1 EXHIBIT 12.0 TRENWICK GROUP INC. COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES Year Ended December 31, ----------------------- 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- (dollars in thousands) Earnings: Net Income $35,252 $33,848 $29,841 $20,282 $23,739 Extraordinary loss on debt redemption, net of tax $558 income tax benefit 1,037 -- -- -- -- Income taxes 11,241 9,980 8,572 2,753 4,220 -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Income before income taxes and extraordinary item 47,530 43,828 38,413 $23,035 $27,959 Fixed charges (as below) 10,140 6,826 6,805 6,785 6,737 Earnings (for ratio calculation) $ 57,670 $50,654 $45,218 $29,820 $34,696 ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= Fixed charges: Interest expense $ 894 $ 6,503 $ 6,496 $ 6,469 $ 6,486 Minority interest 8,920 -- -- -- -- Portion of rental expense which approximates the interest factor 326 323 309 316 251 Total fixed charges $ 10,140 $ 6,826 $ 6,805 $ 6,785 $ 6,737 ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.7 7.4 6.6 4.4 5.2 ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" represent income before income taxes and extraordinary item and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" include gross interest expense (other than on deposits), minority interest and the proportion deemed representative of the interest factor of rent expense.