June 2006/5

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

Failed (re)insurer GoshawK today (29 June) released its 2005 preliminary results, revealing an after-tax loss of $140mn and warning that further deterioration in Hurricane Wilma losses would not be covered by its reinsurance protection.

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc is close to securing its rival Heath Lambert Group plc in a £130mn deal which promises to create a dominant UK regional player, The Insurance Insider can reveal.

Bavarian giant Munich Re moved a step closer to restoring its once cherished double A rating today, with the news that Standard & Poor’s (S&P) had revised its outlook on the company’s A+ rating from stable to positive.

Bermuda-headquartered Catlin Group has announced that it will form a crisis management underwriting team in London to write product recall and kidnap and ransom (K&R) business.

European reinsurers enjoyed a "solid start" in the first quarter of 2006, underlined by underwriting profits, stronger capitalisation and stable ratings, according to a report from reinsurance broker Benfield.

Insurers were dealt a blow last week as government ministers said they will amend UK compensation laws in response to a House of Lords ruling that could potentially have reduced payouts to asbestos-related claimants.

US investment firm River Capital has announced the licensing in Barbados of its subsidiary River Reinsurance Ltd.

"Class of 2005" Bermudian reinsurer Validus Re announced last week that it has raised $150mn through a private sale of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures as part of a pooled transaction.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has begun its consultation on new rules for Insurance Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) in the UK.

Carriers will not just be tested on their ability to pay claims but will also be ranked according to their client service levels, following a new initiative launched by broker Willis Group Holdings Ltd.

US insurer Chubb has agreed to provide hull and liability cover to general aviation clients of Starr Aviation - the managing agency ultimately controlled by former American International Group chief executive Maurice "Hank" Greenberg.