The value of merger and acquisition deals this year is expected to top $3 trillion, according to XL Catlin’s Brian Benjamin.

He is the company’s global head of M&A, and was commenting as XL Catlin announced the appointment of Simon Price as its head of M&A, Insurance, EMEA.

Mr Benjamin said: “Today, global M&A activity is on the increase and the demand for insurance coverage is also on the rise.

“The value of M&A deals is expected to exceed $3 trillion in 2018. Activity in the first quarter of 2018 is predicted to be higher than in the comparable period in 2017. We also expect the expansion of the M&A transactional risk insurance market to continue.

“In this very competitive environment, deal professionals and their brokers across the world are looking for innovative solutions to support their acquisitions or sales.”

Newly appointed Mr Price, who will be based in London, has 17 years of transactional experience and will be responsible for all of XL Catlin’s EMEA business, including all international business placed through the London market.

He joined XL Catlin from Marsh’s Private Equity and M&A practice. Most recently, he led Marsh’s UK transaction risk team in London and was business development leader and legal adviser to their wider EMEA team.

Mr Benjamin, said: “We are excited to have this team in place in London and welcome the deep transactional experience that Simon and Richard bring to our expanding platform.”