French insurance giant Axa, which faces hundreds of lawsuits over COVID-19 claims, reported on Monday a huge surge in net profits in the first half of 2021, well above pre-pandemic levels.

The company posted four billion euros in net profit in the first six months of the year, up 71 per cent from the same period in 2019 and nearly triple from last year.

Axa’s earnings for 2020 took a €1.5-billion hit from COVID-19 related claims and higher payouts for natural catastrophes.

Axa has faced hundreds of lawsuits from restaurant owners accusing the insurer of trying to back out of its contractual obligations. Most lawsuits so far have been successful.

Axa has faced hundreds of lawsuits from restaurant owners accusing the insurer of trying to back out of its contractual obligations. Most lawsuits so far have been successful

In June, it offered €300 million to some 15,000 restaurants that are fighting to have at least part of their losses due to COVID lockdowns covered by their policies. Industry officials have said the offer was not nearly enough, amounting to on average just €20,000 each, far below the losses reported by many owners.

Alban de Mailly Nesle, the group’s financial director, said that half of restaurants concerned have approached the group about a settlement.

Axa’s clients sought relief via their policies that covered “administrative closures” for a variety of reasons, including health shutdowns. Axa has denied the claims, citing a clause specifying that any order had to apply only to the individual restaurant covered, which excluded closures due to a generalised health emergency.

The company says some 1,500 suits have been filed so far.