North P&I and Sunderland Marine to Merge

The members of North of England P&I Association (North) and Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company Limited (SMMI) have voted in favor of the clubs' recent proposals to merge. A target date of February 21, 2014 has been set for the merger, which will create one of the largest marine insurance operations. 

At their general meeting on 16 January 2014, North's members approved the terms of the merger framework agreement signed by the two north-east England based mutuals last month. This was followed by SMMI's members, who voted for the proposed merger at their general meeting yesterday (28 January).

The clubs formed a strategic alliance in January 2012 and, following completion of due diligence, entered into a merger framework agreement in December 2013. Regulatory approval by UK and various other overseas regulators is now being sought with a view to completing the merger by 21 February 2014, or as soon as possible after that.

North chairman Pratap Shirke said, "Combining our business interests into one group will create one of the largest global marine insurance operations, providing enhanced financial stability for members, a greater diversity of product lines, ensured service excellence and a stronger competitive position."

SMMI’s chairman Trevor Hart said, "The merger combines North’s international portfolio of high quality, larger tonnage with SMMI’s wide spread of high-volume, small-tonnage risks and aquaculture expertise. Together we will offer a more diverse product range, identify and develop new sources of business income and provide greater levels of service and security to all members and policyholders of the combined operation."

The combined premium income of the two organisations is currently around $511 million. On completion of the merger, SMMI will operate as a subsidiary company of North and SMMI’s chief executive, Geoff Parkinson, and directors Trevor Hart and Peter Johnson will join North’s board.