Arch Capital to Offer 6.5 Million Shares to Public

March 19, 2002

Bermuda-based Arch Capital's shelf registration statement, filed with the SEC last February, became effective on Monday, and the company plans to offer 6,500,000 of its common shares to the public.

The offering doesn't include 975,000 common shares subject to the underwriters' over-allotment option. Its shares, traded on the Nasdaq Exchange, closed down slightly yesterday at $26.90.

Arch had previously indicated that it plans to increase its $1 billion capitalization by up to $500 million from a combination of debt and equity financing. At the current share price the offer would raise around $175 million.