ROUNDUP Resolution CEO Paul Thompson quits unexpectedly.

(From AFX Europe (Focus))

LONDON (AFX) - UK life insurer Resolution PLC announced the surprise departure of its chief executive, Paul Thompson, and said talks about a possible bid for the company were continuing, pushing its share price more than 3 pct higher.

In a brief statement, Resolution said it had "jointly agreed" with Thompson that he should step down immediately, adding that his departure would help "prepare the company for the next stage of its development."

A company spokesman said Thompson's departure was amicable, but declined to provide further details.

Thompson, formerly chief executive of life insurer Britannic, took on the …