More than a year after American International Group (AIG) reached the brink of collapse, insurance buyers are still using it to lay off their risk. A survey by Barclays Capital (BCS) find that 80% of commercial buyers use Chartis, the property/casualty unit of AIG.

Since the damage to AIG in 2008 was precipitated by the company's financial products group rather than its insurance operation, the use of Chartis to cover a company's risk isn't a problem, as the division has long been successful for AIG, regardless of the name used.

John Christy, editor of The Forbes International Investment Report, has long held Barclays (NYSE: BCS) in his model portfolio, and in recent months has been anticipating a merger deal. He now notes, "Rumors of a deal between Barclay's and Dutch bank ABN-Amro (NYSE: ABN) appear to be turning into reality."

This deal, in his view, will be an "interesting strategic combination" – in part because ABN's businesses in Europe, Asia and Latin America, for example, will help Barclays expand its global reach. Further, he notes that Barclays is a "pretty good" value, trading at 10 times earnings and paying nearly 4% dividend.

Despite its positive operating outlook, the advisor is choosing to sell the stock, noting, "Interesting strategic combinations aren't always the best stock picks."