Westfield Expands Into International Specialty Insurance Business With Purchase of Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 From Argo Group

Rhea-AI Summary

Westfield announced its entry into the international specialty market by acquiring Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 from Argo Group International Holdings (NYSE: ARGO) for approximately $125 million. This strategic move follows Westfield's successful first year in the U.S. specialty market. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, positions Westfield to manage a substantial $650 million book of business. With industry veterans leading the initiative, Westfield aims to write an estimated $250 million in premiums during its first full year of operation.

Positive

• Acquisition accelerates Westfield's growth strategy in the international specialty market.
• The purchase price of approximately $125 million allows access to a $650 million book of business.
• Experienced leadership team expected to increase operational effectiveness.
• Targets to write $250 million in premium in 2022, indicating strong market entry.

Negative

• None.

WESTFIELD CENTER, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Successfully executing on its Specialty Insurance expansion strategy, Westfield today announced its entrance into the international specialty market via the purchase of Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 from Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO). As a leading property and casualty (P&C) insurance company in the United States, this acquisition accelerates Westfield Specialty’s^SM rapid growth after a strong first year in the U.S. market.

Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023 for a purchase price of approximately $125 million.

“This acquisition is our first step in establishing a global franchise for Westfield,” commented Ed Largent, Westfield President, CEO and Board Chair. “The international specialty market fits well with our growth ambitions and the opportunity with Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200 jump-starts our entry into this market.”

Syndicate 1200 has an estimated $650 million book of business, which is focused on various lines of specialty insurance. Lloyd’s holds licenses around the globe to underwrite property and casualty business with an “A+” S&P financial strength rating.

Westfield brings deep expertise and experience to the international specialty market. Westfield Specialty President and industry veteran Jack Kuhn has a proven track record of success leading global, multi-billion-dollar specialty businesses and emphasized Westfield’s commitment to international expansion.

“We’ve had our sights set on the international specialty market since launching our specialty business a year ago, so this is Westfield executing on our original strategy,” said Kuhn. “We considered multiple pathways but acquiring Syndicate 1200 emerged as a unique opportunity because it gets us into the international specialty market quickly with an established platform while capitalizing on current market dynamics.”

Kuhn recently announced Graham Evans to the Westfield Specialty executive management team as Executive Vice President, Head of International Insurance. Like Kuhn, Evans has deep international specialty expertise from leadership roles at Chubb, CNA, AXIS and his most recent role leading Endurance/Sompo’s European operations. Evans will develop Westfield Specialty’s international strategy and will lead the integration of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200.

“Jack and Graham have enjoyed a long professional relationship spanning more than 20 years in the international specialty market,” continued Largent. “Together, they will shape the business and build an even stronger portfolio of international business.”

The international operation will reside within Westfield Specialty, which currently writes specialty business in the U.S. Under Kuhn’s leadership, the team is targeted to write $250 million of premium in 2022 during its first full year of operation.

Largent echoes the long-term international commitment adding, “This is Westfield acting on a timely, strategic opportunity; investing in our business and deploying capital to create value for our customers. Like Lloyd’s, Westfield has a long history — approaching 175 years in business — and we couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter and working with the Syndicate 1200 team.”

Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, served as financial advisor to Westfield on this transaction.

Westfield is an $8.8 billion (GAAP assets) property-casualty insurance company underwriting commercial, personal, surety and specialty lines of insurance in the U.S.

About Westfield

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as a leading property and casualty (P&C) insurance company in the United States, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives.

Learn more about Westfield at www.westfieldinsurance.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220908005420/en/

Hadie Bartholomew, hadiebartholomew@westfieldgrp.com

Source: Westfield

FAQ

What acquisition did Westfield announce involving Argo Group (NYSE: ARGO)?

Westfield announced the acquisition of Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 from Argo Group for approximately $125 million.

How much does Syndicate 1200 contribute to Westfield's business?

Syndicate 1200 has an estimated $650 million book of business that Westfield will manage.

What is Westfield's target for premiums in its first full year of operation?

Westfield aims to write approximately $250 million in premium during its first full year of operation in 2022.

When is the acquisition of Syndicate 1200 expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2023, subject to regulatory approval.