January 2008/1

Fast growing QBE is to expand its US presence after signing an agreement to acquire North Pointe Holdings Corporation for $146mn.

Insurance specialists Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP (EAPD) and London-based Kendall Freeman have completed their merger.

The new reinsurance rules introduced in Brazil, which have encouraged Lloyd's to plan an admitted carrier, should boost the region's growth, according to Fitch Ratings.

US broker Arthur J Gallagher & Co has acquired AVRECO, a managing general agent and wholesale insurance broker based in Chicago from The Park Group.

One of Converium Holding AG's key business partners when it attempted to fend off SCOR SE's early advances in what became a successful takeover has shaken hands with the French reinsurer over a 10-year agreement.

Renewable energy insurer GCube Underwriting Ltd (GCUL) and GCube Underwriting Services Inc (GCUS) has opened for business today (7 January) offering up to $600mn cover per project, for onshore and offshore...

Island Heritage Holdings Ltd, the Cayman Islands-based insurer that is controlled by Flagstone Re has appointed Garth Macdonald as CEO.

The continuing trend for softening rates in the reinsurance market during the 1 January renewals was underpinned by the lack of catastrophe losses last year, according to reinsurance brokers Guy Carpenter & Co and Willis Re.

Another equity analyst increased the pressure on reinsurance intermediary Benfield Group's share price by lowering its forecasts and reiterating a SELL recommendation on the company’s stock last week.

Swiss-headquartered reinsurer Glacier Re is poised to launch a London underwriting platform later this year to write insurance business, Insider Week can reveal.