March 2004/6

Australasian general insurer Promina announced last Thursday (25 March) its first set of annual results since being spun off from Royal & Sun Alliance (R&SA) in an IPO last May.

Reports from the US suggest that hopes for meaningful reform to the asbestos litigation system may be alive and kicking, with a new bill based on proposals tabled last year to be put to the floor on 19 April.

Strong p/c performance could see Munich Re overtaken

Independent Lloyd’s insurer Omega Underwriting Holdings Ltd revealed last week that it made a 6.2 percent profit on capacity in the loss ravaged 2001 underwriting year.

Lloyd’s insurer Beazley has announced 2003 results in line with analysts’ forecasts.

Helicopter specialist Hardy Underwriting unveiled strong 2003 results last Wednesday (25 March), more than doubling pre-tax profits from £6.66mn to £14.35mn in the process.

Lloyd’s insurer SVB continued its upbeat recovery message last Wednesday (24 March) as it reported 2003 pre-tax profits of £17.8mn, or 3.8p a share, up from £10.1mn in 2002.

Lloyd’s insurer Catlin refused to comment today on speculation that its impending 1 April flotation may value the company below its initial pricing estimates.

Settlement process and accounting reform in the London Market could lead to increased business, members of the International Underwriting Association (IUA) have heard.

Bermudian specialty (re)insurer Alea announced last week the appointment of Mark L Ricciardelli as group president and COO. Ricciardelli joins the company from his position as president and CEO of the global casualty arm of General Electric's Employers Re

WTC leaseholder Silverstein Properties and insurers led by reinsurance giant Swiss Re are litigating over which contractual wordings the various parties used in placing the building’s insurance cover.

Bermudian (re)insurer Axis Capital Holdings has secured a $750mn credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders. In a press release dated 25 March, the company said the agreement was for an unsecured three-year facility that allows it to issue up to $750mn