W.R. Berkley Confirms Mitsui Sumitomo's 15% Stake Acquisition Plan

Deal News | Mar 28, 2025 | Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

W.R. Berkley Confirms Mitsui Sumitomo's 15% Stake Acquisition Plan

W.R. Berkley Corporation has confirmed a strategic investment by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd. The arrangement enables Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance to acquire a 15% stake in W.R. Berkley through either open market purchases or private transactions, involving third parties. Notably, the shares of the Berkley family will remain unaffected by this transaction, as they will not be parting with any of their holdings, nor will W.R. Berkley Corporation itself be directly selling shares to Mitsui Sumitomo. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal advisor in this transaction, emphasizing a strategic alliance between the two entities.

Sectors

  • Insurance
  • Legal Services
  • Financial Services

Geography

  • United States – W.R. Berkley Corporation is a U.S.-based company and part of the transaction involves U.S. market regulations.
  • Japan – Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd., a Japanese insurance company, is participating in this strategic investment.

Industry

  • Insurance – W.R. Berkley Corporation and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance are both significant players in the insurance industry, and the transaction involves the acquisition of insurance-related stock.
  • Legal Services – Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is a prominent law firm providing legal advisory services in the transaction.
  • Financial Services – The transaction involves a financial investment and stock acquisition, relevant to financial services.

Financials

  • 15% – The percentage of W.R. Berkley Corporation's common stock that Mitsui Sumitomo will acquire.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
W.R. Berkley CorporationTarget companyCompanyA major insurance holding company listed on the NYSE and the target of Mitsui Sumitomo's share acquisition.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co., Ltd.InvestorCompanyA Japanese insurance company expanding its investment portfolio by acquiring a stake in W.R. Berkley Corporation.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzLegal advisorCompanyA leading law firm providing legal advisory services for the transaction.
Berkley Family and TrustsStakeholdersPeopleOwn shares in W.R. Berkley and part of the arrangement for the third-party stock acquisition by Mitsui Sumitomo.