W. R. Berkley Corporation Increases Dividend 12.5%

W. R. Berkley Corporation

announced today that its Board of Directors has voted to increase the cash dividend to an annual rate of 36 cents per share, representing a 12.5% increase from the present rate. The first quarterly dividend at the new rate of nine cents per share will be paid on July 3, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2012. The Company also announced that Christopher L. Augostini was elected to its Board of Directors for a term of three years. Mr. Augostini is senior vice president and chief operating officer of Georgetown University, where he has served in various positions, including as chief financial officer, since joining Georgetown University in 2000.