Markel To Acquire Alterra For Approx. $3.13B

December 19, 2012

Bermuda-based Alterra Capital Holdings Limited will be acquired by Markel Corporation, in a deal worth approximately $3.13 billion. Alterra CEO Marston Becker is expected to leave the company following the close of the transaction.

Under the terms of the agreement, the aggregate consideration for Alterra is approximately $3.13 billion, based on a closing price of $486.05 for Markel common stock on December 18, 2012.

At closing, each Alterra common share will be converted into the right to receive 0.04315 Markel common shares (with cash paid for fractional shares) plus a cash payment of $10.

Following the merger, Markel’s existing shareholders will own approximately 69% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis, with Alterra’s shareholders owning approximately 31%. Completion of the transaction is contingent upon customary closing conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approvals, and it is expected to close in the first half of 2013.

Steven A. Markel, Vice Chairman of Markel, commented: “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement to acquire Alterra, an impressive company with proven worldwide underwriting operations in product lines that we believe are highly complementary to Markel’s existing lines.

“In particular, the addition of Alterra’s reinsurance and large account insurance portfolios will serve to diversify and strengthen Markel’s current book of specialty insurance business. We look forward to welcoming Alterra’s talented underwriting teams to Markel – with their help and the benefit of approximately $6 billion in combined shareholders’ equity, we believe we will be well positioned to take advantage of a wide range of profitable opportunities.”

Marston Becker, President and CEO of Alterra, who is expected to leave the company following the close of the transaction, said: “The combination of Alterra with Markel will create an incredibly strong company in global specialty insurance and investments.

“The demonstrated track record of underwriting discipline in niche market segments by both companies, along with Markel’s proven asset management strengths, should benefit all stakeholders. I am confident that Alterra’s shareholders, clients and other business partners will continue to be well served when Alterra’s underwriting operations join forces with Markel’s, and all should benefit from the superior financial strength, expanded capabilities and synergies created by the combined entity.”

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Comments (3)

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  1. alicia says:

    What I would like to know is, is this merger going to result in redundencies?

    • Reinsuranceguy says:

      what it means: The underwriters will stay and some executives. Most of the back office functions(IT, admin, support, HR etc)will be taken over/moved to the states. just my two cents.

      • Formidable Deviant says:

        You are right, its not good news. Two takeovers in 2 years, job at Alterra? No thanks, I’ll join Paula’s dole queue.