E&S/Specialty

Ryan Specialty Group says it has acquired Global Special Risks, a provider of product offerings for the energy and marine markets in London and North America

The year 2011 came to a close with firm evidence that the soft market has ended, according to the latest figures released by the electronic insurance exchange MarketScout.

Markel Corp. says it has completed its purchase of program administrator Thompson Insurance Enterprises.

It probably comes as little surprise that 2011 was significant in terms of insured losses from catastrophes, but the loss figures have less to do with the number of events as where they took place, according to industry representatives.

The shift from single or small groups of physicians practice to multi-specialty and multi-state physician networks and hospitals will likely drive a change in the medical professional liability (MPL) insurance sector, says a report from Moodys Investor Service.

Only catastrophe-exposed and loss-affected reinsurance contracts experienced any significant upward movement in rates, according to one top executive.