10/31 Yahoo! Finance: Property & Casualty Insurance Industry News

Yahoo! Finance: Property & Casualty Insurance Industry News         Meet Todd Combs (the Teenager) October 30, 2010 at 6:20 PM         Buy Berkshire, After Warren Buffett: Poll October 30, 2010 at 4:00 PM         [$$] Follow-Up October 30, 2010 at 2:14 PM   [at Barrons.com] - Defying skeptics, the economy has avoided a second recession, but the recovery is decidedly slow         [$$] Buffett Will Test His Chosen One October 30, 2010 at 12:51 PM   [at Barrons.com] - Todd Combs, the obscure equity manager who is the top candidate for Berkshire's next investment chief, will have to prove he deserves the job.         Selective Insurance Group CEO Discusses Q3 2010 Results - Earnings Call Transcript October 30, 2010 at 1:11 AM         Kingsway shareholders approve tax benefit preservation plan October 30, 2010 at 12:46 AM   [PR Newswire] - TSX: KFS, NYSE: KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or         Chubb director Karen Williams resigning October 30, 2010 at 12:04 AM   [AP] - Chubb Corp. said Friday that Karen Hastie Williams is resigning from its board for personal reasons. The insurer made the disclosure in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.         [$$] AIA Raises $20.5 Billion for AIG in IPO October 29, 2010 at 11:35 PM         Traders cautious ahead of coming risk events October 29, 2010 at 3:29 PM   [at Financial Times] - Friday 14:15 BST. Improving but subdued US economic activity, shrinking factory output in Asia, and nervousness ahead of several days of risk events, are discouraging traders from adding to bets on growth-focused assets.         AIG Directors Were Vindicated Today October 29, 2010 at 10:53 PM         Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Announces Investigation Related to the Acquisition of First Mercury Financial Corporation - FMR October 29, 2010 at 10:45 PM   [Business Wire] - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities firm headquartered in New York City, is investigating the Board of Directors of First Mercury Financial Corporation for potential breaches of fiduciary duties in connection with their conduct related to the sale of the Company to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.         Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. Investigates First Mercury Financial Corporation Buyout October 29, 2010 at 10:37 PM   [Business Wire] - Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. announces that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of First Mercury Financial Corporation concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law related to the Company's entry into an agreement to be acquired by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited in a transaction valued at approximately $294 million.         MidAmerican Says Berkshire Commitment Extended to Feb 28 '14 October 29, 2010 at 10:30 PM         AIG says AIA IPO raises more than $20 billion October 29, 2010 at 10:17 PM         A.M. Best Places Ratings of First Mercury Financial Corporation and Its Subsidiaries under Review with Positive Implications October 29, 2010 at 10:12 PM   [Business Wire] - A.M. Best Co. has placed under review with positive implications the financial strength rating of A- and issuer credit ratings of "a-" of First Mercury Group and its members. Concurrently, A.M.         Corporate succession: Warren Buffett October 29, 2010 at 10:03 PM   [at Financial Times] - "I've reluctantly discarded the notion of my continuing to manage the portfolio after my death - abandoning my hope to give new meaning to the term 'thinking outside the box'."         7 Insurance Stocks Near 52-Week Highs October 29, 2010 at 9:03 PM         Finding the Sweet Spot in M&A October 29, 2010 at 8:53 PM         Pedestrian accidents rise during Halloween, Allstate warns October 29, 2010 at 4:00 PM         AIG's AIA Shines in Hong Kong Debut October 29, 2010 at 3:55 PM         Navigators to Present at FBR Capital Markets 2010 Fall Investor Conference October 29, 2010 at 3:47 PM   [Business Wire] - The Navigators Group, Inc. today announced that Stan Galanski, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Frank McDonnell, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present at the FBR Capital Markets 2010 Fall Investor Conference being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City on Tuesday, November 30, at 1:35 p.m. .         New Research from The Hartford Shows Consumers Paying Greater Attention to Retirement Savings after Recession October 29, 2010 at 3:24 PM   [Business Wire] - With persistently high unemployment, a sluggish housing market and a slow-growth economy, the Great Recession has had a negative impact on many people's finances. One unexpected bright spot has emerged, though, as more Americans say they are now focusing more on saving for retirement.         Texas Pedestrian Accidents Jump 22% During Halloween October 29, 2010 at 3:15 PM   [PR Newswire] - The number of Texans hit by cars spikes an average of 22% during Halloween week when compared to the rest of the year, according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer looked at its Texas auto insurance claims involving pedestrians from 2003-2009 and found a jump in accidents around trick-or-treat time.         MetLife Expects Alico to Pay 'Healthy' Dividend to Insurer October 29, 2010 at 2:48 PM         Valuing the Taxpayers' A.I.G. Stake October 29, 2010 at 2:00 PM         White Mountains Reports Adjusted Book Value Per Share of $429 October 29, 2010 at 2:00 PM   [PR Newswire] - White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. reported an adjusted book value per share of $429 at September 30, 2010, an increase of 6% for the quarter and 3% for the first nine months of 2010, including dividends.           Prudential loses gains after AIA flotation October 29, 2010 at 1:04 PM   [at Financial Times] - Prudential lost its gains on Friday, after a strong stock market debut for AIA in Hong Kong led to initial demand for its one-time suitor, which faded as the session developed.         AIA Shares Jump 17% in First Day of Trading October 29, 2010 at 11:30 AM         Earnings worries depress Asian equities October 29, 2010 at 11:08 AM   [at Financial Times] - Asian stock markets fell amid rising concerns about the outlook for corporate earnings while the stronger yen once again weighs on Japanese exporters.         Prudential propelled to top of FTSE 100 October 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM   [at Financial Times] - There were strong gains for the Prudential on Friday, after a strong stock market debut for AIA in Hong Kong cast the Pru's exposure to Asia in a positive light.         AIA shares surge 17% in Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM   [at Financial Times] - Shares of AIA jumped 17 per cent on their debut in Hong Kong after the Asian life insurance group raised $17.8bn in the biggest initial public offering in the city's history.         AIA Shares Soar 17% in Trading Debut October 29, 2010 at 10:33 AM         AIG's crown jewel AIA makes hot Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 10:31 AM   [Reuters] - AIA Group Ltd surged 17 percent in its Hong Kong debut as investors, chasing exposure to Asia's fast-growing life insurance business, piled into the record offering in the world's hottest IPO market.         AIG's crown jewel AIA makes hot Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 10:31 AM   [Reuters] - AIA Group Ltd surged 17 percent in its Hong Kong debut as investors, chasing exposure to Asia's fast-growing life insurance business, piled into the record offering in the world's hottest IPO market.         ACE Global Engineering Network Launches Industry Fact Sheets October 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM   [Business Wire] - The ACE Global Engineering Network has launched 12 fact sheets for its clients which provide an in-depth analysis of property risk management issues facing a range of industries - from leisure to printing and metalworking.         [$$] AIA Up 17% in Debut October 29, 2010 at 9:34 AM         AIA surges 17 percent in debut after record HK IPO October 29, 2010 at 8:13 AM   [Reuters] - AIA Group Ltd surged 17 percent in its Hong Kong debut on Friday as investors, chasing exposure to Asia's fast-growing life insurance business, piled into the record offering in the world's hottest IPO market.         AIA Group rises 17% in Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 7:06 AM   [at MarketWatch] - AIA rallies in debut trade in Hong Kong after raising $17.8 billion in the city's largest-ever initial public offering, reflecting an upbeat outlook on the pan-Asian life insurer.         Primus Co-CEO Morse Says AIA Is a `Good Investment': Video October 29, 2010 at 6:40 AM         Pride's Wan Expects AIA to Rise 20-25% in Three Months: Video October 29, 2010 at 6:14 AM         AIA gains 13 percent in strong debut after record HK IPO October 29, 2010 at 5:56 AM   [Reuters] - AIA Group Ltd enjoyed a stronger-than-expected market debut on Friday following its record Hong Kong IPO last week, setting the stage for a ramp up of competition in Asia's fast-growing life insurance business.         AIA makes robust Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 5:55 AM   [at Financial Times] - Shares of AIA jumped 12 per cent on their first day of trading in Hong Kong after the Asian life insurance group raised $17.8bn in the biggest initial public offering in the city's history.         AIA Group rises 12% in Hong Kong debut October 29, 2010 at 5:30 AM   [at MarketWatch] - AIA rallies in debut trade in Hong Kong after raising $17.8 billion in the city's largest-ever initial public offering, reflecting an upbeat outlook on the pan-Asian life insurer.         AIA Rises on First Day in Hong Kong After City's Biggest IPO October 29, 2010 at 4:52 AM         Mantel Says AIA Has Room to Grow Business After IPO: Video October 29, 2010 at 4:19 AM         [$$] AIA Up 12% at Debut October 29, 2010 at 4:18 AM         Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation On Behalf of Shareholders of First Mercury Financial Corporation in Connection with the Proposed Acquisition of the Company by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited October 29, 2010 at 3:22 AM   [Business Wire] - Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that it is investigating potential claims against the board of directors of First Mercury Financial Corporation related to the Company's agreement to be acquired by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited .         China Merchants' Wan Says AIA May Rise 5-10% in Debut: Video October 29, 2010 at 3:17 AM         GCP's Yap Says AIA Priced at Discount in Hong Kong IPO: Video October 29, 2010 at 2:38 AM         The Law Firm of Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Launches an Investigation into the Possible Breaches of Fiduciary Duty by the Board of First Mercury Financial Corporation in Connection with the Sale of the Company to Fairfax Financial Holdings – FMR October 29, 2010 at 12:44 AM   [Business Wire] - Levi & Korsinsky is investigating the Board of Directors of First Mercury Financial Corporation for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law in connection with their attempt to sell the Company to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited .         MetLife Sags on Q3 Miss; Corporate Sales Decline October 29, 2010 at 12:09 AM         CNA Announces Complimentary Risk Control Webinars Focused on Technology Risks October 28, 2010 at 11:38 PM   [Business Wire] - The Risk Control unit of CNA insurance companies recently announced the November Webinar series for its School of Risk Control Excellence. Offered on a complimentary basis to CNA producers, as well as existing and potential policyholders, this month's Webinars are focused on risks faced by technology companies.         Fairfax Financial to Acquire First Mercury Financial Corporation for $16.50 Per Share in Cash October 28, 2010 at 11:15 PM   [PR Newswire] - Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited and First Mercury Financial Corporation today announced that Fairfax and First Mercury have entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Fairfax will acquire all of the outstanding shares of First Mercury common stock.  First Mercury stockholders will receive $16.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate transaction value of approximately $294 million.  The price represents a premium of 45.2% to the closing price of First Mercury common stock on October 28, 2010, the day of this announcement, and a 67.3% premium to the closing price 30 days prior to the announcement of this transaction.  The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011.           Cincinnati Financial CEO Discusses Q3 2010 Results - Earnings Call Transcript October 28, 2010 at 11:08 PM         First Mercury Financial Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results October 28, 2010 at 11:00 PM   [PR Newswire] - First Mercury Financial Corporation today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.         ACE Environmental Risk SVP to Participate in Panel on Emerging Issues in Environmental Insurance at New York State Bar Association October 29th Event October 28, 2010 at 10:41 PM   [Business Wire] - ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group, today announced that Senior Vice President William P. Hazelton will participate in a panel session addressing the critical aspects of environmental insurance, and its role as a risk management tool at a New York State Bar Association event on October 29, 2010, in New York City.         Federal Reserve Balance Sheet: Snapshot October 28, 2010 at 10:39 PM         GAINSCO Announces Special One-Time Dividend and Amended Credit Agreement October 28, 2010 at 10:36 PM   [PR Newswire] - GAINSCO, INC. today announced that its board of directors approved a special one-time dividend of $1 per share.  The special dividend will be payable on November 23, 2010 to shareholders of record on November 9, 2010.         Aspen Insurance Holdings Plunged: What You Need to Know October 28, 2010 at 10:34 PM         U.S. Federal Reserve AIG, JPMorgan Portfolio Holdings October 28, 2010 at 10:34 PM         Burlington Northern Settlement Approved by Judge October 28, 2010 at 10:32 PM         [$$] Allstate Shares Decline 6% After Earnings October 28, 2010 at 10:28 PM         BYD: Not Looking Like One of Buffett's Better Investments October 28, 2010 at 10:20 PM         Endurance Reports Third Quarter Net Income of $139.1 Million and 20.2% Annualized Return on Average Common Equity October 28, 2010 at 10:15 PM   [GlobeNewswire] - PEMBROKE, Bermuda -- Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. today reported net income of $139.1 million and $2.51 per diluted common share for the third quarter of 2010 versus net income of $153.8 million and $2.51 per diluted common share in the third quarter of 2009.         Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. Reports Earnings for the Nine Months and Quarter Ended September 30, 2010 October 28, 2010 at 10:10 PM         Horace Mann Reports Results for Third Quarter October 28, 2010 at 10:10 PM   [PR Newswire] - Horace Mann Educators Corporation today reported net income of $20.1 million and $65.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $19.3 million and $51.3 million for the same periods in 2009.  Included in net income were net realized gains on securities of $12.1 million and $25.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.  In the same periods in 2009, net income included net realized investment gains of $11.5 million and $21.7 million , respectively.  All per-share amounts are stated on a diluted basis.         Insurer results disappoint October 28, 2010 at 9:38 PM   [at MarketWatch] - Shares of Allstate, Aspen, PMI, Old Republic fall hard after third-quarter results.         RenaissanceRe Lags Estimates October 28, 2010 at 9:30 PM         ACE Beats Estimates, Ups Guidance October 28, 2010 at 9:05 PM         [$$] Allstate Shares Down After Earnings October 28, 2010 at 9:01 PM         Halloween dangerous day for pedestrians October 28, 2010 at 8:50 PM         Allstate Misses on Low Top Line October 28, 2010 at 8:20 PM         ACE Limited CEO Discusses Q3 2010 Results - Earnings Call Transcript October 28, 2010 at 8:09 PM         AIA to Start Trading in Hong Kong After Rising in `Gray Market' October 28, 2010 at 8:00 PM         XL Group plc Establishes Office of Strategic Growth and Announces New Appointments October 28, 2010 at 6:00 PM   [PR Newswire] - XL Group plc announced today that it has appointed Gregory S. Hendrick as Executive Vice President, Strategic Growth, effective immediately. Mr. Hendrick will lead XL's newly-created Office of Strategic Growth and will report to XL Chief Executive Officer Mike McGavick.         Allstate Posts Earnings, AIG Outlines Succession October 28, 2010 at 6:00 PM         Allstate shares slide on weak 3Q results October 28, 2010 at 5:50 PM   [AP] - Shares of life insurer Allstate Corp. slid 6 percent Thursday after the company reported third-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street expectations.         [video] Insurance News: Allstate, AIG October 28, 2010 at 5:50 PM         Allstate falls more than 6% after results October 28, 2010 at 5:23 PM         [$$] ICBC Buys 60% Stake in Insurer October 28, 2010 at 5:00 PM         21st Century Holding Company Announces Earnings Release Date October 28, 2010 at 5:00 PM   [GlobeNewswire] - LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. -- 21st Century Holding Company today announced that it will release its 2010 third quarter financial results at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 11, 2010 followed by an investor conference call at 4:30 PM .         Number of Californians Hit by Cars Jumps 25% On Halloween October 28, 2010 at 5:00 PM   [PR Newswire] - The number of people in California hit by cars jumps 25% on Halloween versus the rest of October according to Allstate Insurance Company. The insurer recently looked at its California auto insurance claims involving pedestrians over the past three years and found the dramatic jump in October accidents at trick-or-treat time.         Cincinnati Trails Estimates October 28, 2010 at 4:20 PM             This email was sent to bruno.jovanov.insurance@blogger.com. Delivered by Feed My Inbox 230 Franklin Road Suite 814 Franklin, TN 37064 Account Login Unsubscribe Here