Argo Group to Acquire Ariel Re for $235M

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd., the Bermuda-based underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products, announced it has entered an agreement to acquire Ariel Re, an underwriter of global re/insurance business, for approximately $235 million in cash.

The acquisition, which is expected to be complete during the first quarter of 2017, is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

“Ariel Re is a terrific fit for Argo Group – operationally and culturally,” says Argo Group CEO Mark E. Watson III.

“This transaction enables us to build upon the successes realized individually by Argo Group and Ariel Re, utilizing our combined strength to deploy capital in selected areas to produce maximum return and continued growth,” Watson added.

“Under the leadership of Jose A. Hernandez, head of Argo Group’s International Business, the combination of Ariel Re and Argo Re will result in a market-leading business and will make a meaningful and immediate contribution to earnings and return on equity,” he said.

“This acquisition is part of Argo Group’s strategic initiative to build scale in its London- and Bermuda-based platforms by adding complementary lines of specialty business. After the acquisition, Argo Group will have a well-balanced portfolio mix of approximately 88 percent insurance and 12 percent reinsurance,” he went on to say.

This transaction provides Argo Group with added diversification, which improves the company’s ability to manage through changing market cycles, the company said in a statement.

“It also adds new capabilities that can be leveraged throughout the entire organization, including Ariel Re’s unique modeling and risk analysis tools, which will enhance Argo’s already robust underwriting analytics,” Argo Group affirmed.

Ariel Re is jointly owned by Banco BTG Pactual S.A. and the Abu Dhabi Investment Council and underwrites a global portfolio of insurance and reinsurance business through Lloyd’s Syndicate 1910.

“Argo Group have long been supporters of Ariel Re and we are delighted to take this relationship forward by bringing Ariel Re under the Argo banner,” says Ryan Mather, Ariel Re CEO. “There is great synergy between the teams from both companies and we are looking forward to working together to strengthen the offering for our clients.”

Argo Group’s financial advisor in connection with the transaction is Aon Securities. Its legal counsel is Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

Source: Ariel Re

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Reinsurance