Appleby acts as Bermuda counsel for Willas-Array

Appleby

Appleby acted as Bermuda counsel for Willas-Array Electronics (Holdings) Limited (Willas-Array) in relation to its listing by way of introduction on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on December 6, 2013. The shares of Willas-Array have been listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited since July 2001.

Judy Lee, a corporate partner in Appleby’s Hong Kong office, led the Appleby team. She assisted by senior associate, Chris Cheng. Jones Day advised the company as to Hong Kong and Taiwan laws, Wong Partnership advised the Company as to Singapore law and Haiwen & Partners advised the Company as to PRC law. Pinsent Masons and LCS & Partners advised the sole sponsor as to Hong Kong law and Taiwan law, respectively, while Jingtian & Gongcheng advised the sole sponsor as to PRC law.

Special General Meeting

Blue Capital Reinsurance Fund Limited will hold a special general meeting at 9am on December 23 at the Mechanic’s Building, 12 Church Street. The company has published a circular seeking shareholders’ approval for the adoption of a revised investment policy. A notice from the Bermuda Stock Exchange said “the revisions reflect the refinement of the investment manager’s risk management approach over the past year and bring the company’s investment broadly into line with other Blue Capital products.”

Ironshore

Dane Hambrook has been appointed managing director of Ironshore’s Canadian

Ironshore’s Canadian MGA business based in Toronto. In addition, Stephen Stewart has been named managing director of the Canadian Branch of Ironshore Insurance Ltd., also based in Toronto.  

Mr Hambrook and Mr Stewart will report to David Frediani, president of Ironshore International.

“Canada is a top three international market for Ironshore, reflecting the success of our strategy and strong support from regional brokers and clients,” said Mark Wheeler, CEO of Ironshore International.  “Dane and Stephen have played meaningful roles in building our Canadian presence and these appointments reflect their significant contribution and dedication to continued growth going forward.”

Aspen

Aspen US Insurance announced today the opening of a new office in Houston to capitalize on the shale energy boom and evolving regional environmental exposures. 

 As part of Aspen’s national expansion in the U.S., the new Houston office will serve as a hub to offer products and services to regional customers and brokers.  At the reception to mark the office opening, Mario Vitale, CEO of Aspen, commented: “The shale energy boom is in full swing as US oil and gas production is soaring. The estimated $100 billion investment in the petrochemical industry creates new opportunities and risks for the insurance industry.”

 Texas Department of Insurance deputy commissioner Danny Saenz attended the office opening and said in a press release: “We are pleased to have a well-capitalized insurer open an office in Houston with plans for growth and contributions to the state economy.”

“We are proud to be in a position to help clients and brokers in the region meet the demands of their business, especially as energy and environmental risks gain complexity, and the associated need for innovative risk management grows,” added Mr. Vitale.