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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDON - MARCH 22, 2018 01:11 PM (EDT)
A.M. Best has removed from under review with negative implications and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of “a-” of Canopius US Insurance, Inc. (Canopius US) (Wilimington, DE).
Additionally, A.M. Best has removed from under review with negative implications and downgraded the FSR to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR to “a-” from “a” of Canopius Reinsurance AG (Canopius Re - previously known as Sompo Japan Canopius Reinsurance AG) (Switzerland). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
These rating actions follow the 8 March 2018 announcement by Canopius AG (Canopius), the parent company of Canopius Re and Canopius US, that it has been acquired by a private equity consortium led by Centerbridge Partners LP.
The ratings of Canopius US and Canopius Re benefit from their strategic importance to and integration within the Canopius group. The ratings reflect Canopius’ balance sheet strength, which A.M. Best categorises as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile, and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Canopius’ balance sheet strength is underpinned by prospective risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), being at the strongest level, a conservative investment strategy and a reinsurance panel of good credit quality. An elevated level of catastrophe risk in recent years has resulted in volatile risk-adjusted capitalisation. Following the change in ownership, Canopius has lowered its risk appetite and A.M. Best expects a corresponding reduction in catastrophe exposure. Financial leverage at Canopius’ intermediate parent is considered moderate and has a neutral impact on the group’s balance sheet strength assessment.
Canopius’ established specialist profile enables it to generate a flow of profitable business, although the group operates in highly competitive markets. An experienced management team is expected to enable Canopius to successfully navigate the business cycle and deliver good, albeit potentially volatile, underwriting results.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.
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