Insurers get ready to walk the aisle

Keep an eye out for a procession of pinstripe suits in Dublin next Tuesday afternoon, winding its way from Abbey Street along the Liffey and up to the doors of the Convention Centre. They’ll be on their way to the corporate wedding of the year.

The entire staff of Irish Life is due to down pens at 3pm and walk the short distance to the centre to meet the staff of Canada Life, the other half of the marriage.

The €1.3 billion takeover of Irish life by Great West, the parent group of Canada Life, cleared its final hurdle on Monday when the Supreme Court threw out a last-ditch challenge to the sale. Next Tuesday is the consummation.

The takeover was due to be completed last week but was delayed by the court bid, led by disgruntled Irish life & Permanent shareholder Piotr Skoczylas. It also delayed the Convention Centre party, which was originally due to be held almost two weeks ago.

The event, for 2,000 members of the two firms’ combined staff, will be the first major public outing for Bill Kyle, the new Irish Life chief executive.

Apparently the Canadians often throw these type of bashes for staff. I am told there will be “speeches, entertainment, food and drink”.

A bit like any other wedding except this one is supposedly due to end at 8pm.

While the Irish Life staff will be able to walk from their building to the party, the poor old Canada Life crew will have to hump it in all the way from their premises in Blackrock. I wonder what the song will be for their first dance? How about I've Been Waiting For You by Neil Young.