Hartford Said to Seek Bids for Unit From Travelers

Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is seeking bids from rivals including Travelers Cos. for its flagship property insurance business, said people familiar with the matter, in a sign that damage from the financial crisis may lead to a wholesale breakup of the 199-year-old insurer.

Hartford, pummeled by credit downgrades after losses in its life division, solicited offers for the profitable property and casualty unit in recent weeks, said the people, who declined to be identified because the talks are private. Travelers and Ace Ltd. may show interest, the people said, and Allianz SE already has a $2.5 billion stake in Hartford. Citigroup Inc. estimates the unit is worth $4 billion to $8 billion...

Bloomberg: Hartford Said to Seek Bids for Unit From Travelers