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Investing.com -- Shares of W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) climbed 7% following the announcement that Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. intends to purchase a 15% stake in the company through open market or private transactions from third parties. This strategic move by the Japanese insurance giant is seen as a vote of confidence in W. R. Berkley’s performance and growth prospects.
The arrangement, which will not involve the sale of any common stock by the Berkley family or the company itself, sets the stage for Mitsui Sumitomo to acquire up to 4.9% of W. R. Berkley’s outstanding common stock. Upon reaching this threshold, Mitsui Sumitomo will adhere to the voting recommendations of the Berkley family, barring a few exceptions. If the stake reaches at least 12.5%, the family will recommend the appointment of a Mitsui Sumitomo director to W. R. Berkley’s Board of Directors, pending the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s approval.
Rob Berkley, President and CEO of W. R. Berkley Corporation, expressed respect for Mitsui Sumitomo, highlighting past collaborations through re-insurance operations. He welcomed the investment as a testament to the company’s solid performance and potential for growth, indicating that the partnership could leverage Mitsui Sumitomo’s international presence to enhance shareholder value.
Shinichiro Funabiki, President and CEO of MSI, echoed the sentiment, citing W. R. Berkley’s strong track record in the U.S. specialty market as a key attraction for the investment. Funabiki anticipates that the collaboration will bring about sustained growth and increased value for both entities.
The agreements between MSI and the Berkley family are designed to have no impact on the company’s daily operations, nor will they diminish the family’s commitment to W. R. Berkley Corporation. Additionally, MSI has agreed to customary standstill restrictions enforceable by the company.
A special committee of independent directors, advised by independent legal counsel, has reviewed and recommended the agreements, which were subsequently approved by the independent directors of the company’s Board. The investment, which is contingent on standard regulatory approvals, is expected to be finalized by the end of March 2026.
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