Guy Carpenter & Co. has launched an Excess & Surplus Specialty Practice to help insurers in this space deal with competitive pressures and market fluctuations related to the standard market's appetite.

“Excess & Surplus Lines insurance companies have unique business characteristics and needs that are distinct from the standard market,” says Andrew Marcell, managing director and CEO U.S. Operations at Guy Carpenter, in a statement. “As the leading reinsurance intermediary for Excess & Surplus Lines insurance companies in the United States, we are using our years of experience working with Excess & Surplus Lines insurers to deliver specialized products and services designed to help our clients succeed.” The March & McLennan Co. says the new unit will consist of a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to helping Excess & Surplus Lines clients optimize the use of their capital and grow profitably. Guy Carpenter says E&S carriers also face increased demands for technology-enabled modeling and actuarial services specifically developed for E&S insurers. As a result, these insurance companies are seeking superior qualitative and quantitative insight into profitable portfolio management, access to capital markets, and peer analysis, as well as predictive and risk modeling that will enhance their competitive position. Recognizing the distinctive needs of these insurers, the practice is responding by formally consolidating and leveraging Guy Carpenter's E&S insurance and reinsurance market expertise and peer company knowledge, and delivering the best E&S-tailored solutions, products, services and resources.