Hamilton’s M&A team provides bespoke and innovative insurance solutions that facilitate deal execution and enable all transaction parties to mitigate risk and uncertainty.
Our team of underwriters have a wealth of experience both in underwriting and broking M&A insurance policies, combined with expertise gained in previous roles as corporate lawyers advising on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions. The team’s underwriting approach is based on technical and detailed analysis, sensible and commercial underwriting judgment, together with quality-driven service. We fully understand the dynamics and pressures of M&A transactions, hence we strive to ensure a smooth underwriting process by collaborating with deal teams and their advisers.
Warranty & Indemnity Insurance
Covers any unknown and unforeseen loss arising from breaches of the warranties provided under an acquisition agreement.
Contingent Risk Insurance
Covers known and quantifiable loss arising out of specific (low risk) issues identified during a transaction diligence process.
Target Market
We work with private equity houses, financial institutions, global corporates and management teams of all sizes and have a broad appetite for all target companies, businesses or assets.
Our preferred range of transaction EVs for primary terms is between GBP£50 million / USD$70 million and GBP£500 million / USD$700 million.
Key Jurisdictions
We have the global presence and capabilities to underwrite cross border transactions and deals with operations in various international jurisdictions. At present, our particular focus is on UK, European and Asia Pacific targets.
Maximum Line Size
GBP£40 million / EUR€60 million / USD$60 million per risk
Key Underwriting Criteria
Whilst we will review each risk on its individual merits, our risk appetite has a close synergy with the quality of the underlying target and deal. So that we can provide the broadest possible cover and make our underwriting process as smooth as possible, we would generally always expect to see the following key underwriting criteria satisfied:
- Strong financial condition of target (group)
- Experienced management team with a track record of longevity, superior performance and a sound strategic vision
- Clear motivation for the parties entering into the deal and an arms’ length negotiation of the transaction warranties, indemnities and limitations
- Knowledgeable warrantors who engage in a considered disclosure process
- Thorough due diligence process carried out by the buyer (and advisers) that is commensurate to the nature and size of the transaction
- Engagement of experienced deal advisers
Claims
As a risk-bearing direct carrier, we maintain full control over our claims process and handling. In the event of a claim, our underwriters remain heavily involved alongside Hamilton’s dedicated in-house claims specialists.
Syndicate 4000
A diversified multi-line insurance and reinsurance syndicate at Lloyd’s (A.M. Best: A; Fitch: AA-; Standard & Poor’s: A+), combining the global scale, security and longevity of Lloyd’s with industry experience and specialist underwriting expertise.