Sep 11, 2006 – CRM Holdings agrees to acquire Embarcadero Insurance

CRM Holdings, Ltd. Agrees to Acquire Embarcadero Insurance

Embarcadero Subsidiary, Majestic Insurance, is a Licensed US Carrier and Workers’
Compensation Insurer in the Western United States
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept 11, 2006 — CRM Holdings, Ltd. (“CRM” or “the Company”) (Nasdaq: CRMH), a
leading provider of fee-based management and other services for workers’ compensation self-insured
groups in New York and California, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire
Embarcadero Insurance Holdings, Inc. (“EIH”), a privately held California corporation with headquarters in
San Francisco. The total consideration to be paid by CRM is the book value of EIH on the closing date of the
transaction. CRM estimates the purchase price to be approximately $45 million. The purchase does not
require stockholder approval but is subject to other customary closing conditions, including regulatory
approval. CRM expects the acquisition to be completed before the end of 2006.
EIH, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Majestic Insurance Company (“Majestic”), writes workers’
compensation insurance for medium to large size businesses. Majestic is a California domiciled insurance
company licensed in fifteen states, and is presently operating in California, Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon
and Washington. In June 2006, Majestic was rated B++ with a positive outlook by A.M. Best.
Majestic began operations in 1986 and since then has grown its workers’ compensation net earned
premiums to $71.3 million in 2005. Majestic’s 5-year average combined ratio was 98.6% through 2005. EIH
had total assets at December 31, 2005, of $211 million and 2005 net income of $5.2 million.
Commenting on the transaction Daniel G. Hickey, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Co-CEO of CRM said:
“The acquisition of EIH and Majestic is a great milestone for CRM. In one transaction we increase our
presence in the workers’ compensation insurance arena in a core state. In addition, we acquire a rated US
insurance carrier that could enable us to reduce acquisition costs and enhance the revenues and potential
earnings of our reinsurance segment. We have been keen to deploy capital in areas of greatest advantage
to our shareholders and the acquisition of EIH is very much in line with our strategy. We expect the
acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings.”
Mr. Hickey continued: “CRM and Majestic are very like-minded companies. We both have a tradition of
assessing, accepting and managing workers’ compensation insurance risk and have similar attitudes and
cultures in this regard. While we are not about to underestimate the challenges of integrating two
businesses, we expect the integration process to involve two workforces with similar goals and mindsets.
Majestic has achieved excellent results in its primary workers’ compensation business. Their current and
long term underwriting results speak for themselves. Of particular interest to us is the potential synergy from
Majestic’s capacity to provide excess comp products in concert with our Twin Bridges subsidiary. We plan to
enhance Majestic’s statutory surplus and strengthen its capital base. We expect that continued excellent
operating results combined with increased surplus will be perceived favorably by rating agencies.”
The offices of Majestic in San Francisco will remain in place, and the current CEO of Majestic, John L.
Sullivan, will enter into an employment contract to serve as President for a period of at least 18 months,
contingent on closing. Mr. Sullivan commented, “We at Majestic are excited about coming together with
CRM because of the similar cultures and focus on customer service. Both companies have always looked
for clients that are concerned about the well-being of their employees and appreciate a high level of service
in claims management and loss control. This new relationship will enhance both of our abilities to continue
and improve our services to our policyholders and broker partners.”
CRM intends to finance the acquisition from current cash balances and bank debt. The company is in
current negotiations with its principal lender for a term loan. No agreement for such a loan has been reached
as of today.
CRM was advised by Mystic Capital Advisors and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP.
About CRM Holdings, Ltd.
CRM is a leading provider of fee-based management and other services for workers’ compensation selfinsured groups in New York and California. CRM has been in the business of forming and managing selfinsured groups in New York since 1999 and, in 2003, the business was expanded into California. CRM
provides self-insured groups with a comprehensive range of services, including assistance in the formation
of groups, underwriting, risk assessment, safety and loss control services, medical bill review and case
management, general management and recordkeeping, regulatory compliance and, in New York, claims
management services. CRM also acts as a broker by placing excess coverage insurance and any required
surety bonds for the groups, and reinsures a portion of this excess coverage through its subsidiary, Twin
Bridges. Further information can be found on the CRM website at www.CRMHoldingsLtd.bm.
About Majestic Insurance Company
Majestic Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Embarcadero Insurance Holdings, Inc.
Majestic writes workers’ compensation insurance under various state acts and U.S. Longshore and Harbor
Workers’ Compensation Act. Majestic is licensed in fifteen states and operates primarily in California,
Arizona, Alaska, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law,
including statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, projections of future events or
performance and underlying assumptions (many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions).
These statements are based on our current expectations and projections about future events and are
identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “scheduled,” “plan,” “seek,” “intend,”
“anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “aim,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of those terms or other
comparable terminology.
All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our plans, intentions
and expectations are reasonable, we may not achieve our plans, intentions or expectations. There are or
may be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking
statements we make in this document. Such risks and uncertainties are discussed in the company’s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and in other documents filed by the company with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to the
following:
* The cyclical nature of the insurance and reinsurance industry;
* Premium rates;
* Investment results;
* Regulatory changes;
* The estimation of loss reserves and loss reserve development;
* The occurrence and effects of wars and acts of terrorism;
* The effects of competition;
* The possibility that the outcome of any litigation or arbitration
proceeding is unfavorable;
* Failure to retain key personnel;
* Economic downturns; and
* Natural disasters.