Cattolica in adviser network deal with Eurizon Vita

MILAN, April 19 (Reuters) - Italian insurer Cattolica Assicurazioni (CASS.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) has signed a memorandum of understanding to buy a network of 270 insurance advisers from Intesa Sanpaolo's (ISP.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) Eurizon Vita, it said on Saturday.

Cattolica said in a statement the deal would be done through vehicle Cattolica Previdenza 1, in which it would hold a 80.1 percent stake and Eurizon Vita would hold 19.9 percent. It said the deal would strengthen its life insurance business.

(Editing by Ruth Pitchford)