TORONTO, Dec. 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) (TSX: FFH and FFH.U) announces that it has entered into a binding agreement with CVC Capital Partners (“CVC”) to sell all of its interests in RiverStone Europe to CVC Strategic Opportunities Fund II. OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees, has also agreed to sell all of its interests in RiverStone Europe as part of the transaction.

The purchase price to be received by Fairfax on closing of the transaction is approximately US$750 million.   Fairfax will also be entitled to receive up to US$235.7 million post-closing under a contingent value instrument. Luke Tanzer will remain the Managing Director of RiverStone Europe and Nick Bentley, the Chief Executive Officer of the RiverStone Group, will remain on the board of RiverStone Europe post-closing.

After closing, RiverStone Europe will also operate under the name RiverStone International and will seek to continue its successful track record of acquisitions and growth led by its existing management team.

“We are very pleased to enter into this transaction with CVC,” said Prem Watsa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax. “RiverStone Europe is an industry leader in run-off insurance services, and CVC’s scale and vision will give RiverStone Europe, under the continued leadership of Luke and his management team, the opportunity to further grow the business. Nick and Luke are also fully supportive of this transaction, based on their strong beliefs that it was the best way for RiverStone Europe to continue to grow and pursue run-off transactions. We wish Luke and all of the employees at RiverStone Europe much success in the future.   Fairfax remains committed to continuing to grow its other European businesses, including its Lloyd’s of London activities.”

“I am extremely happy to partner with CVC in this next chapter of our development,” said Luke Tanzer, Managing Director of RiverStone Europe. “This transaction will provide us with a runway for further growth as we continue to offer the most trusted and effective run-off solutions in the insurance market. We look forward to joining the CVC family and benefitting from their deep experience of financial services, global network and long term pool of capital.”

“As one of the largest global consolidators of non-life run-off insurance books, with a leading position in the UK and Lloyd’s market, embedded cash flows and a predictable financial profile, RiverStone Europe is ideally suited to CVC’s Strategic Opportunities platform, which specializes in backing established businesses in stable markets that have long term growth ambitions,” said Peter Rutland, Managing Partner and Head of Financial Services at CVC. “We have got to know RiverStone and Fairfax over many years, and are delighted to now have the opportunity to work with Luke Tanzer and his experienced team.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including various regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in early 2021.

Fairfax is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.

CVC is making this acquisition through Strategic Opportunities Fund II, a vehicle designed to invest in high-quality businesses that are suited to longer hold investment horizons.

Oslo and London: 2 June 2020 – Skuld, a leading marine insurance provider, today announces that it has reached an agreement with The RiverStone Group (“RiverStone”) for the sale of its Lloyd’s Syndicate 1897, which was placed into run-off in July 2019. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Following a competitive process which began in autumn 2019, Skuld selected RiverStone as run-off provider for Syndicate 1897 from a number of bidders. Once the transfer of the management of corporate members to RiverStone is complete, Skuld will achieve economic and legal finality on the syndicate.

Skuld will continue to underwrite all its hull and offshore energy business as Skuld Hull, the A-rated corporate platform of Skuld Assuranceforeningen, through Skuld UK in London and Skuld Marine Agency in Oslo.

The majority of liabilities within Skuld Syndicate 1897 relate to marine hull & machinery and energy business. Willis Tower Watson Securities served as adviser to both parties in concluding the agreement.

Ståle Hansen, Skuld President and CEO, said: “Skuld remains resolutely focused on the best outcome for our clients and members. We have successfully transitioned our non-P&I clients from Syndicate 1897 to Skuld Hull, our company-market platform, and the sale of the Skuld Syndicate portfolio is a significant step in improving Skuld’s operational efficiency.

“Professional support and honouring the solemn promise to our insureds were at the core of thinking throughout this process. RiverStone has an outstanding reputation in the legacy market and we have full confidence they will ensure the highest levels of service and claims handling to all of our clients.”

Luke Tanzer, Managing Director of RiverStone UK, added: “We are delighted to announce this transaction with Skuld, an outstanding marine insurer with a market-leading reputation. RiverStone is a respected and longstanding legacy provider that delivers on the promise to insureds and will continue to do so for all policyholders of Syndicate 1897.

“The Skuld Management Team has been resolutely professional throughout this process and it has been a great pleasure to work with them. We have worked closely and collaboratively with the Skuld team to ensure that their strategic objectives are achieved through this transaction and our responsible management and adherence to our core principles, will ensure that their insureds continue to receive the highest possible level of service and that their excellent reputation is maintained.”

As we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time, we want to share some of the steps that we are taking to maintain business continuity and the support of our clients, business partners and teams across the U.K and U.S.

Last week saw the closure of all our U.K and U.S offices and the activation of our business continuity plans.
We have invested in better communication platforms and our ability to work remotely, but not in isolation with regular team calls via both telephone and video taking place.

Our response plan

• We designated various task forces both in the U.K. and the U.S. to ensure we continue to provide seamless operations and first-class service.
• We established a support network to ensure our employees have access to the right services to help them navigate this difficult time and to look after their mental well-being.

We are incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts in keeping the company running seamlessly, delivering on our promises and the tremendous team spirit demonstrated by all.
We remain confident in our ability to continue to operate remotely, keeping open communications with all our clients, business partners and teams across the U.K and U.S and would like to thank everyone for their outstanding efforts.

In view of the continued disruption caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, please be rest assured that our priority is to continue to provide the first-class client service to which you’ve become accustomed, while protecting the health and safety of our team and their friends and families.

Accordingly, we have taken the decision to close all of our offices across the U.K. and U.S. 

We are committed to minimising any disruption. All key personal and functions will operate remotely, accessing systems that ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of email, documents and servicing.

We are completely confident in our ability to seamlessly maintain operations and will continue to monitor the situation closely and review all our procedures accordingly.

RiverStone is pleased to announce that, with effect from 31 January 2020, a portfolio of reinsurance business has been transferred from the UK branch of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company, Ltd (“ADI”) to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

This transfer provides ADI with legal and economic finality in respect of the transferred portfolio and enables ADI to focus its resources on its core business.

For further information please contact:
Luke Tanzer
Managing Director
RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited
Luke.Tanzer@rsml.co.uk

10 February 2020 – RiverStone has completed its RITC transaction with The Channel Syndicate, SCOR Specialty’s Lloyd’s arm. The transaction is effective from 1 January 2020, and covers the 2017 and prior years of account of Syndicate 2015. RiverStone and Channel are working closely together to ensure the continuity of their excellent service to all stakeholders.

“We are delighted that Channel has chosen us to help deliver their strategic aims,” said Luke Tanzer, Managing Director of RiverStone UK. “This transaction will enable Channel to concentrate on their ongoing core business safe in the knowledge that their reputation will be protected by RiverStone’s commitment and focus on the delivery of excellence in the management of legacy business.”

RiverStone Managing Agency Limited and its service company, RiverStone Management Limited, will be managing the business with effect from 1 April 2020. Until this date, Channel will retain the day-to-day management of the portfolio on behalf of RiverStone.

This transaction, brokered by Guy Carpenter, enables SCOR to deploy its capital efficiently and for RiverStone to bring its claims management expertise and focus onto this portfolio.

For further information please contact:

Luke Tanzer
Managing Director
RiverStone Managing Agency Limited
Luke.Tanzer@rsml.co.uk

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) (TSX: FFH and FFH.U) and OMERS, the pension plan for Ontario’s municipal employees, are pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement pursuant to which OMERS will acquire a 40% interest in Fairfax’s UK run-off group, RiverStone UK.

The transaction gives RiverStone UK the joint operational expertise of Fairfax and OMERS and the flexibility to raise inexpensive capital, while enabling Fairfax to focus on significant premium growth in the ongoing insurance and reinsurance businesses. The investment provides RiverStone UK with additional flexibility to raise capital at historically low rates in Europe in order to opportunistically pursue UK run-off transactions. Luke Tanzer will remain CEO of RiverStone UK post-closing.

“We welcome OMERS’ investment in RiverStone UK and the opportunity it brings to continue to offer the most trusted and effective run-off solutions in the insurance market,” said Luke Tanzer, CEO of Riverstone UK.

“When Nick Bentley and Luke Tanzer expressed their desire to take steps to bring partners into the UK run-off business, OMERS was the natural choice given our past successes together,” said Prem Watsa, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax. “OMERS’ investment and their ability to work jointly with Luke and his team will provide RiverStone UK with the opportunity to prudently leverage the business and pursue opportunistic transactions.”

“The acquisition of RiverStone UK advances our strategy to make investments that can generate sustainable, stable income and growth,” said Ken Miner, Executive Vice President and Global Head of OMERS Capital Markets. “We are excited to work with Fairfax to maximize the value of this asset for our members.”

The cash purchase price for the RiverStone UK investment of at least US$560 million, subject to certain book value adjustments at closing, will result in Fairfax recording a gain of approximately US$280 million before tax (an increase in book value per basic share of Fairfax of approximately US$10 before tax on a pro forma basis).

Upon completion of the transaction, Fairfax will deconsolidate the UK run-off group and apply the equity method of accounting for its remaining interest. Fairfax may further monetize its remaining interest in UK run-off in the future although the company also retains the flexibility to repurchase its interest over time.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020.

The 2020 edition of the annual Cayman Captive magazine by Captive International features an article written by Matt Kunish, RiverStone’s Chief Business Development Officer.

In the article, Matt talks about run-off as a strategic tool in the captive market. He explains reasons why captive owners can look to run-off as an exit strategy for their captives and how run-off providers like RiverStone can effectively help captive owners achieve their economic, legal and/or operational objectives.

Read the full article and view ad.

Mark Bannister, RiverStone Chief Operating Officer (far left) with the BPL Global team.

Congratulations to BPL Global, winners of the Broking Firm of the Year award at last night’s Insurance Day Awards 2019 ceremony.

Riverstone was proud to sponsor this award in memory of Brian Caudle, founder of Syndicate 780.

Brian was a long-term business partner and friend of RiverStone and its affiliates. He was awarded Insurance Day’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Worldwide Reinsurance Awards in 2012 for his 60 years of service in the industry.

RiverStone is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cayman-based captives, GMPCI Insurance Company, Ltd. (“GMPCI”) and Seaside Indemnity Alliance Company, Ltd. (“Seaside”).

Seaside was formed in 2013 for the purpose of assuming hospital and physician professional liabilities in Connecticut.

GMPCI was formed in 2005 to insure anaesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anaesthetists and registered nurses, primarily in Massachusetts.

“We are very excited to complete our first transactions in the captive space,” said Matt Kunish, Chief Business Development Officer of RiverStone. “We were able to provide a solution as part of a larger transaction. With over 20 years’ experience in the traditional insurance markets, we look forward to using our expertise in the captive space. In addition to providing insurance risk solutions, we also see an opportunity to use our skills to provide other services to the captive industry, including claim handling services.”

What were the big themes people are talking about at Insurance 3.0?

Mike: Some of the big themes we saw centered around artificial intelligence and machine learning, and how technology is continuing to force the insurance industry to evolve. A big topic on everyone’s mind is data and how to “productize” and monetize it. Insurance has always been data driven, but the level of insights is getting more prescriptive and precise. For example, everyone has an driver’s auto insurance policy, but based on the speed with which you take turns and how aggressively you brake and accelerate, it could impact your renewal rates. In the not-to-distant future, more conservative drivers will get lower rates.

Beth: Change was a big theme – not only from a technical perspective, but from a workforce perspective. The changing workforce is driving the imperative for companies to examine both workplace and hiring practices. From flexible work arrangements becoming a must-have to attract Gen Z workers, to providing a clearly defined growth path for new hires and the need for daily management feedback conversations (orally!), the discussion was all about how companies need to evolve to attract talent.

With the use of data increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator, were there any concerns about how data is used and secured?

Beth: Cyber security insurance and services were a prominent topic at the conference. The increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks both from a human and technical engineering perspective is increasing the challenge of cyber security exponentially. With large-scale cyber attaches, “black hats” are patient, and will wait sometimes for years to enact an attack.

Mike: For example, getting a “blue screen of death” is a pretty common occurrence, but black hats can be using this as a smoke screen to infect company devices and get login credentials. They then would work their way to financial machines to target the banks we work with. This is called a stepping stone attack, an attack where we may not be the primary target, but we are used to access the real target.

As far as how data is being used, most companies are very careful to ensure that data is being used to benefit the customer and create better products. At the end of the day, in the UK (and likely soon in the US), you own your data, so part of your personal cyber hygiene regiment should be to understand who has your data and for what purpose.

You mentioned that technology is driving the imperative for insurance companies to change. Could you tell us more about that?

Mike: Expectations are changing in the world. Profit margins are smaller. End-users are expecting a customer-centered focus at a lower cost. Technology and process optimization whether it is AI, data, better systems or better processes aren’t “nice to haves” any more. It’s critical for all of us to think about how we can change and evolve to anticipate both customer needs and a changing competitive market. If we don’t, someone else will.

Beth: We saw a number of pitches from start-ups trying to disrupt the insurance industry, from outside and from within. These start-ups have very similar ideas to what we’re working to do at RiverStone from a data science and technology perspective. RiverStone has a deep pool of resources that will help us capitalize on what we are working to do.

What’s your favorite part about visiting London?

Mike: Our London colleagues are so welcoming, which makes the long journey worth it. They always provide a different perspective, which we need in our innovation efforts. It also doesn’t hurt that the office is in the coolest part of London, right near the Tower of London.

Beth: I’m always awed by how old London is compared to cities in the U.S. The London office is right by a section of wall that dates back to Roman times – you can reach out and touch it! And the Brit building is truly impressive – and has a terrifying elevator ride up to the 39th floor.

Matt, this was your 4th year at the Rendezvous de Septembre in Monte Carlo, can you give us your highlights?

The two main Run-off events, which were the IRLA Breakfast Meeting and the PWC survey of non-life legacy insurance business briefing, had more attendees than ever before. I think this is a further testament of how the legacy market is firmly established in the reinsurance space.

What do you think the biggest opportunities will be in the next 6 months?

Having met with many brokers and intermediaries, the common perception is that deals activity is significant at the moment. In the UK there is an expectation that business will come from the Lloyd’s market in the fourth quarter. In the U.S. the opportunities are more fragmented, but hopefully we’ll see a first IBT transaction in Oklahoma by the end of the year.

What made the 63rd edition different for you?

It has to be the rain (and general lack of umbrellas), a first for me in 4 years!

Duncan, this was your 12th year in Monte Carlo. You joined RiverStone from a live syndicate, 780, how is run-off viewed by the ‘live markets’?

With the increase in technical analysis, capital adequacy and the simple need to make a profit, all the ‘live markets’ we spoke to viewed run-off as a much more strategic function that many are now starting to explore.

Whether companies are looking to release and get more efficient use of capital or just to rid themselves of poor performing areas of the business, they were all very keen to understand the offerings of the legacy space in terms of structures and who the key players are.

How is RiverStone different?

Our ability to perform underwriting actions by skilled practitioners on pseudo-live accounts was seen by all as a key differentiator between us and our competitors. Brokers placing live business never get exposure to our competitors and never discuss legacy issues. Our relationships with brokers and clients on ongoing business will without doubt open doors that our competitors just don’t know exist.

Is there a favourite restaurant you have eaten at in the last 12 years whilst attending the Rendez-Vous?

Anjuna Beach at Eze Bay, partially owned by – and a favourite haunt of – David Evans and Paul Hewson aka The Edge and Bono (U2).

Nina Lynn Caroselli, Esq., Executive Vice President and Special Counsel of RiverStone, is co-chairing Perrin Conferences’ National Asbestos Litigation Conference September 9-11 in San Francisco, California. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the conference, which continues to provide the most significant, comprehensive, and balanced forum in asbestos litigation. Michael Owen, Vice President Asbestos Claims, will be presenting on the opening panel: “National Trends Driving Asbestos Litigation”. Additional RiverStone managers will be presenting on topics including: “Insurer and Policyholder Relationship”, “Data and Technology in Asbestos Litigation” and “Medicare Secondary Payer Responsibilities”.

PERRIN CONFERENCES’ NATIONAL ASBESTOS LITIGATION CONFERENCE

There were nearly 100 companies exhibiting at VCIA, featuring the newest product and service developments for Captive professionals, what do you think RiverStone, being a new member, brought to the table?

Marcy: As a run-off specialist, I think RiverStone brought a new perspective on exit strategies for Captive owners. We have a lot of experience in whole or partial liability transfer and in reinsuring selected liabilities. We have a proven track record of working with regulators, and a culture of compliance, which makes RiverStone a safe pair of hands not only for captive owners, but also for policyholders, and regulators.

From a regulatory and legislative perspective, where do you think the biggest challenge lays within the Captive world and how can RiverStone help?

John: Two challenges stand out to me. First, I think captives are still seen as this niche that many people, including people experienced within insurance, don’t quite understand. Second, many captive owners are not “insurance people,” so to speak. Because we are an insurance company and have been engaged with other stakeholders (including regulators), we can help bridge some gaps that may exist. We can work with captive owners in navigating the insurance and regulatory landscape as they seek solutions to issues they are encountering, and we can work with regulators and legislators applying our experience and expertise in the more traditional insurance space to captive insurance.

And the biggest opportunity?

John: Our biggest opportunity relates to shaping the conversation and influencing the landscape around captives and captive regulation. Being part of Fairfax brings instant credibility, and being a run-off specialist allows us to explain what we can do with a certain authority. We can draw upon our background to explain where we can add value with respect to captive insurance. As we contribute to the captive industry and make connections within it, we can be seen as a “safe pair of hands” to policyholders and policymakers alike.

The VCIA experience is designed to educate new captive industry professionals, can you give us an overview of RiverStone’s contribution?

Marcy: Matt Kunish, RiverStone’s Chief Business Development Officer, had the opportunity to be part of a panel discussion centred on run-off and exit strategies for Captives. This is a timely topic and RiverStone is uniquely positioned to provide guidance and expertise as many captive owners are starting to consider exit strategies.

What sets VCIA apart from other industry events?

John: Despite its size (over 1000 attendees), the conference is very accessible for a newbie. The other attendees and conference staff are friendly and eager to assist. People want to engage with you, and the exhibit hall was an excellent example of that. It was a hive of activity! Plus, there was a nice mix of educational and networking sessions to ensure there is something for everybody.

Marcy: VICA brings together a myriad of professionals related to the captive space in a very supportive and collaborative manner.

And finally, tell us something we don’t know about Burlington VT

John: If you like craft beer, Burlington is one of the great hubs of American craft beer production. Also, there is a lot more to Vermont craft beer than Heady Topper (although Heady Topper is quite good).

Marcy: Burlington has a vibrant Al fresco summer dining scene!

Click here to download our Captive Overview Sheet

MANCHESTER, N.H. – July 5,2019 – RiverStone is pleased to announce the acquisition of Rockville Risk Management and E.R. Quinn Company (collectively, “Rockville”). Rockville is a New York based, privately-owned third-party administrator and loss adjusting company that provides comprehensive claim services to insurers, syndicates, managing general agents, re-insurers and self-insureds.

Rockville will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary of RiverStone to preserve the services its clients have come to depend on.

“Rockville is well-respected in the insurance industry as a trusted partner with a track record of more than thirty years of success,” said Nick Bentley, President and CEO of RiverStone. “This acquisition is a natural addition to RiverStone’s offerings and will accelerate our growth in the insurance services market. We look forward to welcoming the Rockville team.”

“Becoming part of RiverStone and the Fairfax family will enable us to continue to grow and strengthen our position as a leading insurance service provider in the U.S. and across Europe,” said Edward R. Quinn, Jr., President and CEO of Rockville Quinn Management.

About Rockville

Rockville’s history dates back to the founding of E.R. Quinn Company in 1983, as an independent investigative and adjusting company serving the insurance and self-insured industry in the Greater New York Area. In 2003, Rockville Risk Management was formed as a third-party administrator, further enhancing the scope of claims management solutions provided for insurers, syndicates, managing general agents, reinsurers and self-insureds. Currently, Rockville’s operations include managing claims portfolios worldwide, loss adjusting, social media investigations, risk management consulting, auditing, and brokerage services

On June 6th RiverStone attended the AIRROC annual conference in New York City, we caught up with Matt Kunish who represented our Company at this industry event.

Matt has since travelled to Brighton (UK) to attend IRLA’s annual congress, where he noticed some common themes.

Q: What is AIRROC and what role does it play within the Legacy world?

AIRROC is the Association of Insurance and Reinsurance Run-off Companies, a non-profit association of companies that have run-off business in their portfolio. The mission is to promote and represent the interests of entities with legacy business by improving industry standards and enhancing knowledge and communications within and outside of the (re) insurance industry.

Q: RiverStone is one of the 47 member companies, what role does it play and why is it important to be part of this association?

RiverStone has been a long-standing member and has provided a number of members of the Board of Directors. AIRROC’s mission directly aligns with the RiverStone business model. The events it organizes brings together many of the people we do business with on a daily basis into one place making it easy to have multiple discussions.

Q: You recently attended IRLA’s Annual Conference in Brighton (UK), what would you say is the main difference between these two events?

AIRROC seems to attract a more senior group of attendees. The regulatory landscape is different between the US and UK so those topics tend to be location specific.

Q: Were there any common themes discussed at this year’s AIRROC and IRLA events?

The level of interest in run-off solutions is probably at an all-time high on both sides of the Atlantic. Both events were also lucky to have Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready in attendance discussing the Insurance Business Transfer (IBT) legislation that mirrors very closely the Part VII process in the UK.

Q: Why is this an exciting time for the legacy world?

For so long the legacy space has been viewed as a last resort option. We are now seeing that it is a strategic tool for all companies in the Insurance and Reinsurance space.

Q: And finally.. Brighton or New York City?

Well,the weather was better in NYC!! We have offices in Brighton and I have previously worked in NYC so I’m a bit torn. I do really enjoy walking around NYC early in the morning watching the city wake up – it does have a unique energy.

Matt is RiverStone Chief Business Development Officer, based in Manchester, N.H. He can be contacted at matt_kunish@trg.com

Recently RiverStone UK sponsored the Insurance and Reinsurance Legacy Association (IRLA’s) annual conference at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

Claims Director Stephen Roberts has formally become IRLA’s new Chairman, succeeding Paul Corver. We caught up with Stephen on his new appointment and the role of IRLA in our industry.

Q: What is IRLA and what role does it play within the Legacy world?

IRLA has a wide membership, which include buyers and sellers of legacy (re)insurance and a wide range of service providers, including the intermediaries that bring potential deals to the market. IRLA considers itself to be “the voice of legacy” encouraging and supporting the legacy market, providing networking opportunities, training and development. We also work with regulators to disseminate regulatory information and debate matters of interest to the legacy market.

Q: RiverStone is a main sponsor of the annual conference, can you tell us more about the role we play from within and why is it important?

Riverstone has been a long term supporter of IRLA, recognising, the benefit of developing a professional market for legacy transactions. We also support IRLA’s aim to develop legacy market professionals, through the IRLA Young Professionals Group (YPG) and the IRLA mentoring scheme.

Q: Many congratulations on your appointment, can you tell us more about your Chairman role?

Thank you! Having been a board member of IRLA for four years, I was excited by the opportunity that chairing IRLA presents. It enables me to champion professional development within the legacy market space and to demonstrate the high degree of skill and professionalism we can bring to resolving legacy claims.

Q: What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the industry and the association?

Ensuring that we maintain our discipline as a market as we grow, thereby retaining the confidence and support of our clients and the regulators.

Q: What do you hope will be your biggest achievement?

Confirmation from our members that IRLA helped make Legacy a market of innovation and career opportunity and that we were able to create elegant and fair solutions to historical claims issues.

Q: And finally, why is the Legacy market an exciting place to be in right now?

There are new models being developed for legacy disposals in the USA and surveys showing multi-billions of dollars of potential legacy business along-side of an active and growing market; there are tremendous opportunities for legacy acquirers and the potential to be engaged in solving some of the most complex (re) insurance issues of our time.

On April 11th, RiverStone attended the Fairfax Annual General Meeting held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Ontario. For the second consecutive year, RiverStone had a booth at the event showcasing its brand, complete with striking banners, information sheets, and branded swag.

The event was another huge success as the booth drew attention and sparked conversation from shareholders and affiliates alike.

We look forward to attending again in 2020.

With effect from 30th November 2018, RiverStone completed the acquisition of certain discontinued business from Brit Syndicate 2987 (“Brit”) through a loss portfolio transfer (“LPT”) reinsurance arrangement. The business comprises of the following two portfolios:

1. Non-US Professional Indemnity (“Non-US PI”) portfolio – excess of loss insurance business written from 2002 to 2017 covering risks emanating primarily from the UK and Australia; and
2. Historical discontinued legacy portfolios
   • UK employers’ liability (“EL”) and public liability (“PL”) business written from 2002 to 2014; and
   • Aviation Hull and Cargo business written from 2002 to 2004; and discontinued UK property and professional indemnity business written from 2002 to 2012.

Please direct any correspondence pertaining to risks written in these portfolios within the stated years of account to their dedicated mailboxes at RiverStone, as follows:

• Non-US Professional Indemnity to Legatum_PI@rsml.co.uk
• UK Employers’ and Public Liability to Legatum_EL_PL@rsml.co.uk
• Aviation Hull and Cargo to Legatum_Discontinued@rsml.co.uk

Please note, that under the LPT, RiverStone has assumed the responsibility of handling all claims within the portfolio, however in the event that a claim is directed to RiverStone or Brit Syndicates in error, it will be redirected to the correct handling entity and you will be informed of any such redirection.

For further information please contact:

Luke Tanzer
Managing Director
RiverStone Managing Agency Limited
Luke.Tanzer@rsml.co.uk

RiverStone is pleased to announce that with effect from 1 January 2019 all years of account of Lloyd’s Syndicate 780, which were under the management of Advent Underwriting Limited, have been novated to the management of RiverStone Managing Agency Limited.

RiverStone is also delighted to welcome 51 London-based colleagues who will transfer from Advent to RiverStone, bringing a wealth of experience and skills across all aspects of the business.  The extended team will continue to work out of our London office at number 2 Minster Court. 

This novation results from a strategic review by Advent of its business model in July 2018, with the consequent changes being implemented by Advent and RiverStone over the course of the 4^th Quarter 2018.

For further information please contact:

Luke Tanzer 
Managing Director 
RiverStone Managing Agency Limited
Luke.Tanzer@rsml.co.uk

RiverStone was proud to sponsor the Broking Team of the Year award at last week’s Insurance Day London Market Awards ceremony in memory of Brian Caudle, founder of Syndicate 780.

Brian was a long-term business partner and friend of RiverStone and its affiliates. He was awarded Insurance Day’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Worldwide Reinsurance Awards in 2012 for his 60 years of service in the industry. Congratulations to AON Securities on winning this category.

Effective October 1st 2018 (re)insurer, RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited (“RiverStone”) have taken on a new historical disease liability book of business from AXA Insurance UK plc (“AXA”)

AXA’s book of UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man employers’ liability and public liability policies issued prior to 1st January 2002 will transfer to RiverStone, while disease claims related to AXA policies issued between the same date and 31st December 2014 will be reinsured by RiverStone.

This includes claims relating to mesothelioma, noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and other industrial related diseases.

The transfer was sanctioned by the High Court on September 14th 2018 as an insurance business transfer pursuant to Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“Part VII Transfer”).

On October 1st 2018 Riverstone officially opened a new office in Ipswich Suffolk to accommodate 39 AXA Liabilities Managers’ employees who have transferred to the RiverStone Group. These employees were responsible for the day to day management and administration of the book of business for AXA and their transfer ensures continuity of service for customers.

This does not affect any other part of the AXA Liabilities Managers’ or AXA’s operations.

Nick Bentley, President of the RiverStone Group said:

“RiverStone are delighted to be have partnered with AXA on these transactions. We have worked closely and collaboratively with AXA to ensure that their strategic objectives are achieved, and through our responsible management and adherence to our core principle of treating customers and other stakeholders fairly, we will ensure that their excellent reputation is maintained. This is a ground-breaking achievement being the first significant Part VII transfer comprising solely Employers Liability and Public Liability policies. The timely completion of the Part VII is testament to RiverStone’s ability to design and execute complex finality solutions in accordance with our partners expectations and our own high standards.”

On April 26th, RiverStone attended the Fairfax Annual General Meeting held at the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, Ontario. Each year, Prem Watsa, founder, chairman and CEO of Fairfax invites representatives of all Fairfax companies and its shareholders to learn of prior year financial results and future initiatives.

For the first time, RiverStone had a booth at the event showcasing its new brand, complete with striking banners, information sheets, and branded swag. The event was a huge success as the booth drew attention and sparked conversation from shareholders and affiliates alike.

RiverStone cares not only about its associates, but also about the communities that it is a part of. The company gives back to those communities throughout the year and encourages associates to do the same. However, once a year, RiverStone dedicates a full Spirit Week to raise money for foodbanks in the three communities that it calls home: Manchester, NH, San Diego, CA and Atlanta, GA.

The theme for 2018’s event was Survivor. Three teams were formed to foster friendly competition with activities held throughout the week that promoted teamwork, creativity and fun to see which team could Outwit, Outplay and Outlast the others. Gauntlets were thrown, challenges were made and team-colored buffs were worn with pride. There was something for everyone, including daily outfit competitions (polka dots and stripes oh my!), lunch time School Yard games (hopscotch, penny tossing and Four Square), trivia (did you know that Mario was originally called “Jumpman”?) and an intense Lip Sync battle featuring a surprise appearance by ZZ Top (made up of our enthusiastic Executive Leadership team).

RiverStone successfully achieved 100% associate participation in the event and the week culminated with a fierce competition of Human Hungry Hungry Hippos featuring members of our fearless management team. While a lot of fun was had, the most amazing outcome was seeing the tremendous generosity of RiverStone associates. RiverStone matched associate donations 3-to-1 and the total that was raised came to just under $184,000! Considering that the foodbanks can provide multiple meals for every dollar raised, the donation will provide a significant contribution to help those in need.

For more information about the individual foodbanks, please see the links below:
New Hampshire: https://www.nhfoodbank.org/
San Diego: https://sandiegofoodbank.org
Atlanta: http://www.acfb.org

Each year our associates choose a charitable cause local to each of our UK office locations to receive a donation from the Company. For 2017 the charity chosen by our Darlington office is The Great North Air Ambulance who bring pioneering pre-hospital care to hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year. They have received a corporate donation of £11,000. The charity chosen by our London office is King’s College Hospital. Their corporate donation of £36,000 will help fund their Critical Care Unit. The charity chosen by our Brighton office is RISE who help those across Brighton, Hove and Sussex who have been affected by domestic abuse, giving them practical support to rebuild safer lives. They have received a corporate donation of £92,000.

Through associate donations which are triple matched by the Company, in addition to ad hoc corporate donations, we have also raised money for a variety of charities such as the British Heart Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, Railway Children, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, National Literacy Trust, Cystic Fibrosis, Mind, Cancer Research UK and YoungMinds Trust.

The total raised by associates so far this year is £7,042 and the total matched or donated by RiverStone so far is £160,875.

Craig Brown, Deputy General Counsel and Vice President, will be speaking at the second annual DRI Northeast Regional Claims Conference, September 20, 2016, at Hilton Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Brown will be speaking at the conference on September 20 at 2:00 pm in the session titled ‘Putting Your Best Foot Forward: How to Prepare the Corporate Witness’.

This one-day regional seminar is designed for in-house insurer counsel, claim professionals and their managers, and outside defense counsel in the Northeast who primarily handle insurance coverage matters or property and casualty claims. DRI will host a networking luncheon with moderated table discussions so that you can discuss what matters most to you. The program will be submitted for CE and CLE credit.

Looking forward to seeing you in Hartford!

I look forward to co-chairing the Perrin Conferences National Asbestos Litigation Conference in San Francisco. This year’s conference takes place on September 12-14, 2016 at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, hosted by Perrin Conferences, the leader in joint plaintiff/defendant litigation conferences.

I am co-chairing the conference with Perry J. Browder, Esq., of Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, John B. Manning, Esq., of Manion Gaynor & Manning LLP and Joseph F. Rice, Esq., of Motley Rice LLC.

This annual event-which has grown continuously in size and stature- provides a forum for all parties affected by asbestos litigation. Representing a dynamic range of views and opinions on relevant topics and trends, conference panelists and attendees include many of the nation’s leading plaintiff and defense attorneys, judges, insurance professionals, in-house counsel, and scientific and medical experts.

It is a ‘must attend’ for all asbestos litigation practitioners. This three-day conference will be approved for 16-19 CLE and CE Adjuster credit hours depending on the state needed.

To view the complete agenda and to register, visit here.

Perrin Conferences offers complimentary registrations for in-house counsel and insurance company professionals. They also offer discounted registration rates for law firms who send multiple attendees. Please contact Lynnsey Perrin with any questions regarding registration.

My fellow co-chairs and I look forward to seeing you in September in San Francisco.

Effective June 30, 2016, Both American Safety Casualty Insurance Company (“ASCIC”) and American Safety Indemnity Company (“ASIC”) have merged with and into TIG Insurance Company, a California domiciled stock insurer.

RiverStone is a proud sponsor of the IRLA 2016 Annual Congress in Brighton from the 13th to the 15th June 2016 and is pleased to announce a number of our senior management leading and engaged in key sessions across the event: Luke Tanzer, Managing Director is on panel reprising industry events in 2015 and Stephen Roberts, RiverStone Europe’s Claims Director will be chairing a panel discussion considering future claims and risks.

In view of the imminent Brexit vote, IRLA will be hosting a lunchtime debate compared by our Syndicate Claims Manager James Blake with a view to establishing the view of congress on this important National decision before the Nation votes on the 23rd June.

RiverStone will once again be sponsoring and attending the IRLA Annual Congress from the 13th to 15th June 2016 in Brighton Please follow this link for further details:

http://www.irla-international.com/

RiverStone is proud to announce that Kalpana Shah, a non-executive director of RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited and RiverStone Managing Agency Limited, has been included in the inaugural UPstanding list. The list was created in partnership with the Financial Times and features 100 UK and US executives who have reached senior roles in business whilst also fighting discrimination and championing ethnic diversity and inclusion. Further information and the complete list are available at http://www.audeliss.com

RiverStone Management Limited are very pleased to announce that Stephen Roberts, Claims Director of RiverStone Management Limited, has been elected to the Board of directors of the Insurance & Reinsurance Legacy Association (“IRLA”). Stephen is a strong advocate of a professional legacy market and IRLAs promotion of the legacy market and lifelong learning in insurance resonate strongly with him and within RiverStone. Stephen has actively participated in many of the association’s event and initiatives designed to promote legacy business within the London Market and beyond. Stephen said, “In tandem with my responsibilities at RiverStone and involvement with the CII, election to the Board of IRLA helps me to deliver a dynamic contribution to the development of the legacy market” For more information about IRLA, please visit:

http://www.irla-international.com

RiverStone is a proud sponsor of the IRLA 2015 Annual Congress and is pleased to have a number of key members of its UK and US management teams leading sessions. Luke Tanzer, Managing Director will be participating in the ‘Insurance Insider round table’ discussion, and Fraser Henry, Director, General Counsel & Company Secretary, and John Bator, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of World-wide Run-off will be participating in panel discussions on ‘What is Happening in Regulation?’ and ‘Key issues in the EU and US Jurisdictions’ respectively. In addition, Richard Fabian, General Counsel, Director of Litigation & Senior Vice President will be presenting the ‘US Asbestos: The past is not the future’ session.

RiverStone is very proud to be nominated for the “Run-off Company of the year” award at the Reactions London Market Awards to be held in London on Thursday 25 June 2015.

RiverStone will once again be sponsoring and attending the IRLA Annual Congress from the 6th to 8th May in Brighton 

Please follow this link for further details:

http://www.irla-international.com/training-events/irla-annual-congress-6th-to-8th-may-2015-at-brighton-uk

In March 2015 RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited assumed economic and administrative responsibility for a portfolio of U.S. liability business which consists primarily of asbestos, pollution and health hazard claims.

In December 2015 RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited assumed economic and administrative responsibility for an Italian medical malpractice portfolio.

In October 2012, RiverStone Holdings Limited acquired the issued share capital of Brit Insurance Limited (which subsequently changed its name to RiverStone Insurance Limited). Under the terms of the acquisition, the Brit group retained control of certain classes of business via a reinsurance agreement. RiverStone had the right, exercisable from April 2014, to commute this reinsurance arrangement. We are pleased to announce that in August 2014 RiverStone Insurance reached agreement with Brit to novate this reinsurance agreement and assumed control of this portfolio, which has reinsured liabilities of approximately £190 million.

RiverStone Europe was proud to win the “Run-Off Company of the year” award at the prestigious Reactions London Market Awards, held at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel on Wednesday 11 June 2014.

Each year, the employees in the RiverStone Europe group choose a charity to support with their fund-raising activities. For 2013 the chosen charity was Macmillan Cancer Support.

The target fundraising amount for the year was £10,000, but after a fantastic year of charity events and fundraising RiverStone are pleased to announce that the total amount raised in aid of Macmillan was an incredible £24, 790.

RiverStone would like to thank everyone who generously donated, each donation was greatly appreciated. Also, thank you to everyone who was involved in organising the activities and for those who took part for their hard work and support in helping us exceed our target!

With effect from 23.59 on 31 December 2013 the general insurance business of Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, Home and Overseas Insurance Company Limited and City of London Insurance Company Limited (including all policies, assets and liabilities) together with the benefit of all associated third party reinsurance contracts was transferred to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited.

Our new address is:

In December 2012, Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, Home & Overseas Insurance Company Limited and City of London Insurance Company Limited (together “Eagle Star”) announced their intention to transfer their general insurance business to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.  On 8 November 2013, the High Court approved the proposed transfer. As a result, Eagle Star’s general insurance business (including all policies, assets and liabilities) together with the benefit of all associated third party reinsurance contracts will transfer to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited on 31 December 2013.

A big thank you to everyone who generously supported the team at RiverStone UK in our recent Transatlantic Sports Challenge against our sister office in New Hampshire, USA, all of your donations were very much appreciated.

Between our 3 offices in Darlington, London and Brighton we rowed, ran, swam, walked and cycled a total of 966 miles. More importantly we will have raised over £15,000 for Macmillan, our chosen charity this year, when donations, gift aid and some very generous matching of employee donations by RiverStone are taken into account. As a result Macmillan can help many more people with their fight through cancer.

Our colleagues in the US also put a tremendous amount of work into fundraising for their chosen charity, which helps disabled and disadvantaged children. We’d agreed to compete with them to see who could raise the most money for our respective charities. It would be immodest of us to say who won, suffice to say that we’re happy to let them have another crack at the title next year.

Part VII transfer

Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, Home & Overseas Insurance Company Limited and City of London Insurance Company Limited are proposing to transfer their remaining general insurance business to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. To find out more about the transfer and access documents relating to it, please go to www.esitransfer.com.

If you have any comments or queries, or feel you may be adversely affected by the proposed transfer, please contact us using one of the following methods:

By Post:

F.A.O Fraser Henry
RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited
Park Gate,
161-163 Preston Road
Brighton
BN1 6AU

By Phone: 01273 792475 

By Email:

Please mark in the subject header: The Eagle Star Transfer

eaglestartransfer@rsml.co.uk 

Each year, the employees in RiverStone’s UK companies choose a charity to support with their fund-raising activities.  This year we have chosen Macmillan Cancer Support. From its early beginnings in 1911, Macmillan Cancer Support has grown to become the largest cancer care and support charity in the UK. They provide nurses and therapists to help cancer suffers through treatment, advisers to tell them which benefits they’re entitled to, volunteers to give them a hand with the everyday things and campaigners to push for better cancer care. Please help us raise funds for Macmillan to continue to make this possible.

On Friday 20th September 4 teams from RiverStone will be walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing as far as they can to raise money for Macmillan. Between us we will be completing a massive 154 mile walk, cycling 416 miles, running 132 miles, swimming 22,400 metres (that’s almost 900 lengths of a pool) and finally also rowing 70,000  metres – all in a day!  Then at the end of that challenge we will compare our fundraising efforts against our colleagues in RiverStone’s US office who are also completing various sports to raise money on the same day.

Between them, the 4 RiverStone teams in the UK are aiming  to raise £6,000 for Macmillan. Please help us to reach our target by donating through our JustGiving pages at:

 http://www.justgiving.com/Special-Ops

http://www.justgiving.com/RiverStone1   

http://www.justgiving.com/DennoesDinosaurs

http://www.justgiving.com/The-Pesky-Darmints 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never share them with anyone or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Macmillan. They’ll make sure Gift Aid (an additional 25%) is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, too.

One in three of us will get cancer and it’s the toughest fight most of us will ever face. By joining Team Macmillan in this fundraising event you’re helping support people and their families living with cancer. So please dig deep and donate now.

Zurich Insurance Group announced on 27 December 2012 that Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, Home & Overseas Insurance Company Limited and City of London Insurance Company Limited (together the Eagle Star Companies), which are wholly owned by Zurich and based in the UK, had agreed to transfer their remaining general insurance business to RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. In preparation for this, the management of claims, reinsurance and litigation relating to the general insurance business of the Eagle Star Companies, which was previously carried out by Capita Commercial Insurance Services Limited, was taken over by RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited with effect from 1 June 2013.

Please note that the transfer does not involve any life, pension or employers liability policies.

RiverStone employees seek to raise funds to support a different charity each year. This year RiverStone employees have chosen Macmillan Cancer Support as our charity for 2013. Macmillan provides support for cancer sufferers in a variety of different ways such as practical, medical and financial, suffers find their support invaluable throughout treatment.

On 21 December 2012 RiverStone Insurance (UK) Limited entered into an agreement with Eagle Star Insurance Company Limited, Home & Overseas Insurance Company Limited and City of London Insurance Company Limited to reinsure and ultimately acquire their non-life insurance operations.

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – June 18, 2012) –

(Note: All dollar amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars.)

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (“Fairfax”) (TSX:FFH)(TSX:FFH.U) announces that its RiverStone runoff subsidiary has entered into an agreement with Brit Group to purchase all the outstanding shares of Brit Insurance Limited (BIL) of London, England, which wrote UK domestic, as well as some international, insurance and reinsurance before being placed into runoff earlier this year. The transaction, which is subject to customary conditions including regulatory approval, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.

At March 31, 2012, BIL’s gross and net reserves were approximately $1.9 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, its cash and invested assets were approximately $1.9 billion, and its book value was approximately $530 million.

RiverStone will purchase BIL at a discount to its book value, adjusted for certain pre-closing dividends. The purchase price for BIL is expected to be approximately $300 million, subject to certain adjustments at closing. The acquisition is expected to be financed using internal resources at RiverStone.

Prem Watsa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax, said, “We think that this is an excellent acquisition by Nick Bentley and his experienced team at RiverStone. We continue to look for opportunities to grow profitably in the runoff area.”

RiverStone is pleased to announce that with effect from 1 January 2012, the 2009 year of account of Syndicate 3330 has been transferred by means of a Reinsurance to Close into Syndicate 3500. RiverStone Managing Agency Limited is the managing agent of Syndicate 3500. 

The Syndicate 3330 business transferring to Syndicate 3500 encompasses the following underwriting years and original component syndicates: 

RiverStone is pleased to announce that with effect from 1 January 2012, the 1999, 2000 and 2001 years of account of Syndicate 535 and the 1997, 1998 and 1999 years of account of Syndicate 1204 that were previously reinsured to close into Centrewrite Limited have been novated to Syndicate 3500, which is managed by RiverStone Managing Agency Limited. The effect of this novation is as if these years of account of Syndicates 535 and 1204 had originally been reinsured to close into Syndicate 3500 instead of Centrewrite.

For further information please contact:

The staff at RiverStone have so far raised £3,414  for the Rockinghorse charity over the last few months. The money has been raised from various activities including a challenging sponsored walks on the south downs, the great south run, cake making and a management ‘Come Dine with Me’ competition.
Fundraising activities will continue until our employees raise enough money to enable  to acquire a Pain Distractor system for use at the Royal Alexander children hospital in Brighton

Rockinghorse is a charity that aims to make life better for sick and disabled babies, children and teenagers in Sussex, Surrey and South London.

Comic Relief 18th March 2011

The staff at Riverstone have managed to raise a grand total of £671.11 through various fundraising activities on Friday 18th, these included raffles, sweepstakes, cake sales and a crazy golf competion. The company has agreed to match their efforts taking the total contribution to £1,350

RiverStone will once again be sponsoring and attending the Association of Run off Companies annual congress. 

Please follow this link for further details:

http://www.arclegacy.eu/index.php/General-Congress/Congress-2011.html

RiverStone has completed its deal to reinsure-to-close (RITC) the open years of Syndicate 376. The syndicate has been under the control of Whittington Capital Management, and is one of the largest in run-off in the Lloyd’s market. Syndicate 376 has gross liabilities of approximately $250mn, down from around $1bn.

Alleghany’s Syndicate 376 collapsed on the Central Fund at the end of 2001 leading to losses for the market. It wrote a number of classes, including property and aviation reinsurance.

The Syndicate 376 RITC, along with376/2376 lines of business from 1993-2001, includes Syndicate 1183/2183 exposures from 1993-1999, Syndicate 1207 from 1996-1999 and Syndicate 1038 from 1993-1995.

We are now working with Whittington to embed376 through the first quarter, 376 has very good synergies for the group, with liabilities including World Trade Center risk and non-marine professional indemnity business. Reinsurance exposure amounts to around $100m. Some of the losses still within the 376 portfolio are very similar to our involvement in 506, our main aim is to return value to shareholders and 376 offers that opportunity.

We first looked at Syndicate 376 in June last year and beat a number of other legacy specialists to win the tender.

There has been a lot of RITC coming to market but we now expect a downturn in activity from Lloyd’s. 2009-2010 has been frenetic for RITC activity, but there are not many opportunities of this size left in the Lloyd’s run-off arena. We now continue to assess the potential impact of Solvency II modeling on portfolios and acquisition opportunities.

Luke Tanzer
Managing Director.

RiverStone has taken on the open years of all corporate members for Syndicate 2112, Bank of America International Underwriters Limited with $30m gross liabilities. Syndicate 2112 comprises commercialgeneral liability written through cover holders in the US for small to medium­ sized builders, with minimal exposure to Chinese dry wall.

Luke Tanzer
Managing Director.

RiverStone Management Limited on behalf of the Companies has today the 20th March 2006 sent a revised Practice Statement Letter to policyholders and brokers updating them of changes to the proposed Scheme.

For a copy of the amended PSL please see the Documents Section

RiverStone Management Limited on behalf of the Companies has today 23rd June 2005 sent a Practice Statement Letter (“PSL”) to policyholders and brokers advising them of the proposed Scheme.

For a copy of the PSL please see the Documents Section.