DARAG strikes legacy portfolio transfer deal with German re/insurer SOVAG

European legacy acquirer DARAG Group has signed a new portfolio transfer agreement with German re/insurer SOVAG. The legacy book comprises direct insurance and inwards reinsurance business.

The portfolio will be transferred to DARAG’s German risk carrier DARAG Deutsche Versicherungs- und Ruckversicherungs-AG, subject to regulatory approval from the country's regulator BaFin.

DARAG will provide complete finality to SOVAG’s shareholders following its restructuring.

The legacy insurance business includes a number of specialty lines such as liability, property, transport and motor, with clientele based in Germany, Spain, Malta, Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria. The inwards reinsurance portfolio includes European and international business, underwritten by SOVAG’s UK branch, and German risks underwritten by its Hamburg office.

Tom Booth, CEO of DARAG Group, said: “SOVAG’s diversified book is a great match with DARAG’s other portfolios and this transaction highlights our deep understanding of the German re/insurance market’s legacy needs. Germany remains an important market for DARAG, as we press ahead with our long-term expansion strategy across Europe and beyond.”

Arndt Gossmann, CEO of SOVAG, said: “The sale of our run-off portfolio has been a major step in SOVAG’s restructuring and we are satisfied to hand over a legacy portfolio that is in excellent financial shape. DARAG’s strength and reliability have been the determining factors for our decision. In DARAG we have an excellent partner to ensure that the portfolio and the outstanding claims are dealt with at the highest level."

Get all the latest re/insurance industry news with our daily newsletter -  sign up here.

New Bermuda reinsurer sets up on island; discloses first deal

Ed swoops on Brit Singapore CEO for Asia Pacific expansion

Prudential strikes longevity reinsurance deal with Phoenix Group

HSCM taps former Validus as CFO and head of strategy
Allianz names new commercial motor portfolio manager

Feature article:  15 ways technology is transforming insurance… and five to watch