Will insurance M&A activity increase in 2010?

Will 2010 see an increase in M&A activity in the insurance industry?  Some analysts think so, and ING’s plan to split its banking and insurance operations, and eventually divest its insurance business, could be the catalyst.  Some observers believe that as insurers review their operations to start the new year, rebuilding capital and re-pricing products, they may sell or buy businesses.  And their success will embolden other tentative companies to try the same.

Do you see an increase in M&A activity in the insurance industry in 2010?  Would an increase help the industry as a whole, or hurt?  Let us know what you think.