OneBeacon To Be Acquired By Intact Financial Corporation For $1.7 Billion

PR Newswire

HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 2, 2017

HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE: OB) has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) will acquire all outstanding OneBeacon shares for $18.10 in cash per share. The $18.10 per share acquisition price is 1.65 times OneBeacon's book value per share as of March 31, 2017, and represents a 14% premium to the company's closing stock price on the NYSE of $15.89 as of May 1, 2017 and a 15% premium to the volume weighted average share price over the last 30 days. This represents aggregate cash consideration of approximately $1.7 billion. In addition, OneBeacon debt of approximately $275 million will remain outstanding.

This transaction will create a North American leader in specialty insurance, with over $1.5 billion of annual premiums. Furthermore, it bolsters Intact's Canadian business with new products and cross-border capabilities, and better positions the company to compete with North American insurers.

Mike Miller, CEO of OneBeacon, said, "We are all very excited to join the Intact family. The opportunity to leverage Intact's deep technical, financial and technology capabilities makes this combination the perfect next step in the OneBeacon journey. Together, we will accelerate our pursuit in creating a leading specialty insurer in North America. We look forward to working with our U.S. and Canadian independent agents and brokers to deliver market-leading capabilities to our targeted customers. Both companies are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition and look forward to profitably growing our specialty portfolio going forward."

Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact, said, "Today, we've taken an important step in building a world-class P&C insurer. The addition of OneBeacon is creating a leading North American specialty lines insurer focused on small-to-midsize businesses. OneBeacon is a strong strategic fit for Intact, with deep expertise in commercial and specialty lines, and shared values. We see significant growth potential from the combination of our specialty lines operations and we look forward to welcoming OneBeacon employees to the Intact family."

OneBeacon was formed in 2001 when White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. acquired the former CGU's U.S. property-casualty business from Aviva plc. In 2006, White Mountains sold 27.6 million of OneBeacon's common shares in an initial public offering, or 27.6% of OneBeacon's common shares at the time of the initial public offering. As of May 2, 2017, White Mountains owned 75.7% of OneBeacon's common shares, representing 96.9% of the voting power. White Mountains has agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.

The transaction, which was unanimously approved by OneBeacon's board of directors, is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. OneBeacon expects to continue paying regular quarterly dividends consistent with past practice prior to closing. Completion of the merger is not subject to any financing conditions.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Conyers, Dill & Pearman Limited and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP acted as legal advisors to OneBeacon in the transaction.

About OneBeacon: OneBeacon Insurance Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda-domiciled holding company that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OB." OneBeacon's underwriting companies offer a range of specialty insurance products sold through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies. Each business is managed by an experienced team of specialty insurance professionals focused on a specific customer group or industry segment, and providing distinct products and tailored coverages and services. OneBeacon's solutions target group accident and health; architects and engineers; commercial surety; entertainment; environmental; excess property; financial institutions; financial services; healthcare; management liability; ocean and inland marine; programs; public entities; technology; and tuition refund. For further information about our products and services visit: www.onebeacon.com and to remain up to date on OneBeacon's news, follow us on Twitter @OneBeaconIns or visit our online newsroom: www.onebeacon.com/newsroom.

About Intact Financial Corporation: Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada with over $8.0 billion (CA) in annual premiums. Supported by over 12,000 employees, the company insures more than five million individuals and businesses through its insurance subsidiaries and is the largest private sector provider of P&C insurance in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador. The company distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through a wide network of brokers, including its wholly owned subsidiary, BrokerLink, and directly to consumers through belairdirect.