W. R. Berkley - 10-K annual report

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)


þ		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR


o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

Commission file number 1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		22-1867895 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT (Address of principal executive offices)		06830 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 629-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


		Name of each exchange
Title of each class		on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.20 per share		New York Stock Exchange
Rights to purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock		New York Stock Exchange
6.75% Trust Originated Preferred Securities		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesþ No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filer þ		Accelerated filer o		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller Reporting Company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates (computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold) as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $3,358,389,000.

Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of February 20, 2009: 161,576,343.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2008 are incorporated herein by reference in Part II, and portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2008, are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

December 31, 2008


	Page
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT		3

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS		5

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS		22

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS		30

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES		30

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS		30

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS		30

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES		31

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA		32

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		32

ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK		32

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA		32

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE		33

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES		33

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION		33

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE		33

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION		33

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS		33

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE		34

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES		34

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES		34
EX-13: PORTIONS OF THE 2008 ANNUAL REPORT
EX-18: LETTER RE: CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
EX-23: CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
EX-32.1: CERTIFICAITON

2

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continued,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained herein including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 2009 and beyond, are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:

	•		the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry;

	•		the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business;

	•		product demand and pricing;

	•		claims development and the process of estimating reserves;

	•		the potential impact of the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn on our results and financial condition, particularly if such conditions continue;

	•		the potential impact of current legislative, regulatory, accounting and other initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn;

	•		investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, merger arbitrage and private equity investments;

	•		the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts;

	•		natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities;

	•		the impact of significant and increasing competition;

	•		the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities;

	•		the availability of reinsurance;

	•		exposure as to coverage for terrorist acts;

	•		our retention under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Programs Reauthorization Act of 2007;

	•		the ability of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us;

	•		the impact of current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn on our ability to raise debt or equity capital if needed;

	•		foreign currency and political risks relating to our international operations;

	•		other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to alleged anti-competitive or other improper business practices in the insurance industry;

	•		changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies;

	•		the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries;

	•		our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; and

3

•

other risks detailed from time to time in this Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We describe these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year 2009 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our net premiums written and management fees would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of underwriting and operating profits. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-K and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates in five segments of the property casualty insurance business:

	•		Specialty lines of insurance, including excess and surplus lines, premises operations, professional liability and commercial automobile

	•		Regional commercial property casualty insurance

	•		Alternative markets, including workers’ compensation and the management of self-insurance programs

	•		Reinsurance, including treaty, facultative and Lloyd’s business

	•		International

Our holding company structure provides us with the flexibility to respond to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. Our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment and reinsurance management, and actuarial, financial and corporate legal staff support.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Form 10-K to “W. R. Berkley,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or similar terms refer to W. R. Berkley Corporation together with its subsidiaries.

Our specialty insurance and reinsurance operations are conducted nationwide. Regional insurance operations are conducted primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, Southern (excluding Florida and Louisiana) and Mid Atlantic regions of the United States. Alternative markets operations are conducted throughout the United States. Our international operations are conducted in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong.

Net premiums written, as reported based on United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), for each of the past five years were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
				(Amounts in thousands)
Net premiums written:
Specialty	$	1,453,778		$	1,704,880		$	1,814,479		$	1,827,865		$	1,497,567
Regional		1,211,096			1,267,451			1,235,302			1,196,487			1,128,800
Alternative markets		622,185			656,369			651,255			669,774			640,491
Reinsurance		435,108			682,241			892,769			719,540			823,772
International		311,732			265,048			225,188			190,908			175,731

Total	$	4,033,899		$	4,575,989		$	4,818,993		$	4,604,574		$	4,266,361


Percentage of net premiums written:
Specialty		36.1	%		37.3	%		37.7	%		39.8	%		35.1	%
Regional		30.0			27.7			25.6			26.0			26.5
Alternative markets		15.4			14.3			13.5			14.5			15.0
Reinsurance		10.8			14.9			18.5			15.6			19.3
International		7.7			5.8			4.7			4.1			4.1

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

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The following sections describe our insurance segments and their operating units. These operating units underwrite on behalf of one or more affiliated insurance companies within the group pursuant to underwriting management agreements. Certain operating units are identified by us for descriptive purposes only and are not legal entities.

Twenty-two of our twenty-four insurance company subsidiaries rated by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) have ratings of A+ (Superior) (the second highest rating out of 15 possible ratings) and two are rated A (Excellent) (the third highest rating). A.M. Best’s ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders, insurance agents and brokers and are not directed toward the protection of investors. A.M. Best states: “While Best’s Financial Strength Ratings reflect [its] opinion as to a company’s financial strength and relative ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders, they are not a warranty. A.M. Best reviews its ratings on a periodic basis, and ratings of the Company’s subsidiaries are therefore subject to change.

Twenty-two of our twenty-three insurance company subsidiaries rated by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) have financial strength ratings of A+ (the seventh highest rating out of twenty-seven possible ratings) and one is rated A (the eighth highest rating).

Our Moody’s ratings are A2 for Berkley Insurance Company, Berkley Regional Insurance Company and Admiral Insurance Company (the sixth highest rating out of twenty-one possible ratings).

SPECIALTY

Our specialty segment underwrites complex and sophisticated third-party liability risks, principally within excess and surplus lines. Excess and surplus lines differ from standard market lines in that excess and surplus lines are generally free of rate and form regulation and provide coverage for more complex and hard-to-place risks. The primary specialty lines of business are premises operations, commercial automobile, property, products liability and professional liability lines. The specialty business is conducted through 16 operating units. The specialty units deliver their products through a variety of distribution channels depending on the customer base and particular risks insured. The customers in this segment are highly diverse.

Admiral Insurance Company (“Admiral”) provides excess and surplus lines coverage that generally involves a moderate to high degree of hazard due to the nature of the class of coverage or type of business insured. Admiral concentrates on general liability, professional liability, property, and excess and umbrella liability lines of business. Admiral’s products are distributed by wholesale brokers. Admiral writes relatively larger risks, with average annual premiums in excess of $20,000 per policy.

Nautilus Insurance Company (“Nautilus”) insures excess and surplus risks for small to medium-sized commercial risks with low to moderate susceptibility to loss. Admitted business is also written through an affiliate, Great Divide Insurance Company. A substantial portion of Nautilus’ business is written on a binding authority basis, subject to certain contractual limitations. Nautilus writes relatively smaller risks, with average annual premiums less than $5,000 per policy.

Carolina Casualty Insurance Company (“Carolina”) provides commercial insurance products and services to the transportation industry with an emphasis on intermediate and long-haul trucking and various classes of business and public auto. Carolina operates as an admitted carrier in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers LLC (“Berkley Specialty”) has three underwriting divisions. The specialty casualty division underwrites excess and surplus lines general liability coverage with an emphasis on products liability. The entertainment and sports division underwrites property casualty insurance products, both on an admitted and non-admitted basis, for the entertainment industry and sports-related organizations. The environmental division underwrites specialty insurance products to environmental customers such as contractors, consultants and owners of sites and facilities.

Monitor Liability Managers, Inc. (“Monitor”) specializes in professional liability insurance, including directors’ and officers’ liability, employment practices liability, lawyers’ professional liability, management liability, non-profit directors’ and officers’ liability and accountants’ preferred liability.

Berkley Underwriting Partners, LLC (“Berkley Underwriting Partners”) underwrites specialty insurance products through program administrators and managing general underwriters. Berkley Underwriting Partners underwrites business nationwide on an admitted and non-admitted basis.

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Vela Insurance Services, Inc. (“Vela”) underwrites excess and surplus lines casualty business with a primary focus on contractors along with a portfolio of miscellaneous professional liability. Vela underwrites a variety of classes nationwide through a network of appointed excess and surplus lines brokers. Vela also underwrites wrap-up policies for large residential projects, primarily in California, through a managing general agency. Vela writes relatively larger risks, with average annual premiums in excess of $20,000 per policy.

Clermont Specialty Managers, Ltd. (“Clermont”) underwrites package insurance programs, including workers’ compensation, for luxury condominium, cooperative and rental apartment buildings and restaurants in the New York City and Chicago metropolitan areas.

Berkley Aviation, LLC (“Aviation”) underwrites general and specialty aviation insurance. It underwrites coverage for airlines, helicopters, miscellaneous general aviation operations, non-owned aircraft, fixed-base operations, control towers, airports and related businesses.

Berkley Select, LLC (“Select”), which began operations in May 2007, specializes in underwriting professional liability insurance with a particular emphasis on lawyers, accountants, medical facilities and miscellaneous E&O exposures. Select’s products are distributed through a limited number of brokers.

American Mining Insurance Company (“American Mining”), which was acquired in October 2007, specializes in writing workers’ compensation insurance for the mining industry.

Berkley Life Sciences, LLC (“Berkley Life Science”), which began operations in May 2007, underwrites casualty products to the life science marketplace, including medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Berkley Asset Protection Underwriters, LLC (“Berkley Asset”), which began operations in May 2008, underwrites coverage for fine arts, jewelers block, fidelity crime and related risks.

Berkley Professional Liability, LLC (“Berkley Pro”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites professional liability products including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

FinSecure, LLC (“FinSecure”), which began operations in June 2008, underwrites property and liability insurance solutions for financial institutions and financial services firms.

Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers, LLC (“Berkley Offshore Underwriter Managers”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites property insurance for oil and gas exploration and production operations worldwide.

The following table sets forth the percentage of gross premiums written by each specialty unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Admiral		24.0	%		28.2	%		28.5	%		27.8	%		32.2	%
Nautilus		17.5			18.2			17.3			17.1			18.7
Carolina		14.8			14.9			14.3			13.6			16.0
Berkley Specialty		9.6			9.2			9.0			8.6			3.3
Monitor		8.6			7.4			7.1			8.0			11.1
Berkley Underwriting Partners		6.8			6.3			6.2			7.9			5.9
Vela		5.6			7.9			11.9			14.1			9.6
Clermont		3.7			3.4			3.0			2.8			3.2
Aviation		3.3			3.3			2.7			0.1			—
Select		2.9			0.8			—			—			—
American Mining		2.1			0.4			—			—			—
Berkley Life Science		0.7			—			—			—			—
Berkley Asset		0.3			—			—			—			—
Berkley Pro		0.1			—			—			—			—
FinSecure		—			—			—			—			—

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

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The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our specialty insurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Premises operations		32.8	%		38.0	%		42.2	%		43.7	%		40.2	%
Commercial automobile		16.0			15.8			15.0			15.0			17.0
Property		15.1			14.4			12.2			9.1			9.5
Professional liability		12.9			9.9			8.9			9.9			12.9
Products liability		10.2			12.0			13.1			13.8			14.0
Other		13.0			9.9			8.6			8.5			6.4

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

REGIONAL

Our regional companies provide commercial insurance products to customers primarily in 45 states and the District of Columbia. Key clients of this segment are small-to-mid-sized businesses and state and local governmental entities. The regional business is sold through a network of non-exclusive independent agents who are compensated on a commission basis. The regional companies are organized geographically in order to provide them with the flexibility to adapt quickly to local market conditions.

Continental Western Group (“Continental Western Group”) is based in Des Moines, Iowa and operates in 18 states in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Acadia Insurance Company (“Acadia”) is based in Westbrook, Maine and operates in 8 states in the Northeast.

Union Standard Insurance Group (“Union Standard”) is based in Irving, Texas and operates in 9 southern states other than Florida and Louisiana.

Berkley Mid Atlantic Group (“BMAG”) is based in Glen Allen, Virginia and operates in 7 states in the Mid Atlantic region and District of Columbia.

Berkley Surety Group, Inc. (“Berkley Surety”) offers surety bonds on a nationwide basis through a network of thirteen regional and branch offices.

Berkley Regional Specialty Insurance Company (“BRSIC”) offers excess and surplus lines products through independent agents in our regional territories.

Regional Excess Underwriters, LLC (“REU”) is a full service excess and surplus lines brokerage offering commercial coverages to contracted agents throughout the continental United States.

The following table sets forth the percentage of gross premiums written by each region:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Continental Western Group		32.5	%		33.2	%		33.1	%		34.3	%		35.2	%
Acadia		23.8			24.3			25.1			25.7			26.4
Union Standard		17.7			17.0			16.6			15.2			15.0
BMAG		15.6			15.6			15.5			14.6			13.8
Berkley Surety		2.9			2.7			2.0			2.0			2.2
BRSIC		1.2			1.1			0.5			—			—
Assigned risk plans (1)		6.3			6.1			7.2			8.2			7.4

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%


(1)		Assigned risk premiums are written on behalf of assigned risk plans managed by the Company and 100% reinsured by the respective state-sponsored assigned risk pools.

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The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our regional insurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Commercial multi-peril		34.3	%		34.8	%		35.5	%		35.8	%		36.6	%
Automobile		25.5			25.8			25.3			25.4			26.0
Workers’ compensation		18.2			17.8			17.9			17.6			17.1
Assigned risk plans		6.3			6.1			7.2			8.2			7.4
Other		15.7			15.5			14.1			13.0			12.9

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

The following table sets forth the percentages of direct premiums written by our regional insurance operations by state:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
State
Massachusetts		6.8	%		7.1	%		7.0	%		7.5	%		7.6	%
Texas		6.7			6.4			6.2			6.0			6.1
Kansas		5.8			6.1			6.8			6.7			7.5
Pennsylvania		5.7			5.8			5.6			5.5			5.1
New Hampshire		4.9			5.1			5.3			5.4			5.9
Maine		4.7			4.9			5.1			5.3			5.7
Iowa		4.2			4.2			4.6			4.8			4.7
Nebraska		3.8			3.8			4.0			4.0			4.2
Colorado		3.7			3.7			3.3			3.1			3.0
North Carolina		3.3			3.4			3.2			3.1			3.1
Minnesota		3.2			3.2			3.4			3.9			4.0
Mississippi		3.2			2.8			2.4			2.0			2.0
Vermont		3.0			3.3			3.5			3.6			3.6
Connecticut		3.0			2.9			2.9			2.9			2.8
Washington		2.8			3.1			2.3			2.0			1.8
Missouri		2.8			3.0			3.3			3.4			3.6
Illinois		2.7			1.7			2.0			1.8			2.0
Wisconsin		2.5			2.5			2.7			2.9			3.1
Virginia		2.4			2.4			2.6			2.8			2.8
Arkansas		2.3			2.5			2.8			2.6			2.4
South Dakota		2.3			2.2			2.6			3.0			3.3
New York		2.3			2.1			1.8			1.9			1.7
Maryland		2.1			2.1			2.1			1.7			1.5
Tennessee		1.5			1.6			1.7			1.7			1.8
Oklahoma		1.5			1.6			1.6			1.6			1.5
Idaho		1.1			1.2			1.2			1.2			1.2
Other		11.7			11.3			10.0			9.6			8.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

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ALTERNATIVE MARKETS

Our alternative markets operations specialize in insuring, reinsuring and administering self-insurance programs and other alternative risk transfer mechanisms. Our clients include commercial and governmental entity employers, employer groups, insurers, and other groups or entities seeking alternative ways to manage their exposure to risks. Often, alternative methods of risk management result in our customers choosing to retain more of this risk than they might otherwise retain in the traditional insurance market. In addition to providing insurance products, the alternative markets segment also provides a wide variety of fee-based services, including claims, administrative and consulting services.

Midwest Employers Casualty Company (“MECC”) provides excess workers’ compensation coverage and risk management services to self-insured employers and groups as well as to insurance companies in the workers’ compensation business. Excess workers’ compensation is coverage above an amount retained, or self-insured, by the employer or group and includes large deductible and reinsurance programs.

Key Risk Insurance Company (“Key Risk”) offers primary workers’ compensation insurance principally in the southeastern United States. Key Risk focuses on middle-market accounts in specialty niches and on larger self-insured entities, with a special emphasis on managed care services. An affiliate, Key Risk Management Services, Inc., provides third party administration of self-insured workers’ compensation programs.

Preferred Employers Insurance Company (“Preferred Employers”) offers workers’ compensation insurance in California with an emphasis on owner-managed small employers.

Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC (“BRAC”) underwrites property casualty insurance primarily for human services and not-for profit entities and provides risk management services to businesses, governmental entities, assigned risk plans, non-profit entities and insurance companies. BRAC’s services include third-party administration, claims administration, risk management, accounting services, loss control and safety consulting, management information systems, regulatory compliance and alternative markets program management.

Berkley Medical Excess Underwriters, LLC (“Medical Excess”) underwrites medical malpractice excess insurance and reinsurance coverage and services to hospitals and hospital associations.

Berkley Net Underwriters, LLC (“Berkley Net”) uses a web-based system to allow producers to quote, bind and service insurance policies. Its initial focus is on the workers’ compensation market.

Berkley Accident and Health, LLC (“Berkley A&H”) underwrites accident and health insurance and reinsurance products.

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written by each alternative markets unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
MECC		42.1	%		45.1	%		44.6	%		41.6	%		36.9	%
Key Risk		18.8			17.6			16.8			15.4			13.6
BRAC		9.3			7.7			7.0			7.6			7.1
Preferred Employers		8.3			11.3			16.0			20.9			26.4
Berkley Net		6.7			3.1			0.8			—			—
Berkley A&H		4.6			2.6			0.4			—			—
Medical Excess		4.4			4.6			5.4			6.2			6.4
Assigned risk plans (1)		5.8			8.0			9.0			8.3			9.6

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%


(1)		Assigned risk premiums are written on behalf of assigned risk plans managed by the Company and 100% reinsured by the respective state-sponsored assigned risk pools.

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The following table sets forth service fees for insurance services business conducted by BRAC and Key Risk Management Services, Inc. (amounts in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008		2007		2006		2005		2004
Service fees	$	99,090	$	97,292	$	104,812	$	110,697	$	109,344

REINSURANCE

Our reinsurance operations consist of six operating units, which specialize in underwriting property casualty reinsurance on both a treaty and a facultative basis on behalf of Berkley Insurance Company. Treaty reinsurance is the reinsurance of all or a specified portion or category of risks underwritten by the ceding company during the term of the agreement. Facultative reinsurance is the reinsurance of individual risks whereby a reinsurer generally has the opportunity to analyze and separately underwrite a risk prior to agreeing to be bound.

Signet Star Re, LLC (“Treaty”) focuses on underwriting specialty lines of business, including professional liability, umbrella, workers’ compensation, commercial automobile and trucking. Treaty emphasizes casualty excess of loss treaties and seeks significant participations in order to have greater influence over the terms and conditions of coverage. Treaty business is produced through reinsurance brokers or intermediaries as opposed to direct relationships with the ceding companies.

Facultative ReSources, Inc. (“Fac Re”) specializes in underwriting individual certificate and program facultative business developed through brokers. Its experienced underwriters seek to offset the underwriting and pricing cycles in the underlying insurance business by working closely with ceding company clients to develop appropriate underwriting criteria and through superior risk selection.

Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) represents a broad range of mainly short-tail classes of business, which are written through Lloyd’s.

BF Re Underwriters, LLC (“BF Re”) is a direct facultative casualty reinsurance underwriting manager that serves clients through a nationwide network of regional offices. BF Re’s primary lines of business are professional liability, excess and surplus, umbrella and medical malpractice.

Berkley Risk Solutions, Inc. (“Berkley Risk Solutions”) underwrites insurance and reinsurance-based financial solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities.

Watch Hill Fac Management, LLC (“Watch Hill”) underwrites facultative reinsurance business on an excess of loss basis or, in the case of umbrella business, on a contributing excess basis, for most commercial casualty lines of business with an emphasis on general liability, products liability, construction risks, automobile liability and umbrella.

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written by each reinsurance unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Treaty		52.2	%		39.6	%		36.1	%		42.2	%		38.8	%
Fac Re		17.5			17.3			16.2			23.1			27.3
Lloyd’s		14.7			22.6			18.7			21.6			24.4
BF Re		12.2			11.2			9.6			12.3			9.1
Watch Hill		4.6			3.9			2.7			—			—
Berkley Risk Solutions		(1.2	)		4.6			16.6			0.8			0.4
Hong Kong (1)		—			0.8			0.1			—			—

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%


(1)		The Hong Kong unit became a division of Berkley Re Australia effective January 1, 2008.

11

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by property versus casualty business, by our reinsurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Casualty		82.8	%		76.2	%		83.2	%		81.2	%		79.4	%
Property		17.2			23.8			16.8			18.8			20.6

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

INTERNATIONAL

Our international segment has operations in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. We apply the same long-term strategies that that we use in our domestic operations — decentralized structures with products and services tailored to the local environments.

W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe), Limited (“Berkley Europe”) is a London-based specialty casualty insurer that writes professional indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability, medical malpractice, general liability, construction risks and personal accident and travel business principally in the United Kingdom and through its branch offices in Spain and Australia.

Berkley International Argentina S.A. (“South America”) provides commercial and personal property casualty insurance primarily in Argentina and surety business through its subsidiaries in Brazil and Uruguay.

Berkley Re Australia (“Australia”), which began operations in December 2007, provides property and casualty reinsurance on a treaty and facultative basis in Australia and through its division in Hong Kong.

Berkley Underwriting Managers Canada, Ltd. (“Berkley Underwriters Managers”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites specialty casualty commercial insurance products, including general liability, products liability and other commercial lines.

The following table sets forth the percentages of direct premiums for our international operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Berkley Europe		40.1	%		52.6	%		53.1	%		56.5	%		58.1	%
South America		51.8			46.8			42.5			39.5			38.9
Australia		8.1			—			—			—			—
Philippines (1)		—			0.6			4.4			4.0			3.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%


(1)		The Philippines operation was sold in March 2007.

12

Results by Industry Segment

Summary financial information about our operating segments is presented on a GAAP basis in the following table:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			200500			2004
	(Amounts in thousands)
Specialty

Revenue	$	1,810,813		$	2,006,027		$	1,952,928		$	1,816,483		$	1,491,104
Income before income taxes	$	375,429		$	516,931		$	479,105		$	345,896		$	275,689

Regional

Revenue	$	1,317,796		$	1,347,800		$	1,289,869		$	1,230,793		$	1,112,801
Income before income taxes	$	108,719		$	215,228		$	201,417		$	216,495		$	184,152

Alternative Markets

Revenue	$	831,622		$	874,899		$	878,531		$	856,792		$	774,397
Income before income taxes	$	201,879		$	248,080		$	291,416		$	238,462		$	133,438

Reinsurance

Revenue	$	635,763		$	893,855		$	993,120		$	849,207		$	915,276
Income before income taxes	$	117,946		$	178,302		$	135,424		$	63,606		$	85,995

International

Revenue	$	322,016		$	284,558		$	248,894		$	208,836		$	167,849
Income before income taxes	$	52,943		$	44,457		$	34,447		$	20,890		$	18,790

Other (1)

Revenue	$	(209,202	)	$	181,258		$	31,489		$	34,728		$	50,808
Loss before income taxes	$	(530,594	)	$	(110,606	)	$	(153,164	)	$	(114,812	)	$	(59,551	)

Total

Revenue	$	4,708,808		$	5,588,397		$	5,394,831		$	4,996,839		$	4,512,235
Income before income tax	$	326,322		$	1,092,392		$	988,645		$	770,537		$	638,513


(1)		Represents corporate revenues, corporate expenses, realized investment gains and losses, and revenues and expenses from investments in wholly-owned, non-insurance subsidiaries that are consolidated for financial reporting purposes.

13

The table below represents summary underwriting ratios on a GAAP basis for our insurance segments. The combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A number in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Specialty
Loss ratio		60.1	%		57.3	%		59.1	%		62.4	%		61.7	%
Expense ratio		28.4			26.7			25.0			25.1			25.6

Combined ratio		88.5	%		84.0	%		84.1	%		87.5	%		87.3	%


Regional
Loss ratio		65.4	%		59.1	%		59.7	%		55.8	%		55.7	%
Expense ratio		32.3			31.4			30.6			30.6			31.2

Combined ratio		97.7	%		90.5	%		90.3	%		86.4	%		86.9	%


Alternative Markets
Loss ratio		62.7	%		59.2	%		53.5	%		59.4	%		70.6	%
Expense ratio		24.2			23.1			22.1			20.1			21.2

Combined ratio		86.9	%		82.3	%		75.6	%		79.5	%		91.8	%


Reinsurance
Loss ratio		64.7	%		65.3	%		72.0	%		74.1	%		69.5	%
Expense ratio		34.7			31.3			27.8			30.1			29.1

Combined ratio		99.4	%		96.6	%		99.8	%		104.2	%		98.6	%


International
Loss ratio		61.7	%		62.6	%		64.2	%		66.5	%		61.0	%
Expense ratio		38.9			32.4			32.0			29.6			30.0

Combined ratio		100.6	%		95.0	%		96.2	%		96.1	%		91.0	%


Total
Loss ratio		62.7	%		59.6	%		61.0	%		62.4	%		63.0	%
Expense ratio		30.4			28.5			27.0			26.9			27.4

Combined ratio		93.1	%		88.1	%		88.0	%		89.3	%		90.4	%

14

Investments

Investment results, before income taxes, were as follows (1):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
				(Dollars in thousands)
Average investments, at cost (2)	$	12,429,269		$	12,146,241		$	10,729,483		$	8,999,782		$	7,027,138

Investment income, before expenses (2)	$	537,033		$	634,386		$	549,030		$	385,417		$	274,389

Percent earned on average investments (2)		4.3	%		5.2	%		5.1	%		4.3	%		3.9	%

Realized investment gains (losses) (3)	$	(356,931	)	$	49,696		$	9,648		$	17,209		$	48,268

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) (4)	$	(302,211	)	$	(94,957	)	$	113,539		$	(118,934	)	$	(4,424	)


(1)		Certain amounts for 2007 and prior years have been restated to reflect a change in accounting in 2008 and to conform to the presentation of the 2008 financial statements.

(2)		Includes investments, cash investment and cash equivalents, trading accounts receivable from brokers and clearing organizations, trading account securities sold but not yet purchased and unsettled purchases.

(3)		Represents realized gains and losses on investments not classified as trading securities and investment funds.

(4)		Represents the change in unrealized investment gains (losses) for available for sale securities and investment funds.

For comparison, the following are the coupon returns for selected bond indices and the dividend returns for the S&P 500^® Index:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (a)		5.4	%		5.5	%		5.3	%		4.9	%		5.0	%
Barclays Municipal Bond Index(a)		4.6	%		4.7	%		4.8	%		4.7	%		4.8	%
S&P 500^® Index		1.5	%		2.0	%		2.2	%		1.8	%		1.9	%


(a)		Formerly Lehman Brothers index.

The percentages of the fixed maturity portfolio categorized by contractual maturity, based on fair value, on the dates indicated, are set forth below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.


	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
1 year or less		3.2	%		7.4	%		11.2	%		10.6	%		10.8	%
Over 1 year through 5 years		22.9			19.4			17.5			13.1			15.8
Over 5 years through 10 years		29.9			30.2			26.3			26.6			19.0
Over 10 years		26.6			25.1			22.8			32.1			36.4
Mortgage-backed securities		17.4			17.9			22.2			17.6			18.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

15

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.

In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.

In examining reserve adequacy, several factors are considered in addition to the economic value of losses. These factors include historical data, legal developments, changes in social attitudes and economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. The actuarial process relies on the basic assumption that past experience, adjusted judgmentally for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future outcomes. Reserve amounts are necessarily based on management’s informed estimates and judgments using currently available data. As additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, these estimates and judgments may be revised. This may result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our results in periods in which such estimates and assumptions are changed.

The risk and complexity of estimating loss reserves have increased under the current financial market conditions. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Whereas a slowing economy would generally lead to lower inflation or even deflation, increased government spending would generally lead to higher inflation. A change in our assumptions regarding inflation would result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our earnings in periods in which such assumptions are changed.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claim administration will cost. While the methods for establishing the reserves are well tested over time, some of the major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond the Company’s control. These variables are affected by external and internal events, such as inflation and economic volatility, judicial and litigation trends, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and claim handling and reserving practices, which make it more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, the Company cannot assure that its current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.

We discount our liabilities for excess workers’ compensation business and the workers’ compensation portion of our reinsurance business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities. The expected losses and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting was derived from the Company’s loss payout experience. For non-proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These discount rates range from 3.1% to 6.5% with a weighted average discount rate of 4.6%. For proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted at the statutory rate permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware of 2.5%. The aggregate net discount, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, is $846,748,000, $787,988,000 and $699,883,000 at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in the aggregate discount from 2007 to 2008 and from 2006 to 2007 resulted from the increase in workers’ compensation gross reserves.

16

To date, known asbestos and environmental claims at our insurance company subsidiaries have not had a material impact on our operations. These claims have not materially impacted us because these subsidiaries generally did not insure the larger industrial companies which are subject to significant environmental exposures.

Our net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims were $39,646,000 and $41,590,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company’s gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims were $56,957,000 and $60,836,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Net incurred losses and loss expenses for reported asbestos and environmental claims were approximately $440,000, $7,029,000 and $3,000,000 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Net paid losses and loss expenses for reported asbestos and environmental claims were approximately $2,384,000, $2,912,000 and $2,980,000 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty because it is difficult to make a reasonable actuarial estimate of these liabilities due to the absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for these exposures and the potential affect of significant unresolved legal matters, including coverage issues as well as the cost of litigating the legal issues. Additionally, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.

The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning of year and end of year property casualty reserves for the indicated years (amounts in thousands):


	2008			2007			2006
Net reserves at beginning of year	$	7,822,897		$	6,947,597		$	5,867,290
Net reserves of company acquired		—			68,392			—
Net provision for losses and loss expenses (a):
Claims occurring during the current year (b)		2,829,830			2,837,647			2,791,500
(Decrease)/Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (c)		(195,710	)		(105,879	)		26,663
Decrease in discount for prior years		54,494			46,808			39,507

		2,688,614			2,778,576			2,857,670


Net payments for claims:
Current year		644,213			538,364			456,073
Prior years		1,744,712			1,433,304			1,321,290

		2,388,925			1,971,668			1,777,363

Net reserves at end of year		8,122,586			7,822,897			6,947,597
Ceded reserves at end of year		877,010			855,137			836,672

Gross reserves at end of year	$	8,999,596		$	8,678,034		$	7,784,269


(a)		Net provision for loss and loss expenses excludes $47, $1,002 and $6,828 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to the policyholder benefits incurred on life insurance that are included in the statement of income.

(b)		Claims occurring during the current year are net of discounts of $97,698, $117,177 and $133,965 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

(c)		The increase/(decrease) in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of discounts of $15,556, $17,736 and $29,940 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years decreased by $180,154 in 2008 and $88,143 in 2007 and increased by $56,603 in 2006.

Also, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further information regarding the increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years.

A reconciliation between the reserves as of December 31, 2008 as reported in the accompanying consolidated GAAP financial statements and those reported on the basis of statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) is as follows (amounts in thousands):


Net reserves reported on a SAP basis	$	8,119,894
Additions (deductions) to statutory reserves:
International property & casualty reserves		274,437
Loss reserve discounting (1)		(269,324	)

17


Other		(2,421	)

Net reserves reported on a GAAP basis		8,122,586
Ceded reserves reclassified as assets		877,010

Gross reserves reported on a GAAP basis	$	8,999,596


(1)		For statutory purposes, we use a discount rate of 2.5% for non-proportional business as permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.

The following table presents the development of net reserves for 1998 through 2008. The top line of the table shows the estimated reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This represents the estimated amount of losses and loss expenses for claims arising in all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred but not reported to us. The upper portion of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded reserves based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years.

The “cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. For example, the 1998 reserves have developed a $261 million deficiency over ten years. That amount has been reflected in income over the ten years. The impact on the results of operations of the past three years of changes in reserve estimates is shown in the reconciliation tables above. It should be noted that the table presents a “run off” of balance sheet reserves, rather than accident or policy year loss development. Therefore, each amount in the table includes the effects of changes in reserves for all prior years. For example, assume a claim that occurred in 1998 is reserved for $2,000 as of December 31, 1998. Assuming this claim estimate was changed in 2008 to $2,300, and was settled for $2,300 in 2007, the $300 deficiency would appear as a deficiency in each year from 1998 through 2008.

(Amounts in millions)


Year Ended December 31,	1998			1999			2000			2001			2002			2003			2004			2005			2006		2007		2008
Net reserves, discounted	$	1,583		$	1,724		$	1,818		$	2,033		$	2,323		$	3,505		$	4,723		$	5,867		$	6,948	$	7,823	$	8,123
Reserve discount		187			196			223			243			293			393			503			575			700		788		846

Net reserves, undiscounted	$	1,770		$	1,920		$	2,041		$	2,276		$	2,616		$	3,898		$	5,226		$	6,442		$	7,648	$	8,611	$	8,969


Net reserves re-estimated as of:

One year later	$	1,798		$	1,934		$	2,252		$	2,450		$	2,889		$	4,220		$	5,440		$	6,499		$	7,560	$	8,431
Two years later		1,735			2,082			2,397			2,671			3,242			4,552			5,588			6,578			7,494
Three years later		1,805			2,203			2,520			2,932			3,611			4,720			5,763			6,592
Four years later		1,856			2,260			2,634			3,233			3,769			4,949			5,816
Five years later		1,859			2,330			2,841			3,339			3,982			5,041
Six years later		1,886			2,449			2,889			3,534			4,069
Seven years later		1,955			2,460			3,033			3,599
Eight years later		1,958			2,564			3,110
Nine years later		2,024			2,600
Ten years later		2,031

Cumulative redundancy (deficiency), undiscounted	$	(261	)	$	(680	)	$	(1,069	)	$	(1,323	)	$	(1,453	)	$	(1,143	)	$	(590	)	$	(150	)	$	154	$	180


Cumulative amount of net liability paid through:
One year later	$	496		$	584		$	702		$	794		$	599		$	929		$	1,185		$	1,321		$	1,433	$	1,745
Two years later		795			1,011			1,255			1,191			1,216			1,749			2,107			2,342			2,640
Three years later		1,032			1,426			1,501			1,594			1,792			2,388			2,837			3,202
Four years later		1,306			1,567			1,722			1,971			2,223			2,900			3,386
Five years later		1,387			1,699			1,964			2,245			2,552			3,273
Six years later		1,448			1,831			2,138			2,467			2,814
Seven years later		1,522			1,934			2,276			2,642
Eight years later		1,583			2,021			2,401
Nine years later		1,632			2,109
Ten years later		1,680

18

The following table presents the development of gross reserves for 1998 through 2008.

(Amounts in millions)


Year Ended December 31,	1998		1999			2000			2001			2002			2003			2004			2005			2006		2007		2008
Net reserves, discounted	$	1,583	$	1,724		$	1,818		$	2,033		$	2,323		$	3,505		$	4,723		$	5,867		$	6,947	$	7,823	$	8,123
Ceded reserves		538		617			658			731			845			687			727			845			837		855		877

Gross reserves, discounted		2,121		2,341			2,476			2,764			3,168			4,192			5,450			6,712			7,784		8,678		9,000
Reserve discount		248		250			286			324			384			462			573			654			761		867		944

Gross reserves undiscounted	$	2,369	$	2,591		$	2,762		$	3,088		$	3,552		$	4,654		$	6,023		$	7,366		$	8,545	$	9,545	$	9,944


Gross reserves re-estimated as of:
One year later	$	2,390	$	2,653		$	2,827		$	3,153		$	3,957		$	5,030		$	6,241		$	7,406		$	8,509	$	9,396
Two years later		2,389		2,556			2,730			3,461			4,353			5,380			6,382			7,529			8,454
Three years later		2,218		2,385			2,900			3,777			4,744			5,546			6,600			7,561
Four years later		2,079		2,465			3,054			4,103			4,885			5,807			6,670
Five years later		2,102		2,564			3,267			4,192			5,132			5,915
Six years later		2,139		2,684			3,296			4,428			5,226
Seven years later		2,212		2,682			3,476			4,500
Eight years later		2,198		2,814			3,555
Nine years later		2,283		2,860
Ten Years later		2,306
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency) undiscounted	$	63	$	(269	)	$	(793	)	$	(1,412	)	$	(1,674	)	$	(1,261	)	$	(647	)	$	(195	)	$	91	$	149

Reinsurance

We follow a common industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our exposures and paying to reinsurers a part of the premiums received on the policies that we write. Reinsurance is purchased principally to reduce net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer contractually liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance coverage. We monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and attempt to place our coverages only with substantial, financially sound carriers. As a result, generally the reinsurers who reinsure our casualty insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A (Excellent)” or better with at least $500 million in policyholder surplus and the reinsurers who cover our property insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A-(Excellent)” or better with at least $250 million in policyholder surplus.

Regulation

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to varying degrees of regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business, and the Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with such regulations. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to state insurance commissioners. This regulation relates to such matters as the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained; the licensing of insurers and their agents; the nature of and limitations on investments; deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders; approval of certain policy forms and premium rates; periodic examination of the affairs of insurance companies; annual and other reports required to be filed on the financial condition of insurers or for other purposes; establishment and maintenance of reserves for unearned premiums and losses; and requirements regarding numerous other matters. Our property casualty subsidiaries, other than excess and surplus and reinsurance subsidiaries, must generally file all rates with the insurance department of each state in which they operate. Our excess and surplus and reinsurance subsidiaries generally operate free of rate and form regulation.

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In addition to regulatory supervision of our insurance subsidiaries, we are subject to state statutes governing insurance holding company systems. Typically, such statutes require that we periodically file information with the appropriate state insurance commissioner, including information concerning our capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations. Under the terms of applicable state statutes, any person or entity desiring to purchase more than a specified percentage (commonly 10%) of our outstanding voting securities would be required to obtain regulatory approval of the purchase. Further, state insurance statutes typically place limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions payable by insurance companies in order to protect their solvency. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Various state and federal organizations, including Congressional committees and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), have been conducting reviews into various aspects of the insurance business. No assurance can be given that future legislative or regulatory changes resulting from such activity will not adversely affect our insurance subsidiaries.

The NAIC utilizes a Risk Based Capital (“RBC”) formula that is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory surplus in relation to the risks inherent in its business. The RBC formula develops a risk adjusted target level of adjusted statutory capital by applying certain factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The RBC Model Law provides for four incremental levels of regulatory attention for insurers whose surplus is below the calculated RBC target. These levels of attention range in severity from requiring the insurer to submit a plan for corrective action to actually placing the insurer under regulatory control. The RBC of each of our domestic insurance subsidiaries was above the authorized RBC control level as of December 31, 2008.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (the “Act”), was enacted in 1999 and significantly affects the financial services industry, including insurance companies, banks and securities firms. The Act modifies federal law to permit the creation of financial holding companies, which, as regulated by the Act, can maintain cross-holdings in insurance companies, banks and securities firms to an extent not previously allowed. The Act also permits or facilitates certain types of combinations or affiliations for financial holding companies. The Act establishes a functional regulatory scheme under which state insurance departments will maintain primary regulation over insurance activities, subject to provisions for certain federal preemptions.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are also subject to assessment by state guaranty funds when an insurer in a particular jurisdiction has been judicially declared insolvent and insufficient funds are available from the liquidated company to pay policyholders and claimants. The protection afforded under a state’s guaranty fund to policyholders of the insolvent insurer varies from state to state. Generally, all licensed property casualty insurers are considered to be members of the fund, and assessments are based upon their pro rata share of direct written premiums. The NAIC Model Post-Assessment Guaranty Fund Act, which many states have adopted, limits assessments to an insurer to 2% of its subject premium and permits recoupment of assessments through rate setting. Likewise, several states (or underwriting organizations of which our insurance subsidiaries are required to be members) have limited assessment authority with regard to deficits in certain lines of business.

We receive funds from our insurance company subsidiaries in the form of dividends and management fees for certain management services. Annual dividends in excess of maximum amounts prescribed by state statutes may not be paid without the approval of the insurance commissioner of the state in which an insurance subsidiary is domiciled.

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The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 became effective November 26, 2002, was amended on December 22, 2005 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005 and further amended effective December 26, 2007 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (collectively, “TRIA”). TRIA established a Federal program that provides for a system of shared public and private compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. The program is effective through December 31, 2014. TRIA is applicable to almost all commercial lines of property and casualty insurance but excludes commercial auto, burglary and theft, surety, professional liability and farm owners’ multi-peril insurance. Insurers with direct commercial property and casualty insurance exposure in the United States are required to participate in the program and make available coverage for certified acts of terrorism. The most recent amendment to TRIA broadened the definition of certified acts to include domestic terrorism. Federal participation will be triggered under TRIA when the Secretary of Treasury certifies an act of terrorism. Under the program, the federal government will pay 85% of an insurer’s covered losses in excess of the insurer’s applicable deductible. The insurer’s deductible is based on 20% percent of earned premium for the prior year for covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our 2008 earned premiums, our deductible under TRIA during 2009 will be approximately $574 million. The federal program will not pay losses for certified acts unless such losses exceed $100 million. TRIA limits the federal government’s share of losses at $100 billion for a program year. In addition, an insurer that has satisfied its deductible is not liable for the payment of losses in excess of the $100 billion cap.

The insurance industry has been the subject of scrutiny with respect to insurance broker and agent compensation arrangements and sales practices. The New York State Attorney General and other state and federal regulators have conducted investigations and other proceedings relating to compensation and bidding arrangements between producers and issuers of insurance products, and alleged unsuitable sales practices by producers on behalf of either the issuer or the purchaser. The practices under investigation included, among other things, allegations that so-called contingent commission arrangements may conflict with a broker’s duties to its customers and that certain brokers and insurers may have engaged in anti-competitive practices in connection with insurance premium quotes. New investigative proceedings may be commenced in the future. These investigations and proceedings could result in legal precedents and new industry-wide practices or legislation, rules or regulations that could significantly affect the insurance industry and the Company.

Competition

The property casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses are highly competitive, with over 2,000 insurance companies transacting business in the United States. We compete directly with a large number of these companies. Our strategy in this highly fragmented industry is to seek specialized areas or geographic regions where our insurance subsidiaries can gain a competitive advantage by responding quickly to changing market conditions. Our subsidiaries establish their own pricing practices. Such practices are based upon a Company-wide philosophy to price products with the intent of making an underwriting profit. Competition in our industry generally changes with profitability and has increased since 2004. As a result of increased competition, we have experienced both downward pressure on pricing for many of our insurance lines as well as demands by insureds and cedants for better terms and conditions.

Competition for specialty and alternative markets business comes from other specialty insurers, regional carriers, large national multi-line companies and reinsurers. Standard carriers have increasingly competed for excess and surplus business.

Competition for the reinsurance business comes from domestic and foreign reinsurers, which produce their business either on a direct basis or through the broker market. These competitors include Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re, Transatlantic Reinsurance, XL and Munich Re.

The regional property casualty subsidiaries compete with mutual and other regional stock companies as well as national carriers. Direct writers of property casualty insurance compete with the regional subsidiaries by writing insurance through their salaried employees, generally at a lower cost than through independent agents such as those used by the Company.

The international operations compete with native insurance operations both large and small, which may be related to government entities, as well as with branches or local subsidiaries of multinational companies.

Competition from insurers based in Bermuda and other tax advantaged jurisdictions has increased over the last several years, including from domestic based subsidiaries of foreign based entities especially as to excess and surplus lines business.

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Employees

As of February 16, 2009, we employed 5,768 individuals. Of this number, our subsidiaries employed 5,681 persons, of whom 3,991 were executive and administrative personnel and 1,690 were clerical personnel. We employed the remaining 87 persons at the parent company and in investment operations, of whom 71 were executive and administrative personnel and 16 were clerical personnel.

Other Information about the Company’s Business

We maintain an interest in the acquisition or start up of complementary businesses and continue to evaluate possible acquisitions and new ventures on an ongoing basis. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries develop new coverages or lines of business to meet the needs of insureds.

Seasonal weather variations and other events affect the severity and frequency of losses sustained by the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Although the effect on our business of catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, earthquakes and terrorist acts may be mitigated by reinsurance, they nevertheless can have a significant impact on the results of any one or more reporting periods.

We have no customer which accounts for 10 percent or more of our consolidated revenues.

Compliance by W. R. Berkley and its subsidiaries with federal, state and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

The Company’s internet address is www.wrberkley.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K. The Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act are accessible free of charge through this website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our businesses face significant risks. If any of the events or circumstances described as risks below actually occurs, our businesses, results of operations or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Industry

Our results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance and reinsurance industry.

The results of companies in the property casualty insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. The demand for insurance is influenced primarily by general economic conditions, while the supply of insurance is directly related to available capacity. Over the past several years, we have faced increasing competition in our business, including as a result of an increased flow of capital into the insurance and reinsurance industry, with both new entrants and existing insurers seeking to gain market share. This has resulted in decreased premium rates and less favorable contract terms and conditions. The adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and expand the extent of coverage and the effects of economic inflation on the amount of compensation due for injuries or losses. In addition, investment rates of return may impact rate adequacy. These factors can have a significant impact on ultimate profitability because a property casualty insurance policy is priced before its costs are known as premiums usually are determined long before claims are reported. These factors could produce results that would have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

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Current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if such conditions continue.

The significant volatility and uncertainty experienced in financial markets around the world during the past year and the ongoing economic downturn have continued. Although the U.S. and various foreign governments have taken various actions to try to stabilize the financial markets, it is unclear whether those actions will be effective. Therefore, volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and the resulting negative economic impact will likely continue for some time.

While we monitor conditions in the financial markets, we cannot predict future conditions or their impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Depending on conditions in the financial markets, we could incur additional realized and unrealized losses in our investment portfolio in future periods, and financial market volatility and uncertainty and an economic downturn could have a significant negative impact on third parties that we do business with, including insureds and reinsurers.

Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, which may require us to establish additional reserves.

Our gross reserves for losses and loss expenses were approximately $9.0 billion as of December 31, 2008. Our loss reserves reflect our best estimates of the cost of settling claims and related expenses with respect to insured events that have occurred.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claims administration will cost for claims that have occurred, whether known or unknown. The major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, inflation, judicial theories of liability, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond our control.

The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities, where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made and settlement is reached. In periods with increased economic volatility, such as under the current financial market conditions, it becomes more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Reserve estimates are continually refined in an ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to reserves are reflected in the results of the periods in which such estimates are changed. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, we cannot assure that our current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events. Should we need to increase our reserves, our pre-tax income for the period would decrease by a corresponding amount.

We decreased our estimates for claims occurring in prior years by $196 million in 2008 and $106 million in 2007, and increased our estimate by $27 million in 2006, $187 million in 2005 and $295 million in 2004. We, along with the property casualty insurance industry in general, have experienced higher than expected losses for certain types of business written from 1998 to 2001. Although our reserves reflect our best estimate of the costs of settling claims, we cannot assure you that our claim estimates will not need to be increased in the future.

We discount our reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting liabilities. The expected loss and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting is derived from our loss payout experience. Changes in the loss and loss expense payout pattern are recorded in the period they are determined. If the actual loss payout pattern is shorter than anticipated, the discount will be reduced and pre-tax income will decrease by a corresponding amount.

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As a property casualty insurer, we face losses from natural and man-made catastrophes.

Property casualty insurers are subject to claims arising out of catastrophes that may have a significant effect on their results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Catastrophe losses have had a significant impact on our results. In addition, through our participation in certain Lloyd’s syndicates, we have additional exposure to catastrophic losses. For example, weather-related losses were $114 million in 2008, $34 million in 2007, $39 million in 2006, $99 million in 2005 and $60 million in 2004.

Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires, as well as terrorist activities. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable but have increased in recent years. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Some catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas. Catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of our property casualty lines, and most of our past catastrophe-related claims have resulted from severe storms. Seasonal weather variations may affect the severity and frequency of our losses. Insurance companies are not permitted to reserve for a catastrophe until it has occurred. It is therefore possible that a catastrophic event or multiple catastrophic events could produce significant losses and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We face significant and increasing competitive pressures in our businesses, which have reduced premium rates and could harm our ability to maintain or increase our profitability and premium volume.

We compete with a large number of other companies in our selected lines of business. We compete, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. and non-U.S. insurers and reinsurers, other regional companies, as well as mutual companies, specialty insurance companies, underwriting agencies and diversified financial services companies. Competitiveness in our businesses is based on many factors, including premium charges, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, commissions paid to producers, the perceived financial strength of the company, other terms and conditions offered, services provided, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in the lines to be written.

Some of our competitors, particularly in the reinsurance business, have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. These competitors within the reinsurance segment include Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re, Transatlantic Reinsurance, XL and Munich Re. We expect that perceived financial strength, in particular, will become more important as customers seek high quality reinsurers. Certain of our competitors operate from Bermuda or other tax advantaged or less regulated jurisdictions that may provide them with additional competitive and pricing advantages.

Over the past several years, we have faced increased competition in our business, particularly in our reinsurance segment, as increased supply has led to reduced prices. Our specialty segment increasingly encounters competition from admitted companies seeking to increase market share. We expect to continue to face strong competition in these and our other lines of business and may continue to experience reduced pricing and weaker terms and conditions.

This intense competition could cause the supply and/or demand for insurance or reinsurance to change, which could affect our ability to price our products at attractive rates and retain existing business or write new products at adequate rates. If we are unable to retain existing business or write new business at adequate rates, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We, as a primary insurer, may have significant exposure for terrorist acts.

To the extent an act of terrorism, whether a domestic or foreign act, is certified by the Secretary of Treasury, we may be covered under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as amended on December 22, 2005 and further amended on December 26, 2007 (“TRIA”), for up to 85% of

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our losses for certain property/casualty lines of insurance. However, any such coverage would be subject to a mandatory deductible based on 20% of earned premium for the prior year for the covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our 2008 earned premiums, our deductible under TRIA during 2009 is approximately $574 million. TRIA is in effect through December 31, 2014 unless extended or replaced by a similar program. The coverage provided under TRIA does not apply to reinsurance that we write.

Our earnings could be more volatile because of our significant level of retentions.

As compared to a number of our competitors, we maintain significant retention levels in premiums written. We purchase less reinsurance, the process by which we transfer, or cede, part of the risk we have assumed to a reinsurance company, thereby retaining more risk. As a result, our earnings could be more volatile and increased severities are more likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which increases our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business.

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than stockholders and other investors. This system of regulation, generally administered by a department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relates to, among other things:

	•		standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements;

	•		restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

	•		requiring certain methods of accounting;

	•		rate and form regulation pertaining to certain of our insurance businesses; and

	•		potential assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies.

State insurance departments conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. Federal financial services modernization legislation and legislative and regulatory initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn may lead to additional federal regulation of the insurance industry in the coming years. We may be subject to potentially increased federal oversight as a financial institution. Also, foreign governments regulate our international operations.

The insurance industry has been the subject of scrutiny with respect to insurance broker and agent compensation arrangements and sales practices. The New York State Attorney General and other state and federal regulators have conducted investigations and other proceedings relating to compensation and bidding arrangements between producers and issuers of insurance products, and alleged unsuitable sales practices by producers on behalf of either the issuer or the purchaser. The practices included, among other things, allegations that contingent commission arrangements may conflict with a broker’s duties to its customers and that certain brokers and insurers may have engaged in anti-competitive practices in connection with insurance premium quotes. New investigative proceedings may be commenced in the future. These investigations and proceedings could result in legal precedents and new industry-wide practices or legislation, rules or regulations that could significantly affect the insurance industry and the Company.

We may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and our business may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations. Also, some regulatory authorities have relatively

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broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or monetarily penalize us. Also, changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry, whether federal, state or foreign, or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities, restrict the conduct of our business.

In certain of our insurance businesses, the rates we charge our policyholders are subject to regulatory approval. Certain lines of business are subject to a greater degree of regulatory scrutiny than others. For example, the workers’ compensation business is highly regulated. For 2008, approximately 15.3% of our net premiums written represented primary workers’ compensation business. Over the past several years, rates for primary workers’ compensation business written in the State of California have declined significantly as a result of workers’ compensation reform. Of our net premiums written during 2008, approximately 1.5% represented primary workers’ compensation business written in the State of California.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We cannot guarantee that our reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and, as a result, we could experience losses.

We purchase reinsurance by transferring part of the risk that we have assumed, known as ceding, to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer contractually liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us, the reinsured, of our liability to our policyholders. Our reinsurers may not pay the reinsurance recoverables that they owe to us or they may not pay such recoverables on a timely basis. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers, and if our reinsurers fail to pay us, our financial results would be adversely affected. Underwriting results and investment returns of some of our reinsurers may affect their future ability to pay claims. As of December 31, 2008, the amount due from our reinsurers was approximately $931 million, including amounts due from state funds and industry pools. Certain of these amounts due from reinsurers are secured by letters of credit or by funds held in trust on our behalf.

We are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.

Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Certain of our insurance company subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors. Our ratings are subject to periodic review, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain those ratings.

If our ratings are reduced from their current levels by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, our competitive position in the insurance industry could suffer and it would be more difficult for us to market our products. A significant downgrade could result in a substantial loss of business as policyholders move to other companies with higher claims-paying and financial strength ratings.

If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain amounts of risk underwritten by our insurance company subsidiaries, especially catastrophe risks. We also purchase reinsurance on risks underwritten by others which we reinsure. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we purchase, which may affect the level of our business and profitability. Our reinsurance contracts are generally subject to annual renewal. We may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance contracts or to obtain other reinsurance contracts in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. In addition, we may be unable to obtain reinsurance on terms acceptable to us relating to certain lines of business that we intend to begin writing. If we are unable to renew our expiring contracts or to obtain new reinsurance contracts, either our net exposures would increase or, if

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we are unwilling to bear an increase in net exposures, we would have to reduce the level of our underwriting commitments, especially catastrophe exposed risks.

Depending on conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn, we may be unable to raise debt or equity capital if needed.

If the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn continue, we may be unable to access debt or equity capital on acceptable terms if needed, which could have a negative impact on our ability to invest in our insurance company subsidiaries and/or to take advantage of opportunities to expand our business, such as possible acquisitions and new ventures.

Our international operations expose us to investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk.

Our expanding international operations in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong expose us to investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our investments in non-U.S.-denominated securities are subject to fluctuations in non-U.S. securities and currency markets, and those markets can be volatile. Non-U.S. currency fluctuations also affect the value of any dividends paid by our non-U.S. subsidiaries to their parent companies in the U.S.

We may not find suitable acquisition candidates or new insurance ventures and even if we do, we may not successfully integrate any such acquired companies or successfully invest in such ventures.

As part of our present strategy, we continue to evaluate possible acquisition transactions and the start-up of complementary businesses on an ongoing basis, and at any given time we may be engaged in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions and new ventures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition transactions or insurance ventures, that such transactions will be financed and completed on acceptable terms or that our future acquisitions or ventures will be successful. The process of integrating any companies we do acquire or investing in new ventures may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.

We depend on our ability to attract and retain experienced underwriting talent and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about our business. If the quality of our underwriting team and other personnel decreases, we may be unable to maintain our current competitive position in the specialized markets in which we operate, and be unable to expand our operations into new markets.

Risks Relating to Our Investments

A significant amount of our assets is invested in fixed maturity securities and is subject to market fluctuations.

Our investment portfolio consists substantially of fixed maturity securities. As of December 31, 2008, our investment in fixed maturity securities was approximately $9.7 billion, or 77% of our total investment portfolio. As of that date, our portfolio of fixed maturity securities consisted of the following types of securities: U.S. Government securities (12%); state and municipal securities (58%); corporate securities (10%); mortgage-backed securities (17%) and foreign government bonds (3%).

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The fair market value of these assets and the investment income from these assets fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. The fair market value of fixed maturity securities generally decreases as interest rates rise. Conversely, if interest rates decline, investment income earned from future investments in fixed maturity securities will be lower. In addition, some fixed maturity securities, such as mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, carry prepayment risk as a result of interest rate fluctuations.

The value of investments in fixed maturity securities is subject to impairment as a result of deterioration in the credit worthiness of the issuer, default by the issuer (including states and municipalities) in the performance of its obligations in respect of the securities and/or increases in market interest rates. To a large degree, the credit risk we face is a function of the economy; accordingly, we face a greater risk in an economic downturn or recession. Additionally, our investments are subject to losses as a result of a general decrease in commercial and economic activity for an industry sector in which we invest, as well as risks inherent in particular securities.

Although we attempt to manage these risks through the use of investment guidelines and other oversight mechanisms and by diversifying our portfolio and emphasizing preservation of principal, our efforts may not be successful. Impairments, defaults and/or rate increases could reduce our net investment income and net realized investment gains or result in investment losses. Investment returns are currently, and will likely continue to remain, under pressure due to the significant volatility and disruption currently experienced in the financial markets, current and continuing economic uncertainty, more generally, and the shape of the yield curve. As a result, our exposure to the risks described above could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

We invest some of our assets in equity securities, including merger arbitrage investments, private equity and real estate securities, which may decline in value.

We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in equity securities, including merger arbitrage investments, private equity and real estate securities. At December 31, 2008, our investments in equity securities were approximately $1.2 billion, or 9% of our investment portfolio. We reported provisions for other than temporary impairments in the value of our equity securities in the amounts of approximately $427.3 million in 2008, $2.7 million in 2007, $0.1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005.

Merger and convertible arbitrage trading securities represented 25% of our equity securities at December 31, 2008. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Merger arbitrage differs from other types of investments in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period, usually four months or less. Our merger arbitrage positions are exposed to the risk associated with the completion of announced deals, which are subject to regulatory as well as political and other risks. Due to the current reduced activity and deal certainty in the merger and acquisitions area, we have not been able to achieve the returns that we have enjoyed in the past.

Included in our equity security portfolio are investments in publicly traded real estate investment trusts and private real estate investment funds, real estate limited partnerships and private equity, including venture capital, investments. At December 31, 2008, our investments in these securities were approximately $431 million, or 37% of our equity portfolio. The values of our real estate investments are subject to fluctuations based on changes in the economy in general and real estate valuations in particular. These investments and our private equity investments have been subject to significant volatility as a result of the current conditions in the financial markets. In addition, our investments in real estate investment funds, real estate limited partnerships and private equity funds are less liquid than our other investments.

Risks Relating to Purchasing Our Securities

We are an insurance holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends in needed amounts.

As an insurance holding company, our principal assets are the shares of capital stock of our insurance company subsidiaries. We have to rely on dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt obligations and for paying dividends to stockholders and corporate expenses. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is subject to regulatory restrictions and will depend on the surplus and future earnings of these subsidiaries, as well as regulatory restrictions. During 2009, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid without regulatory approval is approximately $392 million. As a result, in the future we may not be able to receive dividends from these subsidiaries at times and in amounts necessary to meet our obligations or pay dividends.

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We are subject to certain provisions that may have the effect of hindering, delaying or preventing third party takeovers, which may prevent our stockholders from receiving premium prices for their shares in an unsolicited takeover and make it more difficult for third parties to replace our current management.

Provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws, as well as our rights agreement and state insurance statutes, may hinder, delay or prevent unsolicited acquisitions or changes of our control. These provisions may also have the effect of making it more difficult for third parties to cause the replacement of our current management without the concurrence of our board of directors.

These provisions include:

	•		our classified board of directors and the ability of our board to increase its size and to appoint directors to fill newly created directorships;

	•		the requirement that 80% of our stockholders must approve mergers and other transactions between us and the holder of 5% or more of our shares, unless the transaction was approved by our board of directors prior to such holder’s acquisition of 5% of our shares;

	•		the need for advance notice in order to raise business or make nominations at stockholders’ meetings;

	•		our rights agreement which subjects persons (other than William R. Berkley or Franklin Resources, Inc.) who acquire beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock without board approval to substantial dilution; and

	•		state insurance statutes that restrict the acquisition of control (generally defined as 10% of the outstanding shares) of an insurance company without regulatory approval.

29

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

There are no unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

W. R. Berkley and its subsidiaries own or lease office buildings or office space suitable to conduct their operations. At December 31, 2008, the Company had aggregate office space of 2,394,268 square feet, of which 807,582 were owned and 1,586,686 were leased.

Rental expense was approximately $23,802,000, $21,438,000 and $19,348,000 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Future minimum lease payments (without provision for sublease income) are $23,803,000 in 2009, $21,103,000 in 2010 and $66,461,000 thereafter.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to disputes, including litigation and arbitration, arising in the ordinary course of their insurance and reinsurance businesses. The Company’s estimates of the costs of settling such matters are reflected in its aggregate reserves for losses and loss expenses, and the Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of 2008 to a vote of holders of the Company’s common stock.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The common stock of the Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WRB”.


	Price Range				Dividends Declared
	High		Low		Per Share
2008:
Fourth Quarter	$	31.21	$	16.62	$	.06
Third Quarter		29.34		20.39		.06
Second Quarter		29.02		24.01		.06
First Quarter		31.26		26.39		.05

2007:
Fourth Quarter	$	32.21	$	28.04	$	.05
Third Quarter		32.81		25.20		.05
Second Quarter		33.80		31.89		.05
First Quarter		35.10		31.30		.05

The closing price of the common stock on February 20, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $21.30 per share. The approximate number of record holders of the common stock on February 20, 2009 was 499.

Set forth below is a summary of the shares repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the remaining number of shares authorized for purchase by the Company.


							Maximum number of
					Total number of shares		shares that may
	Total number				purchased as part of		yet be purchased
	of shares		Average price		publicly announced plans		under the plans
	purchased		paid per share		or programs		or programs (1)
October 2008		974,000	$	18.48		974,000		8,109,900
November 2008		27,200		25.97		—		8,109,900
December 2008		—		—		—		8,109,900


(1)		Remaining shares available for repurchase under the Company’s repurchase authorization of 10,000,000 shares that was approved by the Board of Directors on July 29, 2008.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
	(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Premiums written	$	4,033,899		$	4,575,989		$	4,818,993		$	4,604,574		$	4,266,361
Net premiums earned		4,289,580			4,663,701			4,692,622			4,460,935			4,061,092
Net investment income		537,033			634,386			549,030			385,417			274,389
Income (loss) from investment funds		(3,553	)		38,274			37,145			18,545			16,906
Service fees		102,856			97,689			104,812			110,697			109,344
Realized investment gains (losses)		(356,931	)		49,696			9,648			17,209			48,268
Revenues from wholly-owned investees		137,280			102,846			—			—			—
Total revenues		4,708,808			5,588,397			5,394,831			4,996,839			4,512,235
Interest expense		84,623			88,996			92,522			85,926			66,423
Income before income taxes		326,322			1,092,392			988,645			770,537			638,513
Income tax expense		(44,919	)		(323,070	)		(286,398	)		(222,521	)		(196,235	)
Minority interest		(262	)		(3,083	)		(2,729	)		(3,124	)		(3,446	)
Income before change in accounting		281,141			766,239			699,518			544,892			438,832
Cumulative effect of change in accounting		—			—			—			—			(727	)
Net income		281,141			766,239			699,518			544,892			438,105
Data per common share:
Net income per basic share		1.68			4.05			3.65			2.86			2.32
Net income per diluted share		1.62			3.90			3.46			2.72			2.21
Stockholders’ equity		18.87			19.92			17.30			13.42			11.13
Cash dividends declared		.23			.20			.16			.12			.12
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		166,956			188,981			191,809			190,533			188,912
Diluted		173,454			196,698			201,961			200,426			198,408
Investments	$	11,143,281		$	11,956,717		$	11,172,684		$	9,866,389		$	7,346,316
Total assets		16,121,158			16,820,005			15,656,489			13,896,287			11,451,033
Reserves for losses and loss expenses		8,999,596			8,678,034			7,784,269			6,711,760			5,449,611
Junior subordinated debentures		249,584			249,375			241,953			450,634			208,286
Senior notes and other debt		1,021,869			1,121,793			869,187			967,818			808,264
Stockholders’ equity		3,046,319			3,592,368			3,335,159			2,567,077			2,109,702

Certain amounts for 2007 and prior years have been restated to reflect a change in accounting in 2008 and to conform to the presentation of the 2008 financial statements.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Reference is made to the information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which will be contained in the registrant’s 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13), which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Reference is made to the information under “Market Risk” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which will be contained in the registrant’s 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13), which information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The consolidated financial statements of the registrant which will be contained in the registrant’s 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13) are incorporated herein by reference.

32

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

	(a)		Evaluation Of Disclosure Controls And Procedures

			The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

	(b)		Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

			Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. See pages 22 and 23 of Exhibit 13 of this Form 10-K for management’s report and the related report as to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.

	(c)		Change In Internal Control

			During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE