Validus Holdings today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Western World Insurance Group, Inc. Western World, through its subsidiaries, is a speciality lines insurance company with a 50 year track record of profitability and is a pioneer in the binding authority business model.

Ed Noonan, Validus’ chairman and chief executive officer, stated: “The acquisition of Western World is another important step in building our global speciality insurance business. Western World is an excellent company which complements our market leading short-tail operations in Bermuda and London, and holds tremendous potential for expansion of products and capabilities in the world’s largest insurance market. Our teams are working to ensure a seamless integration which maximises our collective market opportunities. As a leading global insurance and reinsurance company, we are delighted to be expanding our presence in the US market.”

Tom Mulligan, Western World’s chief executive officer, added, “The Western World team is very proud of the franchise we have built and is excited about our future as a key contributor to Validus. We look forward to working with Validus to provide additional products and capacity to our agents and customers.”

Under the terms of the transaction, Western World’s owners received $690.0 million in cash in exchange for 100 per cent of the outstanding stock of Western World. The purchase price was subject to adjustment based on pre-closing payments to shareholders, transaction expenses and the timing of closing. Validus funded the transaction with cash on hand. Western World will continue to operate as a stand-alone business led by current management.

Validus Holdings, Ltd. is a provider of reinsurance, insurance, and insurance linked securities management operating through three primary segments, Validus Reinsurance, Ltd., Talbot Holdings Ltd. and AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. Validus Reinsurance, Ltd. is a Bermuda based reinsurer focused on short tail lines of reinsurance. Talbot Holdings Ltd. is the Bermuda parent of the speciality insurance group primarily operating within the Lloyd’s insurance market through Syndicate 1183. AlphaCat Managers, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based investment adviser managing capital for third parties and the Group in insurance linked securities and other property catastrophe reinsurance investments.

Western World Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a speciality US commercial insurer, offering insurance products on a surplus lines and admitted basis. Western World’s three operating companies are domiciled in New Hampshire and are headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.