Reinsurance

Berkshire Hathaways insurance group reported a 30.5 percent drop in pre-tax earnings in 2011, driven mainly by $2.6 billion in pre-tax losses from catastrophe events.

Despite many insurers suffering operating losses in 2011, excess capital remains throughout the industry, and analyst firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods says it is likely insurers will maintain that capital for 2012 growth opportunities rather than return it to shareholders.

Despite many insurers suffering operating losses in 2011, excess capital remains throughout the industry, and analyst firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods says it is likely insurers will maintain that capital for 2012 growth opportunities rather than return it to shareholders.

Sovereign wealth funds could yet turn out to be a terrific alternative source of capital for primary insurers and reinsurers around the globe.

Despite the challenges posed by a year of extraordinary catastrophes, Swiss Re says its 2011 net income increased by more than $1.7 billion thanks in part to a reserve release of $1.3 billion.

Whether its a company seeking to cut manufacturing costs for goods sold in the United States or an overseas company expanding here, agents and brokers need to be prepared to help their clients make the proper choices. Here are a few brokers who have managed to develop a viable structure...