-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, R0MBkgIFOcc2j7ZopoEPIVdof61oO6fRYmKs0DC8Ici7OZMopuAGknhh1TT5QuOy IB1XOYD9yTpnzE+h0q9GxQ== 0000914039-98-000388.txt : 19981027 0000914039-98-000388.hdr.sgml : 19981027 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000914039-98-000388 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19981023 ITEM INFORMATION: FILED AS OF DATE: 19981026 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: BERKLEY W R CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000011544 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331] IRS NUMBER: 221867895 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-07849 FILM NUMBER: 98730663 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 165 MASON ST STREET 2: P O BOX 2518 CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06836-2518 BUSINESS PHONE: 2036293000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 165 MASON ST STREET 2: PO BOX 2518 CITY: GREENWICH STATE: CT ZIP: 06836-2518 8-K 1 8-K 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: October 23, 1998 ---------------- W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Delaware 0-7849 22-1867895 - ------------------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- (State or Other Jurisdiction of (Commission File No.) (IRS Employer Incorporation) Identification Number) 165 Mason Street, P.O. Box 2518, Greenwich, CT 06830-2518 - ---------------------------------------------- -------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Not Applicable ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) 2 ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS Reference is made to the press release of Registrant, issued on October 14, 1998, which contains information meeting the requirements of this Item 5, and which is incorporated herein by this reference. A copy of the press release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 3 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION ------------------------------------------ (Registrant) October 24, 1998 By: /s/ John D. Vollaro - ---------------- ------------------------------------- Date John D. Vollaro, President and Chief Operating Officer 4 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibits: 99.1 Press Release dated October 14, 1998 EX-99.1 2 EX-99.1 1 EXHIBIT 99.1 W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION NEWS RELEASE 165 MASON STREET, P.O. BOX 2518 GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT 06836-2518 CONTACT: Anthony J. Del Tufo Chief Financial Officer (203) 629-3000 W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION EXPECTS LOWER THIRD-QUARTER EARNINGS GREENWICH, CT., October 14, 1998 -- W.R. Berkley Corporation (NASDAQ:BKLY), today announced that it expects third-quarter 1998 operating earnings to be below current analysts' estimates of approximately 61 cents per share. While the company still anticipates a considerable operating profit for the period, it cited continuing catastrophe losses, including hurricane Georges, as the primary factor impacting 1998 results. In addition, intense ongoing price competition in the marketplace as well as lower investment returns contributed to the substantial reduction in third-quarter earnings expectations. A company spokesman noted: "Unusually high catastrophe losses notwithstanding, intense price competition continued to erode underwriting margins in the third quarter. As a company, our long-term objectives remain unchanged. We will continue to maintain a strong balance sheet, adequate loss reserves and a critical focus on steadily building value for our shareholders over time." W.R. Berkley Corporation is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, does business in all segments of the property casualty insurance business. The operating units are grouped for management purposes in five segments according to market served: Regional Property Casualty Insurance, Reinsurance, Specialty Insurance, Alternative Markets and International. # # # -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----