Greece News

Best Affirms, Withdraws Groupama Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” of France’s Groupama S.A. Best also affirmed the FSR of ‘A’ (Excellent) and ICR of “a” of Groupama Vie and …

International Chamber of Commerce is Pessimistic on Global Economy

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reported from its Paris office that its “ICC/Ifo global climate index in July fell for the fourth consecutive quarter in a row since sentiment became downbeat last summer, recording its lowest level since 2001. …

World Trade Talks Stall as Troubles Grow

Progress towards a global trade deal ground to a halt on Monday as the United States clashed with China and India over access to their rapidly growing markets and key European Union states demanded better terms. Negotiators battled over a …

RMS, AIR Analyze Greek Quake

Risk Management Solutions and AIR Worldwide have both issued bulletins analyzing the effects of a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Western Greece at 03:26 p.m. local time on Sunday, June 8. RMS said that according to “preliminary reports from the …

Safety Summit Follows Deadly NYC Crane Collapse

New York City Buildings Department officials gathered for an emergency safety summit Saturday after the city’s second deadly crane collapse in recent weeks, while lawmakers warned of dangers in New York’s building boom — especially the 250 cranes still up …

Business Moves

Areté Partners Ronald J. Leston, broker, financial planner and benefits/retirement consultant, announced the launch of Areté Partners LLC, a Denver-based management and human capital consultancy that will offer insurance brokerage, benefits consulting and financial services to clients in North, Central …

International Insurance Firm Opens in Denver

Ronald J. Leston, broker, financial planner and benefits/retirement consultant, announced the launch of Areté Partners LLC, a Denver-based management and human capital consultancy that will offer insurance brokerage, benefits consulting, financial services to clients in North, Central and South America. …

Judge Upholds Conn. Widow’s Settlement

A Greenwich, Connecticut probate judge has upheld a settlement of more than $1 million between a cruise ship line and the widow of a missing passenger. George Smith IV of Greenwich had been on a 12-night honeymoon cruise aboard a …

Lloyd’s Warns on Europe Quake Risks

The early morning earthquake that struck Market Rasen in Lincolnshire recently was literally a wake-up call for many people. (See IJ web site – https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2008/02/28/87725.htm). With likely insured losses of between £15 million and £30 million, the magnitude 5.2 ‘quake …

Zurich Names Patton, Constantinou to Climate Initiative Team

Zurich Financial Services Group announced the appointment of Lindene Patton and Elpida Constantinou to key positions within its Climate Office, both will report to Michael Kerner, Global Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Zurich’s Climate Initiative. Patton, 43 and a …