July 2006/1

Bavarian-based (re)insurance giant Munich Re moved a step closer to restoring its once cherished double A rating last Tuesday (27 June), with the news that Standard & Poor's (S&P) had revised its outlook on the company's A+ rating from stable to positive.

Bermudian (re)insurer Allied World Assurance Co (AWAC) is set to continue its capital building strategy after its forthcoming initial public offering (IPO) with the issue of $500mn senior notes.

Giant US insurer American International Group (AIG) and CV Starr announced last week in simultaneous, but separate, statements their intention to split their marine and energy businesses in future.

Broker Aon Corp has agreed to sell its warranty arm to Canadian conglomerate Onex Corp in an estimated $710mn deal.

Shares in UK broker Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc (JLT) leapt almost ten percent this morning in the light of its expected acquisition of rival Heath Lambert Group plc and news from the US suggesting Willis...

Insurance broker Willis Group Holdings Ltd cancelled a $300mn debt issue last week - a move that has led to speculation the firm is again considering a significant acquisition.