common shares for $27 to $30 a share, or a total of about $100 million.

The company is buying the shares through a Dutch auction, under which a company sets a price range within which stockholders can tender shares. The highest price necessary to acquire all the shares becomes the purchase price.

The Hamilton, Bermuda-based reinsurance company said the offer expires on April 25, unless extended.

On Thursday, LaSalle stock closed at $28.75 on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The markets were closed Friday in observance of Good Friday.