ZURICH–LawFuel.com American Law News–ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE) announced today that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Fianzas Monterrey in Mexico from New York Life Insurance Company for approximately $285 million in cash.

Established in 1943 and headquartered in Mexico City, Fianzas Monterrey is Mexico’s second-largest surety lines company and the third largest in Latin America, offering administrative performance bonds primarily to clients in the construction and industrial sectors. The company has an extensive presence throughout Mexico, including three regional offices and 25 branch offices, and distributes its products through a network of nearly 600 independent agents and brokers.

“The acquisition of Fianzas Monterrey will allow ACE to diversify its business in Mexico with a highly successful surety business that is recognized for its industry-leading underwriting performance and impressive management team,” said Evan Greenberg, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, ACE Limited. “As part of our specialty P&C business, surety is a growth area for ACE, and Mexico is an attractive market with a strong economic outlook.”

ACE’s business in Mexico currently includes commercial property and casualty, accident and health, and life insurance operations. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2013.

The ACE Group is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 53 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. ACE Limited, the parent company of the ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information can be found at: www.acegroup.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

All forward-looking statements made in this press release, related to the acquisition of Fianzas Monterrey or otherwise, reflect ACE’s current views with respect to future events, business transactions and business 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, ACE’s forward-looking statements related to Fianzas Monterrey and the anticipated acquisition could prove incorrect if the transaction were to not close, if Fianzas Monterrey and its subsidiaries were to perform differently than currently expected by ACE or if anticipated expense-related efficiencies are not realized. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Boston, MA – LawFuel.com – The American Law Newswire Service – September 12, 2012 – Pepper Hamilton LLP announced Robert A. Brooks has joined the firm as a partner in the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group, resident in the Boston office.

Mr. Brooks has over 25 years of trial experience, beginning with a federal court clerkship followed by a stint in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Connecticut. As a partner at Day, Berry & Howard and Shipman & Goodwin LLP, Mr. Brooks represented Fortune 500 corporations in courtrooms across the country in disputes ranging from product liability and warranty to trade secrets, trademarks and patents. He also created the Intellectual Property Department at Day, Berry and managed it for 15 years.

“We are thrilled that Bob is joining the firm,” said Todd A. Feinsmith, partner-in-charge of Pepper Hamilton’s Boston office. “His broad and varied litigation experience will be instrumental in enhancing our growth and development, enabling us to better serve our clients.”

Mr. Brooks has extensive experience litigating and trying cases that are factually and technically complex and managing large teams of lawyers and experts. He has handled a number of “bet the company” cases on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants alike, with damage claims in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars. While he was responsible for the commercial litigation of a Fortune 500 client nationwide, Mr. Brooks created an Internet-based computerized trial management program that enabled lawyers in the firm and clients to access all relevant case information and manage litigation in an efficient and cost‑effective manner.

“With his extensive IP litigation background and experience supervising large-scale litigation matters, Bob will be a solid addition to the IP Group,” said William D. Belanger, partner in the Boston office and co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department.

Mr. Brooks is a 1981 graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law, where he was a member and articles editor of the Connecticut Law Review. He earned a B.A., with honors, from Bates College in 1975.

About Pepper Hamilton

Pepper Hamilton LLP (http://www.pepperlaw.com/)is a multi-practice law firm with more than 500 lawyers nationally. The firm provides corporate, litigation and regulatory legal services to leading businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout the nation and the world. The firm was founded in 1890.