader Gard.

Reports of the UK and Britannia clubs being in preliminary discussions had the P&I market buzzing this week, although there were immediate denials from both sides.

Speculation continues despite the rebuttal, with TradeWinds assured a deal is being worked on by multiple sources this week.