Nationwide to Acquire Reinsurance Renewal Rights from Markel Insurance
Acquisition accelerates Nationwide’s reinsurance growth and deepens strategic alliance with Ryan Specialty
Columbus, OH – Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest providers of insurance and financial services products in the U.S., announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the renewal rights for the reinsurance business of Markel Insurance, part of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL). The transaction is expected to close in August 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Nationwide plans to delegate the underwriting and management of all renewal policy opportunities included in this transaction – currently $1.2 billion in premium – to Ryan Re Underwriting Managers, a reinsurance managing general underwriter of Ryan Specialty (NYSE: RYAN), expanding the strategic alliance between Nationwide and Ryan Specialty established in 2019.
"By working with two respected names in the industry, this strategic acquisition reinforces Nationwide’s position as a diversified risk partner and creates an opportunity for us to expand our reinsurance footprint,” said Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker. “Nationwide’s collaboration with Ryan Specialty, and Ryan Re in particular, has positioned us to increase our presence in the specialty reinsurance market. This strategic move accelerates this progress, and we’re excited about the diverse portfolio it unlocks.”
“We are confident in our ability to meet the protection needs of Markel’s clients and deliver long-term value to broker partners,” said Mark Berven, President of Property & Casualty at Nationwide. “Our partnership brings the scale, reach and specialized capabilities to offer these clients a broad suite of products, including specialty lines that enhance their options in meaningful ways.”
Berven also noted that the agreement provides the opportunity to strategically expand the team with specialized reinsurance underwriting talent, ensuring the continuation of exceptional service to renewing clients.
Transaction terms have not been publicly disclosed.
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
For more information about Nationwide and Nationwide’s ratings, visit www.nationwide.com or Company Ratings -- Nationwide.
Subscribe today to receive the latest news from Nationwide and follow Nationwide PR on X.
Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2025