AXIS Capital Announces Acquisition of Aviabel

PEMBROKE, London & BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") AXS today announced that it has agreed to acquire general aviation insurance and reinsurance leader Aviabel, increasing the company's scale and relevance in the global aviation market. The "Aviabel" brand, including its Dutch brand "NLP" ("Nederlandse Luchtvaartpool"), will be retained as Belgium-based Aviabel supports the continued expansion of AXIS Insurance's aviation operation globally. AXIS will continue to maintain the company's locations in Brussels and Amsterdam. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

"AXIS is committed to the aviation market for the long-term and, through this acquisition, we're increasing our scale and market relevance. Aviabel is a highly trusted and respected brand, with a portfolio that complements our existing business, expands our presence into the general aviation and smaller account segments, as well as increases our geographic footprint in aviation," said Mark Gregory, CEO of AXIS Insurance's International Division. "Aviabel is also a great cultural fit – like AXIS, it is a specialty company that is entrepreneurial and agile and that places a very high priority on its clients and its employees."

Aviabel has more than 80 years' experience in providing insurance and reinsurance solutions for the general aviation sector and a portfolio of partnerships and clients spanning the globe and gross premiums written of approximately €50 million. The company's products and services extend across general aviation, airlines, airports, pilots and crews, and aerospace manufacturers.

"Becoming part of AXIS provides an opportunity to benefit from the financial strength and resources of a global carrier and to significantly enhance the services and programs that we offer to our clients and our employees," said Cécile Coune, CEO of Aviabel. "Further, AXIS is a company with a strong understanding of today's transformed insurance marketplace and its leadership has a clear vision for where the industry is heading. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Aviabel, our team and our clients."

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital is a Bermuda-based global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders' equity at September 30, 2016 of $6.0 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Middle East, Canada and Latin America. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard & Poor's and "A+" ("Superior") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com. Please be sure to follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn.

About Aviabel

Aviabel is a premier independent specialty aviation insurer and reinsurer with locations in Brussels and Amsterdam. Aviabel has been assigned an "A-" (Stable) rating by Standard & Poor's and an "A-" (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best. Aviabel NV/SA is a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Belgium, with registered office at Louizalaan/Avenue Louise 54, 1050 Brussels (Belgium), and registered with the Central Enterprise Register under number 0403.248.004 (RLE Brussels). Aviabel is an insurance and reinsurance undertaking authorized with the National Bank of Belgium under number 0361. For more information about Aviabel, visit www.aviabel.com and follow Aviabel on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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