HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XL Capital Ltd ("XL" or the "Company") announced today that it has opened a Representative Office (the "Office") in Beijing following approval by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission.
The opening of the Office, which is permitted to act as a liaison point, conduct research and perform other non-income generating activities, demonstrates XL's commitment to the China market and the Company's view of the market's long-term potential in the areas of insurance and reinsurance.
Mr. Brian O'Hara, President and CEO of XL, commented: "This is an exciting strategic initiative and we are delighted to be making this step into China. We recognize the need to develop close ties and knowledge exchange opportunities in the country and the opening of the Representative Office will enable us to build the platform to achieve both these goals.
"Longer term, we see China as very important in strengthening our global presence to support our clients across XL's three segments of insurance, reinsurance and financial products and services."
XL's Chief Representative, Ms. Jane Zhuang, said that the Office, in the heart of Beijing's financial district, would provide the Company with a formal presence in one of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world.
"The Representative Office is an important first step for XL into a key market," she said. "I look forward to representing this dynamic global company at such a pivotal point in the development of the world's risk management industry."
XL Capital Ltd, through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of insurance and reinsurance coverages and financial products and services to industrial, commercial and professional service firms, insurance companies and other enterprises on a worldwide basis. As of September 30, 2005, XL Capital Ltd had consolidated assets of approximately $54.9 billion and consolidated shareholders' equity of approximately $7.0 billion. More information about XL Capital Ltd is available at http://www.xlcapital.com/ .
