NEW YORK, Oct. 03, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc. today announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Privilege Underwriters, Inc. (PUI) from investors led by Stone Point Capital and KKR. PUI is the holding company for a collection of specialty companies serving the needs of high net worth individuals and families. PUI, which does business through the PURE Group of Insurance Companies (PURE Group), includes: PURE Risk Management, the attorney-in-fact for Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE); PURE Insurance Company, a Florida-domiciled stock insurance company; PURE Programs, a managing general underwriter; and Haven Art Group, a fine art services and claims management company. Each of the PURE Group companies, except the reciprocal insurance exchange, which is an unincorporated association owned by its subscribers, will become wholly owned subsidiaries of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2020. Ross Buchmueller, President & Chief Executive Officer and founder of the PURE Group, will continue to lead the organization as an independent operating unit within the Tokio Marine Group.
The PURE Group is one of the leading writers of high net worth insurance in the United States. The company has grown organically by more than 20% in each of the past twelve years and has inforce premiums of more than $1 billion. The PURE Group creates specialized insurance solutions and offers coverages including: Homeowners; Automobile; Personal Excess Liability; Jewelry, Art & Collections; Fraud and Cyber Fraud; Watercraft; and Flood. The company is headquartered in White Plains, New York with ten offices across the United States. The PURE Group employs approximately 800 people writing business in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
“The PURE Group’s member-owned model is unique and forges an alignment of interests focused on delivering a sophisticated insurance solution to carefully selected individuals. This acquisition provides unique growth opportunities and portfolio diversification for the Tokio Marine Group. We look forward to welcoming the PURE Group’s management team and employees to Tokio Marine and to helping them continue to grow this business post-transaction,” said Chris Williams, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Co-Head of International Business for Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
“Tokio Marine has a great track record of acquiring wonderful franchises and making them even better. We share a common view of culture and purpose and long-term perspective. The opportunity to continue our mission unabated with the backing of one of the world’s largest insurers makes this a great marriage,” added Mr. Buchmueller.
Jodi Lash, Chair of the PURE Subscribers’ Advisory Committee, added, “On behalf of the PURE membership, I am excited to see a partnership that sustains and enhances the culture of PURE. The global resources and financial protection afforded by Tokio Marine will only strengthen PURE’s value to the membership.”
Morgan Stanley is financial advisor, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is legal advisor, and KPMG LLP is accounting/tax advisor to the Tokio Marine Group. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is legal advisor to the PURE Group.
Established in 1879 in Japan, the Tokio Marine Group undertakes Domestic Non-Life insurance, Domestic Life insurance, International business, and Financial and General businesses. With a presence in 45 countries and regions, the Tokio Marine Group ranks as one of the world’s most globally diversified and financially secure insurance groups. As Japan’s largest insurance group, the Tokio Marine Group is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange with over Yen 22.5 trillion ($203 billion) in total assets, Yen 5.4 trillion ($49 billion) of total revenues (for the year ended March 2019) and approximately 40,000 employees. Tokio Marine’s major subsidiaries have financial strength ratings of “A+ (Strong)” from Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC and “A++ (Superior)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc.
The PURE Group of Insurance Companies (PURE Group) manages Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE), a policyholder-owned insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families. The company provides customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud to nearly 90,000 responsible, high net worth families throughout the United States. Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. The PURE Group's low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates and a financial strength rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc.
Kichiichiro Yamamoto (e-mail: kichiichirou.yamamoto2@tokiomarinehd.com)
Satoshi Naganuma (e-mail: s.naganuma@tokiomarinehd.com)
(Tel: +81-(0)3-6267-5805)
International Business Development Department
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.
Katrina Waelchli, KWT Global for PURE
646-989-8064
PURE@kwtglobal.com