Ace Ltd. the Swiss insurer operating in more than 50 countries, acquired a majority stake in ProClaim America to add sales to the health-care industry.

A new business unit, Esis ProClaim, will be formed and Sam Terzich has been appointed its president, according to a Business Wire statement distributed today by Zurich-based Ace.

ProClaim America is a national professional liability services company that has been providing claims and risk management services to the healthcare industry for more than a decade.

This move will enable ESIS to combine the resources of its existing medical, professional and product liability claims consulting unit, with ProClaims' specialised capabilities, to create the new unit.

"The stakes are high when it comes to professional liability claims," said David Patterson, president, ESIS, Inc.

"In addition to the potential for serious financial impact, professional liability claims can negatively impact reputations and professional standing.

"Sam's proven success and experience in providing specialty claims and consulting makes him well suited to lead the formation of this new unit focusing exclusively on this unique claims discipline."

Mr. Terzich said: "We look forward to working with ProClaim's employees and customers to make the transition as smooth as possible, and continue to offer the high level of personalised, professional service they are accustomed to."

With more than 27 years of extensive insurance and claims industry experience, Mr. Terzich joined ESIS in 2008.