Cornell Capital and Hudson Structured Acquired Vault from Allied World

Transaction Overview

On 11/12/2020, Cornell Capital LLC (“Cornell Capital”) and Hudson Structured Capital Management Ltd. (“HSCM”) announced their agreement to acquire a majority stake in Vault Holdings, LLC (“Vault”) from Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. (“Allied World”)

  • Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed
  • Upon closing, Vault expects to maintain its “A-” (strong) rating from A.M. Best
  • Allied World will retain a minority interest in Vault
  • Also will support transition under an administrative services agreement, including reinsurance support
  • Co-Founder and former CEO of Allied World, Scott Carmilani, will continue in his role as Chairman of Vault
  • Vault leadership team, led by Co-Founder and CEO, Charles Williamson, will continue to operate the business

Cornell Capital and HSCM will also make a primary investment in Vault to support growth

Launched in 2017, Vault is a high-net-worth insurer operating under a unique hybrid business model

  • Acting as a reciprocal exchange, a managing general agent, and an E&S insurance provider
  • Vault offers customizable services and policies to insure high-value homes and cars and collections
  • Distributes its products solely through a national network of appointed agents and brokers

Cornell Capital is a U.S.-based private investment firm with over $4.0bn of assets under management

  • The firm takes a value-oriented approach to investing across the consumer, financial and industrial sectors
  • Founder and Senior Partner, Henry Cornell, leads a highly-seasoned senior leadership team

HSCM is an asset manager focused on alternative investments

  • Launched in 2016 with a focus on the (re)insurance and transportation sectors
  • As of 11/1/2020, HSCM has more than $2.75bn in assets under management and committed capital

Transaction expected to close in Q1 2021 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval

TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory Role

TCMA acted as Financial Advisor to Cornell, HSCM and Vault; key services include:

  • Developing a robust and comprehensive financial model inclusive of rating agency factors
  • Preparation of materials required for the A.M. Best rating process
  • Providing objective advice and acting as a confidant to the buyers throughout the process

TCMA’s advice included insights from Tiger’s reinsurance, analytics, and rating agency specialists