August 2006/2

SCOR is facing further legal action in its long-running dispute with Highfields investment funds, the former main minority shareholder in IRP Holdings Limited, the Dublin-based quota share sidecar it established in the aftermath of 9/11.

Michael Wade continues to look at options for the proposed reinsurance venture, Tiger Re that, if successful, could see the veteran Lloyd’s figure return once again to the London market.

ICP Ltd, a proposed new investment vehicle specialising in the Lloyd’s sector, has effectively withdrawn its plan to IPO on London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) after failing to raise sufficient funds.

Swiss reinsurer Converium continues its recovery with another improved quarterly performance, reporting net income of $62.5mn on 8 August, compared with $46.9mn in the prior-year period.

GCFac, the facultative arm of reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter, has bolstered its ranks with the launch of a structured risk team headed by former Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) broker John Lobek.

German reinsurer Munich Re announced half-year profits of EUR2.1bn, a leap of 143 percent from last year, driven by both strong underwriting and investment returns.

Bermudian giant XL Capital announced the latest step in a series of organisational changes on 1 August with plans to develop an integrated European platform for its reinsurance operations.

Endurance is the latest as reinsurers trade risk with capital markets The growing popularity of reinsurance securitisations was demonstrated last month with news that Bermudian (re)insurer Endurance Specialty Insurance has acquired $235mn of...

Chubb records 'outstanding' quarter US insurer Chubb Corp reported an "outstanding" second quarter of 2006 with net income rising to $598mn, compared to $495mn for the prior-year period.

Lloyd's has upped the ante in the search for a new approach to the annual venture capital structure with the establishment of a working party of leading market figures to address the issue.

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (JLT) plans to overhaul its staff pension scheme in a bid to reduce the £146mn deficit which hangs over the company.

AIG profits drop 29 percent; Hannover Re contemplates Scottish Re bid; Allianz raises forecasts on strong second quarter; Fairfax shares fall; Odyssey Re misses SEC filing deadline; MMC continues to face Spitzer spectre; et al: