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Form 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of February, 2005
CONVERIUM HOLDING AG
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(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Baarerstrasse 8
CH-6300 Zug
Switzerland
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(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F __X__ Form 40-F____
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes____ No__X__
If "Yes" is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- Not Applicable
Converium Holding Ltd, Zug
Zug, Switzerland - February 4, 2005 - Converium announces estimates of losses
from the South Asia tsunami and European winter storm Erwin as well as revised
estimates of losses from 2004 hurricanes and typhoons.
Following a diligent review of loss reports so far, Converium expects pre-tax
net losses from the devastating tsunami that hit South and South East Asia on
December 26, 2004 of approximately US$ 15 million. Expected losses are
concentrated in property and non-life personal accident lines of business.
Severe winter storm Erwin that swept across Northern Europe from January 7 to
January 9, 2005 is expected to result in pre-tax net losses for Converium of
between US$ 25 and 40 million which is reflective of the Company's market
position in the region. Total estimated industry losses from Erwin range from
US$ 1.3 to 1.8 billion.
In addition, Converium has increased its estimate of expected net losses arising
from third quarter Atlantic hurricane activity and Japan typhoons by US$ 23
million and US$ 13 million, respectively. Converium therefore expects total
pre-tax net losses of US$ 132 million related to these hurricanes and typhoons.
The majority of the development for the hurricanes stems from Ivan, where total
industry claims (including Caribbean losses) are now believed to reach US$ 9
billion, up from earlier estimates of between US$ 4 and 6 billion. This unusual
string of natural catastrophes is, however, not expected to materially weaken
Converium's strong capitalization.
* * * * * * *
Enquiries:
Michael Schiendorfer Zuzana Drozd
Media Relations Manager Head of Investor Relations
michael.schiendorfer@converium.com zuzana.drozd@converium.com
Phone: +41 (0) 1 639 96 57 Phone: +41 (0) 1 639 91 20
Fax: +41 (0) 1 639 76 57 Fax: +41 (0) 1 639 71 20
About Converium
Converium is an independent international multi-line reinsurer known for its
innovation, professionalism and service. Today Converium employs more than 700
people in 20 offices around the globe and is organized into three business
segments: Standard Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Specialty Lines and Life &
Health Reinsurance. Converium has a "BBB+" rating (outlook stable) from Standard
& Poor's and a "B++" rating (outlook stable) from A.M. Best Company.
Important Disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It contains forward-looking statements
and information relating to the Company's financial condition, results of
operations, business, strategy and plans, based on currently available
information. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of
words or phrases such as `expects', `should continue', `believes',
`anticipates', `estimates' and `intends'. The specific forward-looking
statements cover, among other matters, the reinsurance market, the outcome of
insurance regulatory reviews, the Company's operating results, the rating
environment and the prospect for improving results, the amount of capital
required and impact of its capital improvement measures, including the
restructuring of our U.S. business and its reserve position. Such statements are
inherently subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and
trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to
various factors. Such factors include general economic conditions, including in
particular economic conditions; the frequency, severity and development of
insured loss events arising out of catastrophes, as well as man-made disasters;
the outcome of our regular quarterly reserve review, the ability to exclude and
to reinsure the risk of loss from terrorism; fluctuations in interest rates;
returns on and fluctuations in the value of fixed-income investments, equity
investments and properties; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
rating agency actions; changes in laws and regulations and general competitive
factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the
Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the SWX
Swiss Exchange. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
www.converium.com
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, thereunto duly authorized.
CONVERIUM HOLDING AG
By: /s/ Dirk Lohmann
Name: Dirk Lohmann
Title: CEO
By: /s/ Christian Felderer
Name: Christian Felderer
Title: General Legal Counsel
Date: February 8, 2005