LONDON, Aug 16 Reuters Aviva posted an aboveforecast rise in firsthalf operating profit on Wednesday, helped by strong performance in general and health insurance, and its chief executive said the insurer was interested in entering the Lloyd39;s insurance market.

The life and general insurer, which has businesses in Britain, Canada and Ireland, said it expected to exceed its mediumterm growth targets.

Inflation and supply chain issues following the COVID19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have led to an increase in insurance premiums, particularly in commercial insurance.

Commercial insurance makes up about 50 of Aviva39;s general insurance business, CEO Amanda Blanc told a media call.

We are getting the benefit of a strong rating environment across all lines of business, she said.

We have priced for inflation probably ahead of the rest of the market.

Blanc said Aviva was looking at acquisitions in commercial insurance, adding that the Lloyd39;s of London SOLYD.UL commercial insurance market was something that we have looked at…an area that we are certainly interested in.

Operating profit rose 8 to 715 million pounds 909 million, above analysts39; forecasts of 701 million pounds. Aviva estimated fullyear 2023 operating profit growth of 57.

Aviva39;s shares were up 1.4 at 0713 GMT, making it one of the top performers in the FTSE 100. KBW analysts said there was little to grumble about, reiterating their market perform rating on the stock.

The company said it would…