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Enstar Group LTD - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)

e10vq
Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
     
þ
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the Transition Period From            to           
 
 
001-33289
Commission File Number
 
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
     
Bermuda
 
N/A
 
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
P.O. Box HM 2267
Windsor Place, 3rd Floor
18 Queen Street
Hamilton HM JX
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)
 
 
(441) 292-3645
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
             
Large accelerated filer þ
  Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes o     No þ
 
As of November 7, 2008, the registrant had outstanding 13,317,957 ordinary shares, par value $1.00 per share.
 


 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page
 
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
      Financial Statements:     1  
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 (Unaudited)     1  
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)     2  
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)     3  
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)     4  
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (Unaudited)     5  
        Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)     6  
        Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     28  
      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     29  
      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     51  
      Controls and Procedures     53  
 
      Legal Proceedings     54  
      Risk Factors     54  
      Exhibits     55  
    56  
Exhibit 15.1
       
Exhibit 31.1
       
Exhibit 31.2
       
Exhibit 32.1
       
Exhibit 32.2
       
 Exhibit 15.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2


Table of Contents

Item 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share data)  
 
ASSETS
Short-term investments, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2008 — $42,520 2007 — $15,480)
  $ 42,520     $ 15,480  
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2008 — $365,363;
2007 — $7,006)
    365,213       6,878  
Fixed maturities, held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: 2008 — $92,909; 2007 — $210,998)
    95,163       211,015  
Fixed maturities, trading, at fair value (amortized cost: 2008 — $109,856; 2007 — $318,199)
    109,170       323,623  
Equities, trading, at fair value (cost: 2008 — $5,040; 2007 — $5,087)
    4,545       4,900  
Other investments, at fair value
    91,604       75,300  
                 
Total investments
    708,215       637,196  
Cash and cash equivalents
    1,805,978       995,237  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
    387,095       168,096  
Accrued interest receivable
    13,635       7,200  
Accounts receivable, net
    18,003       25,379  
Income taxes recoverable
          658  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    601,665       465,277  
Investment in partly-owned company
    21,387        
Goodwill
    21,222       21,222  
Other assets
    84,271       96,878  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 3,661,471     $ 2,417,143  
                 
 
LIABILITIES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
  $ 2,365,191     $ 1,591,449  
Reinsurance balances payable
    164,040       189,870  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    33,669       21,383  
Income taxes payable
    3,356        
Loans payable
    291,954       60,227  
Other liabilities
    61,095       40,178  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    2,919,305       1,903,107  
                 
MINORITY INTEREST
    198,786       63,437  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Share capital
               
Authorized issued and fully paid, par value $1 each (Authorized 2008: 156,000,000;
2007: 156,000,000)
               
Ordinary shares (issued and outstanding 2008: 13,333,298; 2007: 11,920,377)
    13,333       11,920  
Non-voting convertible ordinary shares (issued 2008: 2,972,892; 2007: 2,972,892)
    2,973       2,973  
Treasury stock at cost (non-voting convertible ordinary shares 2008: 2,972,892;
2007: 2,972,892)
    (421,559 )     (421,559 )
Additional paid-in capital
    709,344       590,934  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    (7,432 )     6,035  
Retained earnings
    246,721       260,296  
                 
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    543,380       450,599  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 3,661,471     $ 2,417,143  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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Table of Contents

ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
For the Three and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
 
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars,
 
    except share and per share data)  
 
INCOME
                               
Consulting fees
  $ 7,410     $ 6,238     $ 17,046     $ 14,725  
Net investment income
    6,849       15,870       28,658       50,626  
Net realized (losses) gains
    (192 )     31       (262 )     470  
                                 
      14,067       22,139       45,442       65,821  
                                 
EXPENSES
                               
Net (reduction) increase in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    (3,469 )     (313 )     (28,267 )     1,392  
Salaries and benefits
    6,013       8,671       31,317       31,833  
General and administrative expenses
    10,121       10,890       36,004       24,478  
Interest expense
    7,919       1,442       18,878       3,767  
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
    25,056       (4,651 )     18,787       (7,666 )
                                 
      45,640       16,039       76,719       53,804  
                                 
(LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTEREST
    (31,573 )     6,100       (31,277 )     12,017  
INCOME TAXES
    (10,434 )     (933 )     (13,389 )     6,160  
MINORITY INTEREST
    5,572       (2,599 )     (4,105 )     (7,014 )
                                 
(LOSS) EARNINGS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY GAIN
    (36,435 )     2,568       (48,771 )     11,163  
Extraordinary gain — Negative goodwill (net of minority interest of $15,084 and $nil, respectively)
                35,196       15,683  
                                 
NET (LOSS) EARNINGS
  $ (36,435 )   $ 2,568     $ (13,575 )   $ 26,846  
                                 
PER SHARE DATA:
                               
Basic (loss) earnings per share before extraordinary gain — basic
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.22     $ (3.93 )   $ 0.96  
Extraordinary gain per share — basic
                2.84       1.34  
                                 
Basic (loss) earnings per share
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.22     $ (1.09 )   $ 2.30  
                                 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share before extraordinary gain — diluted
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.21     $ (3.93 )   $ 0.93  
Extraordinary gain per share — diluted
                2.84       1.31  
                                 
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.21     $ (1.09 )   $ 2.24  
                                 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — basic
    13,317,919       11,920,393       12,404,871       11,668,402  
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding — diluted
    13,317,919       12,200,514       12,404,871       11,946,281  
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Three and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended     Ended  
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
 
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
NET (LOSS) EARNINGS
  $ (36,435 )   $ 2,568     $ (13,575 )   $ 26,846  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments arising during the period
    (1,979 )     2,238       (9,702 )     2,633  
Reclassification adjustment for net realized losses (gains) included in net earnings
    192       (31 )     262       (470 )
Currency translation adjustment
    (11,762 )     (226 )     (4,027 )     460  
                                 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
    (13,549 )     1,981       (13,467 )     2,623  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
  $ (49,984 )   $ 4,549     $ (27,042 )   $ 29,469  
                                 
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
                 
    2008     2007  
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Share capital — ordinary shares
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 11,920     $ 19  
Conversion of shares
          6,029  
Issue of shares
    1,374       5,775  
Shares repurchased
          (7 )
Share awards granted/vested
    39       104  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 13,333     $ 11,920  
                 
Share capital — non-voting convertible ordinary shares
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 2,973     $  
Conversion of shares
          2,973  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 2,973     $ 2,973  
                 
Treasury stock
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ (421,559 )   $  
Shares acquired, at cost
          (421,559 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ (421,559 )   $ (421,559 )
                 
Additional paid-in capital
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 590,934     $ 111,371  
Share awards granted/vested
    2,855       3,665  
Shares repurchased
          (16,755 )
Issue of shares
    115,165       490,269  
Amortization of share awards
    390       2,170  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 709,344     $ 590,720  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 6,035     $ 4,565  
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    (13,467 )     2,623  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ (7,432 )   $ 7,188  
                 
Retained earnings
               
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 260,296     $ 202,655  
Adjustment to initially apply FIN 48
          4,858  
                 
Adjusted balance, beginning of period
    260,296       207,513  
Conversion of shares
          (9,002 )
Net (loss) earnings
    (13,575 )     26,846  
                 
Balance, end of period
  $ 246,721     $ 225,357  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
                 
    2008     2007  
    (expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net earnings
  $ (13,575 )   $ 26,846  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows provided by operating activities:
               
Minority interest
    4,105       7,014  
Negative goodwill
    (35,196 )     (15,683 )
Share-based compensation expense
    390       2,170  
Net realized and unrealized investment loss (gain)
    262       (470 )
Share of net loss from other investments
    48,399        
Other items
    7,747       3,330  
Depreciation and amortization
    637        
Amortization of bond premiums or discounts
    (343 )     (53 )
Net movement of trading securities
    214,324       130,353  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Reinsurance balances receivable
    (28,158 )     71,715  
Other assets
    63,729       505  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    81,410       (25,472 )
Reinsurance balances payable
    (68,874 )     (39,398 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (20,134 )     (11,131 )
Other liabilities
    21,708       (12,971 )
                 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
    276,431       136,755  
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
    220,087       5,653  
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
    (184,571 )     (70,139 )
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities
    237,705       264,646  
Purchase of held-to-maturity securities
          (17,794 )
Maturity of held-to-maturity securities
    129,738       177,305  
Movement in restricted cash and cash equivalents
    (218,998 )     (60,139 )
Funding of other investments
    (29,179 )     (7,008 )
Purchase of investment in partly-owned company
    (21,387 )      
Other investing activities
    (350 )     (2,226 )
                 
Net cash flows provided by investing activities
    133,045       290,298  
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
    116,538        
Contribution to surplus of subsidiary by minority interest
    110,567        
Receipt of loans
    352,032       42,125  
Repayment of loans
    (106,942 )     (2,933 )
Repurchase of shares
          (16,762 )
                 
Net cash flows provided by financing activities
    472,195       22,430  
                 
TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT
    (70,930 )     207  
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    810,741       449,690  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    995,237       450,817  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 1,805,978     $ 900,507  
                 
                 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
               
Income taxes paid
  $ (6,188 )   $ (4,245 )
Interest paid
  $ (10,580 )   $ (2,933 )
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
 
1.   BASIS OF PREPARATION AND CONSOLIDATION
 
Our condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited. These statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations as at the end of and for the periods presented. Results of operations for subsidiaries acquired are included from the dates of their acquisition by the Company. Intercompany transactions are eliminated on consolidation. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. In these notes, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Company” refer to Enstar Group Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The following information is unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
 
Retroactive reinsurance contracts — Premiums on ceded retroactive contracts are earned upon inception of the contract with corresponding reinsurance recoverable established for the amount of reserves ceded. The initial gain, if applicable, is deferred and amortized into income over an actuarially determined expected payout period.
 
Investment in partly-owned company — An investment in a partly-owned company, in which the Company has significant influence, is carried on the equity basis whereby the investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted to reflect the Company’s share of after-tax earnings or losses and unrealized investment gains or losses and reduced by dividends.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
 
The term “FAS” used in these notes refers to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards issued by the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).
 
The Company adopted FAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008. Under this standard, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, we use various valuation approaches, including market and income approaches. FAS 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:
 
Level 1— Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 instruments. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these products does not entail a significant degree of judgment.
 
Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include exchange-listed equity securities that are actively traded.
 
Level 2— Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
1.   BASIS OF PREPARATION AND CONSOLIDATION — (cont’d)
 
 
Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include: exchange-listed equity securities that are not actively traded; U.S. government and agency securities; non-U.S. government obligations; corporate and municipal bonds; mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”).
 
  •  Level 3— Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants might use.
 
Assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include: hedge funds with partial transparency; and credit funds and short duration high yield funds that are traded in less liquid markets.
 
The availability of observable inputs can vary from financial instrument to financial instrument and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires significantly more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by management in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified between levels.
 
The adoption of FAS 157 did not result in any cumulative-effect adjustment to our beginning retained earnings at January 1, 2008, or any material impact on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”), which permits a one-year deferral of the application of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Accordingly, we have also adopted FSP FAS 157-2 effective January 1, 2008, and FAS 157 will not be applied to our goodwill and other intangible assets measured annually for impairment testing purposes only. We will adopt FAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities on January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the related provisions of FAS 157 and their potential impact on future financial statements.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“FAS 159”). This standard permits an entity to irrevocably elect fair value on a contract-by-contract basis as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for many financial instruments and certain other items including insurance contracts. An entity electing the fair value option would be required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and provide disclosure that will assist investors and other users of financial information to more easily understand the effect of the company’s choice to use fair value on its earnings. Further, the entity is required to display the fair value of those assets and liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on the face of the balance sheet. This standard does not eliminate the disclosure requirements about fair value measurements included in FAS 157 and FAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.” The adoption of FAS 159 did not impact retained earnings as of January 1, 2008 because the Company did not make any elections.
 
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141(R) “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141(R)”). FAS 141(R) replaces FAS No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“FAS 141”) but retains the fundamental requirements in FAS No. 141 that the acquisition method of accounting be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. FAS 141(R) requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. FAS 141(R) also requires acquisition-related costs to be recognized separately from the


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
1.   BASIS OF PREPARATION AND CONSOLIDATION — (cont’d)
 
acquisition, recognize assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contractual contingencies at their acquisition-date fair values and recognize goodwill as the excess of the consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. FAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (January 1, 2009 for calendar year-end companies). The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of FAS 141(R) and its potential impact on future financial statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160 “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“FAS 160”). FAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. FAS 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. FAS 160 requires consolidated net income to be reported at the amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. This statement also establishes a method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that does result in deconsolidation. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (January 1, 2009 for calendar year-end companies). The presentation and disclosure of FAS 160 shall be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of FAS 160 and its potential impact on future financial statements.
 
In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 expands the disclosure requirements of FAS 133 and requires the reporting entity to provide enhanced disclosures about the objectives and strategies for using derivative instruments, quantitative disclosures about fair values and amounts of gains and losses on derivative contracts, and credit-risk related contingent features in derivative agreements. FAS 161 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (January 1, 2009 for calendar year-end companies), and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of FAS 161 and its potential impact on future financial statements.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 163, “Accounting for Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts” (“FAS 163”). This new standard clarifies how FAS No. 60, “Accounting and Reporting by Insurance Enterprises,” applies to financial guarantee insurance contracts issued by insurance enterprises, including the recognition and measurement of premium revenue and claim liabilities. It also requires expanded disclosures about financial guarantee insurance contracts. FAS 163 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and all interim periods within those fiscal years, except for disclosures about the insurance enterprise’s risk-management activities, which are effective the first period (including interim periods) beginning after the date of issuance. Except for the required disclosures, earlier application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of FAS 163 and its potential impact on future financial statements.
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS
 
Guildhall
 
On February 29, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of Guildhall Insurance Company Limited (“Guildhall”), a reinsurance company based in the U.K., for total consideration of £33.4 million (approximately $65.9 million). The purchase price was financed by the drawdown of approximately £16.5 million (approximately $32.5 million) from a facility loan agreement with a London-based bank; approximately £5.0 million (approximately $10.0 million) from J.C. Flowers II L.P. (the “Flowers Fund”), by way of non-voting equity participation; and the balance of approximately £11.9 million (approximately $23.5 million) from available cash on hand. The


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
Flowers Fund is a private investment fund advised by J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. J. Christopher Flowers, a member of the Company’s board of directors and one of its largest shareholders, is the founder and Managing Member of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. John J. Oros, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a member of its board of directors, is a Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. Mr. Oros splits his time between J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC and the Company.
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value.
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 65,571  
Direct costs of acquisition
    303  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 65,874  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 65,874  
         
 
The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
 
         
Cash, restricted cash and investments
  $ 108,994  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    33,298  
Accounts receivable
    4,631  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (79,107 )
Accounts payable
    (1,942 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 65,874  
         
 
Gordian
 
On March 5, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition from AMP Limited (“AMP”) of AMP’s Australian-based closed reinsurance and insurance operations (“Gordian”). The purchase price, including acquisition expenses, was approximately AU$436.9 million (approximately $405.4 million) and was financed by AU$301.0 million (approximately $276.5 million), including an arrangement fee of AU$4.5 million (approximately $4.2 million), from bank financing provided jointly by a London-based bank and a German bank; approximately AU$41.6 million (approximately $39.5 million) from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation; and approximately AU$98.7 million (approximately $93.6 million) from available cash on hand.
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value.
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 401,086  
Direct costs of acquisition
    4,326  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 405,412  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 455,692  
         
Excess of net assets over purchase price
  $ 50,280  
Less minority interest share of negative goodwill
    (15,084 )
         
Negative goodwill
  $ 35,196  
         


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
The negative goodwill arose primarily as a result of income earned by Gordian between the date of the balance sheet on which the agreed purchase price was based, June 30, 2007, and the date the acquisition closed, March 5, 2008, and the desire of the vendors to achieve a substantial reduction in regulatory capital requirements and therefore to dispose of Gordian at a discount to fair value.
 
The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
 
         
Cash, restricted cash and investments
  $ 872,755  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    99,645  
Accounts receivable
    31,253  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (509,638 )
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
    (22,660 )
Accounts payable
    (15,663 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 455,692  
         
 
The fair values of reinsurance assets and liabilities acquired are derived from probability weighted ranges of the associated projected cash flows, based on actuarially prepared information and management’s run-off strategy. Any amendment to the fair values resulting from changes in such information or strategy will be recognized when they occur.
 
The following proforma condensed combined income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 combines the historical consolidated statements of income of the Company with those of Gordian, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2008, giving effect to the business combinations and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2008.
 
                                 
                      Enstar
 
    Enstar
                Group
 
    Group
          Proforma
    Limited
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008:
  Limited     Gordian     Adjustment     Proforma  
 
Total income
  $ 17,787     $ 34,425     $ (5,194 )(a)   $ 47,018  
Total expenses
    (82,624 )     11,186       (7,619 )(b)     (79,057 )
Minority interest
    1,947       (13,683 )     3,844 (c)     (7,892 )
                                 
(Loss) earnings before extraordinary gain
    (62,890 )     31,928       (8,969 )     (39,931 )
Extraordinary gain
    35,196                   35,196  
                                 
Net (loss) earnings
  $ (27,694 )   $ 31,928     $ (8,969 )   $ (4,735 )
                                 
(Loss) per ordinary share before extraordinary gain — basic and diluted
                          $ (3.22 )
Extraordinary gain — basic and diluted
                            2.84  
                                 
Net earnings per ordinary share — basic and diluted
                          $ (0.38 )
                                 


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
Notes to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement:
 
         
Income:
       
(a) Adjustment to conform the accounting policy for investments to that of the Company
  $ (5,194 )
Expenses:
       
(b)(i) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the financing costs of the acquisition for the period
    (3,965 )
(ii) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments
    (5,212 )
(iii) Adjustment to income taxes for pro forma adjustments
    1,558  
         
      (7,619 )
(c) Reflects minority interest’s share of net pro forma income statement adjustments
    3,844  
 
The following proforma condensed combined income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 combines the historical consolidated statements of income of the Company with those of The Enstar Group, Inc. (“EGI”), BH Acquisition Ltd. (“BH”) and Inter-Ocean Holdings, Ltd. (“Inter-Ocean”), each of which was acquired in the first quarter of 2007, and Gordian, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2008, giving effect to the business combinations and related transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2007.
 
                                 
                      Enstar
 
    Enstar
                Group
 
    Group
          Proforma
    Limited-
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007:
  Limited     Gordian     Adjustment     Proforma  
 
Total income
  $ 20,666     $ 10,350     $ 1,191 (a)   $ 32,207  
Total expenses
    (15,499 )     9,551       (10,570 )(b)     (16,518 )
Minority interest
    (2,599 )     (5,970 )     2,815 (c)     (5,754 )
                                 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 2,568     $ 13,931     $ (6,564 )   $ 9,935  
                                 
Net earnings per ordinary share — basic
                          $ 0.83  
                                 
Net earnings per ordinary share — diluted
                          $ 0.81  
                                 
 
Notes to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statements:
 
         
Income:
       
(a) Adjustment to conform the accounting policy for investments to that of the Company
  $ 1,191  
Expenses:
       
(b)(i) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the financing costs of the acquisition for the period
    (5,592 )
(ii) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments recorded at date of acquisition
    (4,621 )
(iii) Adjustment to income taxes for pro forma adjustments
    (357 )
         
      (10,570 )
(c) Reflects minority interest’s share of net pro forma income statement adjustments
    2,815  
 


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
                                                                         
                                                    Enstar
 
    Enstar
                                              Group
 
    Group
                      Proforma
                Proforma
    Limited-
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007:   Limited     BH     EGI     Inter-Ocean     Adjustment     Sub-total     Gordian     Adjustment     Proforma  
 
Total income
  $ 58,778     $ 2,929     $ 3,348     $ 3,333     $ (3,873 )(a)   $ 64,515     $ 46,706     $ 3,420 (b)   $ 114,641  
Total expenses
    (53,599 )     (2,270 )     130       (626 )     3,453 (c)     (52,912 )     46,275       (31,641 )(d)     (38,278 )
Minority interest
    (7,014 )                             (7,014 )     (27,894 )     8,467 (e)     (26,441 )
                                                                         
(Loss) earnings before extraordinary gain
    (1,835 )     659       3,478       2,707       (420 )     4,589       65,087       (19,754 )     49,922  
Extraordinary gain
    15,683                               15,683                   15,683  
                                                                         
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 13,848     $ 659     $ 3,478     $ 2,707     $ (420 )   $ 20,272     $ 65,087     $ (19,754 )   $ 65,605  
                                                                         
Earnings per ordinary share before extraordinary gain — basic
                                                                  $ 4.28  
Extraordinary gain — basic
                                                                    1.34  
                                                                         
Net earnings per ordinary share — basic
                                                                  $ 5.62  
                                                                         
Earnings per ordinary share before extraordinary gain — diluted
                                                                  $ 4.18  
Extraordinary gain — diluted
                                                                    1.31  
                                                                         
Net earnings per ordinary share — diluted
                                                                  $ 5.49  
                                                                         
 
Notes to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statements:
 
         
Income:
       
(a) Elimination of fees earned by the Company prior to acquisition
  $ (3,873 )
(b) Adjustment to conform the accounting policy for investments to that of the Company
    3,420  
Expenses:
       
(c) Elimination of fees paid prior to acquisition
    3,453  
(d)(i) Adjustment to interest expense to reflect the financing costs of the acquisition for the period
    (16,113 )
(ii) Adjustment to recognize amortization of fair value adjustments recorded at date of acquisition
    (14,502 )
(iii) Adjustment to income taxes for pro forma adjustments
    (1,026 )
         
      (31,641 )
(e) Reflects minority interest’s share of net pro forma income statement adjustments
    8,467  
 
Seaton and Stonewall
 
On June 16, 2006, the Company’s indirect subsidiary, Virginia Holdings Ltd., entered into a definitive agreement with Dukes Place Holdings, L.P., a portfolio company of GSC European Mezzanine Fund II, L.P., for the purchase of 44.4% of the outstanding capital stock of Stonewall Acquisition Corporation. Stonewall Acquisition Corporation is the parent of two Rhode Island-domiciled insurers, Stonewall Insurance Company and Seaton Insurance Company, both of which are in run-off. The purchase price was $20.4 million. On May 27, 2008, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation issued an order approving the proposed acquisition. The acquisition was completed on June 13, 2008 and was funded from available cash on hand.

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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value. The following represents the Company’s 44.4% share:
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 20,444  
Direct costs of acquisition
    987  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 21,431  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 21,431  
         
 
The following summarized the Company’s 44.4% share of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition:
 
         
Cash and investments
  $ 58,121  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    187,964  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (217,044 )
Reinsurance balances payable
    (3,049 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (4,561 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 21,431  
         
 
Goshawk
 
On June 20, 2008, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Enstar Acquisitions Limited (“EAL”), announced a cash offer to all of the shareholders of Goshawk Insurance Holdings Plc (“Goshawk”), at 5.2 pence (approximately $0.103) for each share (the “Offer”), conditioned, among other things, on receiving acceptance from shareholders owning 90% of the shares of Goshawk. Goshawk owns Rosemont Reinsurance Limited, a Bermuda-based reinsurer that wrote primarily property and marine business, which was placed into run-off in October 2005. The Offer valued Goshawk at approximately £45.7 million in the aggregate.
 
On July 17, 2008, after acquiring more than 30% of the shares of Goshawk through market purchases, EAL was obligated to remove all of the conditions of the Offer except for receipt of acceptances from shareholders owning 50% of the shares of Goshawk. On July 25, 2008, the acceptance condition was met and the Offer became unconditional. On August 19, 2008, the Offer closed with shareholders representing approximately 89.44% of Goshawk accepting the Offer for total consideration of £40.9 million (approximately $80.9 million).
 
The total purchase price, including acquisition costs, of approximately $82.0 million was financed by a drawdown of $36.1 million from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank, a contribution of $11.7 million of the acquisition price from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation, and the remainder from available cash on hand. The interest rate on the credit facility is LIBOR plus 2.25% and the facility is repayable within three years and is secured by a first charge over the Company’s shares in Goshawk.
 
In connection with the acquisition, Goshawk’s bank loan of $16.3 million was refinanced by the draw down of $12.2 million (net of fees) from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank and $4.1 million from the Flowers Fund.
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value. The following represents the Company’s 89.44% share:
 


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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 80,861  
Direct costs of acquisition
    1,106  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 81,967  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 81,967  
         
 
The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
 
         
Cash, restricted cash and investments
  $ 159,301  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    32,532  
Other assets
    15,703  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (80,051 )
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
    (20,634 )
Accounts payable
    (24,884 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 81,967  
         
 
EPIC
 
On August 14, 2008, the Company completed the purchase of all of the outstanding capital stock of Electricity Producers Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (“EPIC”) for total consideration of approximately £36.7 million (approximately $68.8 million). The purchase price was financed by approximately $32.8 million from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank; approximately $10.2 million from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation, and the remainder from available cash on hand. The interest on the bank loan is LIBOR plus 2.25%. The facility is repayable within four years and is secured by a first charge over the Company’s shares in EPIC.
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value.
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 68,792  
Direct costs of acquisition
    173  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 68,965  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 68,965  
         
 
The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
 
         
Cash, restricted cash and investments
  $ 186,101  
Other assets
    733  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (108,616 )
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
    (312 )
Accounts payable
    (8,941 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 68,965  
         

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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
Capital Assurance
 
On August 18, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Capital Assurance Company Inc. and Capital Assurance Services, Inc. for a total purchase price of approximately $5.3 million. Capital Assurance Company, Inc. is a Florida-domiciled insurer that is in run-off. The acquisition was funded from available cash on hand.
 
The acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which requires that the acquirer record the assets and liabilities acquired at their estimated fair value.
 
         
Purchase price
  $ 5,338  
Direct costs of acquisition
    282  
         
Total purchase price
  $ 5,620  
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 5,620  
         
 
The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
 
         
Cash, restricted cash and investments
  $ 31,068  
Reinsurance balances receivable
    332  
Other assets
    1,244  
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
    (26,265 )
Insurance and reinsurance balances payable
    (30 )
Accounts payable
    (729 )
         
Net assets acquired at fair value
  $ 5,620  
         
 
Unionamerica
 
On October 6, 2008, the Company, through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Royston Run-Off Limited (“Royston”) entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase of Unionamerica Holdings Limited from St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, an affiliate of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (“Travelers”) for a purchase price of $343.4 million. Unionamerica Holdings Limited is comprised of the discontinued operations of Travelers’ U.K.-based London Market businesses, which were placed into run-off between 1992 and 2003. In connection with the proposed acquisition, Royston entered into a Term Facilities Agreement with a London-based bank on October 3, 2008 for a $184.6 million loan to be made at the closing of the acquisition.
 
The purchase price of $343.4 million is expected to be financed approximately 54% through the bank loan; approximately 14% from the Flowers Fund by way of non-voting equity participation; and approximately 32% from available cash on hand. Under the facilities agreement for the bank loan, Royston is permitted to borrow $152.6 million under Facility A and $32.0 million under Facility B. The loans will be secured by a lien covering all of the assets of Royston. The interest rate on Facility A is LIBOR plus 3.50% and will be repayable within three years, and the interest rate on Facility B is LIBOR plus 4.00% and will be repayable within four years. Completion of the acquisition is conditioned on, among other things, completion of the proposed bank financing, approval by the U.K.’s Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) and satisfaction of various customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.


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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
2.   ACQUISITIONS — (cont’d)
 
Hillcot Re
 
On October 27, 2008, Kenmare Holdings Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Hillcot Holdings Limited (“Hillcot”) to purchase the entire issued share capital of its wholly-owned subsidiary Hillcot Re Ltd. (“Hillcot Re”) for consideration of $54.4 million. The Company currently owns 50.1% of the outstanding share capital of Hillcot with Shinsei Bank, Ltd. (“Shinsei”) owning the remaining 49.9%.
 
Upon completion of the transaction, Hillcot will pay a distribution to Shinsei of approximately $27.1 million representing its 49.9% share of the consideration received by Hillcot. J. Christopher Flowers, a member of the Company’s board of directors and one of its largest shareholders, is a director and the largest shareholder of Shinsei. The purchase price of $54.4 million is expected to be funded from available cash on hand. Hillcot Re is a U.K.-based reinsurer that is in run-off. Completion of the acquisition is conditioned on approval by the FSA and satisfaction of various customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
3.   SIGNIFICANT NEW BUSINESS
 
In December 2007, the Company, in conjunction with JCF FPK I L.P. (“JCF FPK”) and a newly-hired executive management team, formed U.K.-based Shelbourne Group Limited (“Shelbourne”) to invest in Reinsurance to Close or “RITC” transactions (the transferring of liabilities from one Lloyd’s Syndicate to another) with Lloyd’s of London insurance and reinsurance syndicates in run-off. JCF FPK is a joint investment program between Fox-Pitt, Kelton, Cochran, Caronia & Waller (“FPK”) and the Flowers Fund. Shelbourne is a holding company of a Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Shelbourne Syndicate Services Limited. The Company owns 50.1% of Shelbourne, which in turn owns 100% of Shelbourne Syndicate Services Limited, the Managing Agency for Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008, a syndicate approved by Lloyd’s of London on December 16, 2007 to undertake RITC transactions with Lloyd’s syndicates in run-off. In February 2008, Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008 entered into RITC agreements with four Lloyd’s syndicates with total gross insurance reserves of approximately $471.2 million.
 
On February 29, 2008, the Company funded its capital commitment of approximately £36.0 million (approximately $72.0 million) by way of a letter of credit issued by a London-based bank to Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008. The letter of credit was secured by a parental guarantee from the Company in the amount of £12.0 million (approximately $24.0 million); approximately £11.0 million (approximately $22.0 million) from the Flowers Fund (acting in its own capacity and not through JCF FPK), by way of a non-voting equity participation; and approximately £13.0 million (approximately $26.0 million) from available cash on hand. JCF FPK’s capital commitment to Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008 is approximately £14.0 million (approximately $28.0 million). An affiliate of the Flowers Fund controls approximately 41% of FPK.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   INVESTMENTS
 
Available-for-sale
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities classified as available for sale are as follows:
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
          Unrealized
    Unrealized
       
    Amortized
    Holding
    Holding
    Fair
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
As at September 30, 2008
                               
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities
  $ 61,819     $ 297     $ (240 )   $ 61,876  
Non-U.S. Government securities
    154,272       1,847       (129 )     155,990  
Corporate debt securities
    143,216       1,837       (3,762 )     141,291  
Other debt securities
    6,056                   6,056  
Short term investments
    42,520       1       (1 )     42,520  
                                 
    $ 407,883     $ 3,982     $ (4,132 )   $ 407,733  
                                 
As at December 31, 2007
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $ 757     $ 42     $ (170 )   $ 629  
Other debt securities
    6,249                   6,249  
Short term investments
    15,480                   15,480  
                                 
    $ 22,486     $ 42     $ (170 )   $ 22,358  
                                 
 
The gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities was split as follows:
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Due within one year
  $ 139     $  
After 1 through 5 years
    2,727        
After 5 through 10 years
    1,003        
After 10 years
    263       170  
                 
    $ 4,132     $ 170  
                 
 
As at September 30, 2008, the number of securities classified as available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position was 86, with a fair value of $147.3 million. None of these securities has been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   INVESTMENTS — (cont’d)
 
Held-to-maturity
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities classified as held-to-maturity are as follows:
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
          Unrealized
    Unrealized
       
    Amortized
    Holding
    Holding
    Fair
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
As at September 30, 2008
                               
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities
  $ 46,133     $ 785     $ (238 )   $ 46,680  
Non-U.S. Government securities
                       
Corporate debt securities
    49,030       133       (2,934 )     46,229  
                                 
    $ 95,163     $ 918     $ (3,172 )   $ 92,909  
                                 
As at December 31, 2007
                               
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities
  $ 132,332     $ 816     $ (314 )   $ 132,834  
Non-U.S. Government securities
    2,534             (12 )     2,522  
Corporate debt securities
    76,149       159       (666 )     75,642  
                                 
    $ 211,015     $ 975     $ (992 )   $ 210,998  
                                 
 
The gross unrealized losses on held-to-maturity debt securities were split as follows:
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
 
Due within one year
  $ 234     $ 161  
After 1 through 5 years
    2,207       217  
After 5 through 10 years
    79       13  
After 10 years
    652       601  
                 
    $ 3,172     $ 992  
                 
 
As at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the number of securities classified as held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position was 32 and 48, respectively, with a fair value of $47.4 million and $122.3 million, respectively. Of these securities, the number of securities that have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or longer was 31 and 45, respectively, with a fair value of $36.0 million and $102.5 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, none of these securities were considered to be other than temporarily impaired. The Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities until their maturities. The unrealized losses from these securities were not a result of credit, collateral or structural issues.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   INVESTMENTS — (cont’d)
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair values as at September 30, 2008 of debt securities classified as held-to-maturity by contractual maturity are shown below.
 
                 
    Amortized
    Fair
 
    Cost     Value  
 
Due within one year
  $ 40,275     $ 40,272  
After 1 through 5 years
    47,413       45,759  
After 5 through 10 years
    1,834       1,755  
After 10 years
    5,641       5,123  
                 
    $ 95,163     $ 92,909  
                 
 
Actual maturities could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
Trading
 
The estimated fair value of investments in debt securities and short-term investments classified as trading securities was as follows:
 
                 
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2008     2007  
 
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities
  $ 50,333     $ 237,943  
Non-U.S. Government securities
          3,244  
Corporate debt securities
    58,837       82,436  
                 
    $ 109,170     $ 323,623  
                 
 
Other Investments
 
At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had $91.6 million and $75.3 million, respectively, of other investments recorded in limited partnerships, limited liability companies and equity funds. These other investments represented 3.2% and 4.2% of total investments and cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. All of the Company’s other investments relating to its investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the governing documents and limit the Company’s ability to liquidate these investments in the short term. Due to a lag in the valuations reported by the managers, the Company records changes in the investment value with up to a three-month lag. These investments are accounted for under the equity method. As at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had unfunded capital commitments relating to its other investments of $112.3 million and $74.6 million, respectively. As at September 30, 2008, 92.6% of the other investments are with a related party.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
4.   INVESTMENTS — (cont’d)
 
In accordance with FAS 157, the Company has categorized its investments held at September 30, 2008 between levels as follows:
 
                                 
                      Total Fair
 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
 
Fixed maturities — available for sale
  $     $ 407,733     $     $ 407,733  
Fixed maturities — trading
          108,324       846       109,170  
Equity securities
    4,545                   4,545  
Other investments
                91,604       91,604  
                                 
Total investments
  $ 4,545     $ 516,057     $ 92,450     $ 613,052  
                                 
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the quarter ended September 30, 2008:
 
                                 
    Fixed
                   
    Maturity
    Equity
    Other
       
    Investments     Securities     Investments     Total  
 
Level 3 investments as of July 1, 2008
  $ 1,051     $   —     $ 141,328     $ 142,379  
Net purchases (sales and distributions)
                (12,499 )     (12,499 )
Total realized and unrealized losses
    (205 )           (37,225 )     (37,430 )
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
                       
                                 
Level 3 investments as of September 30, 2008
  $ 846     $     $ 91,604     $ 92,450  
                                 
 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for all investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008:
 
                                 
    Fixed
                   
    Maturity
    Equity
    Other
       
    Investments     Securities     Investments     Total  
 
Level 3 investments as of January 1, 2008
  $ 1,051     $   —     $ 75,300     $ 76,351  
Net purchases (sales and distributions)
                71,469       71,469  
Total realized and unrealized losses
    (205 )           (55,165 )     (55,370 )
Net transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
                       
                                 
Level 3 investments as of September 30, 2008
  $ 846     $     $ 91,604     $ 92,450  
                                 
 
The amount of total losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the fair value of changes in assets still held at the reporting date was $45.9 million. Of this amount, $0.2 million was included in net realized gains/losses and $45.7 million in net investment income.
 
5.   LOANS PAYABLE
 
In July 2008, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Simcoe Holdings Limited (“Simcoe”), entered into a term facility agreement with a London-based bank (the “Simcoe Facility”). On August 13, 2008, the Company drew down $32.8 million from the Simcoe Facility to partially fund the EPIC acquisition.
 
The interest rate on the Simcoe Facility is LIBOR plus 2.25%. The facility is repayable in four years and is secured by a first charge over Simcoe’s shares in EPIC. The Simcoe Facility contains various financial and business


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
5.   LOANS PAYABLE — (cont’d)
 
covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of restricted subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of restricted subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to the Simcoe Facility were met. On October 6, 2008, the Company fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the Simcoe Facility totaling $33.1 million.
 
On June 20, 2008, in connection with the acquisition by EAL of Goshawk through the Offer, EAL entered into a Term Facilities Agreement (the “Facilities Agreement”) with a London-based bank. The Facilities Agreement provided for a term loan facility of up to $60.0 million to partially finance the acquisition of Goshawk and refinance certain debt obligations of one of Goshawk’s subsidiaries (the “Existing Debt”).
 
On August 12, 2008, EAL and the Company entered into an amendment and restatement agreement under which the Facilities Agreement was amended (the “First Amendment and Restatement Agreement”). Under the First Amendment and Restatement Agreement, EAL was entitled to draw $47.5 million to fund the acquisition of Goshawk (“Goshawk Facility A”) and the Company was entitled to draw $12.5 million to refinance the Existing Debt (“Goshawk Facility B”). On August 14, 2008, the Company drew down $12.5 million from Goshawk Facility B to partially fund the refinancing of Existing Debt of $16.3 million; and on October 3, 2008, EAL drew down $36.1 million from Goshawk Facility A.
 
The interest rate on the facilities is LIBOR plus 2.25%. The facilities are repayable within three years and Goshawk Facility A is secured by a first charge over EAL’s shares in Goshawk and certain of its material subsidiaries. The First Amendment and Restatement Agreement contains various financial and business covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of certain subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of those subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to Goshawk Facility A and Goshawk Facility B were met.
 
On September 22, 2008, the Company fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the loan used to partially finance the acquisition of Guildhall totaling $32.0 million.
 
In February 2008, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Cumberland Holdings Limited (“Cumberland”), entered into a term facility agreement jointly with a London-based bank and a German bank (the “Cumberland Facility”). On March 4, 2008, the Company drew down AU$215.0 million (approximately $197.5 million) from the Facility A commitment (“Cumberland Facility A”) and AU$86.0 million (approximately $79.0 million) from the Facility B commitment to partially fund the Gordian acquisition. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to the Cumberland Facility were met.
 
In October 2008, the Company repaid AU$86.2 million of Cumberland Facility A. On October 3, 2008, the Company received permission from the Australian regulators to release AU$25.8 million which will also be used to pay down Cumberland Facility A.
 
6.   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
 
Our share-based compensation plans provide for the grant of various awards to our employees and to members of the board of directors. These are described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. The information below includes both the employee and director components of our share-based compensation.


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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
6.   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS — (cont’d)
 
(a)  Employee share plans
 
                 
          Weighted
 
          Average Fair
 
          Value of
 
    Number of
    the Award
 
    Shares     per Share  
 
Nonvested — January 1, 2008
    25,862     $ 122.42  
Granted
    28,780       94.97  
Vested
    (40,893 )     100.82  
                 
Nonvested — September 30, 2008
    13,749       97.36  
                 
 
i)  2004 — 2005 Employee Share Plan
 
Compensation costs of $0.1 million and $0.4 million relating to the issuance of share-awards to employees of the Company in 2004 and 2005 have been recognized in the Company’s statement of earnings for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to $0.2 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
 
The determination of the share-award expenses was based on the fair market value per common share of EGI as of the grant date and is recognized over the vesting period.
 
As of September 30, 2008, total unrecognized compensation costs related to the non-vested share awards amounted to $0.2 million. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.67 years.
 
ii)  2006-2010 Annual Incentive Plan and 2006 Equity Incentive Plan
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, 27,140 and 38,387 shares were awarded to directors, officers and employees under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The total value of the award for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $2.6 million and was charged against the 2006-2010 Annual Incentive Plan accrual established for the year ended December 31, 2007. The total value of the award for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $3.8 million of which $0.5 million was charged as an expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and $3.3 million was charged against the 2006-2010 Annual Incentive Plan accrual established for the year ended December 31, 2006.
 
The accrued expense/(recovery) relating to the 2006-2010 Annual Incentive Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was ($3.5) million and $0.5 million, respectively, as compared to $0.5 million and $4.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
 
iii)   Enstar Group Limited Employee Share Purchase Plan
 
On February 26, 2008, the Company’s board of directors approved the Amended and Restated Enstar Group Limited Employee Share Purchase Plan (“the Plan”), and subsequently, on June 11, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the Plan at the Annual General Meeting.
 
Compensation costs of less than $0.1 million relating to the shares issued have been recognized in the Company’s statement of earnings for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. As at September 30, 2008, 1,640 shares have been issued to employees under the Plan.


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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
6.   EMPLOYEE BENEFITS — (cont’d)
 
(b)  Options
 
                         
          Weighted
       
          Average
    Intrinsic
 
    Number of
    Exercise
    Value of
 
    Shares     Price     Shares  
 
Outstanding — January 1, 2008
    490,371     $ 25.40        
Granted
                 
Exercised
                 
Forfeited
                 
                         
Outstanding — September 30, 2008
    490,371     $ 25.40     $ 35,287  
                         
 
Stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2008 were as follows:
 
                         
Ranges of
              Weighted Average
 
Exercise
  Number of
    Weighted Average
    Remaining
 
Prices
  Options     Exercise Price     Contractual Life  
 
$10 - 20
    323,645     $ 17.20       2.4 years  
$40 - 60
    166,726       41.32       4.9 years  
 
(c)   Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
 
EGI, prior to its merger with a subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”), had in place a Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors which permitted non-employee directors to receive all or a portion of their retainer and meeting fees in common stock and to defer all or a portion of their retainer and meeting fees in stock units. Upon completion of the Merger, each stock unit was converted from a right to receive a share of EGI common stock into a right to receive an Enstar Group Limited ordinary share. No additional amounts will be deferred under the plan.
 
On June 5, 2007, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of the Company approved the Enstar Group Limited Deferred Compensation and Ordinary Share Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “EGL Deferred Compensation Plan”).
 
The EGL Deferred Compensation Plan became effective immediately. The EGL Deferred Compensation Plan provides each member of the Company’s board of directors who is not an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Non-Employee Director”) with the opportunity to elect (i) to receive all or a portion of his or her compensation for services as a director in the form of the Company’s ordinary shares instead of cash and (ii) to defer receipt of all or a portion of such compensation until retirement or termination.
 
Non-Employee Directors electing to receive compensation in the form of ordinary shares will receive whole ordinary shares (with any fractional shares payable in cash) as of the date compensation would otherwise have been payable. Non-Employee Directors electing to defer compensation will have such compensation converted into share units payable as a lump sum distribution after the director’s “separation from service” as defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The lump sum share unit distribution will be made in the form of ordinary shares, with fractional shares paid in cash.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, 3,331 and nil share units, respectively, were credited to the accounts of Non-Employee Directors under the EGL Deferred Compensation Plan.


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Table of Contents

 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
7.   EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following tables set forth the comparison of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
                                 
    Three Months
    Three Months
    Nine Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
    September 30,
 
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share
                               
Net earnings before extraordinary gain
  $ (36,435 )   $ 2,568     $ (48,771 )   $ 11,163  
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    13,317,919       11,920,393       12,404,871       11,668,402  
                                 
Earnings per share before extraordinary gain — basic
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.22     $ (3.93 )   $ 0.96  
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
                               
(Loss) earnings before extraordinary gain
  $ (36,435 )   $ 2,568     $ (48,771 )   $ 11,163  
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    13,317,919       11,920,393       12,404,871       11,668,402  
Share equivalents:
                               
Unvested Shares
          25,862             49,222  
Options
          253,906             228,538  
Restricted share units
          353             119  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    13,317,919       12,200,514       12,404,871       11,946,281  
                                 
(Loss) earnings per share before extraordinary gain — diluted
  $ (2.74 )   $ 0.21     $ (3.93 )   $ 0.93  
                                 
 
The following securities have not been included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented.
 
                 
    Three Months
    Nine Months
 
    Ended
    Ended
 
    September 30,
    September 30,
 
Share equivalents
  2008     2008  
 
Unvested Shares
    25,862       18,037  
Options
    261,207       258,324  
Restricted share units
    4,478       3,255  
                 
Total
    291,547       279,616  
                 
 
The weighted average ordinary shares outstanding shown for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 reflect the conversion of Class A, B, C and D shares to ordinary shares on January 31, 2007, as part of the recapitalization completed in connection with the Merger, as if the conversion occurred on January 1, 2007. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the ordinary shares issued to acquire EGI are reflected in the calculation of the weighted average ordinary shares outstanding from January 31, 2007, the date of issue.
 
In July 2008, the Company completed the sale to the public of 1,372,028 newly-issued ordinary shares, inclusive of the underwriters’ over-allotment. The shares were priced at $87.50 per share and the Company received net proceeds of approximately $116.5 million, after underwriting fees and other expenses of approximately $3.5 million.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
8.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
As at September 30, 2008, the Company has guaranteed the obligations of two of its subsidiaries in respect of letter of credit issued on their behalf by London-based banks in the amount of £19.5 million (approximately $34.7 million) in respect of capital commitments to Lloyds Syndicate 2008 and insurance contract requirements of one of the subsidiaries. The guarantees will be triggered should losses incurred by the subsidiaries exceed available cash on hand resulting in the letters of credit being drawn. As at September 30, 2008, the Company has not recorded any liabilities associated with the guarantees.
 
On September 10, 2008, the Company made a commitment to invest in aggregate $100.0 million in J.C. Flowers Fund III L.P. (“Fund III”). The Company’s commitment may be drawn down by Fund III over approximately the next six years. As of September 30, 2008, none of the commitment had been drawn down. Fund III is a private investment fund advised by J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. J. Christopher Flowers, a member of the Company’s board of directors and one of its largest shareholders, is the founder and Managing Member of J.C.  Flowers & Co. LLC. John J. Oros, the Company’s Executive Chairman and a member of its board of directors, is a Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. Mr. Oros splits his time between J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC and the Company.
 
9.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
The Company has entered into certain transactions with companies and partnerships that are affiliated with J. Christopher Flowers and John J. Oros. Messrs Flowers and Oros are members of the Company’s board of directors and Mr. Flowers is one of the largest shareholders of the Company.
 
The Company had, as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, investments in entities affiliated with Mr. Flowers with a total value of $84.8 million and $71.6 million, respectively, and outstanding commitments to entities managed by Mr. Flowers, for the same periods, of $106.9 million and $76.3 million, respectively. The Company’s outstanding commitments may be drawn down over approximately the next six years.
 
Related party investments associated with Messrs. Flowers and Oros, as at September 30, 2008, accounted for 95.3% of the total unfunded capital commitments of the Company, 92.6% of the total amount of investments classified as other investments by the Company and $47.4 million of the total decrease in fair value of other investments for the nine months ended September 30, 3008 by the Company.
 
In July 2008, FPK acted as lead managing underwriter in the Company’s sale to the public of 1,372,028 oridnary shares, inclusive of the underwriters’ over-allotment, at a public offering price of $87.50 per share (the “Offering”). The underwriters purchased the shares at a 2% discount to the public offering price. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $116.8 million in the Offering. An affiliate of the Flowers Fund controls approximately 41% of FPK. In addition, the Flowers Fund and certain of its affiliated investment partnerships purchased 285,714 ordinary shares with a value of approximately $25 million in the Offering at the public offering price.
 
In August 2008, the Flowers Fund funded its commitment of approximately $26.0 million for its share of the economic interest in Goshawk and EPIC.
 
10.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The determination of reportable segments is based on how senior management monitors the Company’s operations. The Company measures the results of its operations under two major business categories: reinsurance and consulting.


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
10.   SEGMENT INFORMATION — (cont’d)
 
Consulting fees for the reinsurance segment are intercompany fees paid to the consulting segment. Salary and benefits for the reinsurance segment relate to the discretionary bonus expense on the net income after taxes of the reinsurance segment.
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    Reinsurance     Consulting     Total  
 
Consulting fees
  $ (7,922 )   $ 15,332     $ 7,410  
Net investment income
    14,116       (7,267 )     6,849  
Net realized losses
    (192 )           (192 )
                         
      6,002       8,065       14,067  
                         
Net (reduction) in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    (3,469 )           (3,469 )
Salaries and benefits
    (1,746 )     7,759       6,013  
General and administrative expenses
    6,746       3,375       10,121  
Interest expense
    7,919             7,919  
Net foreign exchange loss
    24,144       912       25,056  
                         
      33,594       12,046       45,640  
                         
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (27,592 )     (3,981 )     (31,573 )
Income taxes
    (11,827 )     1,393       (10,434 )
Minority interest
    5,572             5,572  
                         
Net loss
  $ (33,847 )   $ (2,588 )   $ (36,435 )
                         
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2007  
    Reinsurance     Consulting     Total  
 
Consulting fees
  $ (6,845 )   $ 13,083     $ 6,238  
Net investment income
    15,150       720       15,870  
Net realized gains
    31             31  
                         
      8,336       13,803       22,139  
                         
Net (reduction) in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    (313 )           (313 )
Salaries and benefits
    737       7,934       8,671  
General and administrative expenses
    4,100       6,790       10,890  
Interest expense
    1,442             1,442  
Net foreign exchange (gain)
    (4,562 )     (89 )     (4,651 )
                         
      1,404       14,635       16,039  
                         
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    6,932       (832 )     6,100  
Income taxes
    (157 )     (776 )     (933 )
Minority interest
    (2,599 )           (2,599 )
                         
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 4,176     $ (1,608 )   $ 2,568  
                         
 


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ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
10.   SEGMENT INFORMATION — (cont’d)
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    Reinsurance     Consulting     Total  
 
Consulting fees
  $ (24,206 )   $ 41,252     $ 17,046  
Net investment income (loss)
    39,127       (10,469 )     28,658  
Net realized losses
    (262 )           (262 )
                         
      14,659       30,783       45,442  
                         
Net (reduction) in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    (28,267 )           (28,267 )
Salaries and benefits
    5,487       25,830       31,317  
General and administrative expenses
    24,004       12,000       36,004  
Interest expense
    18,878             18,878  
Net foreign exchange loss
    18,249       538       18,787  
                         
      38,351       38,368       76,719  
                         
Loss before income taxes and minority interest
    (23,692 )     (7,585 )     (31,277 )
Income taxes
    (16,575 )     3,186       (13,389 )
Minority interest
    (4,105 )           (4,105 )
                         
Loss before extraordinary gain
    (44,372 )     (4,399 )     (48,771 )
Extraordinary gain
    35,196             35,196  
                         
Net loss
  $ (9,176 )   $ (4,399 )   $ (13,575 )
                         
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007  
    Reinsurance     Consulting     Total  
 
Consulting fees
  $ (19,696 )   $ 34,421     $ 14,725  
Net investment income
    48,435       2,191       50,626  
Net realized gains
    470             470  
                         
      29,209       36,612       65,821  
                         
Net increase in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    1,392             1,392  
Salaries and benefits
    5,840       25,993       31,833  
General and administrative expenses
    9,103       15,375       24,478  
Interest expense
    3,767             3,767  
Net foreign exchange (gain)
    (7,650 )     (16 )     (7,666 )
                         
      12,452       41,352       53,804  
                         
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and minority interest
    16,757       (4,740 )     12,017  
Income taxes
    7,669       (1,509 )     6,160  
Minority interest
    (7,014 )           (7,014 )
                         
Net earnings (loss) before extraordinary gain
    17,412       (6,249 )     11,163  
Extraordinary gain
    15,683             15,683  
                         
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 33,095     $ (6,249 )   $ 26,846  
                         

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Enstar Group Limited
 
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Enstar Group Limited and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2008, the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, and changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
 
We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Enstar Group Limited and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 29, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
 
/s/  Deloitte & Touche
 
Hamilton, Bermuda
November 10, 2008


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Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Business Overview
 
Enstar Group Limited was formed in August 2001 under the laws of Bermuda to acquire and manage insurance and reinsurance companies in run-off, and to provide management, consulting and other services to the insurance and reinsurance industry.
 
Since our formation we, through our subsidiaries, have acquired a number of insurance and reinsurance companies and are now administering those businesses in run-off. We derive our net earnings from the ownership and management of these companies primarily by settling insurance and reinsurance claims below the recorded loss reserves and from returns on the portfolio of investments retained to pay future claims. In addition, we have formed other businesses that provide management and consultancy services, claims inspection services and reinsurance collection services to our affiliates and third-party clients for both fixed and success-based fees.
 
Recent Transactions
 
Hillcot Re
 
On October 27, 2008, Kenmare Holdings Ltd., our wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Hillcot Holdings Limited, or Hillcot, to purchase the entire issued share capital of its wholly-owned subsidiary Hillcot Re Ltd., or Hillcot Re, for consideration of $54.4 million. We currently own 50.1% of the outstanding share capital of Hillcot, with Shinsei Bank, Ltd., or Shinsei, owning the remaining 49.9%.
 
Upon completion of the transaction, Hillcot will pay a distribution to Shinsei of approximately $27.1 million representing its 49.9% share of the consideration received by Hillcot. J. Christopher Flowers, a member of our board of directors and one of our largest shareholders, is a director and the largest shareholder of Shinsei. The purchase price of $54.4 million is expected to be funded from available cash on hand. Hillcot Re is a U.K.-based reinsurer that is in run-off. Completion of the acquisition is conditioned on approval by the U.K.’s Financial Services Authority, or the FSA, and satisfaction of various customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
Unionamerica
 
On October 6, 2008, we, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Royston Run-Off Limited, or Royston, entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase of Unionamerica Holdings Limited from St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, an affiliate of The Travelers Companies, Inc., or Travelers, for a purchase price of $343.4 million. Unionamerica Holdings Limited is comprised of the discontinued operations of Travelers’ U.K.-based London Market business, which were placed into run-off between 1992 and 2003. In connection with the proposed acquisition, Royston entered into a Term Facilities Agreement with a London-based bank on October 3, 2008 for a $184.6 million loan to be made at the closing of the acquisition.
 
The purchase price of $343.4 million is expected to be financed approximately 54% through the bank loan; approximately 14% from J.C. Flowers II L.P., or the Flowers Fund; and approximately 32% from available cash on hand. Under the facilities agreement for the bank loan, Royston is permitted to borrow $152.6 million under Facility A and $32.0 million under Facility B. The loans will be secured by a lien covering all of the assets of Royston. The interest rate on the Facility A portion is LIBOR plus 3.50% and is repayable within three years. The interest rate on the Facility B portion is LIBOR plus 4.00% and is repayable within four years. Completion of the acquisition is conditioned on, among other things, completion of the proposed bank financing, approval by the FSA


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and satisfaction of various customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
The Flowers Fund is a private investment fund for which JCF Associates II L.P. is the general partner and J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC is the investment advisor. JCF Associates II L.P. and J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC are controlled by J. Christopher Flowers, a director and one of our largest shareholders. In addition, John J. Oros, a director and our Executive Chairman, is a Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. The Flowers Fund will have a 30% non-voting equity interest in Royston Holdings Ltd., the direct parent company of Royston.
 
Capital Assurance
 
On August 18, 2008, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Capital Assurance Company Inc. and Capital Assurance Services, Inc. for a total purchase price of approximately $5.3 million. Capital Assurance Company, Inc. is a Florida-domiciled insurer that is in run-off. The acquisition was funded from available cash on hand.
 
Goshawk
 
On June 20, 2008 we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Enstar Acquisitions Limited, or EAL, announced a cash offer to all of the shareholders of Goshawk Insurance Holdings Plc, or Goshawk, at 5.2 pence (approximately $0.103) for each share, or the Offer, conditioned, among other things, on receiving acceptance from shareholders owning 90% of the shares of Goshawk. Goshawk owns Rosemont Reinsurance Limited, a Bermuda-based reinsurer that wrote primarily property and marine business, which was placed into run-off in October 2005. The Offer valued Goshawk at approximately £45.7 million in the aggregate.
 
On July 17, 2008, after acquiring more than 30% of the shares of Goshawk through market purchases, EAL was obligated to remove all of the conditions of the Offer except for the receipt of acceptances from shareholders owning 50% of the shares of Goshawk. On July 25, 2008 the acceptance condition was met and the Offer became unconditional. On August 19, 2008, the Offer closed with shareholders representing approximately 89.44% of Goshawk accepting the Offer for total consideration of £40.9 million (approximately $80.9 million).
 
The total purchase price, including acquisition costs, of approximately $82.0 million was financed by a drawdown of $36.1 million from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank, a contribution of $11.7 million of the acquisition price from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation, and the remainder from available cash on hand. The interest rate on the credit facility is LIBOR plus 2.25% and the facility is repayable within three years and is secured by a first charge over our shares in Goshawk.
 
In connection with the acquisition, Goshawk’s bank loan of $16.3 million was refinanced by the draw down of $12.2 million (net of fees) from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank and $4.1 million from the Flowers Fund.
 
EPIC
 
On August 14, 2008, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding capital stock of Electricity Producers Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited, or EPIC, from its parent British Nuclear Fuels plc. The purchase price, including acquisition expenses, of £36.7 million (approximately $68.8 million) was financed by approximately $32.8 million from a credit facility provided by a London-based bank; approximately $10.2 million from the Flowers Fund by way of non-voting equity participation, and the remainder of $23.1 million from available cash on hand. The interest on the bank loan is LIBOR plus 2.25%. The facility is repayable within four years and is secured by a first charge over our shares in EPIC.
 
Share Offering
 
In July 2008, we completed the sale to the public of 1,372,028 newly-issued ordinary shares, inclusive of the underwriters’ over-allotment, or the Offering. The shares were priced at $87.50 per share and we received net proceeds of approximately $116.8 million, after underwriting fees and other expenses of approximately $3.3 million. Fox-Pitt Kelton Cochran Caronia Waller (USA) LLC, or FPK, served as lead managing underwriter in the Offering. The Flowers Fund and certain of its affiliated investment partnerships purchased 285,714 ordinary


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shares with a value of approximately $25.0 million in the Offering at the public offering price. An affiliate of the Flowers Fund controls approximately 41% of FPK.
 
Seaton and Stonewall
 
On June 16, 2006, our indirect subsidiary, Virginia Holdings Ltd., entered into a definitive agreement with Dukes Place Holdings, L.P., a portfolio company of GSC European Mezzanine Fund II, L.P., for the purchase of 44.4% of the outstanding capital stock of Stonewall Acquisition Corporation. Stonewall Acquisition Corporation is the parent of two Rhode Island-domiciled insurers, Stonewall Insurance Company and Seaton Insurance Company, both of which are in run-off. The purchase price was $20.4 million. On May 27, 2008, the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation issued an order approving the proposed acquisition. The acquisition was completed on June 13, 2008 and was funded from available cash on hand.
 
Gordian
 
On March 5, 2008, we completed the acquisition of AMP Limited’s, or AMP’s, Australian-based closed reinsurance and insurance operations, or Gordian. The purchase price, including acquisition expenses, of AU$436.9 million (approximately $405.4 million) was financed by approximately AU$301.0 million (approximately $276.5 million), including an arrangement fee of AU$4.5 million (approximately $4.2 million), from bank financing provided jointly by a London-based bank and a German bank in which the Flowers Fund is a significant shareholder of the German bank; approximately AU$41.6 million (approximately $39.5 million) from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation; and approximately AU$98.7 million (approximately $93.6 million) from available cash on hand.
 
Guildhall
 
On February 29, 2008, we completed the acquisition of Guildhall Insurance Company Limited, or Guildhall, a U.K.-based insurance and reinsurance company that has been in run-off since 1986. The purchase price, including acquisition expenses, of approximately £33.4 million (approximately $65.9 million) was financed by the drawdown of approximately £16.5 million (approximately $32.5 million) from a U.S. dollar facility loan agreement with a London-based bank; approximately £5.0 million (approximately $10.0 million) from the Flowers Fund, by way of non-voting equity participation; and approximately £11.9 million (approximately $23.5 million) from available cash on hand.
 
Shelbourne
 
In December 2007, we, in conjunction with JCF FPK I L.P., or JCF FPK, and a newly-hired executive management team, formed Shelbourne Group Limited, or Shelbourne, to invest in Reinsurance to Close or “RITC” transactions (the transferring of liabilities from one Lloyd’s Syndicate to another) with Lloyd’s of London insurance and reinsurance syndicates in run-off. JCF FPK is a joint investment program between FPK and the Flowers Fund. Shelbourne is a holding company of a Lloyd’s Managing Agency, Shelbourne Syndicate Services Limited. We own 50.1% of Shelbourne, which in turn owns 100% of Shelbourne Syndicate Services Limited, the Managing Agency for Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008, a syndicate approved by Lloyd’s of London on December 16, 2007 to undertake RITC transactions with Lloyd’s syndicates in run-off. In February 2008, Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008 entered into RITC agreements with four Lloyd’s syndicates with total gross insurance reserves of approximately $471.2 million.
 
On February 29, 2008, we funded our capital commitment of approximately £36.0 million (approximately $72.0 million) by way of a letter of credit issued by a London-based bank to Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008. The letter of credit was secured by a parental guarantee from us in the amount of £12.0 million (approximately $24.0 million); approximately £11.0 million (approximately $22.0 million) from the Flowers Fund (acting in its own capacity and not through JCF FPK), by way of a non-voting equity participation; and approximately £13.0 million (approximately $26.0 million) from available cash on hand. JCF FPK’s capital commitment to Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008 is approximately £14.0 million (approximately $28.0 million).


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Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth our selected condensed consolidated statement of earnings for each of the periods indicated.
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended
    Nine Months Ended
 
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
INCOME
                               
Consulting fees
  $ 7,410     $ 6,238     $ 17,046     $ 14,725  
Net investment income
    6,849       15,870       28,658       50,626  
Net realized (losses) gains
    (192 )     31       (262 )     470  
                                 
      14,067       22,139       45,442       65,821  
                                 
EXPENSES
                               
Net (reduction) increase in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities
    (3,469 )     (313 )     (28,267 )     1,392  
Salaries and benefits
    6,013       8,671       31,317       31,833  
General and administrative expenses
    10,121       10,890       36,004       24,478  
Interest expense
    7,919       1,442       18,878       3,767  
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)
    25,056       (4,651 )     18,787       (7,666 )
                                 
      45,640       16,039       76,719       53,804  
                                 
(Loss) earnings before income taxes and minority interest
    (31,573 )     6,100       (31,277 )     12,017  
Income taxes
    (10,434 )     (933 )     (13,389 )     6,160  
Minority interest
    5,572       (2,599 )     (4,105 )     (7,014 )
                                 
(Loss) earnings before extraordinary gain
    (36,435 )     2,568       (48,771 )     11,163  
Extraordinary gain — Negative goodwill (2008: net of minority interest)
                35,196       15,683  
                                 
NET (LOSS) EARNINGS
  $ (36,435 )   $ 2,568     $ (13,575 )   $ 26,846  
                                 
 
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
We reported a consolidated net loss of approximately $(36.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to consolidated net earnings of approximately $2.6 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in earnings of approximately $39.0 million was primarily a result of the following:
 
(i) a decrease in investment income (net of realized (losses)/gains) of $9.0 million, primarily due to write-downs of approximately $24.3 million of the fair values of our investments classified as other investments, partially offset by additional investment income earned in the quarter as a result of increased cash and investments balances relating to acquisitions completed in 2008;
 
(ii) movement in foreign exchange earnings from a gain of $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 to a loss of $25.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. This reduction of $29.8 million arose primarily as a result of holding surplus net foreign currency assets, primarily British pounds, at a time when the U.S. dollar was appreciating against the majority of currencies;
 
(iii) an increase in income tax expense of $9.5 million relating primarily to the increased tax liability recorded on the net earnings of our Australian subsidiary, partially offset by recoverables in one of our U.S. subsidiaries arising on write-downs of our other investments; and
 
(iv) an increase in interest expense of $6.4 million attributable to an increase in bank borrowings used in the funding of the acquisitions subsequent to September 30, 2007, primarily in relation to the Gordian Guildhall, EPIC and Goshawk acquisitions; partially offset by


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(v) an increased reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities of $3.2 million;
 
(vi) a reduction in salary and general and administrative costs of $3.4 million, primarily due to a reduction in bonus accrual; and
 
(vii) a reduction in minority interest expense of $8.2 million resulting from reduced earnings in which minority shareholders have an interest.
 
Consulting Fees:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 15,332     $ 13,083     $ 2,249  
Reinsurance
    (7,922 )     (6,845 )     (1,077 )
                         
Total
  $ 7,410     $ 6,238     $ 1,172  
                         
 
We earned consulting fees of approximately $7.4 million and $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
Internal management fees of $7.9 million and $6.8 million were paid in the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, by our reinsurance companies to our consulting companies. The increase in fees paid by the reinsurance segment was due primarily to the fees paid by reinsurance companies that were acquired subsequent to September 30, 2007.
 
Net Investment Income and Net Realized (Losses) Gains:
 
                                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
                Net Realized
       
    Net Investment Income           (Losses) Gains        
    2008     2007     Variance     2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ (7,267 )   $ 720     $ (7,987 )   $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    14,116       15,150       (1,034 )     (192 )     31       (223 )
                                                 
Total
  $ 6,849     $ 15,870     $ (9,021 )   $ (192 )   $ 31     $ (223 )
                                                 
 
Net investment income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 decreased by $9.0 million to $6.8 million, as compared to $15.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net investment income was primarily attributable to cumulative write-downs of approximately $24.3 million in the fair value of our private equity investments held by us as other investments. The write-downs in our private equity investments were primarily related to mark to market adjustments in the fair value of their underlying assets, which are primarily investments in financial institutions, arising as a result of the current global credit and liquidity crises. The fair value of these investments may continue to be volatile in the current economic environment.
 
Net realized (losses) gains for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $(0.2) million and $0.1 million, respectively. Based on our current investment strategy, we do not expect net realized gains and losses to be significant in the foreseeable future.
 
The average return on the cash and fixed maturities investments for the three-month period ended September 30, 2008 was 5.1%, as compared to the average return of 5.0% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2007. The returns for the three months ended September 30, 2008 are comparable to the returns for the three months ended September 30, 2007 primarily as a result of higher returns earned on our fixed maturity investment portfolio during 2008 offset by the lower returns earned on our cash and cash equivalents for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 as a result of lower average interest rates period over period. The U.S. Federal Funds Rate decreased from an average of 5.18% to an average of 2.00% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2008, respectively. In respect of our fixed income investments as of September 30, 2008, 72.9% had a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA.


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Fair Value Measurements
 
On January 1, 2008, we adopted FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, or FAS 157, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 1 of our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of this new standard.
 
The following is a summary of valuation techniques or models we use to measure fair value by asset and liability classes, which have not changed significantly since December 31, 2007.
 
Fixed Maturity Investments
 
Our fixed maturity portfolio is managed by three investment advisors. Through these third parties, we use nationally recognized pricing services, including pricing vendors, index providers and broker-dealers to estimate fair value measurements for all of our fixed maturity investments. These pricing services include Lehman Index, Reuters Pricing Service, FT Interactive Data and others.
 
The pricing service uses market quotations for securities (e.g., public common and preferred securities) that have quoted prices in active markets. When quoted market prices are unavailable, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements for these securities using its proprietary pricing applications which include available relevant market information, benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings, and matrix pricing.
 
With the exception of one security held within our trading portfolio, the fair value estimates of our fixed maturity investments are based on observable market data. We have therefore included these as Level 2 investments within the fair value hierarchy. The one security in our trading portfolio that does not have observable inputs has been included as a Level 3 investment within the fair value hierarchy.
 
To validate the techniques or models used by the pricing services, we compare the fair value estimates to our knowledge of the current market and will challenge any prices deemed not to be representative of fair value.
 
Further, on a quarterly basis, we evaluate whether the fair value of a fixed maturity security is other-than-temporarily impaired when its fair value is below amortized cost. To make this assessment we consider several factors including (i) the time period during which there has been a decline below cost, (ii) the extent of the decline below cost, (iii) our intent and ability to hold the security, (iv) the potential for the security to recover in value, (v) an analysis of the financial condition of the issuer, and (vi) an analysis of the collateral structure and credit support of the security, if applicable. If we conclude a security is other-than-temporarily impaired, we write down the amortized cost of the security to fair value, with a charge to net realized investment gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of earnings.
 
Equity Securities
 
Our equity securities are predominately managed by one external advisor. Through this third party, we use nationally recognized pricing services, including pricing vendors, index providers and broker-dealers to estimate fair value measurements for all of our equity securities. These pricing services include FT Interactive Data and others.
 
We have categorized all of our equity securities as Level 1 investments as they are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
Other Investments
 
For our investments in limited partnerships, limited liability companies and equity funds, we measure fair value by obtaining the most recently published net asset value as advised by the external fund manager or third party administrator. The financial statements of each fund generally are audited annually, using fair value measurement for the underlying investments. For all public companies within the funds, we have valued the investments based on the latest share price. Affirmative Investment LLC’s value is based on the market value of the shares of Affirmative Insurance Holdings, Inc.


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All of our other investments relating to our investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies are subject to restrictions on redemptions and sales which are determined by the governing documents and limit our ability to liquidate those investments in the short term. We have classified our other investments as Level 3 investments as they reflect our own assumptions about assumptions that market participants might use.
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred a $24.3 million loss in fair value on our other investments. Any unrealized losses or gains on our other investments are included as part of our net investment income.
 
The following table summarizes all of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2008, by FAS 157 hierarchy:
 
                                 
    Quoted Prices in
    Significant
    Significant
       
    Active Markets for
    Other Observable
    Unobservable
       
    Identical Assets
    Inputs
    Inputs
    Total Fair
 
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Value  
 
Assets
                               
Fixed maturity investments
  $     $ 516,057     $ 846     $ 516,903  
Equity securities
    4,545                   4,545  
Other investments
                91,604       91,604  
                                 
Total
  $ 4,545     $ 516,057     $ 92,450     $ 613,052  
                                 
As a percentage of total assets
    0.1 %     14.1 %     2.5 %     16.7 %
                                 
 
Net Reduction in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Liabilities:
 
The net reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $3.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The change in the period was attributable to the reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $4.5 million, and a reduction in estimates of loss adjustment expense liabilities of $10.2 million, relating to 2008 run-off activity, partially offset by the amortization, over the estimated payout period, of fair value adjustments relating to companies acquired of $11.2 million.
 
The following table shows the components of the movement in net reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Net Losses (Paid) Received
  $ (36,366 )   $ 725  
Net Change in Case and LAE Reserves
    26,468       (6,770 )
Net Change in IBNR
    13,367       6,358  
                 
Net Reduction in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Liabilities
  $ 3,469     $ 313  
                 


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The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Losses incurred and paid are reflected net of reinsurance recoverables.
 
                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Balance as of July 1
  $ 2,311,590     $ 1,627,276  
Less: Reinsurance Recoverables
    529,075       317,126  
                 
      1,782,515       1,310,150  
Incurred Related to Prior Years
    (3,469 )     (313 )
Paids Related to Prior Years
    (36,366 )     725  
Effect of Exchange Rate Movement
    (102,521 )     7,692  
Acquired on Acquisition of Subsidiaries
    198,502       26,728  
                 
Net Balance as of September 30
    1,838,661       1,344,982  
Plus: Reinsurance Recoverables
    526,527       326,110  
                 
Balance as of September 30
  $ 2,365,188     $ 1,671,092  
                 
 
Salaries and Benefits:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 7,759     $ 7,934     $ 175  
Reinsurance
    (1,746 )     737       2,483  
                         
Total
  $ 6,013     $ 8,671     $ 2,658  
                         
 
Salaries and benefits, which include expenses relating to our discretionary bonus and employee share plans, were $6.0 million and $8.7 million for the three month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease of $2.5 million in the reinsurance segment for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to a reduction of $3.5 million in the accrual related to our discretionary bonus plan partially offset by $1.8 million of salary costs of staff directly employed by reinsurance companies that were newly acquired in 2008. In total, we have 255 staff members as of September 30, 2008 as compared to 216 as of September 30, 2007.
 
We expect that staff costs will continue to increase moderately as we continue to grow and add staff. Bonus accrual expenses related to our discretionary bonus plan will be variable and dependent on our overall profitability.
 
General and Administrative Expenses:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 3,375     $ 6,790     $ 3,415  
Reinsurance
    6,746       4,100       (2,646 )
                         
Total
  $ 10,121     $ 10,890     $ 769  
                         
 
General and administrative expenses attributable to the consulting segment decreased by $3.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the following: 1) decrease in professional fees of $1.0 million relating to professional costs incurred in respect of acquisitions completed in the quarter that had been previously expensed; 2) decrease of


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$1.5 million in respect of reduced value added tax liabilities; and 3) reduction in other miscellaneous general and administrative expenses of $0.9 million.
 
General and administrative expenses attributable to the reinsurance segment increased by $2.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007. The increased costs for the current quarter related to additional general and administrative expenses of $5.5 million incurred in relation to companies that we acquired during 2008, partially offset by reductions in general and administrative expenses of $2.9 million for companies that we acquired prior to 2008 relating primarily to reduced professional fees, value added tax liabilities and other miscellaneous costs.
 
Interest Expense:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    7,919       1,442       (6,477 )
                         
Total
  $ 7,919     $ 1,442     $ (6,477 )
                         
 
Interest expense of $7.9 million and $1.4 million was recorded for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in interest expense was attributable to an increase in bank borrowings used in the funding of the acquisitions subsequent to September 30, 2007, primarily in relation to the Gordian, Guildhall, EPIC and Goshawk acquisitions.
 
Foreign Exchange (Loss)/Gain:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ (912 )   $ 89     $ (1,001 )
Reinsurance
    (24,144 )     4,562       (28,706 )
                         
Total
  $ (25,056 )   $ 4,651     $ (29,707 )
                         
 
We recorded a foreign exchange loss of $(25.1) million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, as compared to a foreign exchange gain of $4.7 million for the same period in 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the foreign exchange loss arose as a result of the following: 1) approximately $6.0 million of losses attributable to Gordian as shown below; 2) approximately $15.2 million of losses as a result of the reinsurance segment having a surplus net British pound position (during the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, the U.S. dollar to British pound exchange rate fell from 1.993 to 1.781); and 3) approximately $3.9 million of losses as a result of holding surplus balances of other foreign currencies at a time when most major currencies have been depreciating against the U.S. dollar.
 
In addition to the foreign exchange losses recorded in our consolidated statement of earnings for the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, we recorded in our condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income currency translation adjustment losses for the three months ended September 30, 2008 of $14.2 million, as compared to losses of $0.2 million for the same period in 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the currency translation adjustment losses arose primarily as a result of the following: 1) translation adjustment losses of $12.9 million relating to Gordian; and 2) translation adjustment losses of $1.3 million relating to our consulting subsidiaries whose functional currency is British pounds.


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Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
 
The table below provides a summary of foreign exchange related losses recorded in earnings and in accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended September 30, 2008:
 
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    AU$     GBP     Other     Total  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Losses recorded through earnings
  $ (5,970 )   $ (15,223 )   $ (3,863 )   $ (25,056 )
Losses recorded through accumulated other comprehensive income
    (12,898 )     (1,275 )           (14,173 )
 
  Australian Dollar Foreign Exchange
 
We incurred foreign exchange losses attributable to Gordian, our Australian based operations, recorded through earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income, as summarized in the below table:
 
         
    Three Months Ended September 30, 2008  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
RECORDED THROUGH EARNINGS
       
Losses arising on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities
  $ (20,387 )
Gains arising on surplus U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments
    16,325  
Gains arising on other foreign currency movements
    (1,908 )
         
Total Gordian foreign exchange loss recorded through earnings
  $ (5,970 )
         
RECORDED THROUGH ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
       
Gains arising on U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale
  $ 19,007  
Losses on currency translation adjustment
    (31,905 )
         
Total Gordian foreign exchange loss recorded through other accumulated other comprehensive income
  $ (12,898 )
         
Combined decrease in shareholders’ equity
  $ (18,868 )
         
 
Combining the impact of foreign exchange losses recorded through earnings and through accumulated other comprehensive income resulted in a decrease in our total shareholders’ equity of $18.9 million, which is attributable to: 1) net foreign exchange movements relating to broadly matched non-Australian dollar assets and liabilities amounting to $1.4 million; 2) Gordian’s surplus Australian dollar assets, which resulted in a $15.6 million unrealized foreign exchange loss; and 3) other foreign currency losses of $1.9 million.
 
a) Treatment of broadly matched non-Australian dollar assets and liabilities:
 
The functional currency of Gordian is the Australian dollar. As a result, Gordian may be exposed to foreign currency exchange risk relating to its non-Australian dollar net assets, primarily being U.S. dollars. We currently do not use foreign currency hedges to manage our foreign currency exchange risk. We manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk by broadly matching our non-Australian dollar denominated assets against our non-Australian dollar denominated liabilities. This matching process is carried out quarterly in arrears and therefore any mismatches occurring in the period may give rise to foreign exchange gains and losses.


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For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we had broadly matched Gordian’s U.S. dollar assets with its U.S. dollar liabilities. As shown in the table below, the net foreign exchange impact on Gordian for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 was a $1.4 million decrease to our total shareholders’ equity:
 
         
    Three Months Ended
 
    September 30, 2008  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Losses arising on U.S. dollar denominated liabilities
  $ (20,387 )
Gains arising on U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale
    19,007  
         
Combined decrease in shareholders’ equity
  $ (1,380 )
         
 
The investments that we hold in our Australian subsidiary have been designated as available-for-sale in accordance with FAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” or FAS 115. In accordance with FAS 115, any unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments (including foreign exchange gains and losses) are included as part of accumulated other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity.
 
As a result, the foreign exchange losses on U.S. denominated liabilities of $20.4 million have been recorded in earnings and the associated foreign exchange gains on U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale of $19.0 million have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity.
 
b) Gordian’s surplus Australian dollar assets
 
Australian regulations require that Gordian retain a level of surplus assets in Australian dollars. At September 30, 2008, the surplus assets of Gordian, net of the Cumberland Facility, amounted to approximately AU$268.0 million of which approximately AU$159.5 million is held in U.S. dollars and the balance is held in Australian dollars.
 
We have concluded that under FAS No. 52, “Foreign Currency Translation,” or FAS 52, the functional currency of Gordian is Australian dollars. As a result, we are required to: 1) record any Australian dollar gains or losses recognized by Gordian relating to its holding of surplus U.S. dollar assets through earnings; and 2) we are required to record any U.S. dollar gains or losses on the translation of the net Australian dollar assets of Gordian through accumulated other comprehensive income. The result of this treatment is as follows:
 
         
    Three Months Ended
 
    September 30, 2008  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Gains arising on surplus U.S. dollar denominated short-term investments
  $ 16,325  
Losses on currency translation adjustment
    (31,905 )
         
Combined decrease in shareholders’ equity
  $ (15,580 )
         
 
The decrease to our total shareholders’ equity of $15.6 million was primarily attributable to the translation of surplus Australian dollar net assets of approximately AU$108.5 million held by Gordian, which the Australian regulators require us to maintain in Australian dollars.
 
  Surplus British Pounds
 
For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we had a foreign exchange loss of approximately $(15.2) million, which was primarily the result of our holding surplus British pounds relating to cash collateral required to support British pound denominated letters of credit required by U.K. regulators at a time when the British pound exchange rate to the U.S. dollar decreased from approximately 1.993 as at June 30, 2008 to approximately 1.781 as at September 30, 2008. Since letters of credit are in excess of the British pound liabilities held by our subsidiaries, the subsidiary companies were unable to match the surplus assets against liabilities during the quarter, resulting in the


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foreign exchange loss. We expect, for at least the remainder of 2008, to continue to hold surplus British pounds relating to cash collateral required to support British pound denominated letters of credit.
 
Quarter Ended September 30, 2007
 
The gain for the three-month period ended September 30, 2007 arose as a result of: 1) the holding of surplus British pounds; and 2) the holding of surplus net Canadian and Australian dollars, as required by local regulatory obligations, in the reinsurance segment at a time when these currencies have been appreciating against the U.S. dollar.
 
Income Tax Expense:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ (1,393 )   $ 776     $ 2,169  
Reinsurance
    11,827       157       (11,670 )
                         
Total
  $ 10,434     $ 933     $ (9,501 )
                         
 
We recorded an income tax expense of $10.4 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in income tax expense of $9.5 million related primarily to increased taxes incurred by Gordian of $11.4 million partially offset by taxes recoverable by our U.S. operations in relation to their write-downs in respect of their other investments. Gordian operates in a tax paying jurisdiction and pays tax on its net earnings. Losses incurred by us in non-tax paying jurisdictions are not available to be used to reduce our taxes otherwise payable.
 
Minority Interest:
 
                         
    Three Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    5,572       (2,599 )     8,171  
                         
Total
  $ 5,572     $ (2,599 )   $ 8,171  
                         
 
We recorded a minority interest in earnings of $(5.6) million and $2.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total for the three months ended September 30, 2008 relates to the minority economic interest held by third parties in the earnings of Gordian, Guildhall, Shelbourne, Goshawk, EPIC and Hillcot. For the same period in 2007, the minority interest was in respect of Hillcot only.
 
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
 
We reported a consolidated net loss of approximately $(13.6) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to consolidated net earnings of approximately $26.8 million for the same period in 2007. Included as part of net (loss) earnings for 2008 and 2007 are extraordinary gains relating to negative goodwill of $35.2 million (net of minority interest of $15.1 million) and $15.7 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we reported net loss before extraordinary gains of approximately $(48.8) million compared to net earnings before extraordinary gains of approximately $11.2 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in income, before extraordinary gain, of approximately $60.0 million was primarily a result of the following:
 
(i) decrease in investment income (net of realized gains) of $22.7 million, primarily due to write-downs of $47.0 million of the fair values of our investments classified as other investments, partially offset by increased investment income earned in the period primarily as a result of increased cash and investments balances relating to acquisitions completed in 2008;


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(ii) an increase in salary and general and administrative expenses of $11.0 million primarily due to costs incurred by companies acquired in 2008;
 
(iii) increased interest expense of $15.1 million attributable to an increase in bank borrowings used in the funding of the acquisitions subsequent to September 30, 2007, primarily in relation to the Gordian, Guildhall, Goshawk and EPIC acquisitions;
 
(iv) a decrease in income tax recovery of $19.5 million relating primarily to: 1) the increased tax liability on the results of our subsidiaries in tax paying jurisdictions; 2) reductions in amounts relating to the expiry of the statute of limitations on certain of our previously recorded uncertain tax liabilities required by FIN 48; partially offset by 3) estimated taxes recoverable by our U.S. subisidiary arising as a result of write-downs in the fair value of their other investments; and
 
(v) an increase in foreign exchange losses of $26.4 million; partially offset by
 
(vi) a reduction in loss and loss adjustment expenses of $28.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to an increase of $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
 
Consulting Fees:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 41,252     $ 34,421     $ 6,831  
Reinsurance
    (24,206 )     (19,696 )     (4,510 )
                         
Total
  $ 17,046     $ 14,725     $ 2,321  
                         
 
We earned consulting fees of approximately $17.0 million and $14.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in consulting fees of $2.3 million relates primarily to fee income earned from new consulting arrangements entered into subsequent to September 30, 2007.
 
Internal management fees of $24.2 million and $19.7 million were paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, by our reinsurance companies to our consulting companies. The increase in fees paid by the reinsurance segment was due primarily to the fees paid by reinsurance companies that were acquired subsequent to September 30, 2007.
 
Net Investment Income and Net Realized (Losses) Gains:
 
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
                Net Realized
       
    Net Investment Income           (Losses) Gains        
    2008     2007     Variance     2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ (10,469 )   $ 2,191     $ (12,660 )   $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    39,127       48,435       (9,308 )     (262 )     470       (732 )
                                                 
Total
  $ 28,658     $ 50,626     $ (21,968 )   $ (262 )   $ 470     $ (732 )
                                                 
 
Net investment income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 decreased by $21.9 million to $28.7 million, as compared to $50.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease was primarily attributable to cumulative write-downs of approximately $47.0 million in the fair value of our private equity investments held by us as other investments, partially offset by increased investment income earned as a result of an increase in average cash and investment balances in connection with the acquisitions completed by us in 2008. The write-downs in our private equity investments were primarily related to mark to market adjustments in the fair value of their underlying assets, which are primarily investments in financial institutions, arising as a result of the current global credit and liquidity crises.


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Net realized (losses) gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were $(0.3) million and $0.5 million, respectively. Based on our current investment strategy, we do not expect net realized gains and losses to be significant in the foreseeable future.
 
The average return on the cash and fixed maturities investments for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 was 4.16%, as compared to the average return of 4.69% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in return for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to lower returns on our cash and cash equivalents as a result of a decrease in the average interest rate period over period. The U.S. Federal Funds Rate decreased from an average of 5.23% to an average of 2.45% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2008, respectively. In respect of our fixed income investments as of September 30, 2008, 72.9% had a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
On January 1, 2008, we adopted FAS 157, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 1 of our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of this new standard.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred a $47.0 million loss in fair value on our other investments. Any unrealized losses or gains on our other investments are included as part of our net investment income.
 
The table summarizing all of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at September 30, 2008, by FAS 157 hierarchy is set forth above in “— Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 — Net Investment Income and Net Realized (Losses)/Gains — Fair Value Measurements — Other Investments.”
 
Net (Reduction) Increase in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Liabilities:
 
The net (reduction) increase in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $(28.3) million and $1.4 million, respectively. The reduction in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to a reduction in the estimates of net ultimate losses of $28.4 million and a reduction in estimates of loss adjustment expense liabilities of $29.4 million, relating to 2008 run-off activity, partially offset by increased amortization, over the estimated payout period, of fair value adjustments relating to companies acquired amounting to $29.6 million.
 
The reduction in estimates of net ultimate losses of $28.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily attributable to the reduction in the three months ended June 30, 2008 of estimates of net ultimate losses of $25.5 million related to one of our subsidiaries and comprised net favorable incurred loss development of $12.1 million and related reductions in incurred but not reported, or IBNR, reserves of $13.4 million. The net favorable incurred loss development of $12.1 million, whereby net advised case and LAE reserves of $21.2 million were settled for net paid losses of $9.1 million, arose from the settlement of non-commuted losses during the period below carried reserves and approximately three commutations of assumed and ceded exposures at less than case and LAE reserves. The net reduction in the estimate of the subsidiary’s IBNR loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities of $13.4 million is a result of an independent actuarial review and the application of our reserving methodologies to the reduced case and LAE reserves. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, another of our reinsurance subsidiaries commuted its largest exposure, which was fully reinsured by a single reinsurer with an AA- rating from Standard & Poor’s. The subsidiary paid net claims of $221.2 million and reduced net IBNR loss reserves by the same amount.


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The following table shows the components of the movement in net reduction in loss and loss adjustment expense liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2007     2007  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Net Losses Paid
  $ (293,857 )   $ (11,931 )
Net Change in Case and LAE Reserves
    65,911       (8,538 )
Net Change in IBNR
    256,213       19,077  
                 
Net Reduction (Increase) in Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Liabilities
  $ 28,267     $ (1,392 )
                 
 
The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. Losses incurred and paid are reflected net of reinsurance recoverables.
 
                 
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Balance as of January 1
  $ 1,591,449     $ 1,214,419  
Less: Reinsurance Recoverables
    427,964       342,160  
                 
      1,163,485       872,259  
Incurred Related to Prior Years
    (28,267 )     1,392  
Paids Related to Prior Years
    (293,857 )     (11,931 )
Effect of Exchange Rate Movement
    (62,002 )     16,584  
Retroactive Reinsurance Contracts Assumed
    394,913        
Acquired on Acquisition of Subsidiaries
    664,389       466,678  
                 
Net Balance as of September 30
    1,838,661       1,344,982  
Plus: Reinsurance Recoverables
    526,527       326,110  
                 
Balance as of September 30
  $ 2,365,188     $ 1,671,092  
                 
 
Salaries and Benefits:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 25,830     $ 25,993     $ 163  
Reinsurance
    5,487       5,840       353  
                         
Total
  $ 31,317     $ 31,833     $ 516  
                         
 
Salaries and benefits for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were comprised of basic salary costs of $29.9 million, compared to $22.9 million for the same period in 2007, and bonus and share award costs of $1.4 million, compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2007. The increase in basic salary costs during 2008 was due to additional headcount relating to companies acquired during 2008.
 
As stated above, we expect that staff costs will continue to increase moderately as we continue to grow and add staff. Bonus accrual expenses related to our discretionary bonus plan will be variable and dependent on our overall profitability.


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General and Administrative Expenses:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 12,000     $ 15,375     $ 3,375  
Reinsurance
    24,004       9,103       (14,901 )
                         
Total
  $ 36,004     $ 24,478     $ (11,526 )
                         
 
General and administrative expenses attributable to the consulting segment decreased by $3.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease was due primarily to the decrease in professional fees of $1.5 million relating primarily to reversal of professional costs incurred in respect of acquisitions completed in the period that had been previously expensed along with decrease of $1.5 million in respect of reduced value added tax liabilities.
 
General and administrative expenses attributable to the reinsurance segment increased by $14.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increased costs for the period related primarily to additional general and administrative expenses incurred in relation to companies that we acquired in 2008.
 
Interest Expense:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    18,878       3,767       (15,111 )
                         
Total
  $ 18,878     $ 3,767     $ (15,111 )
                         
 
Interest expense of $18.9 million and $3.8 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in interest expense was attributable to an increase in bank borrowings used in the funding of the acquisitions subsequent to September 30, 2007, primarily in relation to the Gordian, Guildhall, Goshawk and EPIC acquisitions.
 
Foreign Exchange (Loss)/Gain:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ (538 )   $ 16     $ (554 )
Reinsurance
    (18,249 )     7,650       (25,899 )
                         
Total
  $ (18,787 )   $ 7,666     $ (26,453 )
                         
 
We recorded a foreign exchange (loss)/gain of $(18.8) million and $7.7 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the primary reasons for the reduction in foreign exchange gains are predominantly the same as for the reduction for the three months ended September 30, 2008, as described above in “— Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 — Foreign Exchange (Loss)/Gain.”
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the foreign exchange gain arose primarily as a result of the holding of surplus British pounds and the holding of surplus net Canadian and Australian dollars, as required by local regulatory requirements, and Euros in the reinsurance segment at a time when these currencies have been appreciating against the U.S. dollar.


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Income Tax (Expense)/Recovery:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $ 3,186     $ (1,509 )   $ 4,695  
Reinsurance
    (16,575 )     7,669       (24,244 )
                         
Total
  $ (13,389 )   $ 6,160     $ (19,549 )
                         
 
We recorded income tax (expense)/recovery of $(13.4) million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Income tax recovery (expense) of $3.2 million and $(1.5) million were recorded in the consulting segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The variance between the two periods arose primarily because, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded tax recoveries on write-downs, by our U.S. operations, of the fair value of their other investments.
 
Income tax (expense)/recovery of $(16.6) million and $7.7 million were recorded in the reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During the period ended September 30, 2008, we incurred net income tax expense related to those subsidiaries operating in taxable jurisdictions of $19.9 million which was partially offset by the reduction in benefits relating to the expiration of various applicable statute of limitations on certain previously recorded uncertain tax liabilities. The benefit recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $3.3 million and $8.5 million, respectively.
 
Minority Interest:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    (4,105 )     (7,014 )     2,909  
                         
Total
  $ (4,105 )   $ (7,014 )   $ 2,909  
                         
 
We recorded a minority interest in earnings of $4.1 million and $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 relates to the minority economic interest held by third parties in the earnings of Gordian, Guildhall, Shelbourne, Goshawk, EPIC and Hillcot. For the same period in 2007, the minority interest was in respect of Hillcot only.
 
Negative Goodwill:
 
                         
    Nine Months Ended September 30,  
    2008     2007     Variance  
    (in thousands of U.S. dollars)  
 
Consulting
  $     $     $  
Reinsurance
    35,196       15,683       19,513  
                         
Total
  $ 35,196     $ 15,683     $ 19,513  
                         
 
Negative goodwill of $35.2 million and $15.7 million was recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 the negative goodwill of $35.2 million was recognized in connection with our acquisition of Gordian and represents the excess of the cumulative fair value of net assets acquired of $455.7 million over the cost of $405.4 million. This excess has, in accordance with SFAS 141 “Business Combinations,” been recognized as an extraordinary gain in 2008. The negative goodwill arose primarily as a result of the income earned by Gordian between the date of the balance sheet on which the agreed purchase price was based, September 30, 2007, and the date the acquisition closed, March 5, 2008.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 the negative goodwill of $15.7 million was earned in connection with our acquisition of Inter-Ocean Holdings, Ltd. and represents the excess of the cumulative fair value


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of net assets acquired of $73.2 million over the cost of $57.5 million. The negative goodwill arose primarily as a result of the strategic desire of the vendors to achieve an exit from such operations and therefore to dispose of the companies at a discount to fair value.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
As we are a holding company and have no substantial operations of our own, our assets consist primarily of our investments in subsidiaries. The potential sources of our cash flows consist of capital raising by us, as well as dividends, advances and loans from our subsidiary companies.
 
Our future cash flows depend upon the availability of dividends or other statutorily permissible payments from our subsidiaries. The ability to pay dividends and make other distributions is limited by the applicable laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries operate, including Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Europe, which subject our subsidiaries to significant regulatory restrictions. These laws and regulations require, among other things, certain of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries to maintain minimum solvency requirements and limit the amount of dividends and other payments that these subsidiaries can pay to us, which in turn may limit our ability to pay dividends and make other payments.
 
Our capital management strategy is to preserve sufficient capital to enable us to make future acquisitions while maintaining a conservative investment strategy. We believe that restrictions on liquidity resulting from restrictions on the payments of dividends by our subsidiary companies will not have a material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.
 
Our sources of funds primarily consist of the cash and investment portfolios acquired on the completion of the acquisition of an insurance or reinsurance company in run-off. These acquired cash and investment balances are classified as cash provided by investing activities. We expect to use these funds acquired, together with collections from reinsurance debtors, consulting income, investment income and proceeds from sales and redemption of investments, to pay losses and loss expenses, salaries and benefits and general and administrative expenses, with the remainder used for acquisitions, additional investments and, in the past, for dividend payments to shareholders. We expect that our reinsurance segment will have a net use of cash from operations as total net claim settlements and operating expenses will generally be in excess of investment income earned. We expect that our consulting segment operating cash flows will generally be breakeven. We expect our operating cash flows, together with our existing capital base and cash and investments acquired on the acquisition of our insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries, to be sufficient to meet cash requirements and to operate our business. We currently do not intend to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares.
 
Operating
 
Net cash provided by our operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $276.4 million compared to $136.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This increase in cash flows is attributable to net assets assumed on retroactive reinsurance contracts, relating to the Shelbourne business, and the net sales of trading security investments held by us, partially offset by higher general and administrative and interest expenses, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007.
 
Investing
 
Investing cash flows consist primarily of cash acquired, net of costs of acquisitions, along with net proceeds on the sale and purchase of investments. Net cash provided by investing activities was $133.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $290.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in the cash flows was primarily due to net purchases of available for sale securities, an increase in our restricted cash, the funding of other investments and the purchase of our equity interest in Stonewall Acquisition Corporation during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007.


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Financing
 
Net cash provided by financing activities was $472.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $22.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Cash provided by financing activities in 2008 was primarily attributable to the combination of the receipt of bank loans, net of repayments, and capital contributions by minority interest shareholders relating to the purchase of Guildhall, Gordian, EPIC and Goshawk, along with the financing of Shelbourne.
 
Long-Term Debt
 
On February 18, 2008, we fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the loans used to partially finance the acquisitions of Cavell, Marlon Insurance Company Limited and Marlon Management Services Limited totaling $40.5 million.
 
In February 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cumberland Holdings Limited, or Cumberland, entered into a term facility agreement jointly with a London-based bank and a German bank, or the Cumberland Facility. On March 4, 2008, we drew down AU$215.0 million (approximately $197.5 million) from the Facility A commitment, or Cumberland Facility A, and AU$86.0 million (approximately $79.0 million) from the Facility B commitment, or Cumberland Facility B, to partially fund the Gordian acquisition.
 
The interest rate on Cumberland Facility A is LIBOR plus 2.00%. Cumberland Facility A is repayable in five years and is secured by a first charge over Cumberland’s shares in Gordian. Cumberland Facility A contains various financial and business covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of restricted subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of restricted subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to Cumberland Facility A were met.
 
The interest rate on Cumberland Facility B is LIBOR plus 2.75%. Cumberland Facility B is repayable in six years and is secured by a first charge over Cumberland’s shares in Gordian. Cumberland Facility B contains various financial and business covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of restricted subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of restricted subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to Cumberland Facility B were met.
 
In October 2008, we repaid AU$86.2 million of Cumberland Facility A. On October 3, 2008, we received permission from the Australian regulators to release AU$25.8 million, which will also be used to pay down Cumberland Facility A.
 
In February 2008, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Rombalds Limited, or Rombalds, entered into a term facility agreement, or the Rombalds Facility, with a London-based bank. On February 28, 2008, we drew down approximately $32.0 million from the Rombalds Facility to partially fund the acquisition of Guildhall. The interest rate on the Rombalds Facility is LIBOR plus 2.00%. The facility is repayable in five years and is secured by a first charge over Rombalds’ shares in Guildhall. The Rombalds Facility contains various financial and business covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of restricted subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of restricted subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to the Rombalds Facility were met.
 
On September 22, 2008, we fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the Rombalds Facility totaling $32.0 million.
 
On May 8, 2008, we fully repaid outstanding principal and accrued interest on the loan used to partially finance the acquisition of Brampton Insurance Company Limited totaling $19.9 million.
 
On June 20, 2008, in connection with the proposed acquisition by EAL of Goshawk through the Offer, EAL entered into a Term Facilities Agreement, or the Facilities Agreement, with a London-based bank. The Facilities Agreement provided for a term loan facility of up to $60.0 million to partially finance the acquisition of Goshawk and refinance certain debt obligations of one of Goshawk’s subsidiaries, or the Existing Debt.
 
On August 12, 2008, we and EAL entered into an amendment and restatement agreement under which the Facilities Agreement was amended, or the First Amendment and Restatement Agreement. Under the First


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Amendment and Restatement Agreement, EAL was entitled to draw $47.5 million to fund the acquisition of Goshawk, or Goshawk Facility A, and we were entitled to draw $12.5 million to refinance the Existing Debt, or Goshawk Facility B. On August 14, 2008, we drew down $12.5 million from Goshawk Facility B to partially fund the refinancing of Existing Debt of $16.3 million; and on October 3, 2008, EAL drew down $36.1 million from Goshawk Facility A.
 
The interest rate on the facilities is LIBOR plus 2.25%. The facilities are repayable within three years and Goshawk Facility A is secured by a first charge over EAL’s shares in Goshawk and certain of its material subsidiaries. The First Amendment and Restatement Agreement contains various financial and business covenants, including limitations on liens on the stock of certain subsidiaries, restrictions as to the disposition of the stock of those subsidiaries and limitations on mergers and consolidations. As of September 30, 2008, all of the financial covenants relating to Goshawk Facility A and Goshawk Facility B were met.
 
On October 3, 2008, in connection with the Unionamerica acquisition, Royston entered into a term facilities agreement with a London-based bank for a $184.6 million loan to be made at the closing of the acquisition, or the Royston Facility. The Royston Facility provides for a term loan facility pursuant to which Royston is permitted to borrow up to $184.6 million to partially finance the acquisition. Of that amount, Royston is permitted to borrow $152.6 million under Facility A and $32.0 million under Facility B. The Royston Facility expires if the proposed acquisition is not completed by February 3, 2009. We have provided a guarantee of all of the obligations of Royston under the facilities agreement, however, if the bank’s participation in the facilities is reduced to or below 50% of overall commitments, then we will be released from all obligations as guarantor.]
 
The loans are secured by a lien covering all of the assets of Royston. The interest rate on the Facility A portion is LIBOR plus 3.50% and the interest rate on the Facility B portion is LIBOR plus 4.00%. The current blended rate on the full amount to be borrowed is LIBOR plus 3.59%. The Facility A portion is repayable within three years from the date of the facilities agreement. The Facility B portion is repayable within four years from the date of the facilities agreement. Completion of the proposed bank financing is conditioned upon certain customary closing conditions and that no market disruption event has occurred rendering a lender under the facilities unable to fund its obligations.
 
On October 6, 2008, we fully repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest on the loan used to partially finance the acquisition of EPIC totaling $33.1 million.
 
Aggregate Contractual Obligations
 
The following table shows our aggregate contractual obligations by time period remaining to due date as at September 30, 2008.
 
                                         
                            More
 
          Less Than
                Than
 
Payments due by period:
  Total     1 Year     1-3 Years     3-5 Years     5 Years  
          (In millions of U.S. dollars)        
 
Contractual Obligations
                                       
Investment commitments
  $ 112.2     $ 18.6     $ 71.8     $ 16.8     $ 5.0  
Operating lease obligations
    8.2       2.3       3.6       1.6       0.7  
Loan repayments
    290.0       101.1       12.5       102.1       74.3  
Gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    2,365.2       321.4       723.2       448.5       872.1  
                                         
    $ 2,775.7     $ 443.4     $ 811.1     $ 569.0     $ 952.2  
                                         
 
The amounts included in gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses reflect the estimated timing of expected loss payments on known claims and anticipated future claims. Both the amount and timing of cash flows are uncertain and do not have contractual payout terms. For a discussion of these uncertainties, see our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.


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We have an accrued liability of approximately $8.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2008. We are not able to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period in which any cash settlements that may arise with any of the respective tax authorities would be made. Therefore the liability for unrecognized tax benefits is not included in the table above.
 
Commitments and Contingencies
 
As at September 30, 2008, we guaranteed the obligations of two of our subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit issued on their behalf by London-based banks in the amount of £19.5 million (approximately $38.7 million) in respect of capital commitments to Lloyd’s Syndicate 2008 and insurance contract requirements of one of the subsidiaries. The guarantees will be triggered should losses incurred by the subsidiaries exceed available cash on hand resulting in the letters of credit being drawn. As at September 30, 2008, we have not recorded any liabilities associated with the guarantees.
 
On September 10, 2008, we made a commitment to invest an aggregate of $100.0 million in J.C. Flowers Fund III L.P., or Fund III. Our commitment may be drawn down by Fund III over approximately the next six years. As of September 30, 2008, none of the commitment had been drawn down. Fund III is a private investment fund advised by J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. J. Christopher Flowers, a member of our board of directors and one of our largest shareholders, is the founder and Managing Member of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. John J. Oros, our Executive Chairman and a member of our board of directors, is a Managing Director of J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. Mr. Oros splits his time between J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC and us.
 
Critical Accounting Estimates
 
Our critical accounting estimates are discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Off-Balance Sheet and Special Purpose Entity Arrangements
 
At September 30, 2008, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.


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Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 
This quarterly report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, business strategies, operating efficiencies, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of our management, as well as the markets for our ordinary shares and the insurance and reinsurance sectors in general. Statements that include words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates or expectations, and not statements of historical fact, reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in and incorporated by reference in this quarterly report.
 
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include:
 
  •  risks associated with implementing our business strategies and initiatives;
 
  •  the adequacy of our loss reserves and the need to adjust such reserves as claims develop over time;
 
  •  risks relating to the availability and collectibility of our reinsurance;
 
  •  tax, regulatory or legal restrictions or limitations applicable to us or the insurance and reinsurance business generally;
 
  •  increased competitive pressures, including the consolidation and increased globalization of reinsurance providers;
 
  •  emerging claim and coverage issues;
 
  •  lengthy and unpredictable litigation affecting assessment of losses and/or coverage issues;
 
  •  loss of key personnel;
 
  •  changes in our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations or intentions, which may happen at any time at management’s discretion;
 
  •  operational risks, including system or human failures;
 
  •  risks that we may require additional capital in the future which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms;
 
  •  the risk that ongoing or future industry regulatory developments will disrupt our business, or mandate changes in industry practices in ways that increase our costs, decrease our revenues or require us to alter aspects of the way we do business;
 
  •  changes in Bermuda law or regulation or the political stability of Bermuda;
 
  •  changes in regulations or tax laws applicable to us or our subsidiaries, or the risk that we or one of our non-U.S. subsidiaries become subject to significant, or significantly increased, income taxes in the United States or elsewhere;
 
  •  losses due to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations;
 
  •  changes in accounting policies or practices; and
 
  •  changes in economic conditions, including interest rates, inflation, currency exchange rates, equity markets and credit conditions which could affect our investment portfolio.
 
The factors listed above should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and Risk Factors that are included in our Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed with the


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SEC on June 5, 2008, as amended June 26, 2008, as well as in the other materials filed and to be filed with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
 
Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our balance sheets include a substantial amount of assets and, to a lesser extent, liabilities whose fair values are subject to market risks. Market risk represents the potential for an economic loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of a financial instrument. Our most significant market risks are primarily associated with changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The following provides an analysis of the potential effects that these market risk exposures could have on the future earnings.
 
We have calculated the effect that an immediate parallel shift in the U.S. interest rate yield curve would have on our cash and investments at September 30, 2008. The modeling of this effect was performed on our investments classified as either trading or available-for-sale as a shift in the yield curve would not have an impact on our fixed income investments classified as held to maturity as they are carried at purchase cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts. The results of this analysis are summarized in the table below.
 
Interest Rate Movement Analysis on Market Value
of Investments Classified as Trading and Available-for-Sale
 
                                         
    Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points  
    − 50     − 25     0     +25     +50  
                (in thousands of U.S. dollars)              
 
Total Market Value
  $ 524,852     $ 520,849     $ 516,903     $ 512,968     $ 509,027  
Market Value Change from Base
    1.54 %     0.76 %     0.0 %     (0.76 )%     (1.52 )%
Change in Unrealized Value
  $ 7,949     $ 3,946     $ 0     $ (3,935 )   $ (7,876 )
 
As a holder of fixed income securities and mutual funds, we also have exposure to credit risk. In an effort to minimize this risk, our investment guidelines have been defined to ensure that the fixed income held to maturity portfolio is invested in high-quality securities. At September 30, 2008, approximately 72.9% of our investment portfolio was rated AAA or better by Standard & Poor’s.
 
At September 30, 2008, reinsurance receivables of $247.7 million were associated with a single reinsurer which represented 41.2% of reinsurance balances receivable. This reinsurer is rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s. In the event that all or any of the reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations under existing reinsurance agreements, we will be liable for such defaulted amounts.
 
Effects of Inflation
 
We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our consolidated results of operations. Loss reserves are established to recognize likely loss settlements at the date payment is made. Those reserves inherently recognize the anticipated effects of inflation. The actual effects of inflation on our results cannot be accurately known, however, until claims are ultimately resolved.
 
Foreign Currency Risk
 
Through our subsidiaries located in various foreign countries, we conduct our insurance and reinsurance operations in a variety of non-U.S. currencies. As the functional currency for the majority of our subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates related to these subsidiaries will have a direct impact on the valuation of our assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies. All changes in foreign exchange rates, with the exception of non-U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale, are recognized currently in foreign exchange gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of earnings.


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Certain of our subsidiaries have non-U.S. dollar functional currencies — one being in Australian dollars and the other in British pounds. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates related to these subsidiaries will have a direct impact on the valuation of their assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies. All changes in foreign exchange rates, with the exception of our U.S. dollar denominated investments classified as available-for-sale held by our Australian subsidiary, are recognized currently in foreign exchange gains (losses) in our consolidated statements of earnings.
 
We currently do not use foreign currency hedges to manage our foreign currency exchange risk. Our foreign currency policy is to broadly manage, where possible, our foreign currency risk by seeking to match our liabilities under insurance and reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with assets that are denominated in such currencies. This matching process is carried out quarterly in arrears and therefore any mismatches occurring in the period may give rise to foreign exchange gains and losses, which could adversely affect our operating results. We are, however, required to maintain assets in non-U.S. dollars to meet certain local country branch and regulatory requirements, which restricts our ability to manage these exposures through the matching of our assets and liabilities. We currently have not matched our surplus British pounds relating to cash collateral required to support British pound denominated letters of credit required by U.K. regulators.
 
Regarding our investments, we are exposed to currency fluctuations through our investments in respect of: 1) non-U.S. dollar fixed maturities held by our subsidiaries whose functional currency is U.S. dollars; 2) non-Australian dollar fixed maturities held by our subsidiary whose functional currency is Australian dollars; and 3) non-British pound fixed maturities held by our subsidiaries whose functional currency is British pounds. The unrealized foreign exchange gains (losses) arising from non-Australian and non-British pound fixed maturities classified as available-for-sale are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in our shareholders’ equity.
 
The table below summarizes our gross and net exposure as of September 30, 2008 to foreign currencies:
 
                                                 
    GBP     Euro     AUD     CDN     Other     Total  
    (in millions of U.S. dollars)  
 
Total Assets
  $ 642.0     $ 174.4     $ 593.7     $ 66.0     $ 22.2     $ 1,498.3  
Total Liabilities
    441.4       187.9       519.5       45.7       19.9       1,214.4  
                                                 
Net Foreign Currency Exposure
  $ 200.6     $ (13.5 )   $ 74.2     $ 20.3     $ 2.5     $ 283.9  
                                                 
 
Excluding any tax effects, as of September 30, 2008, a 10% change in the U.S. dollar relative to the other currencies held by us would have resulted in a $28.4 million change in shareholders’ equity.
 
The table below summarizes our gross and net exposure as of September 30, 2008 to currencies of our subsidiaries whose functional currency is Australian dollars:
 
                                                 
    GBP     Euro     USD     CDN     Other     Total  
    (in millions of U.S. dollars)  
 
Total Assets
  $ 19.3     $ 8.4     $ 280.7     $ 0.3     $ 2.0     $ 310.7  
Total Liabilities
    15.7       8.9       154.3       3.8       0.3       183.0  
                                                 
Net Foreign Currency Exposure
  $ 3.6     $ (0.5 )   $ 126.4     $ (3.5 )   $ 1.7     $ 127.7  
                                                 
 
Excluding any tax effects, as of September 30, 2008, a 10% change in the Australian dollar relative to the other currencies held by us would have resulted in a $12.8 million change in shareholders’ equity.
 
The table below summarizes our gross and net exposure as of September 30, 2008 to foreign currencies for all subsidiaries whose functional currency is British pounds:
 
                                                 
    USD     Euro     AUD     CDN     Other     Total  
    (in millions of U.S. dollars)  
 
Total Assets
  $ 18.0     $ 0.1     $     $     $     $ 18.1  
Total Liabilities
    65.7       8.5                         74.2  
                                                 
Net Foreign Currency Exposure
  $ (47.7 )   $ (8.4 )   $     $     $     $ (56.1 )
                                                 


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Excluding any tax effects, as of September 30, 2008, a 10% change in the British pound relative to the other currencies held by us would have resulted in a $(5.6) million change in shareholders’ equity.
 
Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management performed an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2008. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information that we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and is accumulated and communicated to management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Controls
 
Our management has performed an evaluation, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008. Based upon that evaluation there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are, from time to time, involved in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including litigation regarding claims. We do not believe that the resolution of any currently pending legal proceedings, either individually or taken as a whole, will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that lawsuits, arbitrations or other litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We anticipate that, similar to the rest of the insurance and reinsurance industry, we will continue to be subject to litigation and arbitration proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including litigation generally related to the scope of coverage with respect to asbestos and environmental claims. There can be no assurance that any such future litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
 
In April 2008, we, Enstar US, Inc., or Enstar US, Dukes Place Limited and certain affiliates of Dukes Place, or, collectively, Dukes Place, were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by National Indemnity Company, or NICO, an indirect subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The complaint alleges, among other things, that Dukes Place, we and Enstar US: (i) interfered with the rights of NICO as reinsurer under reinsurance agreements entered into between NICO and each of Stonewall and Seaton, two Rhode Island domiciled insurers that are indirect subsidiaries of Dukes Place, and (ii) breached certain duties owed to NICO under management agreements between Enstar US and each of Stonewall and Seaton. The suit was filed shortly after Virginia Holdings Ltd., our indirect subsidiary, or Virginia, completed a hearing before the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation as part of Virginia’s application to buy a 44.4% interest in the insurers from Dukes Place. As noted above, Virginia completed that acquisition on June 13, 2008. The suit does not seek a stated amount of damages. Our management and our US legal counsel believe the claims in the suit are without merit and will not have a material impact on us or our subsidiaries. On July 23, 2008, we and Enstar US filed a motion to dismiss Count I (relating to breach of fiduciary duty), Count III (relating to breach of contract) and Count V (relating to inducing breach of contract), in each case for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Subsequently, the parties entered into a Stipulation and Order filed with the Court on October 7, 2008 by which (i) NICO agreed to dismiss Count V of its Complaint with prejudice, (ii) the defendants agreed to withdraw their motion to dismiss Counts I and III without prejudice, reserving all of their rights and defenses to challenge these claims on the merits, and (iii) NICO agreed to extend the defendants’ time to file an answer and counterclaim. On November 5, 2008, we, Enstar US and Dukes Place filed an answer to NICO’s complaint and Dukes Place asserted certain counterclaims against NICO. Our management intends to vigorously defend both us and Enstar US against the claims.
 
Item 1A.   RISK FACTORS
 
Our results of operations and financial condition are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC on February 29, 2008 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, filed with the SEC on August 11, 2008. We believe that the risk factors identified in those reports have not changed in any material respect, except as set forth below.
 
Difficult conditions in the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations, and these conditions may not improve in the near future.
 
Current market conditions and the instability in the global credit markets present additional risks and uncertainties for our business. In particular, continued deterioration in the public debt and equity markets could lead to additional investment losses. The severe downturn in the public debt and equity markets, reflecting uncertainties associated with the mortgage crisis, worsening economic conditions, widening of credit spreads, bankruptcies and government intervention in large financial institutions, has resulted in significant unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. Depending on market conditions going forward, we could incur substantial realized and additional unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition. The current market volatility may also make it more difficult to value certain of our securities if trading becomes less frequent. As such, valuations may include assumptions or estimates that may have significant period to period changes that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Disruptions, uncertainty and volatility in the global credit markets may also impact our ability to obtain financing for future acquisitions. If financing is available, it may only be available at an unattractive cost of capital, which would decrease our profitability. There can be no assurance that current market conditions will improve in the near future.


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Item 6.   EXHIBITS
 
         
 
  15 .1*   Deloitte & Touche Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
  31 .1*   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2*   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1**   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .2**   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
* Filed herewith
 
** Furnished herewith


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SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on November 10, 2008.
 
ENSTAR GROUP LIMITED
 
  By: 
/s/  Richard J. Harris
Richard J. Harris
Chief Financial Officer, Authorized Signatory and
Principal Accounting and Financial Officer


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  15 .1*   Deloitte & Touche Letter Regarding Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
  31 .1*   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31 .2*   Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .1**   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32 .2**   Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
* Filed herewith
 
** Furnished herewith


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