Mitsui Sumitomo acquires 12.5% stake in W. R. Berkley

Core Insights - Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance (MSI) has acquired beneficial ownership of at least 12.5% of W. R. Berkley's outstanding common stock, following agreements with the Berkley Family [1][2] - MSI plans to complete its investment by the first quarter of 2026, and the Berkley Family will recommend the nomination of an MSI director to W. R. Berkley's board once MSI's shareholding reaches 12.5% [2][3] - W. R. Berkley is one of the largest commercial property and casualty insurance companies in the US, established in 1967 [3] Company Overview - MSI is part of the MS&AD Insurance Group, providing personal and commercial insurance in Japan and operating in 41 countries and regions [4] - Recently, MSI also reached an agreement to purchase an 18% equity stake in Barings, the asset management arm of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, for approximately $1.44 billion [4]