Old Republic to Close Division

Old Republic International Corp. plans to close its general insurance business underwritten through the Old Republic Standard Underwriters division, headquartered in Houston. Formed in 1988, the group targeted grain elevator, petroleum and propane distribution, and natural gas utility accounts. The company said the unit’s gross premium production in 2000 was $27.7 million. Old Republic has no expectation that the runoff of this portion of its general insurance business will have a meaningful impact on operating results or financial standing.