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UNITED STATES
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 18, 2011

ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Switzerland
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation) 001-32938
(Commission File Number) 98-0681223
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Lindenstrasse 8
6340 Baar
Zug, Switzerland
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 41-41-768-1080

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

þ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01. Other Events.

     On and after August 18, 2011, in connection with its merger of equals with Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (“Transatlantic”), representatives of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG (“Allied World”) will present to various investors the information described in the slides attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Additional Information About the Proposed Merger and Where to Find It

     This communication relates to a proposed merger between Allied World and Transatlantic. In connection with the proposed merger, Allied World has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus that provides details of the proposed merger and the attendant benefits and risks. This communication is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Allied World or Transatlantic may file with the SEC or send to their shareholders in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement on Form S-4, including the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC (including the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus) or sent to shareholders as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed merger. All documents, when filed, will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents by contacting Allied World’s Corporate Secretary, attn.: Wesley D. Dupont, at Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG, Lindenstrasse 8, 6340 Baar, Zug, Switzerland, or via e-mail at secretary@awac.com; or by contacting Transatlantic’s Investor Relations department at Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 80 Pine Street, New York, New York 10005, or via e-mail at investor_relations@transre.com. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval.

Participants in the Solicitation

     Allied World, Transatlantic and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed merger. Information about Allied World’s directors and executive officers is available in Allied World’s proxy statement dated March 17, 2011 for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Information about Transatlantic’s directors and executive officers is available in Transatlantic’s proxy statement dated April 8, 2011 for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, may be contained in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the merger when they become available. Investors should read the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     Any forward-looking statements made in this communication reflect Allied World’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. For example, these forward-looking statements could be affected by the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the inability to obtain Allied World’s or Transatlantic’s shareholder approval or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including receipt of regulatory approvals; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts each company’s current plans and operations; the ability to retain key personnel; the ability to recognize the benefits of the merger; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; pricing and policy term trends; increased competition; the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war; greater frequency or severity of unpredictable catastrophic events; negative rating agency actions; the adequacy of Allied World’s loss reserves; Allied World or its non-U.S. subsidiaries becoming subject to significant income taxes in the United States or elsewhere; changes in regulations or tax laws; changes in the availability, cost

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or quality of reinsurance or retrocessional coverage; adverse general economic conditions; and judicial, legislative, political and other governmental developments, as well as management’s response to these factors, and other factors identified in Allied World’s filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Allied World is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

Exhibit
Number	Description
99.1	Slides from presentation by management.

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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.

	ALLIED WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY HOLDINGS, AG
Dated: August 18, 2011	By:	/s/ Wesley D. Dupont
		Name:	Wesley D. Dupont
		Title:	Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number	Description
99.1	Slides from presentation by management.

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

The TransAllied Merger is the Superior Combination August 2011

1 This presentation contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this presentation reflect Allied World's current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. For example, these forward-looking statements could be affected by the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; the inability to obtain Allied World's or Transatlantic's shareholder approval or the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the merger, including receipt of regulatory approvals; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts each company's current plans and operations; the ability to retain key personnel; the ability to recognize the benefits of the merger; the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; pricing and policy term trends; increased competition; the impact of acts of terrorism and acts of war; greater frequency or severity of unpredictable catastrophic events; negative rating agency actions; the adequacy of Allied World's loss reserves; Allied World or its non-U.S. subsidiaries becoming subject to significant income taxes in the United States or elsewhere; changes in regulations or tax laws; changes in the availability, cost or quality of reinsurance or retrocessional coverage; adverse general economic conditions; and judicial, legislative, political and other governmental developments, as well as management's response to these factors, and other factors identified in Allied World's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Allied World is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or revise any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Additional Information About the Proposed Merger with Transatlantic and Where to Find It This presentation relates to a proposed merger between Allied World and Transatlantic. In connection with the proposed merger, Allied World has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus that provides details of the proposed merger and the attendant benefits and risks. This presentation is not a substitute for the joint proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Allied World or Transatlantic may file with the SEC or send to their shareholders in connection with the proposed merger. Investors and security holders are urged to read the registration statement on Form S-4, including the preliminary joint proxy statement/prospectus, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC (including the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus) or sent to shareholders as they become available because they will contain important information about the proposed merger. All documents, when filed, will be available free of charge at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents by contacting Allied World's Corporate Secretary, attn.: Wesley D. Dupont, at Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG, Lindenstrasse 8, 6340 Baar, Zug, Switzerland, or via e-mail at secretary@awac.com; or by contacting Transatlantic's Investor Relations department at Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 80 Pine Street, New York, New York 10005, or via e-mail at investor_relations@transre.com. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. Participants in the Solicitation Allied World, Transatlantic and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in any solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed merger. Information about Allied World's directors and executive officers is available in Allied World's proxy statement dated March 17, 2011 for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Information about Transatlantic's directors and executive officers is available in Transatlantic's proxy statement dated April 8, 2011 for its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, may be contained in the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the merger when they become available. Investors should read the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Industry leading management team Industry leading management team Superb specialty franchise with direct insurance distribution Well-respected property catastrophe / short-tail lines and long-tail reinsurance capabilities Ratings: A / A / A2(1) Ratings: A+ / A / A1(1) Risk tolerance: 1:250 PML less than 20% of capital (current: 11%) Risk tolerance: 1:250 post-tax PML less than 20% of equity (current: 16%)(2) Flexible international platforms in Switzerland, Ireland, Asia, Bermuda and the U.S. U.S.-domiciled company with global footprint Leading specialty insurer Leading specialty reinsurer Balanced management structure with best talent drawn from both organizations Complementary products and distribution with limited overlap Enhanced combined rating profile Similar conservative risk and underwriting standards with flexibility to opportunistically expand Truly global platform with capital efficiencies Diversified specialty focused reinsurance and insurance leader 2 (1) Financial strength ratings from S&P / A.M. Best / Moody's. (2) Based on post-tax Florida wind PML as disclosed in TRH 10-K. TransAllied The TransAllied merger is the best possible combination

TransAllied's definitive merger agreement vs. Validus' unsolicited takeover proposal Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal Fair economics with exchange ratio based on premium to book-for-book exchange ratio, which is industry standard Opportunistic attempt to acquire TRH at a double- digit discount to book-for-book exchange ratio TRH shareholders retain majority 58% ownership 100% stock consideration allows participation in full future value upside TRH to appoint majority of TransAllied Board 6 Directors from TRH, 5 from AWH Uncertain Board representation for TRH Balanced management structure Best-in-class skills drawn from each organization VR management takeover Overlap in operations implies loss of talent due to high flight risk 3 TRH shareholders lose majority 48% ownership Cash consideration limits any future value upside

Compelling strategic rationale with superior insurance capabilities vs. financially-driven acquisition at odds with strategy Superior immediate book value per share (basic and diluted) and intrinsic value delivered Superior currency and demonstrated record of value creation Superior long-term shareholder value Stronger credit profile and risk management Credible and conservative synergies vs. meaningful dis-synergies from overlap Street recognizes TransAllied transaction merits vs. Validus questionable deal logic and certainty Speed, certainty of close and low integration risk vs. significant uncertainty and execution risk 4 The TransAllied merger is the SUPERIOR combination

1. Compelling strategic rationale with SUPERIOR insurance capabilities vs. financially-driven acquisition at odds with stated strategy and views Creates global specialty-focused reinsurance and insurance leader Limited overlap with complementary product suite and distribution channels Combines decentralized competing platforms In our view, motivated by acquiring capital at a discount Inefficient overlap in property cat books Increase in risk profile, limiting growth opportunities Still lacks meaningful U.S. franchise Merger-of-equals enhances Transatlantic's unique domestic and international franchise Apparently hostile takeover risks high employee flight and elimination of 25+ year-old iconic reinsurance franchise Shared vision consistent with long-term strategy of both Boards In our view, financially driven, apparently desperate hostile offer In assessing the TransAllied transaction, TRH Board and management considered several factors including the following: "A business combination with Validus would not deliver the strategic benefits that could be achieved with the proposed strategic combination transaction with Allied World"(1) 5 Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal (1) Per Allied World 8/10/11 S-4 proxy information.

6 Validus' views on casualty "I have a very profound respect for the need to understand a multitude of underlying factors when thinking about underwriting casualty business - which is one of the reasons we really don't underwrite third-party liability business today" Global Reinsurance article, 4/3/11 3 months ago "In the time we've been in existence, we've only seen rates decline in casualty business, both in the US and globally. So, we simply said, well, we're not willing to play. There will come a point in time when there is a blood bath in the casualty business, because it always ends that way. At which point in time the casualty classes may become very attractive and we'll give a very hard consideration as to well that's the right time to jump in. But in the near-term, we continue to see casualty risk go down, and so we're quite happy to continue to sit on the sidelines and just grow our short-tail portfolio." JMP Securities Financial Services and Real Estate Conference, 9/29/10 1 year ago "[Talbot acquisition] allowed us to double our business without getting involved with US casualty business, for example, which we just aren't comfortable with." Reactions article, 10/1/07 4 years ago 1. Compelling strategic rationale with SUPERIOR insurance capabilities vs. financially-driven acquisition at odds with stated strategy (continued) "What we were looking for in particular in 2007 was a company that wasn't a casualty syndicate and as we all know, Lloyd's does have a meaningful amount of US casualty business, which really didn't fit our profile or our skills." Oppenheimer & Co, Insurance CEO Summit, 6/8/10 1 year ago "We don't write US casualty -- we don't write casualty business on a stand alone basis." Q1 2010 Earnings call transcript ,5/7/10 1 year ago

2. TransAllied merger offers SUPERIOR immediate book value per share and intrinsic value... Offer provides 1% premium to book-for-book exchange ratio Book-for-book exchange ratio is the industry standard Offer at (14%) discount to book-for-book exchange ratio VR describes deal at "book-to-book" only after writing down TRH book value by $500mm for reserve strengthening (pre-tax) and by $115mm for break fees Offer implies ~(2)% dilution to TRH BVPS Offer implies ~(10%) dilution to TRH BVPS 7 Pro forma book value per basic TRH share Pro forma tangible book value per basic TRH share Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal Note: Pro forma book and tangible book value per TRH basic share as of 6/30/11. Calculations based on Allied World 8/10/11 S-4 filing information, Validus 8/3/11 S-4/A filing information, Validus 8/5/11 10Q filing information, Transatlantic 8/5/11 10Q filing information and adjusted for approximately $16mm of TRH's intangible assets. Validus proposal calculated as of 6/30/11 based on adjustments as of 3/31/11 provided in Validus 8/3/11 S-4/A filing and Q2'11 information provided in Validus 8/5/11 10Q filing and Transatlantic 8/5/11 10Q filing.

8 Book value received in stock per TRH share Average price / book value since AWH / VR IPOs(1) Implied value received in stock per TRH share Cash consideration per TRH share Implied value proposition Based on tangible book value AWH VR Based on book value AWH VR $66.10 0.92x $60.81 -- $60.81 $53.24 0.89x $47.38 $8.00 $55.38 $63.33 0.96x $60.80 -- $60.80 $52.02 0.94x $48.90 $8.00 $56.90 2. ...leading to superior long-term value (intrinsic value)... x = + = Superior margin of AWH value over VR $5.43 $3.90 (1) Calculated based on reported basic book value per share during time period between respective IPO and respective offer date. Source: CapitalIQ, Company filings

2. ... vs. immediate shareholder value destruction Transaction does not require posting additional reserves Transaction requires strengthening reserves by $500mm Loss of $2.58 in book value received per TRH share $115mm break-up fee Loss of $0.91 in book value received per TRH share Efficient transaction with no friction costs $500mm debt-financed cash consideration to impact pro forma equity value Loss of $3.97 in book value received per TRH share Stock-for-stock transaction structure preserves full participation in synergies and in multiple expansion Unsolicited merger proposal - tax inefficient transaction for many TRH shareholders: All non-tax exempt TRH shareholders taxed on $8.00 dividend per share(1) Dividend distribution to non-US stockholders may be subject to withholding tax of up to 30% unless reduced by treaty Unsolicited exchange offer would not be tax- free to Transatlantic shareholders For many TRH shareholders, more efficient transaction from a tax perspective: Non-tax exempt TRH shareholders will only incur taxes to the extent of their gain, likely to be less than $8.00 for many shareholders Many TRH shareholders likely to pay no taxes (1) Special restrictive tax rules may apply to 5% shareholders of the combined company. 9 Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal

2. ... vs. immediate shareholder value destruction (continued) Allied World shareholders more supportive of TransAllied - Validus shares fell (9.1%) while Allied World shares modestly declined (4.5%) Upon Validus Proposal announcement (7/13) Upon TransAllied announcement (6/13) 10 Note: Any impact from merger arbitrage funds may have been even greater if proposal had been in all stock. TransAllied Premium to TRH share price on day prior to TransAllied announcement AWH 1-day decline VR Premium to TRH share price on day prior to VR announcement VR 1-day decline

3. Allied World delivers SUPERIOR currency and demonstrated record of value creation (1) Growth in book value per share calculated by taking change in basic book value per share from September 2006 through June 2011, adjusted for dividends paid. (2) Bloomberg annualized total shareholder returns based on price on respective IPO dates (7/12/06 for Allied World and 7/25/07 for Validus) and 8/10/11 closing price. Assumes dividends are reinvested in respective company's stock. (3) Based on closing price on respective IPO dates (July 11, 2006 for Allied World and July 24, 2007 for Validus) and June 10, 2011 closing price. Assumes dividends are reinvested in respective company's stock. (4) As reported by company. (5) Sum of catastrophe losses for 2008 through June 2011 expressed as a percentage of equity for the period preceding each occurrence. (6) Total net investment return includes net investment income, net change in unrealized gains and net impairment charges recognized in earnings. The percentage return is calculated by taking the total net investment return for the three years divided by the average aggregate invested assets for the same period. Note: Data for Validus prior to Validus IPO date obtained from publicly available information. Source: SNL Financial, Company filings, Bloomberg Book value per share growth since AWH IPO(1) Total shareholder return from respective IPO dates(3) Five-year average operating ROAE from 2006 - 2010(4) Catastrophe losses as percentage of equity(5) Three-year total net investment return 2008 - 2010(6) 140% 96% 84% 55% 20% 15% 14% 30% 15% 10% Capital returned to shareholders over past 5 years $1.6bn $1.3bn 11 ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Annualized shareholder return from respective IPO dates(2) 10% 5% ? ?

3. Allied World delivers SUPERIOR currency and demonstrated record of value creation (continued) "In the end, the bet by TRH shareholders is who will compound Tangible BV/share at a faster clip over time. In the last 5 years, VR has compounded value creation (Tangible BV/share + cumulative dividend) by 14% annually vs. 18% for AWH. " Dowling & Partners Securities, July 15, 2011 Note: 5-year horizon from Q2 2006 through Q2 2011, as estimated by Dowling. (1) Total value creation defined as annualized growth in tangible book value per share plus accumulated dividends. Source: Dowling & Partners Securities, July 15, 2011 12 5-year value creation Allied World has outperformed Validus in value creation by 29%

13 Average operating ROE: 2006 - 2010 2010 operating ROE Note: Period from 2006 through Q1 2011. Allied World's investment returns have outperformed Validus' through a volatile market environment...(a) ....with lower volatility in earnings and combined ratio as a result of a lower exposure to property catastrophe losses 3. Allied World delivers SUPERIOR currency and demonstrated record of value creation (continued) Note: Standard deviation shown as a percentage of mean. Based on quarterly diluted EPS and combined ratio figures, respectively. (a) Data as of 12/31/10. Allied World has an average portfolio duration of 2.3 years as of 6/30/11 vs. 1.6 years for Validus, as a result of Validus' higher exposure to short-tail property catastrophe business. Source: Company filings

4. TransAllied merger creates SUPERIOR long-term shareholder value 100% stock-for-stock transaction allows TRH shareholders to preserve significant upside value $8.00 cash consideration per share and increased leverage that limits future equity upside AWH has more valuable specialty insurance mix, implying significantly greater valuation upside Questionable go-forward value due to stated strategy change and shift in business mix Tax and capital efficient global platform which meets regulatory needs (Solvency II) Lack of well-capitalized international vehicle with European passport (excluding Lloyd's) Greater excess capital provides strategic and leverage flexibility Optimize property catastrophe business if rates increase further Capital management / return to shareholders Levered capital with higher catastrophe risk 14 Allied World has returned 27% more capital to shareholders over the past 5 years Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal

15 TransAllied will be more diversified and considerably less exposed to catastrophe losses 5. Stronger credit profile and risk management potentially leading to higher pro forma ratings (1) Based on ending Total Shareholders' Equity for the period prior to occurrence. Source: SNL Financial, Company filings More volatility Less volatility Catastrophe losses as % equity(1)

16 Note: Combination of AWH / VR U.S. wind occurrence and TRH Florida wind 1:250 PMLs, as a percentage of equity, without accounting for overlap. After- tax rates for TransAllied and VR / TRH assumed at comparable levels. TransAllied would have significantly lower PML risk as a percentage of equity as a result of a higher diversification... ....and would maintain leverage flexibility under current structure by not incurring any incremental debt 5. Stronger credit profile and risk management potentially leading to higher pro forma ratings (continued) (1) Total financial leverage is equal to total debt plus hybrids / total capital as of 6/30/11. Source: Company filings Exceeds TRH's risk tolerance Total financial leverage(1)

17 5. Stronger credit profile and risk management potentially leading to higher pro forma ratings (continued) Financial Strength Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Financial Strength Ratings Agency reactions Agency reactions Agency reactions TRH AWH VR Moody's A1 A2 A3 Standard & Poors A+ A A- A.M. Best A A A- "Allied World Assurance and Some Transatlantic Ratings Put on CreditWatch Positive Following Merger Announcement We have placed the ratings on Allied World and its operating units on CreditWatch with positive implications because being part of a leading global reinsurance group could improve its competitive position. We have also place the rating on Transatlantic on CreditWatch positive because of possible narrowed notching between the holding-company and operating-company ratings." Standard & Poor's, June 13, 2011 "The ratings of Allied World and Transatlantic and their subsidiaries are unchanged following the announcement. This transaction brings two complementary organizations together. With Allied World being predominantly a primary writer and Transatlantic a pure reinsurer, the merged entity is expected to enjoy an enhanced business profile that will likely insure benefits in the form of an improved competitive position. The merged entity should also benefit from broader distribution channels, broader product diversity and the benefits of a significant global presence." A.M. Best, June 13, 2011 "Given their complementary business profiles and minimal operations overlap, we believe the merger is credit positive as it provides strategic benefits to each company. The proposed transaction is an all-stock merger that we do not expect will put additional pressure on either firm's capital structure." Moody's, June 20, 2011 "The bid, if successful, could have positive credit implications for Validus and negative implications for Transatlantic... Validus' proposal offers higher consideration but, due to the cash component, puts more pressure on the capital structure than a stock-for-stock merger." "The Validus proposal would lead to catastrophe leverage above Transatlantic's current disposition, which may not be consistent with Transatlantic's current ratings given the new capital structure." Moody's, July 13, 2011 " Ratings on Validus Holdings Ltd. (BBB/Stable/--) remain unchanged following the insurance company's unsolicited offer to combine with Transatlantic Holdings Inc. Although we don't plan an immediate rating action on any of these companies as a result of Validus' offer, we will continue to monitor developments and could place our ratings on both Validus and Transatlantic on CreditWatch if the offer succeeds. In addition, although Validus successfully integrated IPC in 2009 and Talbot in 2007, we think a merger with Transatlantic would likely be a more formidable task." Standard & Poor's, July 13, 2011 "A.M. Best Co. has commented that the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Validus Reinsurance Ltd., as well as the ICR of "bbb-" and the indicative ratings of "bbb-", "bb+" and "bb" of senior debt, subordinated debt and preferred stock shelf registration, respectively, of Validus Holdings, Ltd. are unchanged following the recent unsolicited offer by Validus Holdings to acquire Transatlantic Holdings Inc." A.M. Best, July 14, 2011 Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal FSR: Under review for possible upgrade FSR & CCR Credit Watch Positive CCR Credit Watch Positive Note: FSR: financial strength rating; CCR: counterparty credit rating.

6. Credible and conservative synergies vs. meaningful dis-synergies from overlap Detailed due diligence and disciplined pre-merger integration planning $80mm of run-rate (after-tax) annual operating and structural benefits with $50mm realized in year 1 Conservative estimates, do not include synergies related to: investment portfolio optimization investment portfolio return differential vs. TRH revenue enhancements ceded reinsurance savings Successful track record of integrating cultures (Darwin) Highly speculative estimates with no basis Preliminary estimates include areas such as investment portfolio optimization and revenue synergies not factored into AWH's conservative estimates Expanded global network and infrastructure creates additional future growth opportunities and enhanced earnings potential Meaningful business overlap forces elimination of premiums and results in negative revenue synergies Minimal business overlap and meaningful business diversification create significant incremental excess capital and enhanced financial flexibility Questionable $500mm excess capital estimate given combined 1:250 PML in excess of TRH's risk tolerance and an increase in debt leverage ~$50m annual net income reduction to comply with TRH PML limit(1) "Clearly there are synergies and there are synergies around things like not having two public reporting companies and no doubt there are some tax synergies involved in the deal. But from our perspective, the synergies are all kind of icing on the cake." Validus, July 13, 2011 Investors conference call "We believe these potential synergies substantially exceed the $80mm cited by Allied World and Transatlantic in their join June 13, 2011 conference call" Validus, July 17, 2011 Supplemental Information for Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors 18 (1) Earnings impact estimated assuming average rate on line of 15% and PML/limit of 85% as well as 50% profit margin. PMLs based on AWH and VR US wind PMLs and TRH Florida wind. Assumes comparable debt leverage to VR proposal. Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal

19 AWH PML Standard (1:250 < 20% of total capital) TRH PML Standard (1:250 < 20% of equity) TransAllied has superior synergies and earnings power* TransAllied has greater capital flexibility to opportunistically offer more property catastrophe capacity VR PML Standard (1:100 < 25% of total capital) 6. Credible and conservative synergies vs. meaningful dis-synergies from overlap (continued) Note: Earnings impact estimated assuming average rate on line of 15% and PML/limit of 85% as well as 50% profit margin. PMLs based on AWH and VR US wind PMLs and TRH Florida wind. Assumes comparable debt leverage to VR proposal. * Data for VR Proposal based on publicly available information. Impact on earnings

20 IPC Management - 1 year later 6. Credible and conservative synergies vs. meaningful dis-synergies from overlap Losing key talent at TRH would be disastrous for the business Title at time of VR bid Current position at Validus President & CEO No longer with the company Senior Vice President & CFO No longer with the company Senior Vice President & Controller No longer with the company Senior Vice President & Risk Officer No longer with the company Senior Vice President No longer with the company Senior Vice President No longer with the company Senior Vice President No longer with the company Senior Vice President No longer with the company Assistant Senior Vice President No longer with the company Vice President & Company Secretary No longer with the company Vice President & Manager - Accounts No longer with the company Assistant VP & Financial Reporting Manager No longer with the company UK Consultant No longer with the company IT Manager No longer with the company Compliance Officer No longer with the company Total employees: 32 Estimated IPC employees currently at Validus: 4

21 "This deal makes sense in our view... The deal provides a platform and better balance by product, geography and long- and short-tail lines. While neither player was large in property-CAT, the combined entity should be able to allocate more capital to property-CAT lines, particularly as Casualty lines remain challenged." Citigroup, June 12, 2011 "TRH transaction more complicated and greater uncertainty... While VR has a proven track record of executing acquisitions, we believe TRH transaction would be more complicated than VR's acquisition of IPCRe in 2009. There is a greater uncertainty with respect to TRH's loss reserve position and we also believe the integration of TRH would likely present a greater challenge." UBS, July 13, 2011 "At this point, it is very difficult to estimate the impact of such changes and we would expect investors to remain somewhat skeptical of these potential benefits until they are more evident. Due to the potential for EPS dilution and a more conservative assumed price/book multiple reflecting a lower expected ROE and greater reserve risk, we are lowering our price objective on Validus...reflecting a somewhat lower ROE in the near-term and added risk in the book value due to the casualty loss reserves to be assumed from TRH." Bank of America Merrill Lynch, July 13, 2011 "We view the combination as attractive for the TRH shareholders... While the discount to book value may be somewhat disappointing, we would stress that the shares have traded at a steep discount to book for a prolonged period. Transatlantic will be part of a larger global entity under a well-respected management team. In addition, there may be opportunity for additional margin through tax arbitrage. Over time, the combination may fare better than TRH may have done alone." Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, June 12, 2011 7. Street recognizes TransAllied transaction merits vs. questionable logic and deal certainty "Why a friendly deal is important -the potential for disintermediation is high when the integration is not perceived well by distribution partners" Citigroup, July 12, 2011 "We believe this slight [VR offer] premium is offset by the consensual nature of the AWH transaction, the similar cultures of AWH and TRH, and the numerous financial benefits outlined by AWH/TRH management on several occasions...we do not see a compelling reason for the TRH Board to deem the VR offer as substantially superior" Keefe, Bruyette, & Wood, July 12, 2011 "The deal looks accretive to tangible book value...there is likely potential for cost savings, structural benefits and additional capital management given a strong balance sheet position." Sterne, Agee, & Leach, June 13, 2011 "The merger of equals transaction makes strategic sense. AWH shareholders should be pleased that the deal produces differentiable size and diversification, positive attributes that would have been difficult to obtain organically in the current environment...Integration risks seem manageable, and the combined company would seem to be better positioned to weather this period of the industry cycle. Langen McAlenney, June 13, 2011 Equity research analyst downgrades immediately following transaction / proposal announcement 2 downgrades 0 downgrades Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal

8. Speed, certainty of close and low integration risk vs. significant uncertainty and execution risk Signed definitive agreement In our view, desperate attempt to disrupt transaction Uncertainty related to upcoming Hurricane season, which may change VR plans Full reciprocal due diligence complete Proposal based only on review of public information, no due diligence Integration planning well underway Balanced distribution of senior management roles further strengthens partnership High integration risk further enhanced by business overlap and potential management attrition No track record of integration: Talbot operates as a standalone entity and IPC franchise has been eliminated Fast and clear path to completion Proxy filed with SEC and under review Early termination of Hart Scott Rodino review State regulatory process underway Transaction to close shortly after shareholder votes Uncertain and long road to completion Exchange offer will require regulatory approvals which will take longer than TransAllied (will also change tax attributes) VR forced to wait for AWH / TRH shareholder vote before being able to enter into a merger agreement Early Q4'11 close Uncertain timetable, not likely until 2012 22 Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal

The TransAllied Merger is the Best Possible Combination - SUPERIOR in All Respects Immediate shareholder value Higher BVPS delivered to TRH shareholdersEfficient transaction with no friction costs and no requirement to post additional reserves Double-digit dilution of TRH BVPSTransaction requires $500mm pre-tax write-down for reserve strengthening and $115mm break-up fee Long-term shareholder value Expanded global network enhances future growthTax / capital efficient global platform meets regulatory needsSuperior record of value creation through total return, BVPS growth, higher ROEs and investment returnsSuperior shareholder and equity analyst reaction (0 analyst downgrade for Allied World) Over-exposure to property cat creates dis-synergiesQuestionable go forward valuation due to strategy shiftLower track record of returning capital vs. AWH: ~27% less than AWH over the last 5 yearsMuch larger share price decline and 2 analyst downgrades Transaction structure Merger-of-equals based on premium to book-for-book exchange ratio for TRH shareholdersTRH shareholders retain majority, leading to Board majority Opportunistic acquisition at double-digit discount to book-for-book exchange ratioTRH shareholders lose control, leading to no or limited Board representation Strategic rationale Forms specialty-focused reinsurance and insurance leaderLimited overlap with complementary products & distributionPreserves TRH unique domestic and international status Combines decentralized competing platformsOverlap in catastrophe books increases risk profileRisk of employee flight / elimination of franchise value Credit profile and risk management Minimal business overlap and meaningful business diversification creating capital efficienciesMaintains leverage flexibility with PF leverage of 21%(1)Favorable reaction by all major rating agencies, potentially leading to higher ratings Combination of two large cat exposed businesses leading to increased risk exposuresLimited leverage flexibility with PF leverage of 23%(1)Some rating agencies highlighted potential negative implications Certainty of closing Signed definitive agreement, merger process well underwayFast and clear path to completion in early Q4'11 Uncertain timetable, unlikely before 2012VR forced to wait for AWH / TRH shareholder vote before being able to enter into any merger agreement (1) Calculated as total debt plus hybrids / total capital. 23 Validus unsolicited conditional takeover proposal