March 2007/3

Western Australia has been hit by two cyclones, George and Jacob, over the past few days as the warning signs to (re)insurers that the wind could return with vengeance this year continue.

Willis Re has appointed the ex-Aon executive Donald MacDonald to become deputy managing director of its UK Reinsurance unit.

Maurice "Hank" Greenberg sold another chunk of his American International Group (AIG) shares netting around $28mn last week.

US regulators are continuing to stall on proposed measures to change collateral requirements for so-called "alien reinsurers".

The US government is set to introduce a bill to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) in April.

China Reinsurance is planning to raise up to $2.6bn in an IPO later this year.

"Class of 2005" insurer Lancashire Holdings revealed it is targetting premium growth of at least 20 percent in 2007 as it reported better than expected earnings per share of 40.9p - 9.1 percent ahead of analysts' consensus.

Lloyd's insurer Atrium Underwriting plc said its full-year results would be "materially ahead of current market expectations" after it improved its syndicate forecasts.

UK general insurer Royal & Sun Alliance (R&SA) saw its 2006 results slip into the red following the successful completion of the sale of its legacy US business, Arrowpoint Capital.

Lloyd's insurer Beazley Group plc joined its London rivals in benefiting from 2006's favourable conditions as it announced a rise of over 500 percent in its pre-tax profits.

The decision of Lloyd's insurer Hiscox Ltd to open a Bermudian underwriting platform has "paid off handsomely", according to Robert Hiscox, the firm's chairman.

Catlin Group has agreed to pay £16mn to Names who traded Wellington capacity in the Lloyd's auctions last year before the two insurers announced they were in takeover talks.