Industry

Fairfax expands U.S. business through acquisition

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (TSX: FFH and FFH.U) has acquired Zenith National Insurance Corp (NYSE: ZNT) for approximately $1.4 billion, a premium of 34.5% to Zenith’s book value as at Dec. 31, 2009.Zenith is a California-based commercial insurer that specializes in workers compensation. Under the merger agreement, Zenith will continue to operate from its Woodland […]

By Canadian Underwriter | February 18, 2010

1 min read

The Co-Operators reports growth in net income in 2009

The Co-operators General Insurance Company reported a net income of $74 million in 2009, marking an increase from 2008’s net income of $52.8 million.The insurer’s combined ratio dropped from 106.4% in 2008 to 103.1% last year.Its return on equity also improved year-over-year from 4.8% in 2008 to 6.5% in 2009.The minimum capital test score increased […]

By Canadian Underwriter | February 18, 2010

1 min read

Canadian P&C insurers’ financial results rebounding after 2008, SCOR Report suggests

After the market crash that was 2008, financial results published in the SCOR Report 2009 suggests nine Canadian property and casualty insurers appear to be very much on the rebound in 2009.The SCOR Report 2009 shows both the individual and collective performances of nine Canadian P&C insurers: Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, BCAA Insurance Corporation, […]

By Canadian Underwriter | February 17, 2010

1 min read

What’s New: In Brief (February 17, 2010)

Designed to meet the latest federal standards, frontal airbags appear to have reduced protection of belted drivers, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “The newest airbags appear to provide suboptimal protection for drivers who buckle up compared with the airbags that preceded them,” Adrian Lund, president of the IIHS […]

By Canadian Underwriter | February 17, 2010

1 min read