Acquisition

Hiscox PLC
07 February 2005

7 February 2005


                            HISCOX PLC ANNOUNCEMENT
   Hiscox plc acquires specialist event insurance provider, Insurex Expo-Sure

Hiscox plc, the leading specialist insurer, announced today the acquisition of 
Insurex Expo-Sure, the UK's leading specialist insurance provider to the conference, 
event and exhibitions market. Hiscox will acquire 100% of the operation, from
Alexander Forbes.

Insurex provides a wide portfolio of conference, events and exhibition insurance 
to over 2000 clients ranging from private individuals to global companies. Based
in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, it has a long-standing relationship with Hiscox on 
event cancellation business.

Following the acquisition, Insurex will remain a distinct brand and Hiscox will
gradually integrate its operational activities into the Hiscox business structure
to create improved systems and cost savings.

Bronek Masojada, Chief Executive of Hiscox plc, said:

'Our strategy has always been to grow through leadership in specialist markets.
The acquisition by Hiscox of Insurex builds upon a strong working relationship
to create a new force in this marketplace. Clients will be able to benefit from
our specialist knowledge of this market, high quality underwriting skills, and a
strong distribution network.

Albert Kemp, Chairman of Insurex, said:

'Insurex Expo-Sure has been a leader in this market for many years. Becoming
part of Hiscox gives us the underwriting support, operational experience and
distribution reach to achieve our next stage of growth and improve our service
to clients and brokers.

                                    - ends -


For further information:

Hiscox plc

Bronek Masojada     Chief Executive            020 7448 6012
Stuart Bridges      Finance Director           020 7448 6013
Fiona Fong          Director of Communications 020 7448 6447


The Maitland Consultancy

Philip Gawith  020 7379 5151
Suzanne Bartch 020 7399 5151



Notes to editors

1. Insurex Expo-Sure was founded in 1976 as a specialist provider of insurance
for the conference, exhibition and events market. Insurex now employs 20 people
and operates from premises in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

2. The Directors who comprise Insurex's senior management team have over 50 years 
experience in the Event insurance industry. The Chairman Albert Kemp has been 
involved with Insurex Exposure for 30 years.

3. Hiscox plc is a specialist insurance group listed on the London Stock
Exchange where it has a market capitalization of circa £500 million. There are
three main underwriting parts of the Group - Syndicate 33 at Lloyd's, UK Retail
and International Retail. Syndicate 33 underwrites mainly internationally traded
business in the London Market - generally large or complex business which needs
to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licenses of Lloyd's.
The UK Retail business offers a wide range of specialist insurance for professionals 
and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. It has regional
offices in Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Maidenhead and Colchester.The International
Retail business has offices in Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Brussels and Guernsey.
The European offices write mainly high value household business and some specialist
professional indemnity business. The Guernsey office underwrites kidnap and ransom
business and fine art. For further information, go to www.hiscox.com





                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange