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THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.<br />

If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take, you are recommended to seek your own<br />

financial advice immediately from your stockbroker, bank manager, solicitor, accountant or other<br />

independent financial adviser authorised under the Financial Services <strong>and</strong> Markets Act 2000.<br />

If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your Ordinary Shares in the Company, please forward <strong>this</strong><br />

document, together with the accompanying documents, at once to the purchaser or transferee or to the<br />

bank, stockbroker or other agent through whom the sale or transfer was effected for transmission to the<br />

purchaser or transferee.<br />

ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE INSURANCE GROUP PLC<br />

(incorporated <strong>and</strong> registered in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales with registered number 2339826)<br />

Proposed Disposal <strong>of</strong> the US Operation<br />

<strong>and</strong><br />

Notice <strong>of</strong> Extraordinary General Meeting<br />

Notice <strong>of</strong> an Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company to be held at the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter<br />

<strong>and</strong> May, One Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YY, at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 1 November 2006 is<br />

set out at the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document. A Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy for use at the Extraordinary General Meeting is<br />

enclosed. Shareholders are asked to complete <strong>and</strong> return the enclosed Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy in accordance<br />

with the instructions printed thereon to the Company’s Registrars, Lloyds TSB Registrars, The<br />

Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DW, as soon as possible <strong>and</strong>, in any event, so as to be<br />

received by the Company’s Registrars by not later than 9.30 a.m. (UK time) on Monday,<br />

30 October 2006. Alternatively, a proxy may also be appointed via the internet or, for CREST<br />

members, by using the CREST electronic proxy appointment service. For further details see the notes to<br />

the notice <strong>of</strong> the Extraordinary General Meeting. The appointment <strong>of</strong> a proxy will not preclude you<br />

from attending the Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>and</strong> voting in person if you wish to do so.<br />

JPMorgan Cazenove <strong>and</strong> Merrill Lynch International are each acting for the Company <strong>and</strong> no-one else<br />

in connection with the Disposal <strong>and</strong> will not be responsible to any other person for providing the<br />

protections afforded to their clients or for providing advice in relation to the Disposal.


Important Disclaimer<br />

This document contains certain statements which may be forward-looking statements as defined in the<br />

US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act <strong>of</strong> 1995. It contains or may contain forward-looking<br />

statements <strong>and</strong> information relating to the Company’s financial condition, results <strong>of</strong> operations,<br />

business, strategy <strong>and</strong> plans, <strong>and</strong> general industry outlook (including trends in results, prices, volumes,<br />

operations, margins, overall market conditions, risk management <strong>and</strong> exchange rates) based on<br />

currently available information. These statements are <strong>of</strong>ten, but not always, made through the use <strong>of</strong><br />

words or phrases such as ‘aim’, ‘is anticipated’, ‘believe’, ‘will continue’, ‘could’, ‘estimated’,<br />

‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘may’, ‘plan’, ‘seek’, ‘should’ or ‘will’ or the negative <strong>of</strong> these terms or similar<br />

ex<strong>press</strong>ions. The specific forward-looking statements (if any) may cover, among other matters, the<br />

Company’s strategy <strong>and</strong> operational objectives, financial results, capital positions, rewording <strong>of</strong> the<br />

dollar denominated subordinated debt, restructuring plans, cost improvement programme, completion<br />

<strong>of</strong> disposals, establishment <strong>of</strong> technical provisions, losses related to the US financial enhancement<br />

products, capital <strong>and</strong> solvency requirements in the UK, regulatory position in the US, prior year<br />

adverse development in the US, effect <strong>of</strong> adverse court decisions on the Company’s financial positions,<br />

provisions for ultimate cost <strong>of</strong> asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental claims, adverse claims development on long<br />

tail business <strong>and</strong> claims dependent on court judgements. Such statements are inherently subject to<br />

certain risks <strong>and</strong> uncertainties. Actual future results <strong>and</strong> trends could differ materially from those set<br />

forth in such statements due to various factors. Such factors include general economic conditions,<br />

including in particular economic conditions in the United Kingdom; political <strong>and</strong> social conditions; the<br />

frequency, severity <strong>and</strong> development <strong>of</strong> insured loss events, including catastrophes <strong>and</strong> man made<br />

disasters; the availability <strong>and</strong> pricing <strong>of</strong>, <strong>and</strong> ability to collect on, reinsurance; the ability to exclude<br />

<strong>and</strong> to reinsure the risk <strong>of</strong> loss from terrorism; policy renewal <strong>and</strong> lapse rates; fluctuations in interest<br />

<strong>and</strong> inflation rates; returns on <strong>and</strong> fluctuations in the value <strong>of</strong> the Company’s investment portfolios;<br />

corporate bankruptcies; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the ability <strong>of</strong> the Company’s<br />

subsidiaries to pay dividends; a downgrade in the Company’s financial strength or claims paying or<br />

other credit ratings; adverse changes in laws <strong>and</strong> regulations; adverse outcomes in judicial decisions<br />

<strong>and</strong> rulings, the ability to satisfy conditions to closing <strong>of</strong> any disposal or acquisition transaction <strong>and</strong><br />

general competitive factors, <strong>and</strong> other risks <strong>and</strong> uncertainties. Because these <strong>and</strong> other factors could<br />

cause actual results <strong>and</strong> outcomes to differ materially from those ex<strong>press</strong>ed in any forward-looking<br />

statements made by us, you should not place undue reliance on any <strong>of</strong> these forward-looking<br />

statements. Further any forward-looking statement speaks only as <strong>of</strong> the date on which it is made <strong>and</strong><br />

the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any <strong>of</strong> the forward-looking statement to<br />

reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the<br />

occurrence <strong>of</strong> unanticipated events save in respect <strong>of</strong> any requirement under applicable law or<br />

regulation or the Listing Rules. New factors emerge from time to time, <strong>and</strong> it is not possible for the<br />

Company to predict what will arise. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact <strong>of</strong> each factor<br />

on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination <strong>of</strong> factors, may cause actual results to<br />

differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statement.<br />

2


CONTENTS<br />

Page<br />

Definitions...................................................................................................... 4<br />

PART I Letter from the Chairman ....................................................................... 6<br />

PART II Financial Information on the Core Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation ......................... 11<br />

PART III Pro Forma Financial Information .............................................................. 12<br />

PART IV Terms <strong>of</strong> the Disposal ........................................................................... 14<br />

PART V Additional Information .......................................................................... 18<br />

Notice <strong>of</strong> Extraordinary General Meeting ................................................................. 29<br />

EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS<br />

All times shown in <strong>this</strong> document are London time unless otherwise stated.<br />

Event 2006<br />

Latest time for receipt <strong>of</strong> Forms <strong>of</strong> Proxy from<br />

Shareholders<br />

Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the Disposal<br />

9.30 a.m. on Monday, 30 October<br />

9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 1 November<br />

Target for completion <strong>of</strong> the Disposal By the end <strong>of</strong> 2006<br />

3


DEFINITIONS<br />

‘‘$’’ or ‘‘US$’’ US Dollars<br />

‘‘£’’ or ‘‘Sterling’’ UK Sterling<br />

‘‘Act’’<br />

the Companies Act 1985 (as amended)<br />

‘‘ADC’’<br />

has the meaning given to it on page 8 <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document<br />

‘‘ADR’’<br />

an American depositary receipt evidencing title to one or more<br />

American depositary share(s). One ADR represents five Ordinary<br />

Shares.<br />

‘‘Arrowpoint General<br />

Partnership’’<br />

‘‘Board’’ or ‘‘Directors’’<br />

‘‘Company’’<br />

‘‘Company LOC’’<br />

‘‘Completion’’<br />

‘‘Conditions’’<br />

‘‘Core Group’’<br />

‘‘CREST’’<br />

‘‘CREST Regulations’’<br />

‘‘DDI’’<br />

‘‘Disposal’’<br />

‘‘Extraordinary General<br />

Meeting’’ or ‘‘EGM’’<br />

Arrowpoint General Partnership, a Delaware general partnership <strong>and</strong><br />

a wholly-owned indirect US subsidiary <strong>of</strong> the Company<br />

the directors <strong>of</strong> the Company<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Insurance Group plc (company number<br />

2339826) with its registered <strong>of</strong>fice at 9th Floor, One Plantation<br />

Place, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD<br />

has the meaning given to it on page 8 <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document<br />

completion <strong>of</strong> the Disposal in accordance with the terms <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Purchase Agreement as set out in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document<br />

has the meaning given to it in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document<br />

the Company’s UK, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian, International <strong>and</strong> Group Re<br />

operations<br />

the relevant system, as defined in the CREST Regulations (in respect<br />

<strong>of</strong> which CRESTCo. Limited is operator as defined in the CREST<br />

Regulations)<br />

the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3755) as<br />

amended<br />

the Delaware Department <strong>of</strong> Insurance<br />

the proposed disposal <strong>of</strong> the US Operation as more particularly<br />

described in <strong>this</strong> document<br />

the extraordinary general meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company convened by the<br />

notice which is set out at the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document to be held at the<br />

<strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May, 1 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YY on<br />

Wednesday, 1 November 2006, at 9.30 a.m., or any reconvened<br />

meeting following any adjournment there<strong>of</strong><br />

‘‘Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy’’<br />

the form <strong>of</strong> proxy accompanying <strong>this</strong> document for use by<br />

Shareholders, in connection with the Extraordinary General Meeting<br />

‘‘FSA’’<br />

the Financial Services Authority<br />

‘‘Globe’’ The Globe Insurance Company Limited (company number 2805658)<br />

whose registered <strong>of</strong>fice is at St. Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham,<br />

West Sussex RH12 1XL<br />

‘‘Governmental Entity<br />

Approvals’’<br />

‘‘Group’’<br />

‘‘HSR Act’’<br />

has the meaning given to it in paragraph 2 <strong>of</strong> Part IV to <strong>this</strong><br />

document<br />

the Company <strong>and</strong> its subsidiary undertakings <strong>and</strong>, where the context<br />

permits, each <strong>of</strong> them<br />

the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act <strong>of</strong> 1976, as<br />

amended<br />

4


‘‘IFRS’’<br />

‘‘Listing Rules’’<br />

‘‘Noteholder’’<br />

‘‘Notes’’<br />

‘‘Ordinary Shares’’<br />

‘‘Purchase Agreement’’<br />

‘‘Purchaser’’ or ‘‘Arrowpoint<br />

Capital’’<br />

‘‘R&SA US’’<br />

‘‘Registrars’’<br />

‘‘Related Party’’ or<br />

‘‘Related Parties’’<br />

‘‘Remaining Group’’<br />

‘‘RGI’’<br />

‘‘Rights Issue’’<br />

‘‘<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity’’<br />

‘‘RSAI plc’’<br />

‘‘Seller’’ <strong>and</strong> ‘‘Sellers’’<br />

‘‘Shareholders’’<br />

‘‘UK GAAP’’<br />

‘‘UK Listing Authority’’<br />

‘‘UK’’<br />

‘‘US’’<br />

International Financial Reporting St<strong>and</strong>ards<br />

the Listing Rules made by the UK Listing Authority under Part VI <strong>of</strong><br />

the Financial Services <strong>and</strong> Markets Act 2000<br />

the Group or the holder <strong>of</strong> the Notes from time to time<br />

has the meaning given to it in paragraph 5 <strong>of</strong> Part I <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document<br />

ordinary shares <strong>of</strong> 27.5 pence each in the capital <strong>of</strong> the Company<br />

the agreement between the Sellers <strong>and</strong> the Purchaser for the sale <strong>and</strong><br />

purchase <strong>of</strong> the US Operation dated 28 September 2006<br />

Arrowpoint Capital Corp. <strong>and</strong>, its wholly owned<br />

subsidiary, Arrowpoint Capital LLC<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> USA, Inc. a Delaware corporation<br />

Lloyds TSB Registrars <strong>of</strong> The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex<br />

BN99 6DA<br />

the US Directors <strong>and</strong> the Purchaser (or any <strong>of</strong> them)<br />

the Group following Completion<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation<br />

the Company’s one for one rights issue as detailed in the prospectus<br />

issued by the Company dated 4 September 2003<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity Company, a US subsidiary <strong>of</strong> the Company<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Insurance plc (company number 93792) with<br />

its registered <strong>of</strong>fice at St. Mark’s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West<br />

Sussex RH12 1XL<br />

RSA Overseas Holdings (No. 1) <strong>and</strong> RSA Overseas Holdings (No.<br />

2), each a ‘‘Seller’’ <strong>and</strong>, together, the ‘‘Sellers’’<br />

the holders <strong>of</strong> Ordinary Shares in the Company<br />

United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles<br />

the FSA acting in its capacity as the competent authority for the<br />

purpose <strong>of</strong> Part VI <strong>of</strong> the Financial Services <strong>and</strong> Markets Act 2000<br />

the United Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Great Britain <strong>and</strong> Northern Irel<strong>and</strong><br />

the United States <strong>of</strong> America, its territories <strong>and</strong> possessions, any<br />

state <strong>of</strong> the United States, <strong>and</strong> the district <strong>of</strong> Columbia<br />

‘‘US Directors’’ Sean A. Beatty, Dennis W. Cahill, Catherine A. Carlino, Michael J.<br />

Crall, David M. Davenport, Robert J. Dixon, Julie A. Fortune,<br />

Daniel R. Keddie, Marc-Andre Lefevbre, James F. Meehan, Edward<br />

J. Muhl, David D. Shumway, Larry G. Simmons <strong>and</strong> John Tighe<br />

‘‘US Operation’’<br />

Arrowpoint <strong>and</strong> its subsidiaries <strong>and</strong> subsidiary undertakings<br />

‘‘US Regulated Entities’’ <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity Company; Security Insurance Company <strong>of</strong><br />

Hartford; Guaranty National Insurance Company; <strong>and</strong> <strong>Royal</strong><br />

<strong>Sun</strong>plus Lines Insurance Company.<br />

5


PART I<br />

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF ROYAL AND SUN ALLIANCE<br />

INSURANCE GROUP PLC<br />

(Incorporated in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number 2339826)<br />

John Napier<br />

Andy Haste<br />

George Culmer<br />

Bridget McIntyre<br />

David Paige<br />

Noel Harwerth<br />

Malcolm Le May<br />

Edward Lea<br />

John Maxwell<br />

Chairman<br />

Group CEO<br />

Chief Financial Officer<br />

UK Chief Executive<br />

Group Risk Director<br />

Non Executive Director<br />

Non Executive Director<br />

Non Executive Director<br />

Non Executive Director<br />

Registered Office:<br />

9th Floor, One Plantation Place<br />

30 Fenchurch Street<br />

London EC3M 3BD<br />

16 October 2006<br />

To holders <strong>of</strong> Ordinary Shares <strong>and</strong>, for information purposes only, to participants in employee share<br />

schemes.<br />

Dear Shareholder,<br />

PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF THE US OPERATION<br />

1. INTRODUCTION<br />

On 28 September 2006, <strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Insurance Group plc announced that it intended to<br />

dispose <strong>of</strong> its US Operation to Arrowpoint Capital Corp. <strong>and</strong> its wholly owned subsidiary Arrowpoint<br />

Capital LLC (collectively the ‘‘Purchaser’’), vehicles set up by the R&SA US management team. The<br />

Disposal is a related party transaction <strong>and</strong> under the UK Listing Rules requires the approval <strong>of</strong><br />

Shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company. The Disposal is also conditional<br />

upon, amongst other things, the approval <strong>of</strong> the appropriate regulators.<br />

This document sets out the terms <strong>of</strong> the Disposal, the process for regulatory approval <strong>and</strong> the proposal<br />

requiring Shareholder approval. This Shareholder approval is being sought at an Extraordinary General<br />

Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company which will be held at the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May, One Bunhill Row,<br />

London EC1Y 8YY at 9.30 a.m. (UK time) on Wednesday, 1 November 2006. The text <strong>of</strong> the proposal<br />

<strong>and</strong> the notice <strong>of</strong> the Extraordinary General Meeting are set out at the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

2. BACKGROUND TO AND REASONS FOR THE DISPOSAL<br />

At the time <strong>of</strong> the Rights Issue in September 2003, the Group announced that the US Operation was<br />

strategically non core. The US Operation was essentially closed to new business <strong>and</strong> a restructuring<br />

plan instigated with the objective <strong>of</strong> bringing certainty <strong>and</strong> finality to the Group’s exposure to the US<br />

Operation. In the last three years the Group has taken significant action to deliver <strong>this</strong> objective <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Directors have considered a range <strong>of</strong> options including, but not limited to, restructuring arrangements<br />

<strong>and</strong> sale to various third parties.<br />

The structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> transaction brings certainty <strong>and</strong> finality to the Group’s exposure to the US<br />

Operation. The Directors believe <strong>this</strong> represents a good deal for shareholders. It delivers on the<br />

objective <strong>of</strong> a clean exit from the Group’s exposure to the US Operation since the nature <strong>of</strong> the Group’s<br />

ongoing relationships are clearly articulated. These do not represent a material risk <strong>and</strong> further<br />

information on these is disclosed in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

6


3. INFORMATION ON THE US OPERATION<br />

The Group has had businesses in the US for 155 years writing property <strong>and</strong> casualty business for both<br />

personal <strong>and</strong> commercial customers. At its largest, the US Operation wrote premiums <strong>of</strong> over<br />

US$3 billion across a number <strong>of</strong> product lines including personal auto <strong>and</strong> household, commercial<br />

property, packages, auto <strong>and</strong> workers compensation as well as some specialist products such as<br />

financial enhancement products including collateralised debt obligations, credit enhancement products<br />

<strong>and</strong> residual value contracts. The US Operation also wrote excess <strong>and</strong> surplus lines liability risks. The<br />

US Operation has consistently delivered poor financial results <strong>and</strong> over the last ten years has made<br />

cumulative underwriting losses <strong>of</strong> £2.7 billion with the losses predominantly driven by adverse claims<br />

development.<br />

As noted above, in 2003 the US Operation was identified as strategically non core <strong>and</strong> a clear objective<br />

was set <strong>of</strong> bringing certainty <strong>and</strong> finality to the Group’s exposure to the US Operation. A new US senior<br />

management team was appointed with a combination <strong>of</strong> insurance knowledge <strong>and</strong> run <strong>of</strong>f expertise.<br />

This team has successfully stabilised <strong>this</strong> business through a range <strong>of</strong> actions including:<br />

s reducing headcount from 6,300 to under 700 <strong>and</strong> cutting operating expenses by 76%;<br />

s<br />

s<br />

settling 130,000 open claims <strong>and</strong> reducing claims liabilities by nearly US$2 billion to just<br />

under US$3 billion; <strong>and</strong><br />

negotiating the number <strong>of</strong> regulated entities from 27 down to four <strong>and</strong> reducing the number <strong>of</strong><br />

domicile regulators from 12 to one.<br />

The Group has continually reported that risks <strong>and</strong> uncertainties remain in the US. These risks include<br />

exposure to asbestos <strong>and</strong> workers compensation claims <strong>and</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> ongoing litigation cases.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> these risks <strong>and</strong> exposures, as reported in the Group’s interim report for the six months ended<br />

30 June 2006, are set out in the estimation techniques, uncertainties <strong>and</strong> contingencies in Part V <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong><br />

document.<br />

The US Operation currently employs 692 people (as at 30 June 2006) who will transfer to Arrowpoint<br />

Capital as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> transaction. The US Operation is principally based at the head <strong>of</strong>fice in Charlotte,<br />

North Carolina with smaller <strong>of</strong>fices in Farmington, Connecticut <strong>and</strong> other locations throughout the<br />

United States.<br />

An unaudited consolidated income statement analysed between the Core Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation<br />

for the six months ended 30 June 2006 is set out in Part II <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

The US Operation made a loss after tax <strong>of</strong> £17 million for the six months ended 30 June 2006. This<br />

compares with a loss after tax <strong>of</strong> £30 million for the 12 months ended 31 December 2005 <strong>and</strong> a loss<br />

after tax <strong>of</strong> £392 million for the 12 months ended 31 December 2004. The unaudited operating loss<br />

information has been extracted from the unaudited results <strong>of</strong> the Company without material adjustment.<br />

The net assets <strong>of</strong> the US Operation being sold were £322 million as at 30 June 2006 <strong>and</strong> £433 million as<br />

at 31 December 2005. The gross assets were £4,528 million as at 30 June 2006 <strong>and</strong> £5,594 million as at<br />

31 December 2005. The gross <strong>and</strong> net asset information has been extracted from the Group’s<br />

consolidation schedules without material adjustment.<br />

4. INFORMATION ON THE PURCHASER<br />

Arrowpoint Capital Corp. is a company newly formed <strong>and</strong> owned by R&SA US senior management<br />

(including the US Directors) <strong>and</strong> outside directors. Arrowpoint Capital will be led by John Tighe, CEO<br />

<strong>and</strong> President, who has 25 years <strong>of</strong> experience in the insurance business.<br />

5. TERMS OF THE DISPOSAL<br />

Under the terms <strong>of</strong> the Purchase Agreement, the Group has agreed to dispose <strong>of</strong> the US Operation to the<br />

Purchaser for deferred consideration in the form <strong>of</strong> non-interest bearing subordinate notes with an<br />

aggregate principal amount <strong>of</strong> US$300 million (£160 million) (the ‘‘Notes’’). It is intended that the<br />

7


present value <strong>of</strong> the deferred consideration will be held as part <strong>of</strong> the general investment portfolio <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Company. The present value <strong>of</strong> the deferred consideration has been calculated to reflect Arrowpoint<br />

Capital’s projected performance, <strong>and</strong> in turn, timing for any payments. The terms <strong>of</strong> the Notes are set<br />

out in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

On receipt <strong>of</strong> shareholder <strong>and</strong> regulatory approvals <strong>and</strong> with Completion, the Group will make a<br />

US$287.5 million (£151 million) capital contribution into the US Regulated Entities.<br />

The Group has given Arrowpoint Capital limited representations <strong>and</strong> warranties, all <strong>of</strong> which are<br />

customary in a transaction <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> kind.<br />

Following Completion, several existing support arrangements will remain in place, including the<br />

aggregate excess <strong>of</strong> loss reinsurance agreement (the ‘‘ADC’’) <strong>and</strong> a letter <strong>of</strong> credit (the ‘‘Company<br />

LOC’’). The ADC is a reinsurance arrangement set up between the Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation in<br />

2003 whereby the Group has reinsured certain policy losses <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. The ADC attaches<br />

when paid losses exceed US$4.01 billion <strong>and</strong> covers up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> an additional<br />

US$1.225 billion. The ADC is at its policy limit <strong>and</strong> is therefore not subject to further insurance<br />

risk. Furthermore, it is supported by collateral through a combination <strong>of</strong> funds withheld in trust <strong>and</strong><br />

through a letter <strong>of</strong> credit. A potential timing risk exists in the event that the payment <strong>of</strong> claims under the<br />

ADC become due to the US Operation before sufficient resources exist within the funds withheld<br />

account. In <strong>this</strong> event there would be a charge against the Group’s net assets. However the Directors<br />

believe that the ADC does not represent a material risk to the Group given its nature, timing <strong>and</strong><br />

likelihood.<br />

In 2003, the Company LOC was established between the Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation in support <strong>of</strong><br />

certain third party reinsurance recoverables, which under US statutory accounting rules would not be<br />

admitted as an asset <strong>of</strong> the US Operation for regulatory capital purposes. The collateral provided by the<br />

Company LOC allows the recoverables to be admitted for regulatory capital purposes. The Company<br />

LOC cannot in any event exceed US$150 million. The recoverables covered by the Company LOC,<br />

which are subject to adjustment, presently st<strong>and</strong> at US$145 million <strong>and</strong> at the time <strong>of</strong> writing <strong>this</strong><br />

document the Company LOC had not been drawn down against. The Purchase Agreement provides that<br />

after two years following Completion, the Company LOC will thereafter be able to be reduced by up to<br />

US$50 million per year as long as any reduction does not cause the risk based capital ratio <strong>of</strong> <strong>Royal</strong><br />

Indemnity to drop below 300%. If the Company LOC is drawn against, an amount equal to any such<br />

drawdown will be added to the Notes. In <strong>this</strong> event, up to US$100 million will be repaid to the Group<br />

on a priority basis in advance <strong>of</strong> any dividend payment by Arrowpoint Capital. Further details on these<br />

arrangements are set out in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

The Disposal is conditional upon, amongst other things, receipt <strong>of</strong> the required Governmental Entity<br />

Approvals in the United States <strong>and</strong> Bermuda, without any limitation or condition being imposed. The<br />

Group is targeting Completion by year end 2006 <strong>and</strong> further details on the regulatory process are set out<br />

in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document. The Purchase Agreement also contains certain other customary conditions<br />

to Completion, including, without limitation, the approval <strong>of</strong> the Purchase Agreement <strong>and</strong> the<br />

transactions contemplated thereby by the Shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting. If<br />

Shareholder <strong>and</strong> regulatory approvals are not received the Disposal cannot complete.<br />

Further details <strong>of</strong> the terms <strong>of</strong> the Disposal are set out in Part IV <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

6. FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF THE DISPOSAL<br />

The Group is selling the US Operation to Arrowpoint Capital for a deferred consideration <strong>of</strong> £160<br />

million (US$300 million). The deferred consideration will be funded from the future performance <strong>of</strong><br />

the US Operation through dividends paid by the US Regulated Entities to Arrowpoint Capital. In the<br />

table on page 9, the deferred consideration is discounted to its present value to reflect the fact that it is<br />

dependent upon Arrowpoint Capital’s future performance <strong>and</strong> that any payments are subject to<br />

regulatory approval. Therefore the final consideration received may be different to the total deferred<br />

consideration <strong>of</strong> £160 million as described above. The transaction is conditional upon, inter alia,<br />

8


shareholder <strong>and</strong> regulatory approvals. On receipt <strong>of</strong> these approvals <strong>and</strong> with Completion, the Group<br />

will make a £151 million (US$287.5 million) capital contribution into the US Regulated Entities. The<br />

net capital contribution, write <strong>of</strong>f <strong>of</strong> net assets <strong>and</strong> other related costs result in an estimated pre tax loss<br />

on disposal <strong>of</strong> £443 million. This is subject to an adjustment based on the net assets as at Completion<br />

<strong>and</strong> foreign exchange fluctuations.<br />

The table below details the estimated pre tax loss on disposal.<br />

£m £m<br />

Net assets as at 30 June 2006 (322)<br />

Capital contribution (151)<br />

Present value <strong>of</strong> deferred consideration 70<br />

Net contribution (81)<br />

Transaction <strong>and</strong> other costs (including the legal fees <strong>of</strong> Arrowpoint Capital) (29)<br />

Foreign exchange previously taken to reserves (11)<br />

Estimated pre tax loss on disposal (443)<br />

A pro forma statement <strong>of</strong> the net assets <strong>of</strong> the Remaining Group has been prepared for illustrative<br />

purposes only to show the effect <strong>of</strong> the disposal as if it had occurred at 30 June 2006. This statement is<br />

set out in Part III <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

7. USE OF PROCEEDS<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> the transaction there is deferred consideration <strong>of</strong> US$300 million (£160 million), in the form<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Notes, payable dependant on the future financial performance <strong>of</strong> Arrowpoint Capital. The present<br />

value <strong>of</strong> the deferred consideration will be held as part <strong>of</strong> the general investment portfolio <strong>of</strong> the Group.<br />

The net consideration, based on £160 million (US$300 million) <strong>of</strong> deferred consideration <strong>and</strong> the<br />

£151 million (US$287.5 million) capital contribution, is £9 million.<br />

8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION<br />

Arrowpoint Capital Corp. is an entity formed <strong>and</strong> owned by, inter alia, the US Directors <strong>and</strong> which in<br />

turn owns 100% <strong>of</strong> Arrowpoint Capital LLC. The US Directors <strong>and</strong> the Purchaser are each related<br />

parties <strong>of</strong> the Company <strong>and</strong> the Disposal therefore constitutes a related party transaction for the<br />

purposes <strong>of</strong> the Listing Rules. Each US Director is a related party by virtue <strong>of</strong> being a director <strong>of</strong> one or<br />

more subsidiaries (<strong>of</strong> the Company) which form part <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. The Purchaser is a Related<br />

Party by virtue <strong>of</strong> the fact that it is an associate <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the US Directors who are, in aggregate, able<br />

to exercise or control the exercise <strong>of</strong> 30% or more <strong>of</strong> the votes able to be cast on all, or substantively<br />

all, matters at general meetings <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser. As a related party transaction, the Disposal is <strong>of</strong><br />

sufficient size relative to the size <strong>of</strong> the Group that the approval <strong>of</strong> Shareholders is required before<br />

Completion can occur. The approval <strong>of</strong> Shareholders is therefore being sought for the Disposal at an<br />

Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company to be held at the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May, One<br />

Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YY on Wednesday, 1 November 2006 at 9.30 a.m.<br />

To the extent any Related Party holds shares in the Company, such party will abstain from voting at the<br />

Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>and</strong> the Related Parties have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that<br />

their associates also abstain from voting at the Extraordinary General Meeting.<br />

Further information on the Related Parties involved in the Disposal is set out in Part V <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong><br />

document.<br />

9. EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING<br />

You will find at the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document a formal notice convening the Extraordinary General Meeting<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Company to be held at 9.30 a.m. (UK time) on Wednesday, 1 November 2006.<br />

9


10. ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY YOU<br />

It is important that you complete <strong>and</strong> sign the enclosed Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy in accordance with the<br />

instructions printed thereon <strong>and</strong> return it to the Company’s Registrars so as to be received as soon as<br />

possible <strong>and</strong>, in any event, not later than 9.30 a.m. (UK time) on Monday, 30 October 2006.<br />

The completion <strong>and</strong> return <strong>of</strong> the Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy will not preclude you from attending the meeting <strong>and</strong><br />

voting in person, if you so wish.<br />

Qualifying CREST Shareholders who are CREST sponsored members should refer to their CREST<br />

sponsors regarding the action to be taken in connection with <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

11. RECOMMENDATION<br />

Your Board, having been so advised by each <strong>of</strong> JPMorgan Cazenove <strong>and</strong> Merrill Lynch<br />

International, considers that the terms <strong>of</strong> the Disposal are fair <strong>and</strong> reasonable as far as<br />

Shareholders as a whole are concerned. In providing <strong>this</strong> financial advice to the Board, each <strong>of</strong><br />

JPMorgan Cazenove <strong>and</strong> Merrill Lynch International have taken account <strong>of</strong> the Board’s<br />

commercial assessment <strong>of</strong> the Disposal.<br />

The Board believes that the Disposal is in the best interests <strong>of</strong> Shareholders as a whole. The Board<br />

accordingly unanimously recommends Shareholders to vote in favour <strong>of</strong> the resolution to be<br />

proposed at the Extraordinary General Meeting.<br />

Yours faithfully,<br />

John Napier<br />

Chairman<br />

10


PART II<br />

FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON THE CORE GROUP AND THE US OPERATION<br />

The following is a summary unaudited consolidated income statement analysed between the Core<br />

Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation on a management basis for the six month period from 1 January 2006 to<br />

30 June 2006 <strong>and</strong> has been extracted without material adjustment from the Group’s interim results for<br />

the six months ended 30 June 2006.<br />

2006<br />

Core<br />

Group<br />

US<br />

Operation Group<br />

£m £m £m<br />

Net written premiums 2,833 (1) 2,832<br />

Underwriting result 171 (43) 128<br />

Investment income 262 55 317<br />

Realised gains 33 4 37<br />

Unrealised gains/(losses), impairments <strong>and</strong> foreign exchange 19 – 19<br />

Unwind <strong>of</strong> discount (21) (10) (31)<br />

Investment result 293 49 342<br />

Insurance result 464 6 470<br />

Other activities (48) (13) (61)<br />

Operating result 416 (7) 409<br />

Interest costs (48) – (48)<br />

Amortisation (7) (2) (9)<br />

Reorganisation costs (14) (5) (19)<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>it/(loss) before disposals <strong>and</strong> pension scheme changes 347 (14) 333<br />

(Loss)/pr<strong>of</strong>it on disposals (1) (3) (4)<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>it/(loss) before tax 346 (17) 329<br />

Taxation (91) – (91)<br />

Pr<strong>of</strong>it/(loss) after tax 255 (17) 238<br />

11


PART III<br />

PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION<br />

The following is an unaudited pro forma statement <strong>of</strong> consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the Group, prepared in<br />

accordance with the notes set out below. The unaudited pro forma statement <strong>of</strong> consolidated net assets<br />

has been prepared for illustrative purposes only <strong>and</strong>, because <strong>of</strong> its nature, addresses a hypothetical<br />

situation <strong>and</strong>, therefore, does not represent the actual financial position or results <strong>of</strong> the Group<br />

following the Disposal. Its purpose is to illustrate the effect on the consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the Group<br />

as if the Disposal had been effected on 30 June 2006.<br />

The consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the Group at 30 June 2006 have been extracted, without material<br />

adjustment, from the unaudited consolidated interim results <strong>of</strong> the Group for the six months ended<br />

30 June 2006. The consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the US Operation at 30 June 2006 have been extracted,<br />

without material adjustment, from the unaudited consolidation schedules used to prepare the unaudited<br />

consolidated results <strong>of</strong> the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2006.<br />

The proceeds <strong>of</strong> the Disposal receivable by the Company are described in paragraphs 5 <strong>and</strong> 6 <strong>of</strong> Part I<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document.<br />

12


Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet<br />

Total Group<br />

as at<br />

30 June 2006<br />

Adjustments<br />

US Operation<br />

as at<br />

30 June 2006<br />

Other<br />

Adjustments<br />

Pro forma<br />

Remaining<br />

Group<br />

£m £m £m £m<br />

Assets<br />

Goodwill <strong>and</strong> other intangible assets 479 (13) – 466<br />

Property <strong>and</strong> equipment 383 (4) – 379<br />

Investment property 451 – – 451<br />

Investment in associated undertakings 27 – – 27<br />

Financial assets<br />

Equity securities 1,568 (47) – 1,521<br />

Debt <strong>and</strong> fixed income securities 10,995 (1,860) 70 (3) 9,205<br />

Other 239 (14) – 225<br />

Total financial assets 12,802 (1,921) 70 10,951<br />

Reinsurers’ share <strong>of</strong> insurance contract liabilities 3,617 (2,040) 485 (4) 2,062<br />

Insurance <strong>and</strong> reinsurance debtors 2,513 (315) 404 (4) 2,602<br />

Deferred acquisition costs 465 (7) – 458<br />

Other debtors <strong>and</strong> other assets 980 (83) 12 (6) 909<br />

Cash <strong>and</strong> cash equivalents 1,564 (146) (180) (5) 1,238<br />

23,281 (4,528) 791 19,544<br />

Non current assets held for sale – – – –<br />

Total assets 23,281 (4,528) 791 19,544<br />

Equity, reserves <strong>and</strong> liabilities<br />

Equity <strong>and</strong> reserves<br />

Shareholders’ funds 2,920 (322) (130) (8) 2,468<br />

Minority interests 379 – – 379<br />

Total equity <strong>and</strong> reserves 3,299 (322) (130) 2,847<br />

Liabilities<br />

Loan capital 1,127 – – 1,127<br />

Insurance contract liabilities 16,259 (3,286) 485 (4) 13,457<br />

Insurance <strong>and</strong> reinsurance liabilities 439 (256) – 183<br />

Borrowings 6 – – 6<br />

Provisions <strong>and</strong> other liabilities 2,151 (664) 436 (4)(6) 1,923<br />

Total liabilities 19,982 (4,206) 921 16,696<br />

Total equity, reserves <strong>and</strong> liabilities 23,281 (4,528) 791 19,544<br />

Footnotes:<br />

(1) The consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the Group have been extracted from the unaudited interim results <strong>of</strong> the Group for the period ended 30 June<br />

2006.<br />

(2) The consolidated net assets <strong>of</strong> the US Operation at 30 June 2006 have been extracted from consolidation schedules used to prepare the<br />

interim financial information for the Group for the period ended 30 June 2006.<br />

(3) The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to take into account the consideration in the form <strong>of</strong> US$300 million subordinated<br />

notes which form the proceeds <strong>of</strong> the Disposal receivable by the Remaining Group. As a financial instrument the subordinated notes are<br />

required to be fair valued; a fair value <strong>of</strong> £70 million has been placed upon the financial instrument.<br />

(4) The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to take into account the impact <strong>of</strong> the ADC contract which currently eliminates on<br />

group consolidation but which will form part <strong>of</strong> the assets <strong>and</strong> liabilities <strong>of</strong> the Remaining Group.<br />

(5) The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to take into account:<br />

(a) the capital contribution <strong>of</strong> £151 million (US$287.5 million) in cash; <strong>and</strong><br />

(b) transaction <strong>and</strong> other costs <strong>of</strong> £29 million (including the legal fees <strong>of</strong> Arrowpoint Capital).<br />

(6) The pro forma financial information has been adjusted to take into account:<br />

(a) reinstatement <strong>of</strong> an intercompany balance <strong>of</strong> £12 million between the Remaining Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation which is currently<br />

eliminated; <strong>and</strong><br />

(b) a taxation liability arising for the Remaining Group <strong>of</strong> £20 million relating to foreign exchange movements previously taken into<br />

reserves <strong>and</strong> certain centrally held provisions for reinsurance recoverables.<br />

(7) No adjustment has been made to take account <strong>of</strong> trading or changes in the financial position <strong>of</strong> the Group since 30 June 2006.<br />

(8) The adjustment to Shareholders’ funds reflects the estimated loss on Disposal including a £20 million taxation liability partially <strong>of</strong>fset by<br />

foreign exchange previously taken to reserves.<br />

13


PART IV<br />

TERMS OF THE DISPOSAL<br />

1. Parties<br />

The Purchase Agreement was entered into on 28 September 2006 between the Purchaser, the Sellers<br />

<strong>and</strong> Globe for the disposal <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. Globe is party to the Purchase Agreement as guarantor<br />

<strong>of</strong> the performance <strong>of</strong> the Sellers’ obligations in its capacity as immediate parent company <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Sellers. The Disposal is to be effected by the sale <strong>and</strong> purchase <strong>of</strong> the partnership interests in<br />

Arrowpoint General Partnership, the ultimate US holding entity for the US Operation.<br />

2. Conditionality<br />

Completion <strong>of</strong> the Disposal contemplated by the Purchase Agreement is subject to regulatory approval<br />

in, <strong>and</strong>/or notifications required by, the State <strong>of</strong> Delaware <strong>and</strong> Bermuda (the ‘‘Governmental Entity<br />

Approvals’’). One <strong>of</strong> the Governmental Entity Approvals requires the Purchaser to file an acquisition<br />

<strong>of</strong> control filing (the ‘‘Application’’) for approval by the Delaware Department <strong>of</strong> Insurance (the<br />

‘‘DDI’’). After receiving the Application, the DDI will hold a public hearing to determine whether the<br />

Purchaser meets the statutory st<strong>and</strong>ards necessary for approval <strong>of</strong> the Application. It is important to<br />

note that there is considerable discretion as to how the review process is h<strong>and</strong>led by the DDI. It is<br />

expected that the review process will be completed within two to three months. However, there is a risk<br />

that <strong>this</strong> process could be delayed.<br />

The Purchase Agreement also contains, among others, the following customary conditions to<br />

Completion:<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

approval <strong>of</strong> the Purchase Agreement <strong>and</strong> the transaction by Shareholders at the EGM;<br />

termination or expiration <strong>of</strong> any pre-closing waiting period applicable to the consummation <strong>of</strong><br />

the Disposal under the HSR Act;<br />

no proceeding having been instituted in the United States to terminate any pension or other<br />

retirement plan relating to the US Operation; <strong>and</strong><br />

no statute, rule, decree, order, injunction or other prohibition under applicable law or regulation<br />

which prohibits, restricts or makes illegal the Completion or any material transactions<br />

contemplated by the Purchase Agreement having been enacted or enforced by any<br />

governmental entity.<br />

3. Consideration<br />

The consideration payable to the Sellers comprises non-interest bearing subordinate notes <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Purchaser with an aggregate principal amount <strong>of</strong> US$300 million (£160 million) (the ‘‘Notes’’) subject<br />

to adjustment in certain circumstances. The Notes will remain outst<strong>and</strong>ing until repaid in full.<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

Payments on the Notes are dependent on dividends being paid by the US insurance<br />

subsidiaries. No such dividends may be paid any earlier than the fourth anniversary <strong>of</strong><br />

Completion.<br />

The Purchaser is required to use 50% <strong>of</strong> any dividends payable from the <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity<br />

insurance pool companies (net <strong>of</strong> any funds used to satisfy tax or other obligations) to make<br />

payments to the Sellers in redemption <strong>of</strong> the Notes, provided that the repayment <strong>of</strong> amounts<br />

drawn down against the Company LOC <strong>and</strong> certain indemnification obligations under the<br />

Purchase Agreement are payable to the Sellers as a priority payment in advance <strong>of</strong> any funds<br />

being used to make any dividend or similar payment on the Purchaser’s equity, subject to a<br />

maximum amount <strong>of</strong> US$100 million. Dividends are not expected to be paid any earlier than<br />

the fourth anniversary <strong>of</strong> the Completion Date.<br />

The Notes will provide for covenants in favour <strong>of</strong> the Noteholder, including (but not limited<br />

to):<br />

14


(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

(f)<br />

the right <strong>of</strong> the Noteholder to receive: (i) periodic financial information; <strong>and</strong> (ii) access<br />

to books <strong>and</strong> records <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser <strong>and</strong> the US Operation as reasonably required to<br />

monitor the Purchaser’s obligations under the Notes;<br />

the consent <strong>of</strong> the Noteholder to: (i) any sale or, in certain circumstances set forth in<br />

the Notes, acquisition <strong>of</strong>, any equity interests in any <strong>of</strong> the US Operation by the<br />

Purchaser; or (ii) the sale <strong>of</strong> all, or any, significant portion <strong>of</strong> the assets <strong>of</strong> the US<br />

Operation;<br />

prior regulatory approval for any sale <strong>of</strong> any assets <strong>of</strong> the US Operation, or acquisition<br />

<strong>of</strong> assets by the US Operation, up to <strong>and</strong> including the fourth anniversary date <strong>of</strong><br />

Completion (other than transactions undertaken in the ordinary course <strong>of</strong> business <strong>and</strong><br />

in other limited exceptions set forth in the Notes);<br />

a limitation on the ability <strong>of</strong> the US Operation to enter into affiliated party transactions<br />

(other than for compensation <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficers <strong>and</strong> directors <strong>and</strong> certain other exceptions set<br />

forth in the Notes);<br />

a limitation on payments to holders <strong>of</strong> equity <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser if the Purchaser is not<br />

current on its payment obligations under the Notes; <strong>and</strong><br />

an obligation to seek to cause the US subsidiaries that are insurance companies to<br />

declare dividends after the fourth anniversary, so long as such dividends are consistent<br />

with commitments, made by the Purchaser to the regulators, <strong>and</strong> in the reasonable<br />

judgment <strong>of</strong> the relevant board <strong>of</strong> directors, would not materially adversely impact the<br />

ability <strong>of</strong> any such entity to satisfy, or be imprudent in light <strong>of</strong>, such entity’s potential<br />

future obligations to policyholders.<br />

4. Representations, warranties <strong>and</strong> indemnities<br />

Under the Purchase Agreement, the Sellers have made certain limited representations <strong>and</strong> warranties,<br />

concerning, among other things, their authority to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the US Operation<br />

<strong>and</strong> their ownership <strong>of</strong> the partnership interests <strong>of</strong> Arrowpoint General Partnership. These<br />

representations <strong>and</strong> warranties are subject to certain disclosures. The Purchaser has also made<br />

certain customary representations <strong>and</strong> warranties pursuant to the terms <strong>of</strong> the Purchase Agreement.<br />

These representations <strong>and</strong> warranties are subject to certain disclosures.<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser <strong>and</strong> the Sellers has agreed to indemnify the other party for losses arising from<br />

breaches <strong>of</strong> their representations, warranties <strong>and</strong> covenants under the Purchase Agreement. The<br />

representations <strong>and</strong> warranties <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser <strong>and</strong> Sellers survive Completion for a period <strong>of</strong><br />

18 months.<br />

The indemnification obligations <strong>of</strong> the Sellers <strong>and</strong> the Purchaser for losses arising from breaches <strong>of</strong><br />

their respective representations <strong>and</strong> warranties are limited to US$50 million in aggregate <strong>and</strong> a<br />

minimum threshold <strong>of</strong> US$100,000 per loss. Apart from the Purchaser’s <strong>and</strong> the Sellers’ indemnity for<br />

breaches <strong>of</strong> their respective representations <strong>and</strong> warranties, the indemnities <strong>of</strong> the parties are not limited<br />

in time or amount.<br />

5. Capital contribution<br />

With Completion the Group will make a capital contribution <strong>of</strong> US$287.5 million (£151 million) into<br />

the US Regulated Entities.<br />

6. Continuation <strong>of</strong> existing support arrangements by the Core Group to the US Operation<br />

after Completion<br />

The Group has a number <strong>of</strong> historical financial <strong>and</strong> contractual arrangements with the US Operation,<br />

which will need to remain in place post Completion, but which will be amended as a result <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Disposal. These existing agreements include, among others:<br />

15


(a) The ADC reinsurance arrangement set up between the Group <strong>and</strong> the US Operation in 2003<br />

whereby the Group has reinsured certain policy losses <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. The ADC attaches<br />

when paid losses exceed US$4.01 billion <strong>and</strong> covers up to a maximum <strong>of</strong> an additional<br />

US$1.225 billion. The ADC is at its policy limit <strong>and</strong> is therefore not subject to further<br />

insurance risk. Furthermore, it is supported by collateral through a combination <strong>of</strong> funds<br />

withheld in trust <strong>and</strong> through a letter <strong>of</strong> credit.<br />

In the pro forma for the Remaining Group (set out in Part III <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document) the ADC has<br />

been treated as a third party arrangement <strong>and</strong> the appropriate amounts have been reflected in<br />

the class test calculations under the Listing Rules.<br />

A potential timing risk exists in the event that the payment <strong>of</strong> claims under the ADC become<br />

due to the US Operation before sufficient resources exist within the funds withheld account. In<br />

<strong>this</strong> event there would be a charge against the Group’s net assets. However the Directors<br />

believe that the ADC does not represent a material risk to the Group given its nature, timing<br />

<strong>and</strong> likelihood.<br />

Certain amendments were made to the contract to recognise the effects <strong>of</strong> the transaction,<br />

which included a separation provision that the Group would not terminate the ADC as a result<br />

<strong>of</strong> the change <strong>of</strong> control contemplated by the transaction.<br />

(b)<br />

The Company LOC was provided by the Group in 2003 in support <strong>of</strong> certain third party<br />

reinsurance recoverables <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. The US Operation entered into contracts with<br />

other reinsurers to reinsure certain policies <strong>and</strong> claims upon those contracts. Under US<br />

statutory accounting rules, recoverables from certain third party reinsurers would not be<br />

admitted as an asset <strong>of</strong> the US Operation for regulatory capital purposes. The collateral<br />

provided by the Company LOC allows the recoverables to be admitted for regulatory capital<br />

purposes. The Company LOC may also, in certain circumstances, cover recoverables from<br />

authorised reinsurers that become unauthorised.<br />

The Company LOC cannot in any event exceed US$150 million <strong>and</strong> the recoverables covered<br />

by the Company LOC presently st<strong>and</strong> at US$145 million. At the time <strong>of</strong> writing <strong>this</strong> document<br />

the Company LOC had not been drawn down against. The Purchase Agreement provides that<br />

after two years following Completion the Company LOC will thereafter be able to be reduced<br />

by up to US$50 million per year as long as any reduction does not cause the risk based capital<br />

ratio <strong>of</strong> <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity to drop below 300%. If the Company LOC is drawn against, an<br />

amount equal to any such drawdown will be added to the Notes. In <strong>this</strong> event, up to US$100<br />

million will be repaid to the Group on a priority basis in advance <strong>of</strong> any dividend payment by<br />

Arrowpoint Capital.<br />

7. Continuation <strong>of</strong> support arrangements provided by the US Operation to the Group after<br />

Completion<br />

The Group has a number <strong>of</strong> financial <strong>and</strong> contractual arrangements with the US Operation in relation to<br />

business written by the Core Group where the clients have business based in the US. These have been<br />

entered into in the ordinary course <strong>of</strong> business <strong>and</strong> will continue after disposal <strong>of</strong> the US Operation.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> these include those set out below:<br />

(a)<br />

Quota share reinsurance agreements relating to multinational business <strong>of</strong> the Core Group<br />

Multinational clients are a key business segment <strong>of</strong> the Core Group <strong>and</strong> the provision <strong>of</strong><br />

insurance programmes for such clients requires placement <strong>of</strong> local covers in relevant markets<br />

across the world. The US Operation has in the past underwritten the US local covers <strong>of</strong> these<br />

clients as an accommodation facility for the Group, reinsuring them back to the central<br />

insurance programme. In these cases, the Group supports the reinsurance obligations by a letter<br />

<strong>of</strong> credit from the Group’s main insurance entity, RSAI plc, again to enable the reinsurance to<br />

be allowed for US statutory accounting purposes. This letter <strong>of</strong> credit cannot in any event<br />

exceed US$200 million but currently st<strong>and</strong>s at US$139.9 million <strong>and</strong> would be expected to<br />

16


educe over time as liabilities for <strong>this</strong> business run <strong>of</strong>f. These collateral arrangements will also<br />

cover reinsurance obligations <strong>of</strong> Intrepid Re, an entity 38.5% owned by the Group, to the extent<br />

that Intrepid Re fails to provide adequate collateral.<br />

(b)<br />

Aviation pool reinsurance agreement<br />

RSAI plc previously participated in an aviation <strong>and</strong> aerospace underwriting pool which<br />

entailed the insurance <strong>of</strong> certain clients across the world. The US Operation has in the past<br />

underwritten the US covers <strong>of</strong> these clients as an accommodation facility for the Group,<br />

reinsuring them back to the Group, which in turn supports the reinsurance obligations by a<br />

letter <strong>of</strong> credit from RSAI plc, again to enable the reinsurance to be allowed for US statutory<br />

accounting purposes. This letter <strong>of</strong> credit (currently in the amount <strong>of</strong> US$11.5 million) is<br />

subject to adjustment from time to time based on the amount <strong>of</strong> such reinsurance recoverables.<br />

(c)<br />

Two agreements which are being entered into independently <strong>of</strong> the Disposal, between the US<br />

Operation <strong>and</strong> Group’s managing general agency in the US<br />

These agreements relate to the servicing <strong>of</strong> claims arising from the US local covers <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Group’s multinational clients which were, in the past, underwritten by the US insurance<br />

subsidiaries on behalf <strong>of</strong> the Group.<br />

The Group’s obligations under the pre-existing agreements discussed in paragraph 6 <strong>and</strong> 7 are not<br />

affected materially by the Disposal.<br />

8. Ancillary agreements<br />

The Purchaser <strong>and</strong> the Sellers have agreed in the Purchase Agreement to enter into certain ancillary<br />

agreements relating, inter alia, to transitional services <strong>and</strong> trade marks.<br />

9. Miscellaneous<br />

The Purchase Agreement contains customary provisions allowing each party to terminate the Purchase<br />

Agreement under certain circumstances. In the event <strong>of</strong> termination, the Purchase Agreement provides<br />

that neither party shall have any liabilities or obligations to the other party except as specifically<br />

provided therein.<br />

17


PART V<br />

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<br />

1. Company Details<br />

The Company is domiciled in the United Kingdom with its registered <strong>of</strong>fice at 9th Floor, One<br />

Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD. The telephone number <strong>of</strong> the Company’s<br />

registered <strong>of</strong>fice is 020 7111 7000.<br />

2. Interest <strong>of</strong> Related Parties<br />

2.1 Sean A. Beatty, Dennis W. Cahill, Catherine A. Carlino, Michael J. Crall, David M. Davenport,<br />

Robert J. Dixon, Julie A. Fortune, Daniel R. Keddie, Marc-Andre Lefevbre, James F. Meehan,<br />

Edward J. Muhl, David D. Shumway, Larry G. Simmons <strong>and</strong> John Tighe are each a related<br />

party by virtue <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> them being a director <strong>of</strong> one or more subsidiaries <strong>of</strong> the Company,<br />

which form part <strong>of</strong> the US Operation. The Purchaser is a related party by virtue <strong>of</strong> the fact that<br />

it is an associate <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> the individuals named above who are, in aggregate, able to exercise<br />

or control the exercise <strong>of</strong> 30% or more <strong>of</strong> the votes able to be cast on all, or substantially all,<br />

matters at general meetings <strong>of</strong> the Purchaser.<br />

2.2 As at 5 October 2006 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong><br />

document), the interests (all <strong>of</strong> which are beneficial unless otherwise stated) <strong>of</strong> the Related<br />

Parties which:<br />

(i)<br />

have been notified by each Related Party to the Company pursuant to section 324 or<br />

328 <strong>of</strong> the Act; or<br />

(ii) are required to be entered in the register maintained by the Company under section 325<br />

<strong>of</strong> the Act; or<br />

(iii)<br />

are interests <strong>of</strong> a connected person <strong>of</strong> a Related Party which would, if the connected<br />

person were a director, be required to be disclosed under (i) or (ii) above <strong>and</strong> the<br />

existence <strong>of</strong> which is known to or could with reasonable diligence be ascertained by<br />

Related Party, are as follows:<br />

Number <strong>of</strong><br />

ADRs (1)<br />

Interest in ADRs<br />

under Employee<br />

Stock Discount<br />

Plan (1)<br />

Percentage <strong>of</strong><br />

issued Ordinary<br />

Share capital<br />

Options held<br />

under Employee<br />

Incentive Scheme<br />

(ADRs)<br />

Sean A. Beatty (2) 0 0 0 151,940<br />

Dennis W. Cahill (2) 907 0 Less than 0.01 159,286<br />

Catherine A. Carlino (2) 1,185 0 Less than 0.01 62,742<br />

Michael J. Crall 12,000 0 Less than 0.01 0<br />

David M. Davenport (2) 0 0 0 25,956<br />

Robert J. Dixon (2) 0 1,176 Less than 0.01 77,625<br />

Julie A. Fortune (2) 0 0 0 120,000<br />

Daniel R. Keddie (2) 0 1,815 Less than 0.01 33,636<br />

Marc-Andre Lefevbre (2) 0 925 Less than 0.01 109,728<br />

James F. Meehan 0 0 0 40,000<br />

Edward J. Muhl 0 0 0 0<br />

Dave D. Shumway (2) 1,582 0 Less than 0.01 36,396<br />

Larry G. Simmons 0 0 0 11,911<br />

John Tighe (2) 4,156 6,204 Less than 0.01 380,880<br />

(1) Some <strong>of</strong> the holdings include a fraction <strong>of</strong> an ADR. Where applicable, <strong>this</strong> has been rounded to the nearest whole<br />

ADR.<br />

(2) In addition to the shares shown in the table above, these individuals each invest in a 401k Savings <strong>and</strong> Investment<br />

Plan. Under <strong>this</strong> plan they are interested in a unitised stock fund consisting <strong>of</strong> shares in the Company. As at 30<br />

September 2006 the aggregate value <strong>of</strong> the fund held by these individuals had a market value <strong>of</strong> $129,294 <strong>and</strong><br />

equated to 46,365 ordinary shares (or 9,273 ADRs).<br />

2.3 Save as disclosed in paragraph 2.2 above, none <strong>of</strong> the Related Parties has any interest,<br />

beneficial or non-beneficial, in the share capital <strong>of</strong> the Company or any <strong>of</strong> its subsidiaries.<br />

18


3. US Directors’ service contracts <strong>and</strong> remuneration<br />

3.1 The following US Directors have service contracts with <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity on the following<br />

terms:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

(v)<br />

(vi)<br />

(vii)<br />

(viii)<br />

Sean A. Beatty entered into a service contract dated 1 October 2003. His current basic<br />

salary is US$380,000 per annum;<br />

Dennis W. Cahill entered into a service contract dated 1 October 2003. His current<br />

basic salary is US$380,000 per annum;<br />

Robert J. Dixon entered into a service contract dated 1 October 2003. His current basic<br />

salary is US$216,000 per annum;<br />

Julie A. Fortune entered into a service contract dated 8 March 2004. Her current basic<br />

salary is US$345,000 per annum;<br />

Marc-Andre Lefebvre entered into a service contract dated 13 February 2004. His<br />

current basic salary is US$322,500 per annum;<br />

James F. Meehan entered into a service contract dated 10 January 2005. His current<br />

basic salary is US$300,000 per annum;<br />

David D. Shumway entered into a service contract dated 10 January 2005. His current<br />

basic salary is US$288,660 per annum; <strong>and</strong><br />

John Tighe entered into a service contract dated 1 January 2003, (as amended <strong>and</strong><br />

restated by a new service contract dated 1 October 2003). His current basic salary is<br />

US$504,000 per annum.<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> these service contracts is terminable immediately upon notice from <strong>Royal</strong><br />

Indemnity for the misconduct <strong>of</strong> a US Director, <strong>and</strong> otherwise upon not less than 30 days’<br />

notice from the relevant US Director or <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity, as the case may be.<br />

Under the terms <strong>of</strong> his service contract, where <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity terminates his<br />

employment, other than for misconduct, John Tighe is entitled to receive 18 months’ basic<br />

salary, a payment equal to the average <strong>of</strong> the annual incentive bonuses paid to him for the prior<br />

two annual incentive bonus years <strong>and</strong> on-going medical benefits (as provided to current<br />

employees) for an 18 month period.<br />

Under the terms <strong>of</strong> their service contracts, where <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity terminates their<br />

employment, other than for misconduct, Sean A. Beatty, Dennis W. Cahill, Robert J. Dixon,<br />

Julie A. Fortune, Marc-Andre Lefebvre, James F. Meehan <strong>and</strong> David D. Shumway are each<br />

entitled to receive 12 months’ basic salary, the annual incentive bonus that would have been<br />

payable to that US Director under the terms <strong>of</strong> his current target bonus percentage <strong>and</strong> on-going<br />

medical benefits (as provided to current employees) for a 12 month period.<br />

Other than accrued but unpaid salary, bonus <strong>and</strong> any other benefits, no termination benefits are<br />

due where the service contract is terminated voluntarily by the US Director, or terminated by<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity due to the misconduct <strong>of</strong> the US Director.<br />

3.2 The following US Directors have severance agreements with <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

Catherine A. Carlino entered into a severance agreement dated 15 April 2004. Her<br />

current basic salary is US$202,860 per annum;<br />

David M. Davenport entered into a severance agreement dated 19 September 2006. His<br />

current basic salary is US$191,000 per annum; <strong>and</strong><br />

19


(iii)<br />

Daniel R. Keddie entered into a severance agreement dated 29 March 2005. His current<br />

basic salary is US$215,000 per annum.<br />

Both <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity <strong>and</strong> the relevant US Director have the right to terminate the<br />

US Director’s employment, with or without notice, at any time <strong>and</strong> for any reason. The<br />

severance agreements provide that where the employment <strong>of</strong> the US Director is terminated by<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity without cause (but not otherwise), the US Director is entitled to receive<br />

payment <strong>of</strong> 12 months’ base salary, payable in 26 bi-weekly payments.<br />

3.3 The following US Directors have letters <strong>of</strong> appointment with R&SA US, on the following<br />

terms:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

Michael J. Crall was appointed as a non-executive director with effect from<br />

23 February 2005. He was appointed chairman <strong>of</strong> the board on 17 May 2006 <strong>and</strong> as<br />

chairman <strong>of</strong> the audit committee with effect from 23 February 2005. He is entitled to a<br />

fee <strong>of</strong> US$200,000;<br />

Edward J. Muhl was appointed as a non-executive director <strong>of</strong> the board <strong>and</strong> as a<br />

member <strong>of</strong> the compensation committee with effect from 23 January 2006. He is<br />

entitled to a fee <strong>of</strong> US$100,000; <strong>and</strong><br />

Larry G. Simmons was appointed as a non-executive director with effect from<br />

17 February 2004. He was appointed chairman <strong>of</strong> the compensation committee with<br />

effect from 1 September 2004. He is entitled to a fee <strong>of</strong> US$75,000.<br />

None <strong>of</strong> the letters <strong>of</strong> appointment provide for benefits upon termination.<br />

3.4 Save for the agreements referred to in paragraphs 3.1, 3.2 <strong>and</strong> 3.3 above, there are no existing<br />

service contracts between any Related Party <strong>and</strong> any member <strong>of</strong> the Group which provide for<br />

benefits upon termination <strong>of</strong> employment.<br />

4. Related Party Transactions with US Directors under IFRS reporting<br />

4.1 Save as disclosed in paragraph 4.2, for the period 1 January 2003 to 30 September 2006, the<br />

Company has not entered into any related party transactions (which for these purposes are<br />

those set out in the st<strong>and</strong>ards adopted according to the Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002) with<br />

any Related Party.<br />

4.2 For the purposes <strong>of</strong> IFRS, the Company has a related party relationship with John Tighe (being<br />

a member <strong>of</strong> key management). During the period 1 January 2003 to 30 September 2006,<br />

John Tighe received total remuneration <strong>of</strong> US$4,132,015 under his service contract with <strong>Royal</strong><br />

Indemnity. In addition, John Tighe, his close family <strong>and</strong> friends <strong>and</strong> entities under his control,<br />

have general insurance, health <strong>and</strong> welfare benefits with subsidiary companies <strong>of</strong> the Group.<br />

Such policies are on normal commercial terms except that John Tighe is entitled to special rates<br />

which are also available to other members <strong>of</strong> staff.<br />

5. Major Interest in Shares<br />

Set out in the table below are the names <strong>of</strong> those persons who, ins<strong>of</strong>ar as is known to the Company, are<br />

interested, directly or indirectly in three per cent. or more <strong>of</strong> the Company’s issued share capital as at<br />

5 October 2006 (being the latest practicable date prior to the publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document):<br />

Shareholder<br />

Number <strong>of</strong><br />

Ordinary Shares<br />

Percentage <strong>of</strong><br />

issued Ordinary<br />

Share capital<br />

Legal & General Group plc 96,101,934 3.25<br />

Barclays Bank plc 89,239,632 3.01<br />

20


6. Material Contracts<br />

With the exception <strong>of</strong> the Purchase Agreement (the principal terms <strong>of</strong> which are summarised in Part IV<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document), no contracts have been entered into (other than contracts entered into in the ordinary<br />

course <strong>of</strong> business) by any member <strong>of</strong> the Group either: (i) within a period <strong>of</strong> two years immediately<br />

preceding the date <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document which are or may be material to the Group; or (ii) which contain<br />

any provisions under which any member <strong>of</strong> the Group has any obligation or entitlement which is, or<br />

may be, material to the Group as at the date <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> document, <strong>and</strong> in each case, which Shareholders<br />

would reasonably require information on to make a properly informed decision on how to vote at the<br />

EGM.<br />

7. Estimation Techniques, Uncertainties <strong>and</strong> Contingencies<br />

As set out in the 2006 Interim Report <strong>of</strong> the Company for the six month period ended 30 June 2006, the<br />

following is a summary <strong>of</strong> the way in which estimation techniques, uncertainties <strong>and</strong> contingencies can<br />

affect the financial statements <strong>of</strong> insurance companies <strong>and</strong> the Group in particular.<br />

7.1 Introduction<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the purposes <strong>of</strong> insurance is to enable policyholders to protect themselves against<br />

uncertain future events. Insurance companies accept the transfer <strong>of</strong> uncertainty from<br />

policyholders <strong>and</strong> seek to add value through the aggregation <strong>and</strong> management <strong>of</strong> these risks.<br />

The uncertainty inherent in insurance is inevitably reflected in the financial statements <strong>of</strong><br />

insurance companies. The uncertainty in the financial statements principally arises in respect <strong>of</strong><br />

the insurance liabilities <strong>of</strong> the company.<br />

The insurance liabilities <strong>of</strong> an insurance company include the provision for unearned premiums<br />

<strong>and</strong> unexpired risks <strong>and</strong> the provision for outst<strong>and</strong>ing claims. Unearned premiums <strong>and</strong><br />

unexpired risks represent the amount <strong>of</strong> income set aside by the company to cover the cost <strong>of</strong><br />

claims that may arise during the unexpired period <strong>of</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> insurance policies in force at the<br />

balance sheet date. Outst<strong>and</strong>ing claims represents the company’s estimate <strong>of</strong> the cost <strong>of</strong><br />

settlement <strong>of</strong> claims that have occurred by the balance sheet date but have not yet been finally<br />

settled.<br />

In addition to the inherent uncertainty <strong>of</strong> having to make provision for future events, there is<br />

also considerable uncertainty as regards the eventual outcome <strong>of</strong> the claims that have occurred<br />

by the balance sheet date but remain unsettled. This includes claims that may have occurred but<br />

have not yet been notified to the company <strong>and</strong> those that are not yet apparent to the insured.<br />

As a consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> uncertainty, the insurance company needs to apply sophisticated<br />

estimation techniques to determine the appropriate provisions.<br />

7.2 Estimation techniques<br />

Claims <strong>and</strong> unexpired risks provisions are determined based upon previous claims experience,<br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> events <strong>and</strong> the terms <strong>and</strong> conditions <strong>of</strong> the relevant policies <strong>and</strong> on interpretation<br />

<strong>of</strong> circumstances. Particularly relevant is experience with similar cases <strong>and</strong> historical claims<br />

payment trends. The approach also includes the consideration <strong>of</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> loss<br />

payment trends, the levels <strong>of</strong> unpaid claims, legislative changes, judicial decisions <strong>and</strong><br />

economic conditions.<br />

Where possible the Group adopts multiple techniques to estimate the required level <strong>of</strong><br />

provisions. This assists in giving greater underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the trends inherent in the data being<br />

projected. The Group’s estimates <strong>of</strong> losses <strong>and</strong> loss expenses are reached after a review <strong>of</strong><br />

several commonly accepted actuarial projection methodologies <strong>and</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> different bases<br />

to determine these provisions. These include methods based upon the following:<br />

s<br />

the development <strong>of</strong> previously settled claims, where payments to date are extrapolated<br />

for each prior year;<br />

21


s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

estimates based upon a projection <strong>of</strong> claims numbers <strong>and</strong> average cost;<br />

notified claims development, where notified claims to date for each year are<br />

extrapolated based upon observed development <strong>of</strong> earlier years; <strong>and</strong><br />

expected loss ratios.<br />

In addition, the Group uses other methods such as the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method, which<br />

combines features <strong>of</strong> the above methods. The Group also uses bespoke methods for specialist<br />

classes <strong>of</strong> business. In selecting its best estimate, the Group considers the appropriateness <strong>of</strong><br />

the methods <strong>and</strong> bases to the individual circumstances <strong>of</strong> the provision class <strong>and</strong> underwriting<br />

year. The process is designed to select the most appropriate best estimate.<br />

Large claims impacting each relevant business class are generally assessed separately, being<br />

measured either at the face value <strong>of</strong> the loss adjusters’ estimates or projected separately in<br />

order to allow for the future development <strong>of</strong> large claims.<br />

Provisions are calculated gross <strong>of</strong> any reinsurance recoveries. A separate estimate is made <strong>of</strong><br />

the amounts that will be recoverable from reinsurers based upon the gross provisions <strong>and</strong><br />

having due regard to collectability.<br />

The claims provisions are subject to close scrutiny both within the Group’s business units <strong>and</strong><br />

at Group Corporate Centre. In addition, for major classes where the risks <strong>and</strong> uncertainties<br />

inherent in the provisions are greatest, regular <strong>and</strong> ad hoc detailed reviews are undertaken by<br />

advisers who are able to draw upon their specialist expertise <strong>and</strong> a broader knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />

current industry trends in claims development. As an example, the Group’s exposure to<br />

asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental pollution is examined on <strong>this</strong> basis. The results <strong>of</strong> these reviews are<br />

considered when establishing the appropriate levels <strong>of</strong> provisions for outst<strong>and</strong>ing claims <strong>and</strong><br />

unexpired periods <strong>of</strong> risk.<br />

It should be emphasised that the estimation techniques for the determination <strong>of</strong> insurance<br />

liabilities involve obtaining corroborative evidence from as wide a range <strong>of</strong> sources as possible<br />

<strong>and</strong> combining these to form the overall estimate. This technique means that the estimate is<br />

inevitably deterministic rather than stochastic. A stochastic valuation approach, whereby a<br />

range <strong>of</strong> possible outcomes is estimated <strong>and</strong> probabilities assigned thereto, is only possible in a<br />

limited number <strong>of</strong> situations.<br />

The pension assets <strong>and</strong> pension <strong>and</strong> post retirement liabilities are calculated in accordance with<br />

International Accounting St<strong>and</strong>ard 19 (IAS 19). The assets, liabilities <strong>and</strong> income statement<br />

charge, calculated in accordance with IAS 19, are sensitive to the assumptions made, including<br />

inflation, interest rate, investment return <strong>and</strong> mortality. IAS 19 compares, at a given date, the<br />

current market value <strong>of</strong> a pensions fund’s assets with its long term liabilities, which are<br />

calculated using a discount rate in line with yields on ‘AA’ rated bonds <strong>of</strong> suitable duration <strong>and</strong><br />

currency. As such, the financial position <strong>of</strong> a pension fund on <strong>this</strong> basis is highly sensitive to<br />

changes in bond rates <strong>and</strong> equity markets.<br />

7.3 Uncertainties <strong>and</strong> contingencies<br />

The uncertainty arising under insurance contracts may be characterised under a number <strong>of</strong><br />

specific headings, such as:<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

uncertainty as to whether an event has occurred which would give rise to a<br />

policyholder suffering an insured loss;<br />

uncertainty as to the extent <strong>of</strong> policy coverage <strong>and</strong> limits applicable;<br />

uncertainty as to the amount <strong>of</strong> insured loss suffered by a policyholder as a result <strong>of</strong> the<br />

event occurring; <strong>and</strong><br />

22


s<br />

uncertainty over the timing <strong>of</strong> a settlement to a policyholder for a loss suffered.<br />

The degree <strong>of</strong> uncertainty will vary by policy class according to the characteristics <strong>of</strong> the<br />

insured risks <strong>and</strong> the cost <strong>of</strong> a claim will be determined by the actual loss suffered by the<br />

policyholder.<br />

There may be significant reporting lags between the occurrence <strong>of</strong> the insured event <strong>and</strong> the<br />

time it is actually reported to the Group. Following the identification <strong>and</strong> notification <strong>of</strong> an<br />

insured loss, there may still be uncertainty as to the magnitude <strong>and</strong> timing <strong>of</strong> the settlement <strong>of</strong><br />

the claim. There are many factors that will determine the level <strong>of</strong> uncertainty such as inflation,<br />

inconsistent judicial interpretations <strong>and</strong> court judgments that broaden policy coverage beyond<br />

the intent <strong>of</strong> the original insurance, legislative changes <strong>and</strong> claims h<strong>and</strong>ling procedures.<br />

The establishment <strong>of</strong> insurance liabilities is an inherently uncertain process <strong>and</strong>, as a<br />

consequence <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> uncertainty, the eventual cost <strong>of</strong> settlement <strong>of</strong> outst<strong>and</strong>ing claims <strong>and</strong><br />

unexpired risks can vary substantially from the initial estimates, particularly for the Group’s<br />

long tail lines <strong>of</strong> business. The Group seeks to provide appropriate levels <strong>of</strong> claims provision<br />

<strong>and</strong> provision for unexpired risks taking the known facts <strong>and</strong> experience into account.<br />

The Group has exposures to risks in each class <strong>of</strong> business within each operating segment that<br />

may develop <strong>and</strong> that could have a material impact upon the Group’s financial position. The<br />

geographical <strong>and</strong> insurance risk diversity within the Group’s portfolio <strong>of</strong> issued insurance<br />

policies make it not possible to predict whether material development will occur <strong>and</strong>, if it does<br />

occur, the location <strong>and</strong> the timing <strong>of</strong> such an occurrence. The estimation <strong>of</strong> insurance liabilities<br />

involves the use <strong>of</strong> judgments <strong>and</strong> assumptions that are specific to the insurance risks within<br />

each territory <strong>and</strong> the particular type <strong>of</strong> insurance risk covered. The diversity <strong>of</strong> the insurance<br />

risks results in it not being possible to identify individual judgments <strong>and</strong> assumptions that are<br />

more likely than others to have a material impact on the future development <strong>of</strong> the insurance<br />

liabilities.<br />

The sections below identify a number <strong>of</strong> specific risks relating to asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental<br />

claims <strong>and</strong> to insurance risks remaining within the Group’s discontinuing US operations. There<br />

may be other classes <strong>of</strong> risk which could develop in the future <strong>and</strong> that could have a material<br />

impact on the Group’s financial position.<br />

The Group evaluates the concentration <strong>of</strong> exposures to individual <strong>and</strong> cumulative insurance<br />

risk <strong>and</strong> establishes its reinsurance policy to reduce such exposure to levels acceptable to the<br />

Group.<br />

7.4 Asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental claims<br />

The estimation <strong>of</strong> the provisions for the ultimate cost <strong>of</strong> claims for asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental<br />

pollution is subject to a range <strong>of</strong> uncertainties that is generally greater than those encountered<br />

for other classes <strong>of</strong> insurance business. As a result it is not possible to determine the future<br />

development <strong>of</strong> asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental claims with the same degree <strong>of</strong> reliability as with<br />

other types <strong>of</strong> claims, particularly in periods when theories <strong>of</strong> law are in flux. Consequently,<br />

traditional techniques for estimating claims provisions cannot wholly be relied upon <strong>and</strong> the<br />

Group employs specialised techniques to determine provisions using the extensive knowledge<br />

<strong>of</strong> both internal asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental pollution experts <strong>and</strong> external legal <strong>and</strong><br />

pr<strong>of</strong>essional advisors.<br />

Factors contributing to <strong>this</strong> higher degree <strong>of</strong> uncertainty include:<br />

s<br />

plaintiffs’ exp<strong>and</strong>ing theories <strong>of</strong> liability, compounded by inconsistent court decisions<br />

<strong>and</strong> judicial interpretations;<br />

23


s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

s<br />

a few large claims, accompanied by a very large number <strong>of</strong> small claims or claims<br />

made with no subsequent payment, <strong>of</strong>ten driven by intensive advertising by lawyers<br />

seeking claimants;<br />

the tendency for speculative, inflated <strong>and</strong>/or unsupported claims to be made to insurers,<br />

with the aim <strong>of</strong> securing a settlement on advantageous terms;<br />

the long delay in reporting claims <strong>and</strong> exposures, since the onset <strong>of</strong> illness <strong>and</strong><br />

disability arising from exposure to harmful conditions may only become apparent<br />

many years later (for example, cases <strong>of</strong> mesothelioma can have a latent period <strong>of</strong> up to<br />

40 years);<br />

inadequate development patterns;<br />

difficult issues <strong>of</strong> allocation <strong>of</strong> responsibility among potentially responsible parties <strong>and</strong><br />

insurers;<br />

complex technical issues that may give rise to delays in notification arising from<br />

unresolved legal issues on policy coverage <strong>and</strong> the identity <strong>of</strong> the insureds;<br />

the tendency for social trends <strong>and</strong> factors to influence jury verdicts; <strong>and</strong><br />

developments pertaining to the Group’s ability to recover reinsurance for claims <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong><br />

nature.<br />

Further information on specific developments in the US in relation to asbestos <strong>and</strong><br />

environmental claims is discussed below.<br />

7.5 Representations <strong>and</strong> warranties<br />

In the course <strong>of</strong> disposal <strong>of</strong> businesses the Group provides representations <strong>and</strong> warranties to<br />

counterparties in contracts in connection with various transactions <strong>and</strong> may also provide<br />

indemnifications that protect the counterparties to the contracts in the event that certain<br />

liabilities arise (covering such matters as tax, property, environmental issues, etc). While such<br />

representations, warranties <strong>and</strong> indemnities are essential components <strong>of</strong> many contractual<br />

relationships, they do not represent the underlying purpose for the transaction. These clauses<br />

are customary in such contracts <strong>and</strong> may from time to time lead to us receiving claims from<br />

counterparties.<br />

7.6 Financial enhancement products<br />

In the UK <strong>and</strong> US, the Group has exposures to financial enhancement products, which provide<br />

surety to banks, lending institutions <strong>and</strong> credit facilities that insure principal <strong>and</strong> interest<br />

repayment on debt securities. The Group no longer writes such business; however, the nature <strong>of</strong><br />

such contracts is normally that the Group is on risk for more than one year <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />

liabilities remain for an extended period. Further information on financial enhancement<br />

products in the US is discussed below.<br />

7.7 Litigation, mediation <strong>and</strong> arbitration<br />

The Group, in common with the insurance industry in general, is subject to litigation,<br />

mediation <strong>and</strong> arbitration, <strong>and</strong> regulatory, governmental <strong>and</strong> other sectoral inquiries in the<br />

normal course <strong>of</strong> its business. The Directors do not believe that any current mediation,<br />

arbitration, regulatory, governmental or sectoral inquiries <strong>and</strong> pending or threatened litigation<br />

or dispute, as outlined elsewhere in <strong>this</strong> note, will have a material adverse effect on the Group’s<br />

financial position, although there can be no assurance that losses resulting from any pending<br />

mediation, arbitration, regulatory, governmental or sectoral inquiries <strong>and</strong> threatened litigation<br />

or dispute will not materially affect the Group’s financial position or cash flows for any period.<br />

Further information on US litigation is discussed below.<br />

24


7.8 Reinsurance<br />

The Group is exposed to disputes on, <strong>and</strong> defects in, contracts with its reinsurers <strong>and</strong> the<br />

possibility <strong>of</strong> default by its reinsurers. The Group is also exposed to the credit risk assumed in<br />

fronting arrangements. In selecting the reinsurers with whom we do business our strategy is to<br />

seek reinsurers with the best combination <strong>of</strong> credit rating, price <strong>and</strong> capacity. We publish<br />

internally a list <strong>of</strong> authorised reinsurers who pass our selection process <strong>and</strong> which our<br />

operations may use for new transactions.<br />

The Group monitors the financial strength <strong>of</strong> its reinsurers, including those to whom risks are<br />

no longer ceded. Allowance is made in the financial position for non recoverability due to<br />

reinsurer default by requiring operations to provide, in line with Group st<strong>and</strong>ards, having<br />

regard to companies on the Group’s ‘Watch List’. The ‘Watch List’ is the list <strong>of</strong> companies<br />

whom the Directors believe will not be able to pay amounts due to the Group in full.<br />

7.9 Changes in foreign exchange rates may impact our results<br />

We publish our consolidated financial statements in pounds sterling. Therefore, fluctuations in<br />

exchange rates used to translate other currencies, particularly other European currencies <strong>and</strong><br />

the US dollar, into pounds sterling will impact our reported consolidated financial condition,<br />

results <strong>of</strong> operations <strong>and</strong> cash flows from period to period. These fluctuations in exchange rates<br />

will also impact the pound sterling value <strong>of</strong> our investments <strong>and</strong> the return on our investments.<br />

Income <strong>and</strong> expenses for each income statement item are translated at average exchange rates.<br />

Balance sheet assets <strong>and</strong> liabilities are translated at the closing exchange rates at the balance<br />

sheet date.<br />

7.10 Investment risk<br />

The Group is exposed to credit risk on its invested assets. Credit risk includes the non<br />

performance <strong>of</strong> contractual payment obligations on invested assets <strong>and</strong> adverse changes in the<br />

credit worthiness <strong>of</strong> invested assets including exposures to issuers or counterparties for bonds,<br />

equities, deposits <strong>and</strong> derivatives. The Group’s insurance investment portfolios are<br />

concentrated in listed securities. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to reduce<br />

its exposure to adverse fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates <strong>and</strong> equity markets.<br />

The Group has strict controls over the use <strong>of</strong> derivative instruments.<br />

7.11 Rating agencies<br />

The ability <strong>of</strong> the Group to write certain types <strong>of</strong> insurance business is dependent on the<br />

maintenance <strong>of</strong> the appropriate credit ratings from the rating agencies. The Group has the<br />

objective <strong>of</strong> maintaining single ‘A’ ratings. At the present time the ratings are ‘A–’ from S&P<br />

<strong>and</strong> ‘A–’ from AM Best. Any worsening in the ratings would have an adverse impact on the<br />

ability <strong>of</strong> the Group to write certain types <strong>of</strong> general insurance business.<br />

7.12 Regulatory environment<br />

The regulatory environment is subject to significant change in many <strong>of</strong> the jurisdictions in<br />

which the Group operates. The Group continues to monitor the developments <strong>and</strong> react<br />

accordingly. The Directors are confident that the Group will continue to meet all future<br />

regulatory capital requirements.<br />

In addition, the Group is continuing to monitor <strong>and</strong> respond to consultation on the latest<br />

Solvency II proposals, which are intended, in the medium term, to achieve greater<br />

harmonisation <strong>of</strong> approach across European member states to assessing capital resources <strong>and</strong><br />

requirements.<br />

7.13 US Operation<br />

In addition to the disclosures above, there are a number <strong>of</strong> specific risks <strong>and</strong> issues pertaining to<br />

the US Operation as follows:<br />

25


7.13.1 Asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental claims<br />

In respect <strong>of</strong> asbestos <strong>and</strong> environmental claims the position in the US is particularly<br />

problematic, as plaintiffs have exp<strong>and</strong>ed their focus to defendants beyond the ‘traditional’<br />

asbestos manufacturers <strong>and</strong> distributors. This has arisen as a consequence <strong>of</strong> the increase in the<br />

number <strong>of</strong> insureds seeking bankruptcy protection because <strong>of</strong> asbestos related litigation <strong>and</strong> the<br />

exhaustion <strong>of</strong> their policy limits. Plaintiffs, supported by lawyers remunerated on a contingent<br />

fee basis, are now seeking to draw in a wide cross section <strong>of</strong> defendants who previously only<br />

had peripheral or secondary involvement in asbestos litigation. This may include companies<br />

which have distributed or incorporated asbestos containing parts in their products or operated<br />

premises where asbestos was present. There are also increasing signs <strong>of</strong> attempts to reopen <strong>and</strong><br />

reclassify into other insurance coverages previously settled claims, <strong>and</strong> the filing <strong>of</strong> claims<br />

under the non aggregate premises or operations section <strong>of</strong> general liability policies. There are<br />

also indications that plaintiffs may seek damages by asserting that insurers had a duty to protect<br />

the public from the dangers <strong>of</strong> asbestos.<br />

Although the prospects <strong>of</strong> some form <strong>of</strong> asbestos reform, including a no fault Trust Fund, have<br />

substantially diminished, the risk remains <strong>of</strong> reform progressing in a way that does not ensure<br />

finality <strong>and</strong> allows claims to be brought by individuals who have failed to establish genuine<br />

medical criteria.<br />

Against <strong>this</strong> background <strong>and</strong> in common with the industry generally, the Group in the US<br />

receives notifications <strong>and</strong> approaches from, <strong>and</strong> on behalf <strong>of</strong>, insureds who previously had<br />

peripheral or secondary involvement in asbestos litigation indicating that they may be seeking<br />

coverage under Group policies. Given the uncertainties outlined above as to the potential <strong>of</strong><br />

loss suffered, the availability <strong>of</strong> coverage <strong>and</strong> the <strong>of</strong>ten long delay in reporting these issues it is<br />

difficult to predict the outcome <strong>of</strong> these notifications <strong>and</strong> approaches. The greatest difficulty is<br />

with estimating whether the Group has any liability as many <strong>of</strong> these are discharged at no cost<br />

to the Group or have been settled below the quantum sought, although there can be no certainty<br />

that <strong>this</strong> will always be the case. It is clear that there is unlikely to be any firm direction in case<br />

law or legislation which would allow for these issues to be resolved satisfactorily in the near<br />

term <strong>and</strong> no likelihood <strong>of</strong> the plaintiffs’ bar in the US easing its aggressive stance with<br />

litigation. Management, therefore, expect that these notifications <strong>and</strong> approaches will continue<br />

to be received for some time to come. One such approach received during 2004 from General<br />

Motors Corporation is now the subject <strong>of</strong> ongoing litigation.<br />

7.13.2 Financial enhancement products<br />

Within the financial enhancement portfolio <strong>of</strong> Financial Structures Limited, a subsidiary <strong>of</strong><br />

Arrowpoint General Partnership, there are a variety <strong>of</strong> financial enhancement product<br />

exposures including collateralised debt obligations (CDO), credit enhancement <strong>and</strong> residual<br />

value insurance contracts. These products are no longer written.<br />

During February 2006, one <strong>of</strong> the remaining two contracts was terminated for a net pre tax gain<br />

<strong>of</strong> US$4 million. The fair value <strong>of</strong> the remaining contract at 30 June 2006 was a liability <strong>of</strong><br />

US$71 million, compared with a liability <strong>of</strong> US$75 million at 31 December 2005.<br />

7.13.3 Litigation<br />

As discussed above, in the normal course <strong>of</strong> its business the Group is subject to litigation,<br />

mediation <strong>and</strong> arbitration, <strong>and</strong> regulatory <strong>and</strong> other sectoral inquiries, which in turn may give<br />

rise to threatened litigation or disputes. This is particularly so in respect <strong>of</strong> its US Operation<br />

where there are a number <strong>of</strong> ongoing litigations. The status <strong>of</strong> two major US litigations is as<br />

follows:<br />

7.13.4 Student Finance Corporation<br />

In early 2002, issues arose in connection with a series <strong>of</strong> credit risk insurance policies covering<br />

loans made to students in various post secondary trade schools, primarily truck driving schools.<br />

26


The original loan portfolio had a face value <strong>of</strong> approximately US$501 million. In mid July<br />

2002, <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity filed lawsuits in Texas state court seeking, among other things,<br />

rescission <strong>of</strong> these policies in response to a systematic pattern <strong>of</strong> alleged fraud,<br />

misrepresentation <strong>and</strong> cover up by various parties, which among other things concealed the<br />

default rate <strong>of</strong> the loans. Since <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity’s lawsuits seek rescission <strong>of</strong> these policies, all<br />

the Group’s financial accounting entries associated with the transactions have been reversed.<br />

The ultimate outcome <strong>of</strong> the suits is uncertain.<br />

The foregoing rescission actions gave rise to other related lawsuits filed in Delaware by MBIA<br />

Insurance Corporation (‘MBIA’) <strong>and</strong> various banks, seeking to enforce the <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity<br />

credit risk insurance policies. Plaintiffs in the Delaware actions included Wells Fargo Bank<br />

Minnesota, NA (‘Wells Fargo’), in its capacity as trustee <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong> securitisations that<br />

were collateralised by student loans, <strong>and</strong> MBIA which insured the obligations issued through<br />

these securitisations. These actions were heard in US District Court, District <strong>of</strong> Delaware.<br />

Plaintiffs in the Delaware actions moved for summary judgement. The Court granted summary<br />

judgement to MBIA <strong>and</strong> Wells Fargo on 30 September 2003.<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity appealed each <strong>of</strong> these judgements. PNC Bank <strong>and</strong> Wilmington Trust agreed<br />

to discontinue their parts <strong>of</strong> the legal action following agreed settlements; only the<br />

MBIA/Wells Fargo judgement remains open. With respect to the MBIA/Wells Fargo<br />

judgement, on 3 October 2005, the Court <strong>of</strong> Appeals upheld the District Court’s ruling that<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity had waived its right to rescind its policies based on Student Finance<br />

Corporation’s fraud <strong>and</strong> that the policies therefore remain in force. However, the Court <strong>of</strong><br />

Appeals also concluded that <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity raised a triable issue as to whether all <strong>of</strong> the<br />

losses claimed by MBIA/Wells Fargo are covered by those policies. As a result, the Court<br />

overturned the remainder <strong>of</strong> the summary judgement <strong>and</strong> returned the case to the District Court<br />

to determine whether all <strong>of</strong> the claims asserted against the <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity policies fall within<br />

the scope <strong>of</strong> coverage provided by the policies. The case is now before the District Court <strong>and</strong><br />

discovery is underway.<br />

At 30 June 2006, the claims asserted by MBIA/Wells Fargo totalled US$353.5 million. To the<br />

extent that the District Court determines that claims fall outside the scope <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Royal</strong><br />

Indemnity policies, they would be excluded from any judgement award. Interest on any<br />

judgement award would also vary, depending upon the amount <strong>of</strong> any award.<br />

The ultimate outcome <strong>of</strong> these lawsuits is necessarily uncertain. Any loss on the loan portfolio<br />

will be reduced to the extent <strong>of</strong> reinsurance available to <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity, recoveries from the<br />

original borrowers on the defaulted loans, <strong>and</strong> reserves, if any. Any losses may be further <strong>of</strong>fset<br />

by recoveries from other third parties. To that end, <strong>Royal</strong> Indemnity is actively pursuing<br />

recovery actions against certain trucking school entities <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional advisers. However,<br />

there can be no assurance that the outcome <strong>of</strong> these lawsuits, the availability <strong>of</strong> reinsurance<br />

recoveries, the extent <strong>and</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> recoveries from the borrower under the respective loan<br />

programmes <strong>and</strong>/or reserves, if any, among other factors, will be resolved in favour <strong>of</strong> <strong>Royal</strong><br />

Indemnity.<br />

Based on current knowledge <strong>of</strong> the circumstances, legal advice received <strong>and</strong> the range <strong>of</strong> other<br />

actions available to the Group to manage any insurance exposure, the Directors believe that the<br />

resolution <strong>of</strong> the legal proceedings in respect <strong>of</strong> these credit risk insurance policies will not<br />

have a material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position.<br />

7.13.5 World Trade Center<br />

The estimated cost <strong>of</strong> the insurance losses associated with the terrorist action <strong>of</strong> 11 September<br />

2001 is a gross loss in excess <strong>of</strong> £1 billion, reduced to £280 million net <strong>of</strong> reinsurance. This was<br />

an unprecedented event, which still has unresolved issues in respect <strong>of</strong> both the gross loss <strong>and</strong><br />

consequent extent <strong>of</strong> the reinsurance recoveries. The loss estimate has been prepared on the<br />

basis <strong>of</strong> the information currently available as to the magnitude <strong>of</strong> the claims, including<br />

27


usiness interruption losses. The final cost may be different from the current estimate due to the<br />

uncertainty associated with ongoing appeals <strong>and</strong> the valuation <strong>and</strong> allocation process which is<br />

currently underway in respect <strong>of</strong> the Twin Towers complex. Appraisal hearings are scheduled<br />

to continue through July 2007. Nevertheless, the Directors believe their estimate <strong>of</strong> the gross<br />

<strong>and</strong> net loss is appropriate based on the information available to them <strong>and</strong> that there will be no<br />

material adverse effect on the Group’s financial position.<br />

7.13.6 Restructuring Plans<br />

The Group’s US restructuring plans are complex <strong>and</strong> are subject to particular risks. The Group’s<br />

US subsidiaries are subject to government regulation in their state <strong>of</strong> domicile <strong>and</strong> also in each<br />

<strong>of</strong> the jurisdictions in which they are licensed or authorised to do business. In the US, the<br />

conduct <strong>of</strong> insurance business is regulated at the state level <strong>and</strong> not by the federal government<br />

<strong>and</strong> the Group’s subsidiaries are subject to state supervision <strong>of</strong> their regulatory capital <strong>and</strong><br />

surplus positions.<br />

8. Miscellaneous<br />

8.1 There has been no significant change in the financial or trading position <strong>of</strong> the Group since<br />

30 June 2006, being the end <strong>of</strong> the last financial period for which unaudited interim financial<br />

statements <strong>of</strong> the Group have been published.<br />

8.2 JPMorgan Cazenove <strong>and</strong> Merrill Lynch International are acting as joint sponsor <strong>and</strong> financial<br />

advisor to the Company <strong>and</strong> have given <strong>and</strong> have not withdrawn their written consent to the<br />

inclusion in <strong>this</strong> document <strong>of</strong> their name <strong>and</strong> the references to them in the form <strong>and</strong> context in<br />

which they are included.<br />

9. Documents available for inspection<br />

Copies <strong>of</strong> the following documents will be available for inspection during normal business hours on<br />

any weekday (Saturdays, <strong>Sun</strong>days <strong>and</strong> public holidays excepted) at the current registered <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Company at 9th Floor, One Plantation Place, 30 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 3BD <strong>and</strong> at the<br />

<strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May, One Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YY up to <strong>and</strong> including the<br />

conclusion <strong>of</strong> the EGM on Wednesday, 1 November 2006:<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

the Purchase Agreement;<br />

the memor<strong>and</strong>um <strong>and</strong> articles <strong>of</strong> association <strong>of</strong> the Company: (i) as they currently st<strong>and</strong>; <strong>and</strong><br />

(ii) inclusive <strong>of</strong> proposed amendments to be considered by Shareholders at an Extraordinary<br />

General Meeting <strong>of</strong> the Company to be held on 26 October 2006 (for which a separate circular<br />

was posted on 2 October 2006);<br />

the audited consolidated accounts <strong>of</strong> the Company for each <strong>of</strong> the financial years ended<br />

31 December 2004 <strong>and</strong> 31 December 2005 <strong>and</strong> the unaudited interim results for the period<br />

ended 30 June 2006;<br />

the written consents referred to in paragraph 8 above; <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>this</strong> document.<br />

Dated: 16 October 2006<br />

28


ROYAL & SUN ALLIANCE INSURANCE GROUP PLC<br />

(incorporated in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales with registered number 2339826)<br />

NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING<br />

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Extraordinary General Meeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong><br />

Insurance Group plc (the ‘‘Company’’) will be held at the <strong>of</strong>fices <strong>of</strong> Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May, One Bunhill<br />

Row, London, EC1Y 8YY on Wednesday, 1 November 2006 at 9.30 a.m. for the purpose <strong>of</strong><br />

considering <strong>and</strong>, if thought fit, passing the following resolution which will be proposed as an ordinary<br />

resolution:<br />

ORDINARY RESOLUTION<br />

THAT the disposal <strong>of</strong> the US Operation to the Purchaser (the ‘‘Disposal’’)asmore particularly<br />

described in the circular sent to shareholders <strong>of</strong> the Company dated 16 October 2006 (the ‘‘Circular’’)<br />

on the terms <strong>and</strong> subject to the conditions <strong>of</strong> the purchase agreement dated 28 September 2006<br />

(described in the Circular), <strong>and</strong> the ancillary actions <strong>and</strong> arrangements as described in the Circular, be<br />

<strong>and</strong> are hereby approved <strong>and</strong> that the directors (or any duly constituted committee there<strong>of</strong>) <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Company be <strong>and</strong> are hereby authorised to take all such steps as may be necessary or appropriate in<br />

relation thereto <strong>and</strong> to implement the same with such modifications, variations, revisions, waivers or<br />

amendments (being modifications, variations, revisions, waivers or amendments which the directors or<br />

any such committee consider reasonable <strong>and</strong> in the best interests <strong>of</strong> shareholders as a whole or which<br />

are <strong>of</strong> a non-material nature) as the directors or any such committee may deem necessary, expedient or<br />

appropriate.<br />

Registered <strong>of</strong>fice:<br />

By order <strong>of</strong> the Board<br />

9th Floor, One Plantation Place<br />

Mark Chambers<br />

30 Fenchurch Street General Counsel <strong>and</strong> Group Company Secretary<br />

London EC3M 3BD 16 October 2006<br />

Notes:<br />

1. Proxies<br />

Holders <strong>of</strong> Ordinary Shares can appoint one or more other persons, known as proxies, to attend the meeting in their place <strong>and</strong><br />

to vote on their behalf in the event <strong>of</strong> a poll. A proxy need not be a member <strong>of</strong> the Company. A proxy cannot raise questions at<br />

a meeting or vote on a show <strong>of</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s. Shareholders who appoint proxies can nevertheless still attend the meeting <strong>and</strong> vote in<br />

person (in which case their proxies’ votes will be invalidated).<br />

To appoint one or more proxies, you will need to complete <strong>and</strong> return the enclosed Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy (unless you wish to register<br />

your proxy appointment electronically, as detailed below). The Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy will be valid only if it is received by the<br />

Company’s Registrars, Lloyds TSB Registrars, The Causeway, Worthing, West Sussex, BN99 6DW by no later than 9.30 a.m.<br />

on Monday, 30 October 2006, accompanied by a Power <strong>of</strong> Attorney or any other authority under which the Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy is<br />

signed (if required). A copy <strong>of</strong> any such Power <strong>of</strong> Attorney or authority, certified notarially or in accordance with the Powers<br />

<strong>of</strong> Attorney Act 1971, will also be accepted as authority to sign the Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy. There are more details about how to<br />

complete the Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy on the form itself.<br />

2. Electronic proxy appointment through CREST<br />

CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so<br />

for the EGM to be held on Wednesday, 1 November 2006 <strong>and</strong> any adjournments(s) there<strong>of</strong> by using the procedures described<br />

in the CREST Manual. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, <strong>and</strong> those CREST members who have<br />

appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to<br />

take the appropriate action on their behalf.<br />

In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a<br />

‘‘CREST Proxy Instruction’’) must be properly authenticated in accordance with CRESTCo’s specifications <strong>and</strong> must contain<br />

the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless <strong>of</strong> whether it<br />

constitutes the appointment <strong>of</strong> a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy, must, in<br />

order to be valid be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent (7RA01) by no later than 9.30 a.m. on Monday,<br />

30 October 2006. For <strong>this</strong> purpose, the time <strong>of</strong> receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to<br />

the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to<br />

CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After <strong>this</strong> time any change <strong>of</strong> instruction to proxies appointed through CREST<br />

should be communicated to the appointee through other means.<br />

CREST members <strong>and</strong>, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that CRESTCo does<br />

not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings <strong>and</strong> limitations will<br />

therefore apply in relation to the input <strong>of</strong> CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the CREST member concerned<br />

to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service<br />

provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to<br />

ensure that a message is transmitted by means <strong>of</strong> the CREST system by any particular time. In <strong>this</strong> connection, CREST<br />

members <strong>and</strong>, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service provider(s) are referred, in particular, to those<br />

sections <strong>of</strong> the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations <strong>of</strong> the CREST system <strong>and</strong> timings.<br />

29


The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001.<br />

3. Electronic voting through the Internet<br />

You may, if you wish, register the appointment <strong>of</strong> a proxy electronically by logging on to the website www.sharevote.co.uk.<br />

You will need your Reference Number (<strong>this</strong> is the 24-digit number printed below your name <strong>and</strong> address on the accompanying<br />

Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy). Full details <strong>of</strong> the procedure are given on the website. Alternatively, if you have registered for a Shareview<br />

portfolio, log on to your portfolio at www.shareview.co.uk <strong>and</strong> click on ‘‘Company Meetings’’. The proxy appointment <strong>and</strong><br />

instructions must be received by Lloyds TSB Registrars by no later than 9.30 a.m. on Monday, 30 October 2006. You can also<br />

indicate your intention to attend the EGM on the website. Please note that any electronic communication that is found to<br />

contain a computer virus will not be accepted.<br />

The use <strong>of</strong> internet service in connection with the EGM is governed by Lloyds TSB Registrars’ conditions <strong>of</strong> use set out on the<br />

website, www.sharevote.co.uk, which may be read by logging on to that site <strong>and</strong> entering the Reference Number printed on the<br />

Form <strong>of</strong> Proxy.<br />

4. Special requirements<br />

The Company is committed to providing a quality service to all its shareholders. Please let us know if, for example, you would<br />

like documentation to be provided to you in a special format. We will do our best to meet your needs. You can also write to<br />

Lloyds TSB Registrars at the address given below.<br />

5. Shareholder information<br />

Registrars<br />

Lloyds TSB Registrars<br />

The Causeway<br />

Worthing<br />

West Sussex BN99 6DA<br />

The Company has appointed Lloyds TSB Registrars as its Registrars to manage the shareholder register, to ensure that all<br />

information held about the Group’s shareholders is kept up to date <strong>and</strong> to pay dividends.<br />

There is now a range <strong>of</strong> shareholder information on line at www.shareview.co.uk. Shareholders can check holdings <strong>and</strong> find<br />

practical help on transferring shares or updating details <strong>and</strong> register their e-mail address to receive shareholder information<br />

<strong>and</strong> Annual Report & Accounts electronically.<br />

Registered Office<br />

<strong>Royal</strong> & <strong>Sun</strong> <strong>Alliance</strong> Insurance Group plc<br />

9th Floor<br />

One Plantation Place<br />

30 Fenchurch Street<br />

London EC3M 3BD<br />

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7111 7000<br />

www.royalsunalliance.com<br />

The above Company is registered in Engl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Wales.<br />

Registered No. 2339826.<br />

How to get to the Extraordinary General Meeting<br />

Slaughter <strong>and</strong> May<br />

One Bunhill Row<br />

London EC1Y 8YY<br />

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7090 5000<br />

Please use the client entrance<br />

The nearest underground stations <strong>and</strong> rail connections are Barbican, Liverpool Street <strong>and</strong> Moorgate.<br />

30


The paper used for <strong>this</strong> circular is produced from sustainably managed commercial forests.<br />

Printed by St Ives Financial B838805/21069<br />

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