11544--3/1/2007--BERKLEY_W_R

related topics

{loss, insurance, financial}

{loan, real, estate}

{operation, natural, condition}

{acquisition, growth, future}

{capital, credit, financial}

{operation, international, foreign}

{product, market, service}

{personnel, key, retain}

{cost, regulation, environmental}

{debt, indebtedness, cash}

{tax, income, asset}

Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, which may require us to establish additional reserves. As a property casualty insurer, we face losses from natural and man-made catastrophes. We face significant competitive pressures in our businesses, which may reduce premium rates and prevent us from pricing our products at attractive rates. We, as a primary insurer, may have significant exposure for terrorist acts. We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which increases our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business. Risks Relating to Our Business We cannot guarantee that our reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and, as a result, we could experience losses. We are rated by A.M. Best, Standard Poor s, and Moody s, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease. If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments. Our international operations expose us to investment, political and economic risks. We may not find suitable acquisition candidates or new insurance ventures and even if we do, we may not successfully integrate any such acquired companies or successfully invest in such ventures. We may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees. Risks Relating to Our Investments A significant amount of our assets is invested in fixed income securities and is subject to market fluctuations. We invest some of our assets in equity securities, including merger arbitrage investments and real estate securities, which may decline in value. Risks Relating to Purchasing Our Securities We are an insurance holding company and may not be able to receive dividends in needed amounts.

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11544--3/1/2007--BERKLEY_W_R_CORP