Subsequent Event

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

14.  Subsequent Event

On October 7, 2011, The Allstate Corporation acquired all of the shares of White Mountains, Inc. and Answer Financial Inc. (“Answer Financial”) from White Mountains Holdings (Luxembourg) S.à r.l. for $1.01 billion in cash.  White Mountains, Inc. primarily comprises the Esurance insurance business (“Esurance”).  Esurance sells private passenger auto insurance direct to consumers online and through select agents, including Answer Financial.  Answer Financial is an independent personal lines insurance agency that offers comparison quotes for auto and homeowners insurance from more than a dozen insurance companies through its website and over the phone.  Esurance expands the Company’s ability to serve the self-directed, brand-sensitive market segment.  Answer Financial strengthens the Company’s offering to self-directed consumers who want a choice between insurance carriers.

Due to the limited time since the closing date, the initial accounting for the acquisition is incomplete.  As a result, the Company is unable to provide amounts recognized as of the closing date for the major classes of assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  The Company will include this information in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.