NU Online News Service, July 16, 1:45 p.m.EDT

Specialty insurance broker Equity Risk Partners has launchedEquity Risk Partners Global, an international alliance of brokersdedicated to the risk needs of the private equity sector.

ERPGlobal is comprised of a group of independent brokers incountries where there is a significant amount of private equityactivity, who are redefining the role of the insurance broker inglobal private equity through collaboration, the firm said.

ERP said realizing the inevitable growth of the industry as theglobal economy rebounds, and the imminent need for internationalexpertise, the firm sought the participation of other brokersoverseas that have well-established and broad industry experiencecoupled with a proven commitment to private equity.

"We are excited to be a part of this landmark alliance thatconnects insurance brokers and private equity firms on a globalscale," said Michael Marcon, chief executive officer of ERP in astatement. "With the expertise of our member brokers and ourability to access previously untapped resources, the collaborativeefforts of these brokers have the ability to have a significantpositive impact on private equity transactions. This ventureestablishes the best global alliance of insurance professionals inthe private equity space."

ERP said the new alliance will allow brokers to pool theirresources and talents in order to increase efficiency in duediligence using a unified approach. Through the use of cutting-edgetechnology, brokers around the world will respond whenever one ofthe members is engaged in a new deal, thereby taking advantage ofthe unique experiences and abilities each broker offers.

"We consider this collaboration not only a reward for ourprofessional attitude, but also a great challenge to furthermaterialize our excellent working relationship with member brokersworldwide," said Alexander de Waal, Managing Director, Dorens &De Waal Amsterdam.

ERP, established in 2000, currently has 40 employees withoffices in Chicago and New York in addition to its San Franciscoheadquarters.