December 2007/1

Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) should spin-off its Kroll consulting unit as well as the group's Mercer human resources business, according to a Canadian investment firm.

Takeover speculation again gripped reinsurance broker Benfield Group last week as an insurance analyst linked Aon Corp with a possible move for the UK quoted firm.

Reinsurers have been ordered to settle a $57mn disputed all risks reinsurance claim with global mining giant Anglo American’s captive insurance company Coromin.

Groupama SA is expected to complete its first insurance linked securities transaction shortly, with its proposed securitisation of EUR200mn of French windstorm risk.

UK businesses are facing an "unprecedented threat" from home-grown terrorism, Lloyd's has warned.

Reinsurers have been warned about the costs arising from claims inflation in severe bodily injury claims.

Chicago-based global broker Aon Corp's consulting arm has appointed Mark Blumenthal as its new chief financial officer.

The forecasts for Bermuda-headquartered Hiscox Ltd's Syndicate 33 remained steady when the firm reported last week.

Prudential's UK division has entered into a 15 year outsourcing contract, which is expected to be worth £722mn, with Capita Group plc.

Marsh UK has appointed Artur Niemczewski as chief executive of its Multinational arm, which comprises its large account practices and specialty businesses.

Montpelier Re has continued to build its US operations with the launch of a new direct property facultative division to write business on behalf of its Lloyd's Syndicate 5151.

As the wide spread of the global credit crisis becomes clearer, more insurers are investigating protection against reinsurer default, according to reinsurance broker RK Carvill.