Asia Pacific

Axis to acquire Australia’ s Dexta

Bermuda based Axis Capital Holdings will acquire Dexta Corporation, an Australian managing general agent which specialises in professional indemnity, directors & officers, information technology and related risks in Aus-tralia. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, Dexta mainly focuses on small to middle-market business. Tony Wheatley, who is currently Managing Director of Dexta, will join AXIS Capital as Country Manager for Australia. Dexta is owned by shareholders including Ironbridge Capital and and Dexta Holdings NV. The transaction is expected to close in January 2009. Dennis Reding, Chief Operating Officer of AXIS Capital said the acquisition was an important step for Axis’s expansion in Australia, New Zealand and the neighbouring Pacific Islands. Axis will extend Dexta’s offering the coming years. Mr. Redding also confirmed that AXIS Capital will continue to conduct its operations, including Dexta Corporation, in the region through AXIS Specialty Australia, the Australian branch of AXIS Specialty Europe Limited.