Everyones familiar with the concept of collecting stamps, coins, comic books and even Star Wars action figuresbut how about collecting surgeons tools from the Civil War era or locks of celebrities hair?

Phillys execs run the extra mile to service specialty niches.

When Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. announced it would acquire Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. for $4.8 billion in July 2008near the height of the global economic meltdownmarket-watchers were impressed but not overly surprised at the hefty price tag. Some four years on, many agree, the deal still looks smart.

Philadelphia Insurance Cos. has long been known as a primary carrier that will provide coverage for specialty lines that are otherwise unavailable except through the excess-and-surplus market. This spring, though, it decided to go a step further and institute its own E&S division.

I dont think youre going to find many insurance-company CEOs who have qualified for and competed in the Hawaii Triathlon twice, says Jamie Maguire Jr. (left), chairman & CEO of Philadelphia Insurance Cos. Both he and President & COO Sean Sweeney (right) compete in Ironman events.

Both insurers and museums routinely overlook risks like criminals who hack into databases to learn details about a museums plans for transporting artwork, in order to intercept and steal them.

In an effort to maintain or boost their attendance, museums are trying new strategies that range from pushing the envelope with exhibition content to generating revenue by utilizing their real estate in creative ways. These gambits are keeping insurance carriers on their toes, placing even greater importance on loss-control programs...

Laying off full-time journalists in favor of relying on freelancers and syndicated content providers has become an increasingly common strategy for media companies seeking to maintain their profits.