Review Magazine.

Max Re, which started business in March, 2000, has opened offices in Bermuda and Dublin and wrote just under $300 million in gross premiums in its first six months.

The judges were drawn from a range of insurance disciplines and said Max Re "is providing capacity in ares of business where it is much needed''.

"In launching Max Re its founders recognised the opportunity presented by shifts in customer needs and a trend toward convergence of insurance and capital market products, consolidation and growing price sensitivity,'' the Review article said.

"We have always believed our business plan was well conceived,'' said Max Re chairman. president and CEO Robert Cooney. "To have had the markets agree with us during a very busy first six months was most rewarding. Now to win the respect of our peers across the insurance industry makes us very proud indeed.''