Deutsche Bank and Swiss Re are set to pump €180m ($124m) into the troubled insurer Gerling.

According to reports, the deal will lead to the financial giants owning more than 90% of the group's attractive credit insurance unit.

In addition, it is believed that Deutsche Bank will give back its stake in the Gerling group for free, leaving control of the group with Rolf Gerling.

Deutsche Bank has struggled to sell its stake for years, but the deal still means it has links with many of Gerling's other customers.

The bank's problems began after Gerling reported huge reinsurance losses, exacerbated by asbestos claims and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Deutsche Bank is understood to be putting up €120m (£83m) to take a 50% stake of the credit insurance business Gerling NCM. Swiss Re will contribute €60m (£41.5m) and give up its share options to take a similar stake.

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