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PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, today announced that it has launched an audio podcast, or Internet-distributed program, on the applicable insurance coverages and risk management solutions that are available to clients in response to the evolving mergers and acquisitions industry. The podcast features a thought-provoking discussion by Seth Gillston, Senior Vice President of ACE Financial Solutions, part of ACE Risk Management, and who leads the ACE USA Mergers and Acquisitions Industry Practice; and Mitchell Schmidt, Senior Vice President and National Underwriting Manager for ACE USA Custom Casualty.

In the discussion, Mr. Gillston and Mr. Schmidt explore the multiple challenges and considerations facing today's buyers and sellers of organizations as they navigate the mergers and acquisitions transaction process. Selecting an insurer who can demonstrate an overall commitment and dedication to the mergers and acquisitions industry and insurance marketplace—as well as offer global capabilities—is key to supporting the private equity market and strategic buyers during the mergers and acquisitions process. ACE fosters a proactive, holistic approach to carrier selection and adherence to specialized policy forms, along with access to specialized teams of underwriters with particular expertise in these unique transactions.

The podcast, one of an occasional series of audio podcasts that ACE USA has launched on selected risk management topics, examines how the mergers and acquisitions market has evolved, what influences have been triggered by the ongoing stream of activity in the private equity market and how to source and review the insurance coverage options available to determine what’s right for each client.

“Organizations undergoing mergers and acquisitions activities are challenged to complete the due diligence and portfolio transfer process in a compressed timeframe. Working with a carrier such as ACE who can offer a deal team consisting of underwriting specialists can provide a streamlined, solutions-focused approach,” said Mr. Gillston.

“ACE’s approach to mergers and acquisitions transactions is a strategic process that crosses internal functional and product units to assist clients. As organizations moving through the mergers and acquisitions or divestiture process identify the need to address historic or future insurance liabilities, they need an insurance company who can not only provide the depth of underwriting experience, but also offer insurance coverage to address these unique risks,” said Mitchell Schmidt, Senior Vice President, ACE Custom Casualty. “Through the ACE USA Legacy Liability^SM product, organizations can access primary and excess limits of liability designed to address both retrospective and prospective-related liabilities.”

To access the ACE Mergers and Acquisitions podcast audio program (approximately 20 minutes in length), please visit www.ace-ina.com/podcasts. The material presented in the podcast is not intended to provide legal or other expert advice. It is presented for general information only. Listeners of this podcast should consult knowledgeable legal counsel or other experts with any questions. The above is only a summary; please see actual policies for terms and conditions.

ACE Risk Management offers comprehensive risk management programs and services that are uniquely designed and customized to assist companies in any industry deal with the significant costs of financing and managing risk. To learn more about ACE Risk Management’s products and services, visitwww.aceriskmanagement.com.

ACE Casualty Risk, a division of ACE USA, specializes in lead umbrella and excess liability, custom primary casualty, construction, environmental liability, public entity, and middle market workers compensation insurance products and services, which are primarily distributed through the retail brokerage community to the commercial market. To learn more about ACE Casualty Risk’s products and services, visit www.ace-ina.com.

ACE USA is the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE), and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information on ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.ace-ina.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.