June 2006/3

As predicted by this publication last week, Swiss Re today (12 June) announced the completion of its acquisition of GE Insurance Solutions (GEIS), creating the world's largest reinsurer.

Latest sidecar vehicle Bay Point Re - which will sit alongside Bermudian "Class of 2005" start-up Harbor Point - has received a BB debt rating for its $125mn debt facility from Standard & Poor's, along with a Baa2 debt rating from Moody's for the loan...

French insurer AXA is reportedly in exclusive talks to buy Winterthur, the insurance unit of financial services giant Credit Suisse Group in a deal that could be worth up to SFr10bn, or $8bn.

Reinsurance broker Benfield Group has developed a $315mn, fully collateralised, Florida windstorm sidecar, Starbound Re, in conjunction with Bermudian reinsurer RenaissanceRe.