The Bermuda-based company said Dr. Gerd Hofmann, a Munich resident, who has been appointed international director of subsidiary Mid Ocean Reinsurance Company Ltd., will assist the management of Mid Ocean in establishing and staffing the Europe office, the company said in a release.

It is not yet certain where the office will be based, said Mid Ocean vice president and treasurer Mr. John Wadson.

The move will facilitate writing business in the European market, said Mr.

Wadson.

Until earlier this year, Mr. Hofmann was a member of the board of executive directors of Cologne Re.

"We are delighted to have available to us Dr. Hofmann's substantial experience in the reinsurance business as well as his knowledge of continental markets,'' said Mid Ocean president and CEO Mr. Michael Butt. "This is another step in strengthening Mid Ocean's geographic reach.'' Mid Ocean Ltd., through Mid Ocean Reinsurance, provides property catastrophe and other reinsurance.

Mid Ocean Ltd. yesterday declared it regular quarterly dividend of 25 cents per common share.