Obsidian Acquires Western Home Insurance Company

2021 JUL 19 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Mergers & Acquisitions Daily News -- Obsidian Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“Obsidian”), an A.M. Best rated “A-” hybrid fronting group, announced the acquisition of admitted carrier, Western Home Insurance Company (“Western Home”), from Western National Mutual Insurance Company (“Western National”).

The acquisition supports the company’s strategic growth plans and together with Obsidian’s existing admitted carrier, Obsidian Insurance Company, Western Home will provide Obsidian’s current and existing program managers access to countrywide admitted insurance capabilities, including the sizable California marketplace. Obsidian also offers countrywide E&S capabilities through its surplus lines carrier, Obsidian Specialty Insurance Company. Prior to closing, all remaining liabilities were assumed by Western National, an A.M. Best rated “A+” insurer.

Western Home, a Minnesota domestic insurer, is commercially domiciled in California, and holds certificates of authority in five other states. Western Home is being acquired as a “clean shell” to support the strategy and growth of Obsidian. Prior to the acquisition, Western Home, incorporated in 1973, was a broadly authorized personal and commercial lines subsidiary of Western National. Western Home will be renamed post-closing.

“The addition of Western Home to the organization’s footprint is an exciting next step for Obsidian, providing the ability to offer its top tier partners and new program administrators with broad admitted access on a countrywide basis. This acquisition is a significant step in the continued growth of the Obsidian enterprise,” said William Jewett, CEO of Obsidian. Obsidian’s COO and CFO, Craig Rappaport, added, “The expansion into the California market is well-timed allowing for the development of Obsidian’s existing and new portfolio partnerships to grow in a robust insurance marketplace. Obsidian’s infrastructure and capabilities are now largely in place to support Obsidian’s growth strategy and value proposition to program administrators and reinsurers.”

Obsidian Insurance Group carries an “A-” financial strength rating from A.M. Best. Throughout the first half of 2021, the Company has been building partnerships to expand its hybrid fronting business while continuing to invest in its infrastructure and talent.

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