An Irish-based insurer has today inked a $4.2 billion acquisition to make it one of the largest insurance and reinsurance players in the world.
Dublin-based XL Group today announced it had reached an agreement to acquire the Catlin Group, which is valued at roughly $4.2 billion according to terms of the acquisition.
If approved by shareholders, the deal would make XL Group one of the largest insurance and reinsurance players in the world; with Catlin’s portfolio, the company would be worth more than $12 billion.
Catlin Group Limited is a Bermuda-based specialty insurance and reinsurance company, operating six underwriting hubs worldwide and operating more than 55 offices worldwide.
XL Group CEO Mike McGavick hailed the potential combination as a chance to advance strategy and reach new markets.
“We are delighted to announce this compelling combination which positions us strongly to provide more—and even better—answers for the world’s most complex risks while enhancing our opportunities to create value for shareholders and better serve clients and brokers,” said McGavick.
“We believe the transaction will accelerate each company’s strategy, and address the meaningful structural changes we see shaping the P&C sector.”
Catlin, which first disclosed it was considering XL’s takeover offer, said it plans to advise shareholders to approve the deal.
“Together, the combined entity will be a market leading global specialty and property catastrophe insurer which will be far better positioned to respond to the changing dynamics that are impacting the broader insurance and reinsurance markets,” said Catlin CEO Stephen Catlin.
The acquisition is expected to be scheduled in the second quarter, the deal complete in mid-2015.
