As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2003
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 4, 2003
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-7849 22-1867895
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(State or other (Commission File (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT 06830
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 629-3000
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Item 5. Other Events
Reference is made to the press release of W. R. Berkley Corporation (the
"Company") relating to the announcement of the Company's intention to form a
United Kingdom authorized insurance company, the engagement of Stuart Wright as
the to-be-formed company's chief executive officer, and the Company's
discussions with Kiln plc about Kiln holding a minority interest in the new
company. The press release was issued on March 4, 2003. A copy of the press
release is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein
by reference.
The Company has indicated that it may capitalize the United Kingdom company
with up to 100 million pounds sterling over the next two years. Formation of the
United Kingdom company is subject to regulatory and certain other approvals.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired:
None.
(b) Pro forma financial information:
None.
(c) Exhibits:
99.1 Press Release dated March 4, 2003
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 hereunto duly authorized.
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
By: /s/ Eugene G. Ballard
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Name: Eugene G. Ballard
Title: Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
Date: March 6, 2003
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit:
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99.1 Press Release dated March 4, 2003