Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. announced it has completed a beneficial ownership stake of at least 12.5 % in W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 specialty‑insurance holding company headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut. The transaction follows agreements disclosed in March 2025 and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
The stake gives Mitsui Sumitomo a seat on Berkley’s board, with the Berkley family recommending a Mitsui‑appointed director. The move is part of Mitsui Sumitomo’s strategy to broaden its global footprint and diversify its investment portfolio, adding exposure to the U.S. specialty‑insurance market, which has shown robust growth and strong underwriting discipline.
W. R. Berkley has delivered a solid financial performance in the third quarter of 2025, reporting net income of $511 million, up 39.8 % year‑over‑year, and a combined ratio of 90.9 %. Gross premiums written rose to $3.8 billion, reflecting continued demand for niche commercial lines and monoline excess products.
The acquisition is expected to enhance Berkley’s capital base and provide access to Mitsui Sumitomo’s global network, potentially accelerating the company’s international expansion. Management noted that the partnership would support strategic initiatives such as cross‑border underwriting and shared technology platforms.
For Mitsui Sumitomo, the investment represents a significant foothold in a high‑margin specialty‑insurance segment that complements its existing property‑and‑casualty operations. The company’s overseas business accounts for roughly 30 % of its consolidated net premium income, and the Berkley stake is projected to strengthen that exposure.
Analysts view the transaction as a positive signal of confidence in the specialty‑insurance sector, with the partnership expected to create synergies in underwriting expertise and capital deployment. The deal aligns with both companies’ long‑term growth strategies and positions them to capture opportunities in a market that continues to reward disciplined risk management.
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