Wesfarmers Insurance has declined to comment on a UK report saying the company is “stalking” mid-sized British insurer Barbon.

The UK Post reported late last week that Wesfarmers “is poised to become the latest Australian financial services giant to make a serious play for the UK market with a sizable acquisition”.

The Barbon Group is made up of a range of specialist insurance brands dealing mainly in commercial lines and operating as separate companies. It’s understood the group also has extensive broker contacts in Europe.

A Wesfarmers spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the company “doesn’t comment on market speculation”.