May 2008/3

The two broking firms involved in a David and Goliath-style legal tussle over alleged aviation staff poaching and use of confidential information appeared in court last week.

Catlin Group Ltd is on track for its full-year forecast, as premium income remains flat in the first quarter of 2008, according to Numis Securities.

Foreign exchange losses sent PARIS RE to a $129.5mn first quarter net loss under IFRS reporting, against a comparable prior-year period net profit of $35.7mn.

The global (re)insurance industry is likely to emerge relatively unscathed from the Chinese earthquake in Sichuan province, despite economic losses estimated at between $10bn and $20bn.

Independent Services Group (ISG) is to launch a homeowners insurance business in Louisiana after agreeing a deal to buy run-off US insurer Americas Insurance Company (AIC) from insurance services company Whittington Group.

Munich Re Capital Markets placed "just under 40 percent" of the $300mn Muteki cat bond, revealed by our sister publication Trading Risk last week, with investors in the European Union and Switzerland.

Towergate Partnership has revealed 2007 group profit of £166mn on the basis of earnings before investment, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), which includes income from Payment Shield, Open GI, and The Broker Network.

American International Group (AIG) CEO Martin Sullivan was given the vote of confidence by the company's board last week, despite growing pressure from investors after two consecutive quarters of record losses.

A New York Federal court has dismissed fraudulent misconduct claims against Cavell USA Inc - an affiliate of Brandywine owner Randall & Quilter - and its chairman Ken Randall brought by US run-off insurers Seaton Insurance Company and Stonewall Insurance

The proposed sale of Heath Lambert's wholesale operations to Cooper Gay is coming under further pressure as executive opposition to the deal increases at the broker, The Insurance Insider can reveal.

Amlin's head of underwriting Tony Holt has sold £5.77mn worth of company shares - the vast majority of his holding - in a move that may further fuel speculation over his future at the Lloyd's insurer.

Private equity firms may team up with potential trade buyers to bid for Royal Bank of Scotland’s insurance division (RBSI) at a later stage in the bid process after being blocked from entering the first round of bidding.