Asta, the Lloyd’s leading third party managing agent, has confirmed that they have taken over as the managing agency to Skuld Syndicate 1897 under a novation agreement from 01 April 2014. The syndicate was previously managed by R&Q Managing Agency Limited.

Skuld Syndicate 1897 is a diverse provider of marine and energy insurance with a stamp capacity of £85 million for 2014. Skuld is the main capital provider for the syndicate, with French reinsurer SCOR providing the balance of the capital.

Michael Bennett, Active Underwriter at Skuld 1897 commented: “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to grow our business with Asta, a managing agency with a proven reputation for supporting Syndicates as they develop into strong independent businesses.”

Julian Tighe, Chief Executive Officer Asta added: “It is great to be working with Michael and his team. As a provider of marine and energy insurance Syndicate 1897 brings a diversity of business to Lloyd’s which sits comfortably with its strategy for future growth. We look forward to working with them to help grow the business further and to build on their successful start within Lloyd’s.”

Notes to editors:

About Asta
Asta Managing Agency Ltd is the Leading Lloyd’s managing agent and is responsible for nine syndicates: Axis s. 1686; Dale Underwriting Partners s. 1729; Ariel s.1910; Sirius s.1945; Channel s.2015; Nephila s. 2357; DL Dale s. 2525; Andy Doré s. 2526; ICAT s.4242 with capacity under management in 2014 of £868million.

Asta Capital Limited is the parent company of:

• Asta Insurance Markets Ltd
• Asta Managing Agency Ltd
• Asta Insurance Services Ltd
• Asta Management Services Ltd

Asta Insurance Services Limited: provides insurance services to the corporate market and includes the run-off management of HIH (UK). The name Asta originates from Greek and means “like a star”. For more information visit www.asta-uk.com

About Skuld Syndicate 1897
Skuld Syndicate 1897 is a Marine and Energy syndicate at Lloyd’s (Boxes 308 and 389) with a stamp capacity of £85 million for 2014. The syndicate has a global reach and applies the same service-based approach which has always been the hallmark of Skuld as a provider of P&I. As a Lloyd’s syndicate, S&P’s “A+ (Strong)” rated carrier Skuld truly provides its clients with the best of both worlds.

Press Enquiries:

Michael Gaughan
Tel: +44 (0)20 7623 2368
Mob: +44 (0)7796 140963
E-mail: Michael.gaughan@fwdpr.co.uk

Andrew Lyons
Tel: +44 (0)20 7623 2368
Mob: +44 (0)7976 909003
E-mail: Michael.gaughan@fwdpr.co.uk