QBE European Operations will replace a swag of well-known brands with QBE livery in the new year when it launches a new product and distribution structure.

It's one step in the group's overhaul of 12 individual business units and syndicates that operated under the four brands of Limit, Ensign, MBP and DA Constable Syndicate 386.

From January 1 QBE Europe will instead operate eight product-focused underwriting divisions, delivered through five distribution centres.

The divisions are Casualty, Property, Specialty, QBE Re Europe, Motor, Marine, Aviation and British Marine.

The reorganisation effectively unifies QBE's company and Lloyd's market operations, and all product divisions will have access to both Lloyd's and company paper.

In a statement, QBE Europe COO John Neal said the structure is designed to give UK, European and international brokers and clients improved flexibility and choice.