Hanover to Sell Chaucer to China Re

Hanover announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the entities comprising Chaucer, its Lloyd’s-focused international specialty business, to China Re, for total proceeds of $950 million, including cash consideration from China Re of $865 million and a pre-signing dividend from Chaucer of $85 million, received in the second quarter of this year. The transaction is anticipated to close late this year or in the first quarter of next year, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

“Our decision to sell Chaucer followed an extensive strategic review and careful consideration. This transaction will enable us to build on the growing momentum in our domestic property and casualty businesses, as we continue to advance our long-term strategy and deliver even stronger shareholder returns. We will continue to invest in and execute our strategy to be the carrier of choice for our agent partners and their customers. This includes accelerated expansion of our specialized capabilities in commercial lines businesses as well as continued growth and penetration in the personal lines and small commercial sectors.” – President and CEO of Hanover, John C. Roche. 

“This transaction represents an attractive return for shareholders, providing us with greater financial flexibility to invest in the growth of our U.S. agency business and return capital to our shareholders through a variety of options including continued dividends, stock buybacks, debt management, and special dividends. The sale will reduce catastrophe exposure to extreme global events, while enhancing our return on equity potential. We look forward to our continuing successful partnership with Chaucer through the close of the sale and the transition.” – EVP and CFO of Hanover, Jeffrey M. Farber.