8-K 1 y00742e8vk.txt W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 17, 2004 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 (Date of earliest event reported): August 17, 2004 W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-15202 22-1867895 -------------- ------------------- ------------------ (State or other (Commission File (IRS Employer jurisdiction of Number) Identification No.) incorporation) 475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT 06830 --------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 629-3000 -------------- Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) Item 5. Other Events Reference is made to the press release of W. R. Berkley Corporation (the "Company") relating to its initial estimate of losses attributable to Hurricane Charley. The press release was issued on August 17, 2004. A copy of the press release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION By: /s/ Ira S. Lederman -------------------------- Name: Ira S. Lederman Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Date: August 17, 2004 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit: ------- 99.1 Press Release dated August 17, 2004