Cairnstone Changes Name to Munich Re Stop Loss Inc.

Managing general underwriter/managing general agency Cairnstone Inc. said it's changed its name to Munich Re Stop Loss Inc. to adopt the brand identity of its parent company, Munich Re.

The company first announced plans to make the name change last October (BestWire, Oct. 06, 2010).

Munich Re America acquired Cairnstone in 2007. Cairnstone is a MGU/MGA that provides employer stop-loss, provider excess-of-loss insurance, and catastrophic claim management assistance for self-funded employer groups, including municipalities, hospitals, school districts and unique risks including multiple employer welfare arrangements.

In addition to its headquarters in Andover, Mass., the company has regional offices in six cities across the country, according to the company's Web site.

Attempts to reach the company for additional comment were not immediately successful.

Earlier this month, Munich Re America, the U.S. arm of Munich Reinsurance Group, said it's changing its brand name to Munich Re (BestWire, April 6, 2010). The U.S.-based property/casualty insurer and reinsurer said the change will reflect a common brand name and a new logo, which will strengthen the market's awareness of Munich Re's entire range of custom products and services.

Formerly known as American Re, the company changed its brand name to Munich Re America in 2006. Munich Re's U.S. operations represent about 16% of the group's worldwide reinsurance premium, according to BestLink, which provides online access to A.M. Best's Global Insurance & Banking Database.

Munich Re is the fourth-largest reinsurer in the United States based on gross premium written, according to BestLink.

Munich Re America currently has a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior). Munich Re was the second-largest global reinsurer behind Swiss Re by 2008 gross written premiums, according to Best's Review.

(By Meg Green, senior associate editor, BestWeek: [email protected])