Beazley plc
Dublin, 21st December 2011
Statement regarding Hardy Underwriting Bermuda Limited ("Hardy")
Following the announcement by the board of Hardy on 1 December 2011 that it is to undertake a strategic review of its business, Beazley plc ("Beazley") announces that it has confirmed its interest in entering into exploratory discussions with Hardy regarding a possible offer to acquire the entire issued share capital of Hardy. This announcement does not represent a firm intention to make an offer and there can be no certainty that an offer by Beazley will be made.
For further information, please contact:
Beazley plc
Sian Coope
+353 (0)1 854 4700
RLM Finsbury
Don Hunter
+44 (0)20 7251 3801
Note to editors:
Beazley plc (BEZ.L), is the parent company of specialist insurance businesses with operations in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia. Beazley manages five Lloyd's syndicates and, in 2010, underwrote gross premiums worldwide of $1,741.6 million. All Lloyd's syndicates are rated A by A.M. Best.
Beazley's underwriters in the United States focus on writing a range of specialist insurance products. In the admitted market, coverage is provided by Beazley Insurance Company, Inc., an A.M. Best A rated carrier licensed in all 50 states. In the surplus lines market, coverage is provided by the Beazley syndicates at Lloyd's.
Beazley is a market leader in many of its chosen lines, which include professional indemnity, property, marine, reinsurance, accident and life, and political risks and contingency business.
For more information please go to: www.beazley.com