Bermuda News

S&P Rates Catlin Re ‘A’; Sees ‘Key Benefits’ from Swiss-based Subsidiary

Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has assigned its ‘A’ counterparty credit and financial strength ratings to Switzerland-based Catlin Re Switzerland (CRCH), a new insurance entity created as a subsidiary to Catlin Insurance Co. Ltd. (CICL; A/Stable). The outlook is stable. …

Best Affirms Amlin AG’s ‘A’ Ratings

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a” of Swiss-based Amlin AG, a reinsurance subsidiary of the Amlin Group, which was formerly based in Bermuda as …

Everest Re in Negotiations to Acquire Heartland Crop Insurance

The Bermuda-based Everest Re Group announced that it has entered into discussions with Heartland Crop Insurance, Inc. regarding a potential acquisition of the Kansas-based company by Everest Reinsurance Holdings, Inc. or one of its affiliates. Everest Re said the “parties …

Best Affirms Ratings of Lloyd’s Syndicate 2001 and Amlin plc

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit rating of “aa-” of Lloyd’s Syndicate 2001, which is managed by Amlin Underwriting Limited. Best has also affirmed the ICR of …

Ratings Roundup: NIPPONKOA (Asia), Aspen (Notes), Asia Capital

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a” of Hong Kong-based NIPPONKOA Insurance Company (Asia) Limited, both with stable outlooks. The rating affirmations reflect NIPPONKOA Asia’s “sound risk-based capitalization, high …

Greenfield Named Executive Vice President at The Hanover

Massachusetts-based insurer The Hanover has appointed David B. Greenfield as executive vice president and senior finance officer. Greenfield will assume the roles of chief financial officer and principal accounting officer in March. Greenfield most recently served as executive vice president …

PartnerRe Ups New Zealand Quake Loss Estimates to $140-$160 Million

Bermuda-based PartnerRe Ltd. Has updated its loss estimate relating to the September 3, 2010 New Zealand earthquake. The Company said it “now expects its loss estimate for the New Zealand Earthquake to be in the range of $140 – $160 …

Beazley Withdraws Offer for Hardy after ‘Final Proposal’ is Rejected

In a brief announcement Lloyd’s insurers Beazley plc and Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited noted that Beazley has withdrawn its offer to acquire Hardy. The decision to withdraw the offer follows Hardy’s rejection of Beazley’s “final proposal,” submitted to Hardy’s Board …

Ratings Roundup: Dongbu, Afianzadora, BNY Trade, Unive Her

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of “a” of South Korea’s Dongbu Insurance Company, Ltd., both with stable outlooks. Best said the ratings reflect Dongbu’s “strong capitalization and favorable operating …

PartnerRe Repurchases App. 1.7% of Common Shares Outstanding

Bermuda-based PartnerRe Ltd. announced the repurchase of 1,283,336 common shares in a privately negotiated transaction with an institutional shareholder. The shares, totaling approximately 1.7 percent of total common shares outstanding as of September 30, 2010 were purchased at a price …