American Wholesale Insurance Group Forms New Jersey Brokerage Operation.

Business Editors

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2003

American Wholesale Insurance Group, the nation's largest independent wholesale insurance broker, announces the formation of a new wholesale brokerage operation in New Jersey to be led by Chuck Ciccarelli and Bill Dixon.

"Increasing our capabilities in the greater Northeastern marketplace has always been part of the planned expansion for our brokerage division," said Steven DeCarlo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "But the critical component is attracting well respected and accomplished professionals to lead the effort. Chuck Ciccarelli and Bill Dixon are clearly the right choice. With their extensive casualty and professional liability backgrounds, American Wholesale continues to bring broader solutions to retail agents."

Ciccarelli said the decision for the management group to join American Wholesale was an easy one. "This is a firm that clearly knows who its customer is, continually works to improve and broaden its offerings to customers, and prides itself on promise delivery," Ciccarelli explained. "Being part of the largest independent wholesaler who is solely committed to providing solutions to independent retail agents is going to be rewarding."

Dixon agreed, "Joining American Wholesale makes a lot of sense for us. The company clearly understands the brokerage community, is well respected in the industry, and is able to bring solutions quickly and efficiently to clients. That means everything in today's market."

American Wholesale Insurance Group (www.amwins.com) is a wholesale insurance organization dedicated to serving retail agents throughout the United States by providing property & casualty, group life and health, program administration services, and premium finance capabilities. The company is ranked by Business Insurance magazine as the nation's third largest wholesale insurance broker organization.