SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

~~Washington,~~WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

~~Form~~FORM 10-K

(Mark One)


~~(Mark One)~~

þ		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

		~~For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007~~
OR
o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
		~~For the transition period from to .~~

For the transition period fromto.

Commission file number 1-15202

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		~~22-1867895~~
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		22-1867895 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

475 Steamboat Road, Greenwich, CT (Address of principal executive offices)		06830 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(203) 629-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


~~Title of Each Class~~		Name of ~~Each Exchange on Which Registered~~ each exchange
Title of each class		on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.20 per share		New York Stock Exchange
Rights to purchase Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock		New York Stock Exchange
6.75% Trust Originated Preferred Securities		New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yesþ Noo

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yeso Noþ

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. Yesþ Noo

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 ofRegulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Annual Report onForm 10-K or any amendment to this Annual Report onForm 10-K.þo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer ~~or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large~~and large accelerated ~~filer,” “accelerated~~ filer” ~~and “smaller reporting company”~~ inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


Large accelerated filerþ		Accelerated filero		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller ~~reporting company~~ Reporting Companyo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Act). Yeso Noþ

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates (computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was last sold) as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was ~~$5,476,577,114.~~

$3,358,389,000.

Number of shares of common stock, $.20 par value, outstanding as of February 20, ~~2008: 176,918,107.~~2009: 161,576,343.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, ~~2007~~2008 are incorporated herein by reference in Part II, and portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ONFORM 10-K

December 31, ~~2007~~2008


		Page
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT			3

PART I
				~~Page~~

				~~SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT~~

~~PART I~~
	ITEM 1. BUSINESS			~~BUSINESS~~		45
	~~ITEM 1A.~~
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS			22

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS			~~UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS~~		2830

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES			~~PROPERTIES~~		2830

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS			~~LEGAL PROCEEDINGS~~		2830
	~~ITEM 4.~~
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS			2830

~~PART II~~
	~~ITEM 5.~~PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES			2931

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA			~~SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA~~		3032
	~~ITEM 7.~~
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS			3032
	~~ITEM 7A~~
ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK			3032

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA			~~FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA~~		3132
	~~ITEM 9.~~
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE			3133

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES			~~CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES~~		3133

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION			~~OTHER INFORMATION~~		3133

~~PART III~~
	~~ITEM 10.~~PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE			3133

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION			~~EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION~~		3133
	~~ITEM 12.~~
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS			3133
	~~ITEM 13.~~
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE			3234

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES			~~PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES~~		3234

~~PART IV~~
	~~ITEM 15.~~PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES			3234
EX-13: PORTIONS OF THE ~~2007~~2008 ANNUAL REPORT
EX-18: LETTER RE: CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
EX-23: CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
EX-32.1: ~~CERTIFICATION~~CERTIFICAITON

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES
LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This is a “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This document may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continued,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained herein including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year ~~2008~~2009 and beyond, are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. They are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:


•		the cyclical nature of the property casualty industry;

•		the long-tail and potentially volatile nature of the insurance and reinsurance business;

•		product demand and pricing;

•		claims development and the process of estimating reserves;

•		the potential impact of the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn on our results and financial condition, particularly if such conditions continue;

•		the potential impact of current legislative, regulatory, accounting and other initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn;

•		investment risks, including those of our portfolio of fixed maturity securities and investments in equity securities, including investments in financial institutions, merger arbitrage and private equity investments;

•		the uncertain nature of damage theories and loss amounts;

•		natural and man-made catastrophic losses, including as a result of terrorist activities;

•		the impact of significant and increasing competition;

•		the success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities;

•		the availability of reinsurance;

•		exposure as to coverage for terrorist ~~acts and~~ acts;

•		our retention under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Programs Reauthorization Act of ~~2007 (“TRIPRA”)~~2007;

•		the ability of our reinsurers to pay reinsurance recoverables owed to us;

•	~~investment risks, including those~~	the impact of current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn on our ~~portfolio of fixed income securities and investments in~~ability to raise debt or equity ~~securities, including merger arbitrage investments;~~capital if needed;

•	~~exchange rate~~	foreign currency and political risks relating to our international operations;

•		other legislative and regulatory developments, including those related to alleged anti-competitive or other improper business practices in the insurance industry;

•		changes in the ratings assigned to us or our insurance company subsidiaries by rating agencies;

•		the availability of dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries;

•		our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; and

•	~~other risks detailed from time to time in thisForm 10-K~~ ~~and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).~~

other risks detailed from time to time in this Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

We describe these risks and uncertainties in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors. These risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results for the year ~~2008~~2009 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement we make. Any projections of growth in our net premiums written and management fees would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of underwriting and operating profits. Our future financial performance is dependent upon factors discussed elsewhere in thisForm 10-K and our other SEC filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS


~~ITEM 1.~~	*~~BUSINESS~~*

W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Delaware corporation, is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates in five segments of the property casualty insurance business:


	•		Specialty lines of insurance, including excess and surplus lines, premises operations, professional liability and commercial automobile

	•		Regional commercial property casualty insurance

	•		Alternative markets, including workers’ compensation and the management of self-insurance programs

	•		Reinsurance, including treaty, facultative and Lloyd’s business

	•		International

Our holding company structure provides us with the flexibility to respond to local or specific market conditions and to pursue specialty business niches. It also allows us to be closer to our customers in order to better understand their individual needs and risk characteristics. Our structure allows us to capitalize on the benefits of economies of scale through centralized capital, investment and reinsurance management, and actuarial, financial and corporate legal staff support.

Unless otherwise indicated, all references in thisForm 10-K to “W. R. Berkley,” “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” or similar terms refer to W. R. Berkley Corporation together with its subsidiaries.

Our specialty insurance and reinsurance operations are conducted nationwide. Regional insurance operations are conducted primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, Southern (excluding Florida and Louisiana) and Mid Atlantic regions of the United States. Alternative markets operations are conducted throughout the United States. Our international operations are conducted in ~~Australia, Hong Kong, South America,~~ the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and ~~Continental Europe.~~Hong Kong.

Net premiums written, as reported based on United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), for each of the past five years were as follows:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
				(Amounts in thousands)
Net premiums written:
Specialty	$	1,453,778		$	1,704,880		$	1,814,479		$	1,827,865		$	1,497,567
Regional		1,211,096			1,267,451			1,235,302			1,196,487			1,128,800
Alternative markets		622,185			656,369			651,255			669,774			640,491
Reinsurance		435,108			682,241			892,769			719,540			823,772
International		311,732			265,048			225,188			190,908			175,731

Total	$	4,033,899		$	4,575,989		$	4,818,993		$	4,604,574		$	4,266,361


Percentage of net premiums written:
Specialty		36.1	%		37.3	%		37.7	%		39.8	%		35.1	%
Regional		30.0			27.7			25.6			26.0			26.5
Alternative markets		15.4			14.3			13.5			14.5			15.0
Reinsurance		10.8			14.9			18.5			15.6			19.3
International		7.7			5.8			4.7			4.1			4.1

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
(Amounts in thousands)

Net premiums written:
Specialty $ 1,704,880 $ 1,814,479 $ 1,827,865 $ 1,497,567 $ 1,258,273
Regional 1,267,451 1,235,302 1,196,487 1,128,800 963,988
Alternative markets 656,369 651,255 669,774 640,491 505,830
Reinsurance 682,241 892,769 719,540 823,772 832,634
International 265,048 225,188 190,908 175,731 109,790

Total $ 4,575,989 $ 4,818,993 $ 4,604,574 $ 4,266,361 $ 3,670,515

Percentage of net premiums written:
Specialty 37.3 % 37.7 % 39.8 % 35.1 % 34.2 %
Regional 27.7 25.6 26.0 26.5 26.3
Alternative markets 14.3 13.5 14.5 15.0 13.8
Reinsurance 14.9 18.5 15.6 19.3 22.7
International 5.8 4.7 4.1 4.1 3.0

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

The following sections describe our insurance segments and their operating units. These operating units underwrite on behalf of one or more affiliated insurance companies within the group pursuant to underwriting management agreements. Certain operating units are identified by us for descriptive purposes only and are not legal entities.

~~Twenty~~Twenty-two of our ~~twenty-three~~twenty-four insurance company subsidiaries ~~have~~rated by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) have ratings of ~~“A+~~A+ (Superior)~~” which is A.M. Best’s~~ (the second highest rating out of 15 possible ~~ratings by A.M. Best. Carolina Casualty Insurance Company~~ratings) and ~~W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe), Limited have A.M. Best ratings of “A~~two are rated A (Excellent)~~” which is A.M. Best’s~~ (the third highest ~~rating. Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company, which the Company purchased in 2007, does not have an A.M. Best rating.~~rating). A.M. Best’s ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders, insurance agents and brokers and are not directed toward the protection of investors. A.M. Best states: “While Best’s Financial Strength Ratings reflect [its] opinion as to a company’s financial strength and relative ability to meet its ongoing obligations to policyholders, they are not a ~~warranty, nor are they a recommendation of a specific policy form, contract, rate or claim practice.”~~warranty. A.M. Best reviews its ratings on a periodic basis, and ratings of the Company’s subsidiaries are therefore subject to change.

~~SPECIALTY~~Twenty-two of our twenty-three insurance company subsidiaries rated by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) have financial strength ratings of A+ (the seventh highest rating out of twenty-seven possible ratings) and one is rated A (the eighth highest rating).

Our Moody’s ratings are A2 for Berkley Insurance Company, Berkley Regional Insurance Company and Admiral Insurance Company (the sixth highest rating out of twenty-one possible ratings).

SPECIALTY

Our specialty segment underwrites complex and sophisticated third-party liability risks, principally within excess and surplus lines. Excess and surplus lines differ from standard market lines in that excess and surplus lines are generally free of rate and form regulation and provide coverage for more complex and hard-to-place risks. The primary specialty lines of business are premises ~~and completed~~ operations, ~~liability, professional liability,~~ commercial automobile, property, products liability and ~~products~~professional liability lines. The specialty business is conducted through ~~nine~~16 operating units. The specialty units deliver their products through a variety of distribution channels depending on the customer base and particular risks insured. The customers in this segment are highly diverse.

Admiral Insurance Company (“Admiral”) provides excess and surplus lines coverage that generally involves a moderate to high degree of hazard due to the nature of the class of coverage or type of business insured. Admiral concentrates on general liability, professional liability, property, and excess and umbrella liability lines of business.

~~Admiral~~ Admiral’s products are distributed by wholesale brokers. ~~The~~Admiral writes relatively larger risks, with average annual ~~premium~~premiums in excess of $20,000 per ~~policy was approximately $29,000 in 2007.~~policy.

Nautilus Insurance Company (“Nautilus”) insures excess and surplus risks for small to medium-sized commercial risks with low to moderate susceptibility to loss. Admitted business is also written through an affiliate, Great Divide Insurance Company. A substantial portion of Nautilus’ business is written on a binding authority basis, subject to certain contractual limitations. ~~The~~Nautilus writes relatively smaller risks, with average annual ~~premium~~premiums less than $5,000 per ~~policy was approximately $3,000 in 2007.~~policy.

Carolina Casualty Insurance Company (“Carolina”) provides commercial insurance products and services to the transportation industry with an emphasis on intermediate and long-haul trucking and various classes of business and public auto. Carolina operates as an admitted carrier in all ~~states.~~50 states and the District of Columbia.

~~Vela Insurance Services, LLC~~ (“Vela”) underwrites excess and surplus lines casualty business with a primary focus on contractors along with a portfolio of miscellaneous professional liability. Vela underwrites a variety of classes nationwide through a network of appointed excess and surplus lines brokers. Vela also underwrites~~wrap-up~~ ~~policies for large residential projects, primarily in California, through a managing general agency. The average annual premium per policy was approximately $45,000 in 2007.~~

Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers LLC (“Berkley Specialty”) has three underwriting divisions. The specialty casualty division underwrites excess and surplus lines general liability coverage with an emphasis on products liability. The entertainment and sports division underwrites property casualty insurance products, both on an admitted and non-admitted basis, for the entertainment industry and sports-related organizations. The environmental division underwrites specialty insurance products to environmental customers such as contractors, consultants and owners of sites and facilities.

Monitor Liability Managers, Inc. (“Monitor”) specializes in professional liability insurance, including directors’ and officers’ liability, employment practices liability, lawyers’ professional liability, management liability, non-profit directors’ and officers’ liability and accountants’ preferred liability.

Berkley Underwriting Partners, LLC (“Berkley Underwriting Partners”) underwrites specialty insurance products through program administrators and managing general underwriters. Berkley Underwriting Partners underwrites business nationwide on an admitted and non-admitted basis.

Vela Insurance Services, Inc. (“Vela”) underwrites excess and surplus lines casualty business with a primary focus on contractors along with a portfolio of miscellaneous professional liability. Vela underwrites a variety of classes nationwide through a network of appointed excess and surplus lines brokers. Vela also underwrites wrap-up policies for large residential projects, primarily in California, through a managing general agency. Vela writes relatively larger risks, with average annual premiums in excess of $20,000 per policy.

Clermont Specialty Managers, Ltd. (“Clermont”) underwrites package insurance programs, including workers’ compensation, for luxury condominium, cooperative and rental apartment buildings and restaurants in the New York City and Chicago metropolitan areas.

Berkley Aviation, LLC (“Aviation”) underwrites general and specialty aviation insurance. It underwrites coverage for airlines, helicopters, miscellaneous general aviation operations, non-owned aircraft, fixed-base operations, control towers, airports and related businesses.

Berkley Select, ~~Specialty Managers,~~ LLC (“Select”), which began operations in May 2007, specializes in underwriting professional liability insurance with a particular emphasis on lawyers, accountants, medical facilities and miscellaneous E&O exposures. Select’s products are distributed through a ~~select~~limited number of brokers.

American Mining Insurance Company (“American Mining”), which was acquired in October 2007, specializes in writing workers’ compensation insurance for the mining industry.

Berkley Life Sciences, LLC (“Berkley Life Science”), which began operations in May 2007, underwrites casualty products to the life science marketplace, including medical devices, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Berkley Asset Protection Underwriters, LLC (“Berkley Asset”), which began operations in May 2008, underwrites coverage for fine arts, jewelers block, fidelity crime and related risks.

Berkley Professional Liability, LLC (“Berkley Pro”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites professional liability products including directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.

FinSecure, LLC (“FinSecure”), which began operations in June 2008, underwrites property and liability insurance solutions for financial institutions and financial services firms.

Berkley Offshore Underwriting Managers, LLC (“Berkley Offshore Underwriter Managers”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites property insurance for oil and gas exploration and production operations worldwide.

The following table sets forth the percentage of gross premiums written by each specialty unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Admiral		24.0	%		28.2	%		28.5	%		27.8	%		32.2	%
Nautilus		17.5			18.2			17.3			17.1			18.7
Carolina		14.8			14.9			14.3			13.6			16.0
Berkley Specialty		9.6			9.2			9.0			8.6			3.3
Monitor		8.6			7.4			7.1			8.0			11.1
Berkley Underwriting Partners		6.8			6.3			6.2			7.9			5.9
Vela		5.6			7.9			11.9			14.1			9.6
Clermont		3.7			3.4			3.0			2.8			3.2
Aviation		3.3			3.3			2.7			0.1			—
Select		2.9			0.8			—			—			—
American Mining		2.1			0.4			—			—			—
Berkley Life Science		0.7			—			—			—			—
Berkley Asset		0.3			—			—			—			—
Berkley Pro		0.1			—			—			—			—
FinSecure		—			—			—			—			—

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Admiral 28.2 % 28.5 % 27.8 % 32.2 % 33.3 %
Nautilus 18.2 17.3 17.1 18.7 18.3
Carolina 14.9 14.3 13.6 16.0 14.8
Vela 7.9 11.9 14.1 9.6 10.0
Berkley Specialty 9.2 9.0 8.6 3.3 —
Monitor 7.4 7.1 8.0 11.1 13.2
Berkley Underwriting Partners 6.3 6.2 7.9 5.9 5.8
Clermont 3.4 3.0 2.8 3.2 3.4
Aviation 3.3 2.7 0.1 — —
Select 0.8 — — — —
American Mining 0.4 — — — —
Berkley Life Science 0.0 — — — —
Surety(1) — — — — 1.2

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %


~~(1)~~		~~Surety was transferred to the regional segment in 2004.~~

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our specialty insurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Premises operations		32.8	%		38.0	%		42.2	%		43.7	%		40.2	%
Commercial automobile		16.0			15.8			15.0			15.0			17.0
Property		15.1			14.4			12.2			9.1			9.5
Professional liability		12.9			9.9			8.9			9.9			12.9
Products liability		10.2			12.0			13.1			13.8			14.0
Other		13.0			9.9			8.6			8.5			6.4

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Premises operations 38.0 % 42.2 % 43.7 % 40.2 % 40.4 %
Commercial automobile 15.8 15.0 15.0 17.0 17.3
Property 14.4 12.2 9.1 9.5 10.1
Products liability 12.0 13.1 13.8 14.0 9.1
Professional liability 9.9 8.9 9.9 12.9 15.1
Other 9.9 8.6 8.5 6.4 8.0

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

REGIONAL

~~REGIONAL~~

Our regional companies provide commercial insurance products to customers primarily in 4245 states and the District of Columbia. Key clients of this segment are small-to-mid-sized businesses and state and local governmental entities. The regional business is sold through a network of non-exclusive independent agents who are compensated on a commission basis. The regional companies are organized geographically in order to provide them with the flexibility to adapt quickly to local market conditions.

Continental Western Group (“Continental Western Group”) is based in Des Moines, Iowa and operates in 18 states in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Acadia Insurance Company (“Acadia”) is based in Westbrook, Maine and operates in 8 states in the Northeast.

Union Standard Insurance Group (“Union Standard”) is based in Irving, Texas and operates in 9 ~~states in~~ southern states other than Florida and Louisiana.

Berkley Mid Atlantic Group (“BMAG”) is based in Glen Allen, Virginia and operates in 7 states in the Mid Atlantic region and District of Columbia.

Berkley Surety Group, Inc. (“Berkley Surety”) offers surety bonds on a nationwide basis through a network of thirteen regional and branch offices.

Berkley Regional Specialty Insurance Company (“BRSIC”) offers excess and surplus lines products through independent agents in our regional territories.

Regional Excess Underwriters, LLC (“REU”) is a full service excess and surplus lines brokerage offering commercial coverages to contracted agents throughout the continental United States.

The following table sets forth the percentage of gross premiums written by each region:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Continental Western Group		32.5	%		33.2	%		33.1	%		34.3	%		35.2	%
Acadia		23.8			24.3			25.1			25.7			26.4
Union Standard		17.7			17.0			16.6			15.2			15.0
BMAG		15.6			15.6			15.5			14.6			13.8
Berkley Surety		2.9			2.7			2.0			2.0			2.2
BRSIC		1.2			1.1			0.5			—			—
Assigned risk plans (1)		6.3			6.1			7.2			8.2			7.4

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Continental Western Group 33.2 % 33.1 % 34.3 % 35.2 % 36.3 %
Acadia 24.3 25.1 25.7 26.4 27.1
Union Standard 17.0 16.6 15.2 15.0 15.1
Berkley Mid Atlantic Group 15.6 15.5 14.6 13.8 12.8
Berkley Surety 2.7 2.0 2.0 2.2 —
BRSIC 1.1 0.5 — — —
Assigned risk plans(1) 6.1 7.2 8.2 7.4 8.7

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %


(1)		Assigned risk premiums are written on behalf of assigned risk plans managed by the Company and 100% reinsured by the respective state-sponsored assigned risk pools.

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by line, by our regional insurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Commercial multi-peril		34.3	%		34.8	%		35.5	%		35.8	%		36.6	%
Automobile		25.5			25.8			25.3			25.4			26.0
Workers’ compensation		18.2			17.8			17.9			17.6			17.1
Assigned risk plans		6.3			6.1			7.2			8.2			7.4
Other		15.7			15.5			14.1			13.0			12.9

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Commercial Multi-Peril 34.8 % 35.5 % 35.8 % 36.6 % 36.6 %
Automobile 25.8 25.3 25.4 26.0 25.9
Workers’ Compensation 17.8 17.9 17.6 17.1 17.5
Assigned risk plans 6.1 7.2 8.2 7.4 8.7
Other 15.5 14.1 13.0 12.9 11.3

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

The following table sets forth the percentages of direct premiums written by ~~state, by~~ our regional insurance ~~operations:~~operations by state:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
State
Massachusetts		6.8	%		7.1	%		7.0	%		7.5	%		7.6	%
Texas		6.7			6.4			6.2			6.0			6.1
Kansas		5.8			6.1			6.8			6.7			7.5
Pennsylvania		5.7			5.8			5.6			5.5			5.1
New Hampshire		4.9			5.1			5.3			5.4			5.9
Maine		4.7			4.9			5.1			5.3			5.7
Iowa		4.2			4.2			4.6			4.8			4.7
Nebraska		3.8			3.8			4.0			4.0			4.2
Colorado		3.7			3.7			3.3			3.1			3.0
North Carolina		3.3			3.4			3.2			3.1			3.1
Minnesota		3.2			3.2			3.4			3.9			4.0
Mississippi		3.2			2.8			2.4			2.0			2.0
Vermont		3.0			3.3			3.5			3.6			3.6
Connecticut		3.0			2.9			2.9			2.9			2.8
Washington		2.8			3.1			2.3			2.0			1.8
Missouri		2.8			3.0			3.3			3.4			3.6
Illinois		2.7			1.7			2.0			1.8			2.0
Wisconsin		2.5			2.5			2.7			2.9			3.1
Virginia		2.4			2.4			2.6			2.8			2.8
Arkansas		2.3			2.5			2.8			2.6			2.4
South Dakota		2.3			2.2			2.6			3.0			3.3
New York		2.3			2.1			1.8			1.9			1.7
Maryland		2.1			2.1			2.1			1.7			1.5
Tennessee		1.5			1.6			1.7			1.7			1.8
Oklahoma		1.5			1.6			1.6			1.6			1.5
Idaho		1.1			1.2			1.2			1.2			1.2
Other		11.7			11.3			10.0			9.6			8.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

ALTERNATIVE MARKETS

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

State
Massachusetts 7.1 % 7.0 % 7.5 % 7.6 % 7.7 %
Texas 6.4 6.2 6.0 6.1 6.4
Kansas 6.1 6.8 6.7 7.5 7.9
Pennsylvania 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.1 4.2
New Hampshire 5.1 5.3 5.4 5.9 6.2
Maine 4.9 5.1 5.3 5.7 6.2
Iowa 4.2 4.6 4.8 4.7 4.7
Nebraska 3.8 4.0 4.0 4.2 4.5
Colorado 3.7 3.3 3.1 3.0 3.0
North Carolina 3.4 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.2
Vermont 3.3 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.8
Minnesota 3.2 3.4 3.9 4.0 3.8
Washington 3.1 2.3 2.0 1.8 1.7
Missouri 3.0 3.3 3.4 3.6 3.5
Connecticut 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.8 1.7
Mississippi 2.8 2.4 2.0 2.0 2.1
Arkansas 2.5 2.8 2.6 2.4 1.9
Wisconsin 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.1 2.8
Virginia 2.4 2.6 2.8 2.8 2.7
South Dakota 2.2 2.6 3.0 3.3 3.6
Maryland 2.1 2.1 1.7 1.5 1.2
New York 2.1 1.8 1.9 1.7 0.8
Illinois 1.7 2.0 1.8 2.0 2.0
Tennessee 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 4.1
Oklahoma 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.5
Idaho 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5
Other 11.3 10.0 9.6 8.0 7.3

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

~~ALTERNATIVE MARKETS~~

Our alternative markets operations specialize in insuring, reinsuring and administering self-insurance programs and other alternative risk transfer mechanisms. Our clients include commercial and governmental ~~entities~~entity employers, employer groups, insurers, and other groups or entities seeking alternative ways to manage their exposure to risks. Often, ~~this results~~alternative methods of risk management result in our customers choosing to retain more of this risk than they might otherwise retain in the traditional insurance market. In addition to providing insurance products, the alternative markets segment also provides a wide variety of fee-based services, including claims, administrative and consulting services.

Midwest Employers Casualty Company (“MECC”) provides excess workers’ compensation coverage and risk management services to self-insured employers and groups as well as to insurance companies in the workers’ compensation business. Excess workers’ compensation is coverage above an amount retained, or self-insured, by the employer or group and includes large deductible and reinsurance programs.

Key Risk Insurance Company (“Key Risk”) offers primary workers’ compensation insurance principally in the southeastern United States. Key Risk focuses on middle-market accounts in specialty niches and on larger self-insured entities, with a special emphasis on managed care services. An affiliate, Key Risk Management Services, Inc., provides third party administration of self-insured workers’ compensation programs.

Preferred Employers Insurance Company (“Preferred Employers”) offers workers’ compensation insurance in California with an emphasis on owner-managed small employers.

Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC (“BRAC”) underwrites property casualty insurance primarily for human services and not-for profit entities and provides risk management services to ~~business,~~businesses, governmental entities, assigned risk plans, non-profit entities and insurance companies. BRAC’s services include third-party administration, claims administration, risk management, accounting services, loss control and safety consulting, management information systems, regulatory compliance and alternative markets program management.

Berkley Medical Excess Underwriters, LLC (“Medical Excess”) underwrites medical malpractice excess insurance and reinsurance coverage and services to hospitals and hospital associations.

Berkley Net Underwriters, LLC (“Berkley Net”) uses a web-based system to allow producers to quote, bind and service insurance policies. Its initial focus is on the workers’ compensation market.

Berkley Accident and Health, LLC (“Berkley A&H”) underwrites accident and health insurance and reinsurance products.

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written by each alternative markets unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
MECC		42.1	%		45.1	%		44.6	%		41.6	%		36.9	%
Key Risk		18.8			17.6			16.8			15.4			13.6
BRAC		9.3			7.7			7.0			7.6			7.1
Preferred Employers		8.3			11.3			16.0			20.9			26.4
Berkley Net		6.7			3.1			0.8			—			—
Berkley A&H		4.6			2.6			0.4			—			—
Medical Excess		4.4			4.6			5.4			6.2			6.4
Assigned risk plans (1)		5.8			8.0			9.0			8.3			9.6

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

MECC 45.1 % 44.6 % 41.6 % 36.9 % 37.8 %
Key Risk 17.6 16.8 15.4 13.6 12.9
Preferred Employers 11.3 16.0 20.9 26.4 27.4
BRAC 7.7 7.0 7.6 7.1 8.2
Medical Excess 4.6 5.4 6.2 6.4 8.0
Berkley Net 3.1 0.8 — — —
Berkley A&H 2.6 0.4 — — —
Assigned risk plans(1) 8.0 9.0 8.3 9.6 5.7

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %


(1)		Assigned risk premiums are written on behalf of assigned risk plans managed by the Company and 100% reinsured by the respective state-sponsored assigned risk pools.

The following table sets forth ~~services~~service fees for insurance services business conducted by BRAC and Key Risk Management Services, Inc. (amounts in thousands):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008		2007		2006		2005		2004
Service fees	$	99,090	$	97,292	$	104,812	$	110,697	$	109,344

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Services fees $ 97,292 $ 104,812 $ 110,697 $ 109,344 $ 101,715

REINSURANCE

~~REINSURANCE~~

Our reinsurance operations consist of ~~seven~~six operating units, which specialize in underwriting property casualty reinsurance on both a treaty and a facultative basis on behalf of Berkley Insurance Company. Treaty reinsurance is the reinsurance of all or a specified portion or category of risks underwritten by the ceding company during the term of the agreement. Facultative reinsurance is the reinsurance of individual risks whereby a reinsurer generally has the opportunity to analyze and separately underwrite a risk prior to agreeing to be bound.

Signet Star Re, LLC (“Treaty”) focuses on underwriting specialty lines of business, including professional liability, umbrella, workers’ compensation, commercial automobile and trucking. Treaty emphasizes casualty excess of loss treaties and seeks significant participations in order to have greater influence over the terms and conditions of coverage. Treaty business is produced through reinsurance brokers or intermediaries as opposed to direct relationships with the ceding companies.

Facultative ReSources, Inc. (“Fac Re”) specializes in underwriting individual certificate and program facultative business developed through brokers. Its experienced underwriters seek to offset the underwriting and pricing cycles in the underlying insurance business by working closely with ceding company clients to develop appropriate underwriting criteria and through superior risk selection.

Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”) represents a broad range of mainly short-tail classes of business, which are written through Lloyd’s.

BF Re Underwriters, LLC (“BF Re”) is a direct facultative casualty reinsurance underwriting manager that serves clients through a nationwide network of regional offices. BF Re’s primary lines of business are professional liability, excess and surplus, umbrella and medical malpractice.

Berkley Risk Solutions, Inc. (“Berkley Risk Solutions”) underwrites insurance and reinsurance-based financial solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities. ~~It also underwrites traditional treaty reinsurance of domestic medical malpractice insurers.~~

Watch Hill Fac Management, LLC (“Watch Hill”) underwrites facultative reinsurance business on an excess of loss basis or, in the case of umbrella business, on a contributing excess basis, for most commercial casualty lines of business with an emphasis on general liability, products liability, construction risks, automobile liability and umbrella.

~~Hong Kong Reinsurance Division~~ ~~(“Hong Kong”), which was formed in 2006, provides most major classes of general insurance business in the Asia Pacific region with an initial focus on property facultative reinsurance.~~

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written by each reinsurance unit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Treaty		52.2	%		39.6	%		36.1	%		42.2	%		38.8	%
Fac Re		17.5			17.3			16.2			23.1			27.3
Lloyd’s		14.7			22.6			18.7			21.6			24.4
BF Re		12.2			11.2			9.6			12.3			9.1
Watch Hill		4.6			3.9			2.7			—			—
Berkley Risk Solutions		(1.2	)		4.6			16.6			0.8			0.4
Hong Kong (1)		—			0.8			0.1			—			—

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Treaty 39.6 % 36.1 % 42.2 % 38.8 % 37.5 %
Fac Re 17.3 16.2 23.1 27.3 30.4
Lloyd’s 22.6 18.7 21.6 24.4 25.9
BF Re 11.2 9.6 12.3 9.1 6.2
Berkley Risk Solutions 4.6 16.6 0.8 0.4 —
Watch Hill 3.9 2.7 — — —
Hong Kong(1) 0.8 0.1 — — —

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %


(1)		The Hong Kong ~~reinsurance~~unit became a division ~~was transferred to the international segment on~~of Berkley Re Australia effective January 1, 2008.

The following table sets forth the percentages of gross premiums written, by property versus casualty business, by our reinsurance operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Casualty		82.8	%		76.2	%		83.2	%		81.2	%		79.4	%
Property		17.2			23.8			16.8			18.8			20.6

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Casualty 76.2 % 83.2 % 81.2 % 79.4 % 79.4 %
Property 23.8 16.8 18.8 20.6 20.6

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

INTERNATIONAL

Our international segment has operations in ~~Australia, South America,~~ the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and ~~Continental Europe. The~~ Hong ~~Kong division of the reinsurance segment was transferred to the international segment on January 1, 2008.~~Kong. We apply the same long-term strategies that that we use in our domestic operations — decentralized structures with products and services tailored to the local environments.

W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe), Limited (“Berkley Europe”) is a London-based specialty casualty insurer that writes professional indemnity, directors’ and officers’ liability, medical malpractice, general liability, construction risks and personal accident and travel business principally in the United Kingdom and through its branch offices in Spain and Australia.

Berkley International Argentina S.A. (“South America”) provides commercial and personal property casualty insurance primarily in Argentina and surety business through its ~~subsidiary~~subsidiaries in ~~Brazil.~~Brazil and Uruguay.

Berkley Re Australia (“Australia”), which began operations in December 2007, provides property and casualty reinsurance on a treaty and facultative basis in ~~Australia.~~Australia and through its division in Hong Kong.

Berkley Underwriting Managers Canada, Ltd. (“Berkley Underwriters Managers”), which began operations in October 2008, underwrites specialty casualty commercial insurance products, including general liability, products liability and other commercial lines.

The following table sets forth the percentages of direct premiums for our international operations:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Berkley Europe		40.1	%		52.6	%		53.1	%		56.5	%		58.1	%
South America		51.8			46.8			42.5			39.5			38.9
Australia		8.1			—			—			—			—
Philippines (1)		—			0.6			4.4			4.0			3.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Berkley Europe 52.6 % 53.1 % 56.5 % 58.1 % 40.7 %
South America 46.8 42.5 39.5 38.9 54.7
Australia — — — — —
Philippines(1) 0.6 4.4 4.0 3.0 4.6

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %


(1)		The Philippines operation was sold in March 2007.

Results by Industry Segment

Summary financial information about our operating segments is presented on a GAAP basis in the following table:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			200500			2004
	(Amounts in thousands)
Specialty

Revenue	$	1,810,813		$	2,006,027		$	1,952,928		$	1,816,483		$	1,491,104
Income before income taxes	$	375,429		$	516,931		$	479,105		$	345,896		$	275,689

Regional

Revenue	$	1,317,796		$	1,347,800		$	1,289,869		$	1,230,793		$	1,112,801
Income before income taxes	$	108,719		$	215,228		$	201,417		$	216,495		$	184,152

Alternative Markets

Revenue	$	831,622		$	874,899		$	878,531		$	856,792		$	774,397
Income before income taxes	$	201,879		$	248,080		$	291,416		$	238,462		$	133,438

Reinsurance

Revenue	$	635,763		$	893,855		$	993,120		$	849,207		$	915,276
Income before income taxes	$	117,946		$	178,302		$	135,424		$	63,606		$	85,995

International

Revenue	$	322,016		$	284,558		$	248,894		$	208,836		$	167,849
Income before income taxes	$	52,943		$	44,457		$	34,447		$	20,890		$	18,790

Other (1)

Revenue	$	(209,202	)	$	181,258		$	31,489		$	34,728		$	50,808
Loss before income taxes	$	(530,594	)	$	(110,606	)	$	(153,164	)	$	(114,812	)	$	(59,551	)

Total

Revenue	$	4,708,808		$	5,588,397		$	5,394,831		$	4,996,839		$	4,512,235
Income before income tax	$	326,322		$	1,092,392		$	988,645		$	770,537		$	638,513

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
(Amounts in thousands)

Specialty
Revenue $ 2,006,027 $ 1,952,928 $ 1,816,483 $ 1,491,104 $ 1,204,746
Income before income taxes $ 516,931 $ 479,105 $ 345,896 $ 275,689 $ 200,428
Regional
Revenue $ 1,347,800 $ 1,289,869 $ 1,230,793 $ 1,112,801 $ 923,965
Income before income taxes $ 215,228 $ 201,417 $ 216,495 $ 184,152 $ 153,292
Alternative Markets
Revenue $ 874,899 $ 878,531 $ 856,792 $ 774,397 $ 569,463
Income before income taxes $ 248,080 $ 291,416 $ 238,462 $ 133,438 $ 88,742
Reinsurance
Revenue $ 893,855 $ 993,120 $ 849,207 $ 915,276 $ 763,861
Income before income taxes $ 178,302 $ 135,424 $ 63,606 $ 85,995 $ 58,201
International
Revenue $ 284,558 $ 248,894 $ 208,836 $ 167,849 $ 85,145
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 44,457 $ 34,447 $ 20,890 $ 18,790 $ 3,242
Other(1)
Revenue $ 146,500 $ 31,489 $ 34,728 $ 50,808 $ 82,928
Loss before income taxes $ (145,364 ) $ (153,164 ) $ (114,812 ) $ (59,551 ) $ (14,601 )
Total
Revenue $ 5,553,639 $ 5,394,831 $ 4,996,839 $ 4,512,235 $ 3,630,108
Income before income tax $ 1,057,634 $ 988,645 $ 770,537 $ 638,513 $ 489,304


(1)		Represents corporate revenues, corporate expenses, realized investment gains and losses, and revenues and expenses from investments in wholly-owned, non-insurance subsidiaries that are consolidated for financial reporting purposes.

The table below represents summary underwriting ratios on a GAAP basis for our insurance segments. The combined ratio represents a measure of underwriting profitability, excluding investment income. A number in excess of 100 indicates an underwriting loss; a number below 100 indicates an underwriting profit:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2007			2006			2005			2004			2003			Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Specialty
Loss ratio		57.3	%		59.1	%		62.4	%		61.7	%		63.3	%		60.1	%	57.3	%	59.1	%	62.4	%	61.7	%
Expense ratio		26.7			25.0			25.1			25.6			25.1			28.4		26.7		25.0		25.1		25.6

Combined ratio		84.0	%		84.1	%		87.5	%		87.3	%		88.4	%		88.5	%	84.0	%	84.1	%	87.5	%	87.3	%


Regional
Loss ratio		59.1	%		59.7	%		55.8	%		55.7	%		56.3	%		65.4	%	59.1	%	59.7	%	55.8	%	55.7	%
Expense ratio		31.4			30.6			30.6			31.2			31.2			32.3		31.4		30.6		30.6		31.2

Combined ratio		90.5	%		90.3	%		86.4	%		86.9	%		87.5	%		97.7	%	90.5	%	90.3	%	86.4	%	86.9	%


Alternative Markets
Loss ratio		59.2	%		53.5	%		59.4	%		70.6	%		68.7	%		62.7	%	59.2	%	53.5	%	59.4	%	70.6	%
Expense ratio		23.1			22.1			20.1			21.2			24.2			24.2		23.1		22.1		20.1		21.2

Combined ratio		82.3	%		75.6	%		79.5	%		91.8	%		92.9	%		86.9	%	82.3	%	75.6	%	79.5	%	91.8	%


Reinsurance
Loss ratio		65.3	%		72.0	%		74.1	%		69.5	%		69.6	%		64.7	%	65.3	%	72.0	%	74.1	%	69.5	%
Expense ratio		31.3			27.8			30.1			29.1			29.4			34.7		31.3		27.8		30.1		29.1

Combined ratio		96.6	%		99.8	%		104.2	%		98.6	%		99.0	%		99.4	%	96.6	%	99.8	%	104.2	%	98.6	%


International
Loss ratio		62.6	%		64.2	%		66.5	%		61.0	%		58.7	%		61.7	%	62.6	%	64.2	%	66.5	%	61.0	%
Expense ratio		32.4			32.0			29.6			30.0			38.8			38.9		32.4		32.0		29.6		30.0

Combined ratio		95.0	%		96.2	%		96.1	%		91.0	%		97.5	%		100.6	%	95.0	%	96.2	%	96.1	%	91.0	%


Total
Loss ratio		59.6	%		61.0	%		62.4	%		63.0	%		63.4	%		62.7	%	59.6	%	61.0	%	62.4	%	63.0	%
Expense ratio		28.5			27.0			26.9			27.4			28.0			30.4		28.5		27.0		26.9		27.4

Combined ratio		88.1	%		88.0	%		89.3	%		90.4	%		91.4	%		93.1	%	88.1	%	88.0	%	89.3	%	90.4	%

Investments

Investment results, before income taxes, were as ~~follows:~~follows (1):


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
				(Dollars in thousands)
Average investments, at cost (2)	$	12,429,269		$	12,146,241		$	10,729,483		$	8,999,782		$	7,027,138

Investment income, before expenses (2)	$	537,033		$	634,386		$	549,030		$	385,417		$	274,389

Percent earned on average investments (2)		4.3	%		5.2	%		5.1	%		4.3	%		3.9	%

Realized investment gains (losses) (3)	$	(356,931	)	$	49,696		$	9,648		$	17,209		$	48,268

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses) (4)	$	(302,211	)	$	(94,957	)	$	113,539		$	(118,934	)	$	(4,424	)

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
(Amounts in thousands)

Average investments, at cost $ 12,560,638 $ 11,062,491 $ 9,221,710 $ 7,176,955 $ 5,326,621

Investment income, before expenses $ 684,112 $ 593,413 $ 409,915 $ 293,866 $ 244,347

Percent earned on average investments 5.4 % 5.3 % 4.4 % 4.1 % 4.6 %

Realized investment gains $ 14,938 $ 9,648 $ 17,209 $ 48,268 $ 81,692

Change in unrealized investment gains (losses)(1) $ (94,957 ) $ 113,539 $ (118,934 ) $ (4,424 ) $ 7,493


(1)		Certain amounts for 2007 and prior years have been restated to reflect a change in accounting in 2008 and to conform to the presentation of the 2008 financial statements.

(2)		Includes investments, cash investment and cash equivalents, trading accounts receivable from brokers and clearing organizations, trading account securities sold but not yet purchased and unsettled purchases.

(3)		Represents realized gains and losses on investments not classified as trading securities and investment funds.

(4)		Represents the change in unrealized investment gains (losses) for available for sale securities and ~~investments in partnerships and affiliates.~~investment funds.

For comparison, the following are the coupon returns for selected bond indices and the dividend returns for the S&P 500^® Index:


	Year Ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (a)		5.4	%		5.5	%		5.3	%		4.9	%		5.0	%
Barclays Municipal Bond Index(a)		4.6	%		4.7	%		4.8	%		4.7	%		4.8	%
S&P 500^® Index		1.5	%		2.0	%		2.2	%		1.8	%		1.9	%

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Bond Index 5.5 % 5.3 % 4.9 % 5.0 % 5.3 %
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index 4.7 % 4.8 % 4.7 % 4.8 % 4.8 %
S&P 500^® Index
2.0 % 2.2 % 1.8 % 1.9 % 2.3 %


(a)		Formerly Lehman Brothers index.

The percentages of the fixed maturity portfolio categorized by contractual maturity, based on fair value, on the dates indicated, are set forth below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers may have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.


	2008			2007			2006			2005			2004
1 year or less		3.2	%		7.4	%		11.2	%		10.6	%		10.8	%
Over 1 year through 5 years		22.9			19.4			17.5			13.1			15.8
Over 5 years through 10 years		29.9			30.2			26.3			26.6			19.0
Over 10 years		26.6			25.1			22.8			32.1			36.4
Mortgage-backed securities		17.4			17.9			22.2			17.6			18.0

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

1 year or less 7.4 % 11.2 % 10.6 % 10.8 % 1.6 %
Over 1 year through 5 years 19.4 17.5 13.1 15.8 21.1
Over 5 years through 10 years 30.2 26.3 26.6 19.0 19.0
Over 10 years 25.1 22.8 32.1 36.4 36.8
Mortgage-backed securities 17.9 22.2 17.6 18.0 21.5

Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves

To recognize liabilities for unpaid losses, either known or unknown, insurers establish reserves, which is a balance sheet account representing estimates of future amounts needed to pay claims and related expenses with respect to insured events which have occurred. Estimates and assumptions relating to reserves for losses and loss expenses are based on complex and subjective judgments, often including the interplay of specific uncertainties with related accounting and actuarial measurements. Such estimates are also susceptible to change as significant periods of time may elapse between the occurrence of an insured loss, the report of the loss to the insurer, the ultimate determination of the cost of the loss and the insurer’s payment of that loss.

In general, when a claim is reported, claims personnel establish a “case reserve” for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment. The estimate represents an informed judgment based on general reserving practices and reflects the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel regarding the nature and value of the specific type of

claim. Reserves are also established on an aggregate basis to provide for losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) to the insurer, potential inadequacy of case reserves and the estimated expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and general expenses of administrating the claims adjustment process. Reserves are established based upon the then current legal interpretation of coverage provided.

In examining reserve adequacy, several factors are considered in addition to the economic value of losses. These factors include historical data, legal developments, changes in social attitudes and economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. The actuarial process relies on the basic assumption that past experience, adjusted judgmentally for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future outcomes. Reserve amounts are necessarily based on management’s informed estimates and judgments using currently available data. As additional experience and other data become available and are reviewed, these estimates and judgments may be revised. This may result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our results in periods in which such estimates and assumptions are changed.

The risk and complexity of estimating loss reserves have increased under the current financial market conditions. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Whereas a slowing economy would generally lead to lower inflation or even deflation, increased government spending would generally lead to higher inflation. A change in our assumptions regarding inflation would result in reserve increases or decreases that would be reflected in our earnings in periods in which such assumptions are changed.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claim administration will cost. While the methods for establishing the reserves are well tested over time, some of the major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, judicial theories of liability and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond the Company’s control. These variables are affected by external and internal events, such as inflation and economic volatility, judicial and litigation trends, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and claim handling and reserving practices, which make it more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, the Company cannot assure that its current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events.

We discount our liabilities for excess workers’ compensation business and the workers’ compensation portion of our reinsurance business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting the liabilities. The expected losses and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting was derived from the Company’s loss payout experience. For non-proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted using risk-free discount rates determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve. These discount rates range from ~~3.7%~~3.1% to 6.5% with a weighted average discount rate of ~~4.9%~~4.6%. For proportional business, reserves for losses and loss expenses have been discounted at the statutory rate permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware of ~~2.6%~~2.5%. The aggregate net discount, after reflecting the effects of ceded reinsurance, is $846,748,000, $787,988,000 ~~$699,883,000~~ and ~~$575,485,000~~$699,883,000 at December 31, 2008, 2007 ~~2006~~ and ~~2005,~~2006, respectively. The increase in the aggregate discount from 2007 to 2008 and from 2006 to 2007 ~~and from 2005 to 2006~~ resulted from the increase in workers’ compensation gross reserves.

To date, known asbestos and environmental claims at our insurance company subsidiaries have not had a material impact on our operations. These claims have not materially impacted us because these subsidiaries generally did not insure the larger industrial companies which are subject to significant environmental exposures.

Our net reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims were ~~$41,590,000~~$39,646,000 and ~~$37,473,000~~$41,590,000 at December 31, ~~2007~~2008 and ~~2006,~~2007, respectively. The Company’s gross reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses relating to asbestos and environmental claims were ~~$60,836,000~~$56,957,000 and ~~$49,937,000~~$60,836,000 at December 31, ~~2007~~2008 and ~~2006,~~2007, respectively. Net incurred losses and loss expenses for reported asbestos and environmental claims were approximately $440,000, $7,029,000 and $3,000,000 in 2008, 2007 and ~~$1,853,000 in 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively. Net paid losses and loss expenses for reported asbestos and environmental claims were approximately $2,384,000, $2,912,000 and $2,980,000 in 2008, 2007 and ~~$2,658,000 in 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively. The estimation of these liabilities is subject to significantly greater than normal variation and uncertainty because it is difficult to make a reasonable actuarial estimate of these liabilities due to the absence of a generally accepted actuarial methodology for these exposures and the potential affect of significant unresolved legal matters, including coverage issues as well as the cost of litigating the legal issues. Additionally, the determination of ultimate damages and the final allocation of such damages to financially responsible parties are highly uncertain.

The table below provides a reconciliation of the beginning of year and end of year property casualty reserves for the indicated years (amounts in thousands):


	2008			2007			2006
Net reserves at beginning of year	$	7,822,897		$	6,947,597		$	5,867,290
Net reserves of company acquired		—			68,392			—
Net provision for losses and loss expenses (a):
Claims occurring during the current year (b)		2,829,830			2,837,647			2,791,500
(Decrease)/Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years (c)		(195,710	)		(105,879	)		26,663
Decrease in discount for prior years		54,494			46,808			39,507

		2,688,614			2,778,576			2,857,670


Net payments for claims:									��
Current year		644,213			538,364			456,073
Prior years		1,744,712			1,433,304			1,321,290

		2,388,925			1,971,668			1,777,363

Net reserves at end of year		8,122,586			7,822,897			6,947,597
Ceded reserves at end of year		877,010			855,137			836,672

Gross reserves at end of year	$	8,999,596		$	8,678,034		$	7,784,269

2007 2006 2005

Net reserves at beginning of year $ 6,947,597 $ 5,867,290 $ 4,722,842
Net reserves of company acquired 68,392 — —
Net provision for losses and loss expenses(a):
Claims occurring during the current year(b) 2,837,647 2,791,500 2,531,655
(Decrease)/Increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years(c) (105,879 ) 26,663 186,728
Decrease in discount for prior years 46,808 39,507 57,790

2,778,576 2,857,670 2,776,173

Net payments for claims:
Current year 538,364 456,073 447,018
Prior years 1,433,304 1,321,290 1,184,707

1,971,668 1,777,363 1,631,725

Net reserves at end of year 7,822,897 6,947,597 5,867,290
Ceded reserves at end of year 855,137 836,672 844,470

Gross reserves at end of year $ 8,678,034 $ 7,784,269 $ 6,711,760


(a)		Net provision for loss and loss expenses excludes $47, $1,002 and $6,828 in 2008, 2007 and ~~$5,629 in 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively, relating to the policyholder benefits incurred on life insurance that are included in the statement of income.

(b)		Claims occurring during the current year are net of discounts of $97,698, $117,177 and $133,965 in 2008, 2007 and ~~$103,558 in 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively.

(c)		The ~~increase~~increase/(decrease) in estimates for claims occurring in prior years is net of discounts of $15,556, $17,736 and $29,940 in 2008, 2007 and ~~$26,845 in 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively. On an undiscounted basis, the estimates for claims occurring in prior years ~~before~~ decreased by $180,154 in 2008 and $88,143 in 2007 and increased by $56,603 ~~and $213,573~~ in ~~2006 and 2005, respectively.~~2006.

Also, see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for further information regarding the increase in estimates for claims occurring in prior years.

A reconciliation between the reserves as of December 31, ~~2007~~2008 as reported in the accompanying consolidated GAAP financial statements and those reported on the basis of statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) is as follows (amounts in thousands):


Net reserves reported on a SAP basis	$	8,119,894
Additions (deductions) to statutory reserves:
International property & casualty reserves		274,437
Loss reserve discounting (1)		(269,324	)

Net reserves reported on a SAP basis $ 7,758,993
Additions (deductions) to statutory reserves:
International property & casualty reserves 308,014
Loss reserve discounting(1) (244,260 )
Other 150

Net reserves reported on a GAAP basis 7,822,897
Ceded reserves reclassified as assets 855,137

Gross reserves reported on a GAAP basis $ 8,678,034


Other		(2,421	)

Net reserves reported on a GAAP basis		8,122,586
Ceded reserves reclassified as assets		877,010

Gross reserves reported on a GAAP basis	$	8,999,596


(1)		For statutory purposes, we use a discount rate of ~~2.6%~~2.5% for non-proportional business as permitted by the Department of Insurance of the State of Delaware.

The following table presents the development of net reserves for ~~1997~~1998 through ~~2007.~~2008. The top line of the table shows the estimated reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded at the balance sheet date for each of the indicated years. This represents the estimated amount of losses and loss expenses for claims arising in all prior years that are unpaid at the balance sheet date, including losses that had been incurred but not reported to us. The upper portion of the table shows the re-estimated amount of the previously recorded reserves based on experience as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimate changes as more information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years.

The “cumulative redundancy (deficiency)” represents the aggregate change in the estimates over all prior years. For example, the ~~1997~~1998 reserves have developed a ~~$36~~$261 million ~~redundancy~~deficiency over ten years. That amount has been reflected in income over the ten years. The impact on the results of operations of the past three years of changes in reserve estimates is shown in the reconciliation tables above. It should be noted that the table presents a “run off” of balance sheet reserves, rather than accident or policy year loss development. Therefore, each amount in the table includes the effects of changes in reserves for all prior years. For example, assume a claim that occurred in ~~1997~~1998 is reserved for $2,000 as of December 31, ~~1997.~~1998. Assuming this claim estimate was changed in ~~2007~~2008 to $2,300, and was settled for $2,300 in ~~2006,~~2007, the $300 deficiency would appear as a deficiency in each year from ~~1997~~1998 through ~~2007.~~2008.

(Amounts in millions)


Year Ended December 31,	1997		1998			1999			2000			2001			2002			2003			2004			2005			2006		2007		1998			1999			2000			2001			2002			2003			2004			2005			2006		2007		2008
	(Amounts in millions)

Net reserves, discounted	$	1,433	$	1,583		$	1,724		$	1,818		$	2,033		$	2,323		$	3,505		$	4,723		$	5,867		$	6,948	$	7,823	$	1,583		$	1,724		$	1,818		$	2,033		$	2,323		$	3,505		$	4,723		$	5,867		$	6,948	$	7,823	$	8,123
Reserve discount		190		187			196			223			243			293			393			503			575			700		788		187			196			223			243			293			393			503			575			700		788		846

Net reserves, undiscounted	$	1,623	$	1,770		$	1,920		$	2,041		$	2,276		$	2,616		$	3,898		$	5,226		$	6,442		$	7,648	$	8,611	$	1,770		$	1,920		$	2,041		$	2,276		$	2,616		$	3,898		$	5,226		$	6,442		$	7,648	$	8,611	$	8,969

Net re-estimated as of:

Net reserves re-estimated as of:

One year later	$	1,580	$	1,798		$	1,934		$	2,252		$	2,450		$	2,889		$	4,220		$	5,440		$	6,499		$	7,560			$	1,798		$	1,934		$	2,252		$	2,450		$	2,889		$	4,220		$	5,440		$	6,499		$	7,560	$	8,431
Two years later		1,566		1,735			2,082			2,397			2,671			3,242			4,552			5,588			6,578							1,735			2,082			2,397			2,671			3,242			4,552			5,588			6,578			7,494
Three years later		1,446		1,805			2,203			2,520			2,932			3,611			4,720			5,763										1,805			2,203			2,520			2,932			3,611			4,720			5,763			6,592
Four years later		1,463		1,856			2,260			2,634			3,233			3,769			4,949													1,856			2,260			2,634			3,233			3,769			4,949			5,816
Five years later		1,494		1,859			2,330			2,841			3,339			3,982																1,859			2,330			2,841			3,339			3,982			5,041
Six years later		1,488		1,886			2,449			2,889			3,534																			1,886			2,449			2,889			3,534			4,069
Seven years later		1,495		1,955			2,460			3,033																						1,955			2,460			3,033			3,599
Eight years later		1,539		1,958			2,564																									1,958			2,564			3,110
Nine years later		1,537		2,024																												2,024			2,600
Ten years later		1,587																														2,031

Cumulative redundancy (deficiency), undiscounted	$	36	$	(254	)	$	(644	)	$	(992	)	$	(1,258	)	$	(1,366	)	$	(1,051	)	$	(537	)	$	(136	)	$	88			$	(261	)	$	(680	)	$	(1,069	)	$	(1,323	)	$	(1,453	)	$	(1,143	)	$	(590	)	$	(150	)	$	154	$	180


Cumulative amount of net liability paid through:
One year later	$	365	$	496		$	584		$	702		$	794		$	599		$	929		$	1,185		$	1,321		$	1,433			$	496		$	584		$	702		$	794		$	599		$	929		$	1,185		$	1,321		$	1,433	$	1,745
Two years later		574		795			1,011			1,255			1,191			1,216			1,749			2,107			2,342							795			1,011			1,255			1,191			1,216			1,749			2,107			2,342			2,640
Three years later		737		1,032			1,426			1,501			1,594			1,792			2,388			2,837										1,032			1,426			1,501			1,594			1,792			2,388			2,837			3,202
Four years later		852		1,306			1,567			1,722			1,971			2,223			2,900													1,306			1,567			1,722			1,971			2,223			2,900			3,386
Five years later		1,033		1,387			1,699			1,964			2,245			2,552																1,387			1,699			1,964			2,245			2,552			3,273
Six years later		1,068		1,448			1,831			2,138			2,467																			1,448			1,831			2,138			2,467			2,814
Seven years later		1,112		1,522			1,934			2,276																						1,522			1,934			2,276			2,642
Eight years later		1,163		1,583			2,021																									1,583			2,021			2,401
Nine years later		1,208		1,632																												1,632			2,109
Ten years later		1,237																														1,680

The following table presents the development of gross reserves for ~~1997~~1998 through ~~2007.~~2008.

(Amounts in millions)


Year Ended December 31,	1998		1999			2000			2001			2002			2003			2004			2005			2006		2007		2008
Net reserves, discounted	$	1,583	$	1,724		$	1,818		$	2,033		$	2,323		$	3,505		$	4,723		$	5,867		$	6,947	$	7,823	$	8,123
Ceded reserves		538		617			658			731			845			687			727			845			837		855		877

Gross reserves, discounted		2,121		2,341			2,476			2,764			3,168			4,192			5,450			6,712			7,784		8,678		9,000
Reserve discount		248		250			286			324			384			462			573			654			761		867		944

Gross reserves undiscounted	$	2,369	$	2,591		$	2,762		$	3,088		$	3,552		$	4,654		$	6,023		$	7,366		$	8,545	$	9,545	$	9,944


Gross reserves re-estimated as of:
One year later	$	2,390	$	2,653		$	2,827		$	3,153		$	3,957		$	5,030		$	6,241		$	7,406		$	8,509	$	9,396
Two years later		2,389		2,556			2,730			3,461			4,353			5,380			6,382			7,529			8,454
Three years later		2,218		2,385			2,900			3,777			4,744			5,546			6,600			7,561
Four years later		2,079		2,465			3,054			4,103			4,885			5,807			6,670
Five years later		2,102		2,564			3,267			4,192			5,132			5,915
Six years later		2,139		2,684			3,296			4,428			5,226
Seven years later		2,212		2,682			3,476			4,500
Eight years later		2,198		2,814			3,555
Nine years later		2,283		2,860
Ten Years later		2,306
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency) undiscounted	$	63	$	(269	)	$	(793	)	$	(1,412	)	$	(1,674	)	$	(1,261	)	$	(647	)	$	(195	)	$	91	$	149

Reinsurance

Year Ended December 31,
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
(Amounts in millions)

Net reserves, discounted $ 1,433 $ 1,583 $ 1,724 $ 1,818 $ 2,033 $ 2,323 $ 3,505 $ 4,723 $ 5,867 $ 6,947 $ 7,823
Ceded reserves 477 538 617 658 731 845 687 727 845 837 855

Gross reserves, discounted 1,910 2,121 2,341 2,476 2,764 3,168 4,192 5,450 6,712 7,784 8,678
Reserve discount 241 248 250 286 324 384 462 573 654 761 867

Gross reserves, undiscounted $ 2,151 $ 2,369 $ 2,591 $ 2,762 $ 3,088 $ 3,552 $ 4,654 $ 6,023 $ 7,366 $ 8,545 $ 9,545

Gross re-estimated as of:
One year later $ 2,132 $ 2,390 $ 2,653 $ 2,827 $ 3,153 $ 3,957 $ 5,030 $ 6,241 $ 7,406 $ 8,509
Two years later 2,096 2,389 2,556 2,730 3,461 4,353 5,380 6,382 7,529
Three years later 2,010 2,218 2,385 2,900 3,777 4,744 5,546 6,600
Four years later 1,871 2,079 2,465 3,054 4,103 4,885 5,807
Five years later 1,787 2,102 2,564 3,267 4,192 5,132
Six years later 1,795 2,139 2,684 3,296 4,428
Seven years later 1,805 2,212 2,682 3,476
Eight years later 1,857 2,198 2,814
Nine years later 1,842 2,283
Ten Years later 1,908
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency) $ 243 $ 86 $ (223 ) $ (714 ) $ (1,340 ) $ (1,580 ) $ (1,153 ) $ (577 ) $ (163 ) $ 36

~~Reinsurance~~

We follow a common industry practice of reinsuring a portion of our exposures and paying to reinsurers a part of the premiums received on the policies that we write. Reinsurance is purchased principally to reduce net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophic losses. Although reinsurance does not legally discharge an insurer from its primary liability for the full amount of the policies, it does make the assuming reinsurer contractually liable to the insurer to the extent of the reinsurance coverage. We monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers and attempt to place our coverages only with substantial, financially sound carriers. As a result, generally the reinsurers who reinsure our casualty insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A (Excellent)” or better with at least $500 million in policyholder surplus and the reinsurers who cover our property insurance must have an A.M. Best rating of “A-(Excellent)” or better with at least $250 million in policyholder surplus.

Regulation

Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to varying degrees of regulation and supervision in the jurisdictions in which they do business, and the Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with such regulations. ~~They~~Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to state insurance commissioners. This regulation relates to such matters as the standards of solvency which must be met and maintained; the licensing of insurers and their agents; the nature of and limitations on investments; deposits of securities for the benefit of policyholders; approval of certain policy forms and premium rates; periodic examination of the affairs of insurance companies; annual and other reports required to be filed on the financial condition of insurers or for other purposes; establishment and maintenance of reserves for unearned premiums and losses; and requirements regarding numerous other matters. Our property casualty subsidiaries, other than excess and surplus and reinsurance subsidiaries, must generally file all rates with the insurance department of each state in which they operate. Our excess and surplus and reinsurance subsidiaries generally operate free of rate and form regulation.

In addition to regulatory supervision of our insurance subsidiaries, we are subject to state statutes governing insurance holding company systems. Typically, such statutes require that we periodically file information with the appropriate state insurance commissioner, including information concerning our capital structure, ownership, financial condition and general business operations. Under the terms of applicable state statutes, any person or

entity desiring to purchase more than a specified percentage (commonly 10%) of our outstanding voting securities would be required to obtain regulatory approval of the purchase. Further, state insurance statutes typically place limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions payable by insurance companies in order to protect their solvency. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Various state and federal organizations, including Congressional committees and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), have been conducting reviews into various aspects of the insurance business. No assurance can be given that future legislative or regulatory changes resulting from such activity will not adversely affect our insurance subsidiaries.

The NAIC utilizes a Risk Based Capital (“RBC”) formula that is designed to measure the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory surplus in relation to the risks inherent in its business. The RBC formula develops a risk adjusted target level of adjusted statutory capital by applying certain factors to various asset, premium and reserve items. The RBC Model Law provides for four incremental levels of regulatory attention for insurers whose surplus is below the calculated RBC target. These levels of attention range in severity from requiring the insurer to submit a plan for corrective action to actually placing the insurer under regulatory control. The RBC of each of our domestic insurance subsidiaries was above the authorized RBC control level as of December 31, ~~2007.~~2008.

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (the “Act”), was enacted in 1999 and significantly affects the financial services industry, including insurance companies, banks and securities firms. The Act modifies federal law to permit the creation of financial holding companies, which, as regulated by the Act, can maintain cross-holdings in insurance companies, banks and securities firms to an extent not previously allowed. The Act also permits or facilitates certain types of combinations or affiliations for financial holding companies. The Act establishes a functional regulatory scheme under which state insurance departments will maintain primary regulation over insurance activities, subject to provisions for certain federal preemptions.

Our insurance company subsidiaries are also subject to assessment by state guaranty funds when an insurer in a particular jurisdiction has been judicially declared insolvent and insufficient funds are available from the liquidated company to pay policyholders and claimants. The protection afforded under a state’s guaranty fund to policyholders of the insolvent insurer varies from state to state. Generally, all licensed property casualty insurers are considered to be members of the fund, and assessments are based upon their pro rata share of direct written premiums. The NAIC Model Post-Assessment Guaranty Fund Act, which many states have adopted, limits assessments to an insurer to 2% of its subject premium and permits recoupment of assessments through rate setting. Likewise, several states (or underwriting organizations of which our insurance subsidiaries are required to be members) have limited assessment authority with regard to deficits in certain lines of business.

We receive funds from our insurance company subsidiaries in the form of dividends and management fees for certain management services. Annual dividends in excess of maximum amounts prescribed by state statutes may not be paid without the approval of the insurance commissioner of the state in which an insurance subsidiary is domiciled.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 became effective November 26, 2002, was amended on December 22, 2005 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Extension Act of 2005 and further amended effective December 26, 2007 by the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of ~~2007(collectively,~~2007 (collectively, “TRIA”). TRIA established a Federal program that provides for a system of shared public and private compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism. The program is effective through December 31, 2014. TRIA is applicable to almost all commercial lines of property and casualty insurance but excludes commercial auto, burglary and theft, surety, professional liability and farm owners’ multi-peril insurance. Insurers with direct commercial property and casualty insurance exposure in the United States are required to participate in the program and make available coverage for certified acts of terrorism. The most recent amendment to TRIA broadened the definition of certified acts to include domestic terrorism. Federal participation will be triggered under TRIA when the Secretary of Treasury certifies an act of terrorism. Under the program, the federal government will pay 85% of an insurer’s covered losses in excess of the insurer’s applicable deductible. The insurer’s deductible is based on 20% percent of earned premium for the prior year for covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our ~~2007~~2008 earned premiums, our deductible under TRIA during ~~2008~~2009 will be approximately ~~$611~~$574 million.

The federal program will not pay losses for certified acts unless such losses exceed $100 million. TRIA limits the federal government’s share of losses at $100 billion for a program year. In addition, an insurer that has satisfied its deductible is not liable for the payment of losses in excess of the $100 billion cap.

The insurance industry has been the subject of ~~increasing~~ scrutiny with respect to insurance broker and agent compensation arrangements and sales practices. The New York State Attorney General and other state and federal regulators have conducted investigations and other proceedings relating to compensation and bidding arrangements between producers and issuers of insurance products, and alleged unsuitable sales practices by producers on behalf of either the issuer or the purchaser. The practices under investigation included, among other things, allegations that so-called contingent commission arrangements may conflict with a broker’s duties to its customers and that certain brokers and insurers may have engaged in anti-competitive practices in connection with insurance premium quotes. ~~The New York State Attorney General has entered into settlement agreements with several large insurance brokers and insurance companies.~~ New investigative proceedings may be commenced in the future. These investigations and proceedings could result in legal precedents and new industry-wide practices or legislation, rules or regulations that could significantly affect the insurance industry and the Company.

Competition

The property casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses are highly competitive, with over 2,000 insurance companies transacting business in the United States. We compete directly with a large number of these companies. Our strategy in this highly fragmented industry is to seek specialized areas or geographic regions where our insurance subsidiaries can gain a competitive advantage by responding quickly to changing market conditions. Our subsidiaries establish their own pricing practices. Such practices are based upon a Company-wide philosophy to price products with the intent of making an underwriting profit. Competition in our industry generally changes with profitability and has increased since 2004. As a result of increased competition, we ~~are experiencing~~have experienced both downward pressure on pricing for many of our insurance lines as well as demands by insureds and cedants for better terms and conditions.

Competition for specialty and alternative markets business comes from other specialty insurers, regional carriers, large national multi-line companies and reinsurers. ~~Recently standard~~Standard carriers have increasingly competed for excess and surplus business.

Competition for the reinsurance business comes from domestic and foreign reinsurers, which produce their business either on a direct basis or through the broker market. These competitors include Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re, Transatlantic Reinsurance, XL and ~~Everest Reinsurance.~~Munich Re.

The regional property casualty subsidiaries compete with mutual and other regional stock companies as well as national carriers. Direct writers of property casualty insurance compete with the regional subsidiaries by writing insurance through their salaried employees, generally at a lower cost than through independent agents such as those used by the Company.

The international operations compete with native insurance operations both large and small, which may be related to government entities, as well as with ~~branch~~branches or local subsidiaries of multinational companies.

Competition from insurers based in Bermuda and other tax advantaged jurisdictions has increased over the last several years, including from domestic based subsidiaries of foreign based entities especially as to excess and surplus lines business.

Employees

As of February ~~14, 2008,~~16, 2009, we employed ~~5,494~~5,768 individuals. Of this number, our subsidiaries employed ~~5,413~~5,681 persons, of whom ~~3,846~~3,991 were executive and administrative personnel and ~~1,559~~1,690 were clerical personnel. We employed the remaining 8187 persons at the parent company and in investment operations, of whom 6471 were executive and administrative personnel and 1716 were clerical personnel.

Other Information about the Company’s ~~business~~Business

We maintain an interest in the acquisition or start up of complementary businesses and continue to evaluate possible acquisitions and new ventures on an ongoing basis. In addition, our insurance subsidiaries develop new coverages or lines of business to meet the needs of insureds.

Seasonal weather variations and other events affect the severity and frequency of losses sustained by the insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries. Although the effect on our business of catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, hailstorms, earthquakes and terrorist acts may be mitigated by reinsurance, they nevertheless can have a significant impact on the results of any one or more reporting periods.

We have no customer which accounts for 10 percent or more of our consolidated revenues.

Compliance by W. R. Berkley and its subsidiaries with federal, state and local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to protection of the environment, has not had a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

The Company’s internet address is www.wrberkley.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this annual report onForm 10-K. The Company’s annual report onForm 10-K, quarterly reports onForm 10-Q, current reports onForm 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act are accessible free of charge through this website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.


~~ITEM 1A.~~	*~~RISK FACTORS~~*

~~CERTAIN~~ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS ~~THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS~~

Our ~~business faces~~businesses face significant risks. If any of the events or circumstances described as risks below actually occurs, our ~~business,~~businesses, results of operations or financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Industry

Our results may fluctuate as a result of many factors, including cyclical changes in the insurance and reinsurance industry.

The results of companies in the property casualty insurance industry historically have been subject to significant fluctuations and uncertainties. The demand for insurance is influenced primarily by general economic conditions, while the supply of insurance is directly related to available capacity. Over the past several years, we have faced increasing competition in our business, ~~resulting~~including as a result of an increased flow of capital into the insurance and reinsurance industry, with both new entrants and existing insurers seeking to gain market share. This has resulted in decreased premium rates ~~primarily as a result of increased competition.~~and less favorable contract terms and conditions. The adequacy of premium rates is affected mainly by the severity and frequency of claims, which are influenced by many factors, including natural disasters, regulatory measures and court decisions that define and expand the extent of coverage and the effects of economic inflation on the amount of compensation due for injuries or losses. In addition, investment rates of return may impact ~~policy rates.~~rate adequacy. These factors can have a significant impact on ultimate profitability because a property casualty insurance policy is priced before its costs are known as premiums usually are determined long before claims are reported. These factors could produce results that would have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

Current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition, particularly if such conditions continue.

The significant volatility and uncertainty experienced in financial markets around the world during the past year and the ongoing economic downturn have continued. Although the U.S. and various foreign governments have taken various actions to try to stabilize the financial markets, it is unclear whether those actions will be effective. Therefore, volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets and the resulting negative economic impact will likely continue for some time.

While we monitor conditions in the financial markets, we cannot predict future conditions or their impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Depending on conditions in the financial markets, we could incur additional realized and unrealized losses in our investment portfolio in future periods, and financial market volatility and uncertainty and an economic downturn could have a significant negative impact on third parties that we do business with, including insureds and reinsurers.

Our actual claims losses may exceed our reserves for claims, which may require us to establish additional reserves.

Our gross reserves for losses and loss expenses were approximately ~~$8.7~~$9.0 billion as of December 31, ~~2007.~~2008. Our loss reserves reflect our best estimates of the cost of settling ~~all~~ claims and related expenses with respect to insured events that have occurred.

Reserves do not represent an exact calculation of liability. Rather, reserves represent an estimate of what management expects the ultimate settlement and claims administration will cost for claims that have occurred, whether known or unknown. The major assumptions about anticipated loss emergence patterns are subject to unanticipated fluctuation. These estimates, which generally involve actuarial projections, are based on

management’s assessment of facts and circumstances then known, as well as estimates of future trends in claims severity and frequency, inflation, judicial theories of liability, reinsurance coverage, legislative changes and other factors, including the actions of third parties which are beyond our control.

The inherent uncertainties of estimating reserves are greater for certain types of liabilities, where long periods of time elapse before a definitive determination of liability is made and settlement is reached. In periods with increased economic volatility, such as under the current financial market conditions, it becomes more difficult to accurately predict claim costs. It is especially difficult to estimate the impact of inflation on loss reserves given the current economic environment and related government actions. Reserve estimates are continually refined in an ongoing process as experience develops and further claims are reported and settled. Adjustments to reserves are reflected in the results of the periods in which such estimates are changed. Because setting reserves is inherently uncertain, we cannot assure that our current reserves will prove adequate in light of subsequent events. Should we need to increase our reserves, our pre-tax income for the period would decrease by a corresponding amount.

We decreased our estimates for claims occurring in prior years by $196 million in 2008 and $106 million in 2007, and increased our estimate by $27 million in 2006, ~~and~~ $187 million in ~~2005.~~2005 and $295 million in 2004. We, along with the property casualty insurance industry in general, have experienced higher than expected losses for certain types of business written from 1998 to 2001. Although our reserves reflect our best estimate of the costs of settling claims, we cannot assure you that our claim estimates will not need to be increased in the future.

We discount our reserves for excess and assumed workers’ compensation business because of the long period of time over which losses are paid. Discounting is intended to appropriately match losses and loss expenses to income earned on investment securities supporting liabilities. The expected loss and loss expense payout pattern subject to discounting is derived from our loss payout experience. Changes in the loss and loss expense payout pattern are recorded in the period they are determined. If the actual loss payout pattern is shorter than anticipated, the discount will be reduced and pre-tax income will decrease by a corresponding amount.

As a property casualty insurer, we face losses from natural and man-made catastrophes.

Property casualty insurers are subject to claims arising out of catastrophes that may have a significant effect on their results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. Catastrophe losses have had a significant impact on our results. In addition, through our ~~recent quota share arrangements with~~participation in certain Lloyd’s syndicates, we have additional exposure to catastrophic losses. For example, weather-related losses were $114 million in 2008, $34 million in 2007, $39 million in 2006, ~~and~~ $99 million in ~~2005.~~2005 and $60 million in 2004.

Catastrophes can be caused by various events, including hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires, as well as terrorist activities. The incidence and severity of catastrophes are inherently unpredictable but have increased in recent years. The extent of losses from a catastrophe is a function of both the total amount of insured exposure in the area affected by the event and the severity of the event. Some catastrophes are restricted to small geographic areas; however, hurricanes and earthquakes may produce significant damage in large, heavily populated areas. Catastrophes can cause losses in a variety of our property casualty lines, and most of our past catastrophe-related claims have resulted from severe storms. Seasonal weather variations may affect the severity and frequency of our losses. Insurance companies are not permitted to reserve for a catastrophe until it has occurred. It is therefore possible that a catastrophic event or multiple catastrophic events could produce significant losses and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We face significant and increasing competitive pressures in our businesses, which have reduced premium rates and could harm our ability to maintain or increase our profitability and premium volume.

We compete with a large number of other companies in our selected lines of business. We compete, and will continue to compete, with major U.S. andnon-U.S. insurers and reinsurers, other regional companies, as well as mutual companies, specialty insurance companies, underwriting agencies and diversified financial services companies. Competitiveness in our businesses is based on many factors, including premium charges, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, commissions paid to producers, the perceived financial strength of the company, ~~premium charges,~~ other terms and conditions offered, services provided, ~~commissions paid to producers, ratings assigned by independent rating agencies,~~ speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in the lines to be written.

Some of our competitors, particularly in the reinsurance business, have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. These competitors within the reinsurance segment include Berkshire Hathaway, Swiss Re, Transatlantic Reinsurance, XL and ~~Everest Reinsurance Company.~~Munich Re. We expect that perceived financial strength, in particular, will become more important as customers seek high quality reinsurers. Certain of our competitors operate from Bermuda or other tax advantaged or less regulated jurisdictions that may provide them with additional competitive and pricing advantages.

Over the past several years, we have faced increased competition in our business, particularly in our reinsurance segment, as increased supply has led to reduced prices. Our specialty segment increasingly encounters competition from admitted companies seeking to increase market share. We expect to continue to face strong competition in these and our other lines of business ~~with further~~and may continue to experience reduced pricing and weaker terms and conditions.

This intense competition could cause the supplyand/or demand for insurance or reinsurance to change, which could affect our ability to price our products at attractive rates and retain existing business or write new products at adequate rates. If we are unable to retain existing business or write new business at adequate rates, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We, as a primary insurer, may have significant exposure for terrorist acts.

To the extent an act of terrorism, whether a domestic or foreign act, is certified by the Secretary of Treasury, we may be covered under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as amended on December 22, 2005 and further amended on December 26, 2007 (“TRIA”), for up to 85% of

our losses for certain property/casualty lines of insurance. However, any such coverage would be subject to a mandatory deductible based on ~~20 percent~~20% of earned premium for the prior year for the covered lines of commercial property and casualty insurance. Based on our ~~2007~~2008 earned premiums, our deductible under TRIA during ~~2008 will be~~2009 is approximately ~~$611~~$574 million. TRIA ~~will be~~is in effect through December 31, 2014 unless extended or replaced by a similar program. ~~This~~The coverage provided under TRIA does not apply to reinsurance that we write.

Our earnings could be more volatile because of our significant level of retentions.

As compared to a number of our competitors, we maintain significant retention levels in premiums written. We purchase less reinsurance, the process by which we transfer, or cede, part of the risk we have assumed to a reinsurance company, thereby retaining more risk. As a result, our earnings could be more volatile and increased severities are more likely to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation, which increases our costs and could restrict the conduct of our business.

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision. Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than stockholders and other investors. This system of regulation, generally administered by a department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relates to, among other things:


	•		standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements;

	•		restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments;

	•		requiring certain methods of accounting;

	•		rate and form regulation pertaining to certain of our insurance businesses; and

	•		potential assessments for the provision of funds necessary for the settlement of covered claims under certain policies provided by impaired, insolvent or failed insurance companies.

State insurance departments conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. ~~Recently adopted federal~~Federal financial services modernization legislation and legislative and regulatory initiatives taken or which may be taken in response to the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn may lead to additional federal regulation of the insurance industry in the coming years. We may be subject to potentially increased federal oversight as a financial institution. Also, foreign governments regulate our international operations.

~~New York State Attorney General has entered into settlement agreements with several large insurance brokers and insurance companies.~~ New investigative proceedings may be commenced in the future. These investigations and proceedings could result in legal precedents and new industry-wide practices or legislation, rules or regulations that could significantly affect the insurance industry and the Company.

We may be unable to maintain all required licenses and approvals and our business may not fully comply with the wide variety of applicable laws and regulations or the relevant authority’s interpretation of the laws and regulations. Also, some regulatory authorities have relatively

broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals or do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or monetarily penalize us. Also, changes in the level of regulation of the insurance industry, whether federal, state or foreign, or changes in laws or regulations themselves or interpretations by regulatory authorities, restrict the conduct of our business.

In certain of our insurance businesses, the rates we charge our policyholders are subject to regulatory approval. Certain lines of business are subject to a greater degree of regulatory scrutiny ~~then~~than others. For example, the workers’ compensation business is highly regulated. ~~During 2007,~~For 2008, approximately ~~13%~~15.3% of our net premiums written represented primary workers’ compensation business. Over the past several years, rates for primary workers’ compensation business written in the State of California have declined significantly as a result of workers’ compensation reform. Of our net premiums written during 2008, approximately 2%1.5% represented primary workers’ compensation business written in the State of ~~California, where the impact of workers’ compensation reform has recently resulted in significant rate reductions.~~

California.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We cannot guarantee that our reinsurers will pay in a timely fashion, if at all, and, as a result, we could experience losses.

We purchase reinsurance by transferring part of the risk that we have assumed, known as ceding, to a reinsurance company in exchange for part of the premium we receive in connection with the risk. Although reinsurance makes the reinsurer contractually liable to us to the extent the risk is transferred or ceded to the reinsurer, it does not relieve us, the reinsured, of our liability to our policyholders. Our reinsurers may not pay the reinsurance recoverables that they owe to us or they may not pay such recoverables on a timely basis. Accordingly, we bear credit risk with respect to our reinsurers, and if our reinsurers fail to pay us, our financial results would be adversely affected. Underwriting results and investment returns of some of our reinsurers may affect their future ability to pay claims. As of December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, the amount due from our reinsurers was ~~$905~~approximately $931 million, including amounts due from state funds and industry pools. Certain of these amounts due from reinsurers are secured by letters of credit or by funds held in trust on our behalf.

We are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, and Moody’s, and a decline in these ratings could affect our standing in the insurance industry and cause our sales and earnings to decrease.

Ratings have become an increasingly important factor in establishing the competitive position of insurance companies. Certain of our insurance company subsidiaries are rated by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Services. While A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s ratings reflect their opinions as to a company’s financial strength, operating performance, strategic position and ability to meet its obligations to policyholders, they are not evaluations directed to investors and are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold our securities.Investors. Our ratings are subject to periodic review, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain those ratings. Twenty of our twenty-three insurance company subsidiaries have A.M. Best Company, Inc. (“A.M. Best”) ratings of “A+ (Superior)” which is A.M. Best’s second highest rating out of 15 possible ratings by A.M. Best. Carolina Casualty Insurance Company and W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe), Limited have A.M. Best ratings of “A (Excellent)” which is A.M. Best’s third highest rating. Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company, which the Company purchased in 2007, does not have an A.M. Best rating. The Standard & Poor’s financial strength rating for our domestic insurance subsidiaries is A+ (the seventh highest rating out of twenty-seven possible ratings). Our Moody’s rating is A2 for Berkley Insurance Company (the sixth highest rating out of twenty-one possible ratings).

If our ratings are reduced from their current levels by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, our competitive position in the insurance industry could suffer and it would be more difficult for us to market our

products. A significant downgrade could result in a substantial loss of business as policyholders move to other companies with higher claims-paying and financial strength ratings.

If market conditions cause reinsurance to be more costly or unavailable, we may be required to bear increased risks or reduce the level of our underwriting commitments.

As part of our overall risk and capacity management strategy, we purchase reinsurance for certain amounts of risk underwritten by our insurance company subsidiaries, especially catastrophe risks. We also purchase reinsurance on risks underwritten by others which we reinsure. Market conditions beyond our control determine the availability and cost of the reinsurance protection we purchase, which may affect the level of our business and profitability. Our reinsurance ~~facilities~~contracts are generally subject to annual renewal. We may be unable to maintain our current reinsurance ~~facilities~~contracts or to obtain other reinsurance ~~facilities~~contracts in adequate amounts and at favorable rates. In addition, we may be unable to obtain reinsurance on terms acceptable to us relating to certain lines of business that we intend to begin writing. If we are unable to renew our expiring ~~facilities~~contracts or to obtain new reinsurance ~~facilities,~~contracts, either our net exposures would increase or, if

we are unwilling to bear an increase in net exposures, we would have to reduce the level of our underwriting commitments, especially catastrophe exposed risks.

Depending on conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn, we may be unable to raise debt or equity capital if needed.

If the current conditions in the financial markets and the ongoing economic downturn continue, we may be unable to access debt or equity capital on acceptable terms if needed, which could have a negative impact on our ability to invest in our insurance company subsidiaries and/or to take advantage of opportunities to expand our business, such as possible acquisitions and new ventures.

Our international operations expose us to investment, political and economic ~~risks.~~risks, including foreign currency and credit risk.

Our expanding international operations in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong expose us to investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk. Changes in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our investments in non-U.S.-denominated securities are subject to fluctuations in non-U.S. securities and currency markets, and those markets can be volatile. Non-U.S. currency fluctuations also affect the value of any dividends paid by our non-U.S. subsidiaries to their parent companies in the U.S.

We may not find suitable acquisition candidates or new insurance ventures and even if we do, we may not successfully integrate any such acquired companies or successfully invest in such ventures.

As part of our present strategy, we continue to evaluate possible acquisition transactions and thestart-up of complementary businesses on an ongoing basis, and at any given time we may be engaged in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions and new ventures. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify suitable acquisition transactions or insurance ventures, that such transactions will be financed and completed on acceptable terms or that our future acquisitions or ventures will be successful. The process of integrating any companies we do acquire or investing in new ventures may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.

We depend on our ability to attract and retain experienced underwriting talent and other skilled employees who are knowledgeable about our business. If the quality of our underwriting team and other personnel decreases, we may be unable to maintain our current competitive position in the specialized markets in which we operate, and be unable to expand our operations into new markets.

Risks Relating to Our Investments

A significant amount of our assets is invested in fixed ~~income~~maturity securities and is subject to market fluctuations.

Our investment portfolio consists substantially of fixed ~~income~~maturity securities. As of December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, our investment in fixed ~~income~~maturity securities was approximately ~~$9.8~~$9.7 billion, or ~~74%~~77% of our total investment portfolio. As of that date, our portfolio of fixed maturity securities consisted of the following types of securities: U.S. Government securities (12%); state and municipal securities (58%); corporate securities (10%); mortgage-backed securities (17%) and foreign government bonds (3%).

The fair market value of these assets and the investment income from these assets fluctuate depending on general economic and market conditions. The fair market value of fixed ~~income~~maturity securities generally decreases as interest rates rise. Conversely, if interest rates decline, investment income earned from future investments in fixed ~~income~~maturity securities will be lower. In addition, some fixed ~~income~~maturity securities, such as mortgage-backed and otherasset-backed securities, carry prepayment risk as a result of interest rate fluctuations. Based upon the composition and duration of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2007, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of our investments of approximately $338 million.

The value of investments in fixed ~~income securities, and particularly our investments in high-yield~~maturity securities is subject to impairment as a result of deterioration in the credit worthiness of the issuer, default by the issuer (including states and municipalities) in the performance of its obligations in respect of the securities and/or increases in market interest rates. ~~Although~~To a large degree, the credit risk we ~~attempt to manage this~~face is a function of the economy; accordingly, we face a greater risk ~~by diversifying our portfolio and emphasizing preservation of principal,~~in an economic downturn or recession. Additionally, our investments are subject to losses as a result of a general decrease in commercial and economic activity for an industry sector in which we invest, as well as risks inherent in particular securities. ~~Investment returns are currently,~~

Although we attempt to manage these risks through the use of investment guidelines and ~~could continue to remain, under pressure due to current economic uncertainty~~other oversight mechanisms and ~~volatility~~by diversifying our portfolio and ~~the shape~~emphasizing preservation of ~~the yield curve.~~

~~The value of~~principal, our ~~fixed income portfolio is also subject to the risk that certain investments~~efforts may ~~become impaired due to a downgrade of the credit ratings of an insurer that guarantees an issuer’s payments of such investments in our portfolio. In addition,~~not be successful. Impairments, defaults ~~by the issuer and, where applicable, its guarantor, of certain investments that result in the failure of such parties to fulfill their obligations with regard to any of these investments~~and/or rate increases could reduce our net investment income and net realized investment gains or result in investment losses.

~~While we attempt~~ Investment returns are currently, and will likely continue to ~~manage these risks through investment guidelines, collateral requirements~~remain, under pressure due to the significant volatility and ~~other oversight mechanisms, our efforts may not be successful. To a large degree,~~disruption currently experienced in the ~~credit risk we face is a function~~financial markets, current and continuing economic uncertainty, more generally, and the shape of the ~~economy; accordingly, we face a greater risk in an economic downturn or recession.~~yield curve. As a result, our exposure to ~~any of~~ the risks described above ~~credit risks~~ could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

We invest some of our assets in equity securities, including merger arbitrage investments, private equity and real estate securities, which may decline in value.

We invest a portion of our investment portfolio in equity securities, including merger arbitrage investments, private equity and real estate securities. At December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, our investments in equity securities were approximately ~~$1.8~~$1.2 billion, or ~~15%~~9% of our investment portfolio. We reported provisions for other than temporary impairments in the value of our equity securities ~~provisions~~ in the amounts of approximately $427.3 million in 2008, $2.7 million in 2007, $0.1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005.

Merger and convertible arbitrage trading securities represented 25% of our equity securities at December 31, ~~2007.~~2008. Merger arbitrage is the business of investing in the securities of publicly held companies that are the targets in announced tender offers and mergers. Merger arbitrage differs from other types of investments in its focus on transactions and events believed likely to bring about a change in value over a relatively short time period, usually four months or less. Our merger arbitrage positions are exposed to the risk associated with the completion of announced deals, which are subject to regulatory as well as political and other risks. ~~If there is~~Due to the current reduced activity and deal certainty in the merger and acquisitions area, we ~~may~~have not bebeen able to achieve the returns that we have enjoyed in the past.

Included in our equity security portfolio are investments in publicly traded real estate investment trusts ~~(“REITs”)~~ and private real estate investment funds, real estate limited partnerships and private equity, including venture capital, investments. At December 31, ~~2007~~2008, our investments in these securities were approximately ~~$504~~$431 million, or ~~29%~~37% of our equity portfolio. The values of our real estate investments are subject to fluctuations based on changes in the economy in general and real estate valuations in particular. These investments and our private equity investments have been subject to significant volatility as a result of the current conditions in the financial markets. In addition, ~~the~~our investments in real estate investment funds, real estate limited partnerships and ~~venture capital investments in which we invest~~private equity funds are less liquid than our other investments.

Risks Relating to Purchasing Our Securities

We are an insurance holding company and, therefore, may not be able to receive dividends in needed amounts.

As an insurance holding company, our principal assets are the shares of capital stock of our insurance company subsidiaries. We have to rely on dividends from our insurance company subsidiaries to meet our obligations for paying principal and interest on outstanding debt obligations and for paying dividends to stockholders and corporate expenses. The payment of dividends by our insurance company subsidiaries is subject to regulatory restrictions and will depend on the surplus and future earnings of these subsidiaries, as well as ~~the~~ regulatory restrictions. During ~~2008,~~2009, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid without regulatory approval is approximately ~~$653~~$392 million. As a result, in the future we may not be able to receive dividends from these subsidiaries at times and in amounts necessary to meet our obligations or pay dividends.

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We are subject to certain provisions that may have the effect of hindering, delaying or preventing third party takeovers, which may prevent our ~~shareholders~~stockholders from receiving premium prices for their shares in an unsolicited takeover and make it more difficult for third parties to replace our current management.

Provisions of our ~~certificate~~Restated Certificate of ~~incorporation~~Incorporation and ~~by-laws,~~By-Laws, as well as our rights agreement and state insurance statutes, may hinder, delay or prevent unsolicited acquisitions or changes of our control. These provisions may also have the effect of making it more difficult for third parties to cause the replacement of our current management without the concurrence of our board of directors.

These provisions include:


	•		our classified board of directors and the ability of our board to increase its size and to appoint directors to fill newly created directorships;

	•		the requirement that 80% of our stockholders must approve mergers and other transactions between us and the holder of 5% or more of our shares, unless the transaction was approved by our board of directors prior to such holder’s acquisition of 5% of our shares;

	•		the need for advance notice in order to raise business or make nominations at stockholders’ meetings;

	•		our rights agreement which subjects persons (other than William R. ~~Berkley)~~Berkley or Franklin Resources, Inc.) who acquire beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common stock without board approval to substantial dilution; and

	•		state insurance statutes that restrict the acquisition of control (generally defined as 10% of the outstanding shares) of an insurance company without regulatory approval.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS


~~ITEM 1B.~~	*~~UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS~~*

There are no unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


~~ITEM 2.~~	*~~PROPERTIES~~*

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

W. R. Berkley and its subsidiaries own or lease office buildings or office space suitable to conduct their operations. At December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, the Company had aggregate office space of ~~1,640,602~~2,394,268 square feet, of which ~~641,231~~807,582 were owned and ~~999,371~~1,586,686 were leased.

Rental expense was approximately $23,802,000, $21,438,000 and $19,348,000 for 2008, 2007 and ~~$17,429,000 for 2007,~~ 2006, ~~and 2005,~~ respectively. Future minimum lease payments (without provision for sublease income) are ~~$20,889,000 in 2008, $18,570,000~~$23,803,000 in 2009, $21,103,000 in 2010 and ~~$65,654,000~~$66,461,000 thereafter.


~~ITEM 3.~~	*~~LEGAL PROCEEDINGS~~*

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to disputes, including litigation and arbitration, arising in the ordinary course of their insurance and reinsurance businesses. The Company’s estimates of the costs of settling such matters are reflected in its aggregate reserves for losses and loss expenses, and the Company does not believe that the ultimate outcome of such matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.


~~ITEM 4.~~	*~~SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS~~*

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of ~~2007~~2008 to a vote of holders of the Company’s ~~Common Stock.~~common stock.

2830

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


~~ITEM 5.~~	*~~MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES~~*

The common stock of the Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ~~“BER”~~“WRB”.


					Common		Price Range				Dividends Declared
	Price Range				Dividends Declared		High		Low		Per Share
	High		Low		per Share
2008:
Fourth Quarter							$	31.21	$	16.62	$	.06
Third Quarter								29.34		20.39		.06
Second Quarter								29.02		24.01		.06
First Quarter								31.26		26.39		.05

2007:
Fourth Quarter	$	32.21	$	28.04	$	.05	$	32.21	$	28.04	$	.05
Third Quarter		32.81		25.20		.05		32.81		25.20		.05
Second Quarter		33.80		31.89		.05		33.80		31.89		.05
First Quarter		35.10		31.30		.05		35.10		31.30		.05
2006:
Fourth Quarter	$	37.72	$	34.34	$	.04
Third Quarter		37.25		32.26		.04
Second Quarter		40.95		30.61		.04
First Quarter		40.15		31.87		.04

The closing price of the ~~Common Stock~~common stock on February ~~14, 2008,~~20, 2009, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was ~~$28.70~~$21.30 per share. The approximate number of record holders of the ~~Common Stock~~common stock on February ~~14, 2008~~20, 2009 was ~~513.~~499.

Set forth below is a summary of the shares repurchased by the Company during the fourth quarter of ~~2007~~2008 and the remaining number of shares authorized for purchase by the Company.


							Maximum number of
					Total number of shares		shares that may
	Total number				purchased as part of		yet be purchased
	of shares		Average price		publicly announced plans		under the plans
	purchased		paid per share		or programs		or programs (1)
October 2008		974,000	$	18.48		974,000		8,109,900
November 2008		27,200		25.97		—		8,109,900
December 2008		—		—		—		8,109,900

Total Number of
Maximum Number of

Shares Purchased as
Shares that may yet

Part of Publicly
be Purchased Under

Total Number of
Average Price
Announced Plans
the Plans or

Shares Purchased Paid per Share or Programs Programs(1)

October 2007 188,300 $ 29.18 188,300 10,471,088
November 2007 3,013,400 28.91 3,013,400 17,283,500
December 2007 6,686 29.91 None 17,283,500


(1)		Remaining shares available for repurchase under the Company’s repurchase authorization of ~~20,000,000~~10,000,000 shares that was approved by the Board of Directors on ~~November 6, 2007.~~July 29, 2008.

2931


~~ITEM 6.~~	*~~SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA~~*

Year Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Premiums written $ 4,575,989 $ 4,818,993 $ 4,604,574 $ 4,266,361 $ 3,670,515
Net premiums earned 4,663,701 4,692,622 4,460,935 4,061,092 3,234,610
Net investment income 672,660 586,175 403,962 291,295 210,056
Service fees 97,689 104,812 110,697 109,344 101,715
Realized investment gains 14,938 9,648 17,209 48,268 81,692
Revenues from wholly-owned investees 102,846 — — — —
Total revenues 5,553,639 5,394,831 4,996,839 4,512,235 3,630,108
Interest expense 88,996 92,522 85,926 66,423 54,733
Income before income taxes 1,057,634 988,645 770,537 638,513 489,304
Income tax expense (310,905 ) (286,398 ) (222,521 ) (196,235 ) (150,626 )
Minority interest (3,083 ) (2,729 ) (3,124 ) (3,446 ) (1,458 )
Income before change in accounting 743,646 699,518 544,892 438,832 337,220
Cumulative effect of change in accounting — — — (727 ) —
Net income 743,646 699,518 544,892 438,105 337,220
Data per common share:
Net income per basic share 3.94 3.65 2.86 2.32 1.81
Net income per diluted share 3.78 3.46 2.72 2.21 1.72
Stockholders’ equity 19.80 17.30 13.42 11.13 8.95
Cash dividends declared .20 .16 .12 .12 .12
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 188,981 191,809 190,533 188,912 187,029
Diluted 196,698 201,961 200,426 198,408 195,893
Investments $ 11,893,522 $ 11,114,364 $ 9,810,225 $ 7,303,889 $ 5,068,670
Total assets 16,832,170 15,656,489 13,896,287 11,451,033 9,334,685
Reserves for losses and loss expenses 8,678,034 7,784,269 6,711,760 5,449,611 4,192,091
Junior subordinated debentures 249,375 241,953 450,634 208,286 193,336
Senior notes and other debt 1,121,793 869,187 967,818 808,264 659,208
Stockholders’ equity 3,569,775 3,335,159 2,567,077 2,109,702 1,682,562

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

~~ITEM 7.~~

Year Ended December 31,
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Premiums written $ 4,033,899 $ 4,575,989 $ 4,818,993 $ 4,604,574 $ 4,266,361
Net premiums earned 4,289,580 4,663,701 4,692,622 4,460,935 4,061,092
Net investment income 537,033 634,386 549,030 385,417 274,389
Income (loss) from investment funds (3,553 ) 38,274 37,145 18,545 16,906
Service fees 102,856 97,689 104,812 110,697 109,344
Realized investment gains (losses) (356,931 ) 49,696 9,648 17,209 48,268
Revenues from wholly-owned investees 137,280 102,846 — — —
Total revenues 4,708,808 5,588,397 5,394,831 4,996,839 4,512,235
Interest expense 84,623 88,996 92,522 85,926 66,423
Income before income taxes 326,322 1,092,392 988,645 770,537 638,513
Income tax expense (44,919 ) (323,070 ) (286,398 ) (222,521 ) (196,235 )
Minority interest (262 ) (3,083 ) (2,729 ) (3,124 ) (3,446 )
Income before change in accounting 281,141 766,239 699,518 544,892 438,832
Cumulative effect of change in accounting — — — — (727 )
Net income 281,141 766,239 699,518 544,892 438,105
Data per common share:
Net income per basic share 1.68 4.05 3.65 2.86 2.32
Net income per diluted share 1.62 3.90 3.46 2.72 2.21
Stockholders’ equity 18.87 19.92 17.30 13.42 11.13
Cash dividends declared .23 .20 .16 .12 .12
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 166,956 188,981 191,809 190,533 188,912
Diluted 173,454 196,698 201,961 200,426 198,408
Investments $ 11,143,281 $ 11,956,717 $ 11,172,684 $ 9,866,389 $ 7,346,316
Total assets 16,121,158 16,820,005 15,656,489 13,896,287 11,451,033
Reserves for losses and loss expenses 8,999,596 8,678,034 7,784,269 6,711,760 5,449,611
Junior subordinated debentures 249,584 249,375 241,953 450,634 208,286
Senior notes and other debt 1,021,869 1,121,793 869,187 967,818 808,264
Stockholders’ equity 3,046,319 3,592,368 3,335,159 2,567,077 2,109,702
Certain amounts for 2007 and prior years have been restated to reflect a change in accounting in 2008 and to conform to the presentation of the 2008 financial statements.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

~~MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS~~

Reference is made to the information under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which will be contained in the registrant’s ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13), which information is incorporated herein by reference.


~~ITEM 7A.~~ ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	*~~QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK~~*

Reference is made to the information under “Market Risk” under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” which will be contained in the registrant’s ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13), which information is incorporated herein by reference.


~~ITEM 8.~~ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	*~~FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA~~*

The consolidated financial statements of the registrant which will be contained in the registrant’s ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as Exhibit 13) are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


~~ITEM 9.~~(a)	*~~CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE~~*

~~None.~~


~~ITEM 9A.~~	*~~CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES~~*


*~~(a)~~*	*Evaluation Of Disclosure Controls And Procedures*

The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act~~Rule 13a-15(b)~~ as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.


*~~(b)~~*
		The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company has in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act and the rules thereunder, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

	(b)	Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

~~Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. See pages 20 and 21 of Exhibit 13 of thisForm 10-K~~ ~~for management’s report and the related attestation by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.~~


*~~(c)~~*
		Management has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. See pages 22 and 23 of Exhibit 13 of this Form 10-K for management’s report and the related report as to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.

	(c)	Change In Internal Control

During the quarter ended December 31, 2007, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


~~ITEM 9B.~~	*~~OTHER INFORMATION~~*

~~None.~~

~~PART III~~


~~ITEM 10.~~	*~~DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE~~*		During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Reference is made to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, and which is incorporated herein by reference.


~~ITEM 11.~~	*~~EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION~~*

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


~~ITEM 12.~~(a)	*~~SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS~~*


*~~(a)~~*	*Security ownership of certain beneficial owners*


*(b)*		Security ownership of management


*(c)*		Changes in control

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


~~ITEM 13.~~	*~~CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE~~*


~~ITEM 14.~~	*~~PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES~~*

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Index to Financial Statements


~~ITEM 15.~~	*~~EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES~~*


*~~(a)~~*	*~~Index to Financial Statements~~*

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Company’s financial statements, together with the reports on the financial statements and ~~management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and~~ the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of KPMG LLP, appear in the Company’s ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders (attached hereto as exhibit 13) and are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report onForm 10-K. With the exception of the aforementioned information, the ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders is not deemed to be filed as part of this report. The schedules to the financial statements listed below should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in such ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to Stockholders. Financial statement schedules not included in this Annual Report onForm 10-K have been omitted because they are not applicable or required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.


Index to Financial Statement Schedules	Page

Independent Registered Public Accountants’ Report on Schedules		3840

Schedule II — Condensed Financial Information of Registrant		3941

Schedule III — Supplementary Insurance Information		43
~~Schedule IV — Reinsurance~~		44
~~Schedule V — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts~~		45

Schedule ~~VI — Supplementary Information Concerning Property — Casualty Insurance Operations~~IV – Reinsurance		46


*~~(b)~~* Schedule V — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	*~~Exhibits~~*	47

Schedule VI — Supplementary Information concerning Property – Casualty Insurance Operations		48

(b) Exhibits

The exhibits filed as part of this report are listed on pages ~~35,~~ 36, 37, 38 and 3739 hereof.

3234

~~SIGNATURES~~

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

~~W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION~~

~~William R. Berkley,~~
~~Chairman of the Board and~~

~~Chief Executive Officer~~

February ~~29, 2008~~

27, 2009

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


~~Signature~~		~~Title~~	~~Date~~


Signature	Title	Date
/s/ William R. Berkley ~~William R. Berkley~~	Chairman of the Board and
William R. Berkley	Chief Executive Officer ~~(Principal executive officer)~~	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Principal executive officer

/s/ W. Robert Berkley, Jr. ~~W. Robert Berkley, Jr.~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
W. Robert Berkley, Jr.

/s/ Philip J. Ablove ~~Philip J. Ablove~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Philip J. Ablove

/s/ Ronald E. Blaylock ~~Ronald E. Blaylock~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Ronald E. Blaylock

/s/ Mark E. Brockbank ~~Mark E. Brockbank~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Mark E. Brockbank

/s/ George G. Daly ~~George G. Daly~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
George G. Daly

/s/ Mary C. Farrell ~~Mary C. Farrell~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Mary C. Farrell

/s/ Rodney A. Hawes, Jr. ~~Rodney A. Hawes, Jr.~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Rodney A. Hawes, Jr.

/s/ Jack H. Nusbaum ~~Jack H. Nusbaum~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009
Jack H. Nusbaum

/s/ Mark L. Shapiro ~~Mark L. Shapiro~~	Director	February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009

Mark L. Shapiro
~~Signature~~		~~Title~~	~~Date~~


/s/ Eugene G. Ballard ~~Eugene G. Ballard~~	Senior Vice President,	February 27, 2009
Eugene G. Ballard Principal financial officer	Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer ~~(Principal accounting officer)~~	~~February 29, 2008~~
and principal accounting officer

/s/ Clement P. Patafio	Vice President,	February 27, 2009
Clement P. Patafio	~~Vice President,~~ Corporate Controller	~~February 29, 2008~~


~~ITEM 15.~~	~~(b)~~ ~~EXHIBITS~~

Number

(3 .1) The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended through May 10, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003).
(3 .2) Amendment, dated May 11, 2004, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 5, 2004).
(3 .3) Amendment, dated May 16, 2006, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 17, 2006).
(3 .4) Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 0-7849) filed with the Commission on May 11, 1999).
(4 .1) Rights Agreement, dated as of May 11, 1999, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank N.A. (as successor to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC), as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 0-7849) filed with the Commission on May 11, 1999).
(4 .2) Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission of March 31, 2003).
(4 .3) First Supplemental Indenture, dated February 14, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustees, relating to $200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission of March 31, 2003).
(4 .4) Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 12, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $150,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.125% Senior Notes due 2010, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 14, 2003).
(4 .5) Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 24, 2004, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $150,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 6.150% Senior Notes due 2019, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).
(4 .6) Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 9, 2005, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s quarterly report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15200) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
(4 .7) Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $250,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 6.25% Senior Notes due 2037, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 1, 2007).
(4 .8) Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of W. R. Berkley Capital Trust II, dated as of July 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).

Number

(4 .9) Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
(4 .10) Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to the Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to 6.750% Subordinated Debentures Due 2045 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
(4 .11) Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement between W. R. Berkley Corporation, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Preferred Guarantee Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to W. R. Berkley Capital Trust II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
(4 .12) The instruments defining the rights of holders of the other long term debt securities of the Company are omitted pursuant to Section (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 ofRegulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of these instruments to the Commission upon request.
(10 .1) W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2003 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003).
(10 .2) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).
(10 .3) Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for grant of April 4, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003).
(10 .4) W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
(10 .5) W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
(10 .6) W. R. Berkley Corporation 2007 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2006 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 18, 2006).
(10 .7) W. R. Berkley 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B from the Company’s 2004 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 12, 2004).
(10 .8) Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).
(10 .9) W. R. Berkley Corporation 1997 Directors Stock Plan, effective as of May 13, 1997, amended as of May 11, 1999, and amended and restated as of May 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
(10 .10) Supplemental Benefits Agreement between William R. Berkley and the Company as amended and restated as of December 17, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
(13) Portions of the 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders of W. R. Berkley Corporation that are incorporated by reference in this Report onForm 10-K.
(14) Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).

ITEM 15. (b) EXHIBITS


Number
(3.1)		The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended through May 10, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003).

(3.2)		Amendment, dated May 11, 2004, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 5, 2004).

(3.3)		Amendment, dated May 16, 2006, to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 17, 2006).

(3.4)		Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-7849) filed with the Commission on May 11, 1999).

(4.1)		Rights Agreement, dated as of May 11, 1999, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank N.A. (as successor to ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC), as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-7849) filed with the Commission on May 11, 1999).

(4.2)		Indenture, dated as of February 14, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission of March 31, 2003).

(4.3)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated February 14, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustees, relating to $200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form
		10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission of March 31, 2003).

(4.4)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 12, 2003, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $150,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.125% Senior Notes due 2010, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on November 14, 2003).

(4.5)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 24, 2004, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $150,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 6.150% Senior Notes due 2019, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form
		10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).

(4.6)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 9, 2005, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $200,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 5.60% Senior Notes due 2015, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15200) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).

(4.7)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 9, 2007, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to $250,000,000 principal amount of the Company’s 6.25% Senior Notes due 2037, including form of the Notes as Exhibit A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 1, 2007).

(4.8)		Amended and Restated Trust Agreement of W. R. Berkley Capital Trust II, dated as of July 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).


Number
(4.9)		Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
	~~(21)~~
(4.10)		Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to the Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to 6.750% Subordinated Debentures Due 2045 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).

(4.11)		Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement between W. R. Berkley Corporation, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Preferred Guarantee Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to W. R. Berkley Capital Trust II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).

(4.12)		The instruments defining the rights of holders of the other long term debt securities of the Company are omitted pursuant to Section (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of these instruments to the Commission upon request.

(10.1)		W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2003 Proxy Statement (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003).

(10.2)		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).

(10.3)		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for grant of April 4, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003).

(10.4)		W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).

(10.5)		W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).

(10.6)		W. R. Berkley Corporation 2007 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2006 Proxy Statement (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 18, 2006).

(10.7)		W. R. Berkley 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B from the Company’s 2004 Proxy Statement (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 12, 2004).

(10.8)		Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).

(10.9)		Form of 2008 Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 13, 2008).

(10.10)		W. R. Berkley Corporation 1997 Directors Stock Plan, effective as of May 13, 1997, amended as of May 11, 1999, and amended and restated as of May 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).


Number
(10.11)		Supplemental Benefits Agreement between William R. Berkley and the Company as amended and restated as of December 17, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).

(13)		Portions of the 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders of W. R. Berkley Corporation that are incorporated by reference in this Report on Form 10-K.

(14)		Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).

(18)		Letter regarding change in accounting principles from KPMG LLP to the Board of Directors of the Company.

(21)		Following is a list of the Company’s significant subsidiaries and other operating entities. Subsidiaries of subsidiaries are indented and the parent of each such corporation owns 100% of the outstanding voting securities of such corporation except as noted below.


				Percentage
		Jurisdiction of		~~Owned~~	owned
		Incorporation		by the ~~Company(1)~~	Company¹

Berkley International, ~~LLC(2)~~	LLC²		New York		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley Surety Group, Inc.			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Carolina Casualty Insurance Company			Iowa		~~100~~	%100%
Clermont Specialty Managers, Ltd.			New Jersey		~~100~~	%100%
J/I Holding Corporation:			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Admiral Insurance Company:			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Admiral Indemnity Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley London Holdings, Inc.~~(3)~~	³		Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
W. R. Berkley London Finance, Limited			United Kingdom		~~100~~	%100%
W. R. Berkley London Holdings, Limited			United Kingdom		~~100~~	%100%
W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe), Limited			United Kingdom		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley Risk Administrators Company, LLC			Minnesota		~~100~~	%100%
Nautilus Insurance Company:			Arizona		~~100~~	%100%
Great Divide Insurance Company			North Dakota		~~100~~	%100%
Key Risk Management Services, Inc.			North Carolina		~~100~~	%100%
Monitor Liability Managers, Inc.			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Signet Star Holdings, Inc.:			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley Insurance Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley Regional Insurance Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Acadia Insurance Company			New Hampshire		~~100~~	%100%
Berkley Regional Specialty Insurance Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
CGH Insurance Group, Inc			Alabama		~~100~~	%100%
American Mining Insurance Company			Alabama		~~100~~	%100%
Continental Western Insurance Company			Iowa		~~100~~	%100%
Firemen’s Insurance Company of Washington, D.C.			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Tri-State Insurance Company of Minnesota			Minnesota		~~100~~	%100%
Union Insurance Company			Iowa		~~100~~	%100%
Union Standard Insurance Company			Oklahoma		~~100~~	%100%
Key Risk Insurance Company			North Carolina		~~100~~	%100%
Midwest Employers Casualty Company:			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Preferred Employers Insurance Company			California		~~100~~	%100%
Gemini Insurance Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Riverport Insurance Company			Minnesota		~~100~~	%100%
StarNet Insurance Company			Delaware		~~100~~	%100%
Facultative ReSources, Inc.			Connecticut		~~100~~	%100%


1)		W. R. Berkley Corporation is the ultimate parent. The subsidiary of a direct parent inis indicated by an indentation, and its percentage ownership is as indicated in this column.

2)		Berkley International, LLC is held by W. R. Berkley Corporation and its subsidiaries as follows: W. R. Berkley Corporation (2%), Admiral Insurance Company (35%), Berkley Regional Insurance Company (14%), Nautilus Insurance Company (14%) and Berkley Insurance Company (35%).

3)		Held by Admiral Insurance Company (66.67%) and Berkley Insurance Company (33.33%)

(23)		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


(31.1)		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).

(31.2)		Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/ 15d-14(a).

(32.1)		Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

3739

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

W. R. Berkley Corporation:

Under date of February ~~29, 2008,~~27, 2009, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of W. R. Berkley Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, ~~2007~~2008 and ~~2006,~~2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, ~~2007,~~2008, as contained in the ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report to stockholders. These consolidated financial statements and our report thereon are incorporated by reference in the December 31, ~~2007~~2008 Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ~~2007.~~2008. In connection with our audits of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedules. These financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statement schedules based on our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

KPMG LLP

New York, New York

February ~~29, 2008~~27, 2009

3840

Schedule II

W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
Balance Sheets (Parent Company)
(Amounts in thousands)


	December 31,
	2008			2007
Cash and cash equivalents	$	131,423		$	131,798
Fixed maturity securities available for sale at fair value (cost $25,454 and $223,242 in 2008 and 2007, respectively)		26,352			223,709
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost $0 and $781 in 2008 and 2007, respectively)		44,491			39,170
Investment in affiliate		2,089			1,972
Investments in subsidiaries		4,104,009			4,619,038
Deferred federal income taxes		339,452			178,464
Current federal income taxes		85,804			—
Real estate, furniture and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation		6,459			6,954
Other assets		2,251			4,472

	$	4,742,330		$	5,205,577


Liabilities, debt and stockholders’ equity

Liabilities:
Due to subsidiaries	$	324,330		$	108,473
Other liabilities		111,188			156,986
Junior subordinated debentures		242,372			242,163
Senior notes		1,018,121			1,105,587


		1,696,011			1,613,209


Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock		—			—
Common stock		47,024			47,024
Additional paid-in capital		920,241			907,016
Retained earnings (including accumulated undistributed net income of subsidiaries of $2,691,464, and $2,941,057 in 2008 and 2007, respectively)		3,514,531			3,271,355
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(228,959	)		53,201
Treasury stock, at cost		(1,206,518	)		(686,228	)

		3,046,319			3,592,368

	$	4,742,330		$	5,205,577

December 31,
2007 2006
(Amounts in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents $ 131,798 $ 84,188
Fixed maturity securities available for sale at fair value (cost $223,242 and $66,280 in 2007 and 2006, respectively) 223,709 66,289
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost $781 and $310) 39,170 32,089
Investment in affiliate 1,972 1,846
Investments in subsidiaries 4,596,445 4,294,197
Deferred Federal income taxes 190,629 145,675
Real estate, furniture & equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation 6,954 5,866
Other assets 4,472 1,274

$ 5,195,149 $ 4,631,424

Liabilities, debt and stockholders’ equity
Liabilities:
Due to Subsidiaries $ 120,638 $ 79,800
Other liabilities 156,986 117,067
Junior subordinated debentures 242,163 241,954
Senior notes 1,105,587 857,444

1,625,374 1,296,265

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock — —
Common stock 47,024 47,024
Additional paid-in capital 907,016 859,787
Retained earnings (including accumulated undistributed net income of subsidiaries of $2,914,073, and $2,680,731 in 2007 and 2006, respectively) 3,248,762 2,542,744
Accumulated other comprehensive income 53,201 111,613
Treasury stock, at cost (686,228 ) (226,009 )

3,569,775 3,335,159

$ 5,195,149 $ 4,631,424

~~See note to condensed financial statements.~~


See note to condensed financial statements.

3941

Schedule II, Continued

~~W. R. Berkley Corporation~~

~~Condensed Financial Information of Registrant — (Continued)~~

~~Statements of Income (Parent Company)~~

Years Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005
(Amounts in thousands)

Management fees and investment income including dividends from subsidiaries of $616,688, $244,066 and $17,870 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively $ 637,594 $ 263,166 $ 24,813
Realized investment gains (losses) (220 ) (3 ) 54
Other income 180 186 9,159

Total revenues 637,554 263,349 34,026
Operating costs and expense 98,406 86,986 62,550
Interest expense 87,716 91,498 84,925

Income (loss) before Federal income taxes 451,432 84,865 (113,449 )

Federal income taxes:
Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return Basis 347,018 324,190 181,392
Federal income tax expense on a consolidated return basis (292,537 ) (276,945 ) (214,214 )

Net benefit (expense) 54,481 47,245 (32,822 )

Income (loss) before undistributed equity in net income of subsidiaries 505,913 132,110 (146,271 )
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries 237,733 567,408 691,163

Net income 743,646 699,518 544,892

~~See note to condensed financial statements.~~

~~Schedule II, Continued~~

W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, ~~— (Continued)~~
Continued
Statements of ~~Cash Flows~~Income (Parent Company)
(Amounts in thousands)


	Years ended December 31,
	2008			2007			2006
Management fees and investment income including dividends from subsidiaries of $568,634, $612,296 and $244,066 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively	$	580,969		$	637,594		$	263,166
Realized investment losses		(601	)		(220	)		(3	)
Other income		382			180			186

Total revenues		580,750			637,554			263,349

Operating costs and expense		93,794			98,406			86,986
Interest expense		83,770			87,716			91,498


Income before federal income taxes		403,186			451,432			84,865


Federal income taxes:
Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return basis		140,108			347,018			324,190

Federal income tax expense on a consolidated return basis		(12,560	)		(292,537	)		(276,945	)


Net benefit		127,548			54,481			47,245


Income before undistributed equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries		530,734			505,913			132,110

Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries		(249,593	)		260,326			567,408


Net income	$	281,141		$	766,239		$	699,518

Years Ended December 31,
2007 2006 2005
(Amounts in thousands

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:
Net income $ 743,646 $ 699,518 $ 544,892
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Realized investment losses (gains) 220 3 (54 )
Depreciation and amortization 2,324 4,804 3,144
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (237,734 ) (567,408 ) (691,163 )
Tax payments received from subsidiaries 349,173 307,677 244,373
Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return basis (347,017 ) (324,190 ) (181,392 )
Stock Incentive Plans 20,836 17,861 8,852
Change in:
Federal income taxes 14,838 (9,055 ) 21,715
Other assets 101 43,008 (104,156 )
Other liabilities 30,884 (24,736 ) 122,963
Accrued investment income (3,299 ) 1,400 (1,316 )
Other, net (126 ) — 952

Net cash from (used in) operating activities 573,846 148,882 (31,190 )

Cash from (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities 86,050 29,997 129,114
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities 35,976 157,802 —
Cost of purchases of fixed maturity securities (278,986 ) (69,978 ) (246,474 )
Cost of purchases of equity securities (726 ) — —
Investments in affiliate (68,064 ) (1,846 ) —
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries, net (46,051 ) (25,541 ) (76,145 )
Net additions to real estate, furniture & equipment (1,927 ) (469 ) (343 )
Other, net 255 — —

Net cash from (used in) investing activities (273,473 ) 89,965 (193,848 )

Cash from (used in) financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of junior subordinated debentures — — 241,655
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes 246,644 — 198,142
Net proceeds from stock options exercised 25,676 19,405 11,250
Retirement of junior subordinated notes — (210,000 ) —
Repayment of senior notes — (100,000 ) (40,000 )
Purchase of common treasury shares (488,794 ) (45,062 ) (636 )
Cash dividends to common stockholders (36,284 ) (29,430 ) (19,055 )
Other, net (5 ) — 2

Net cash from (used in) financing activities (252,763 ) (365,087 ) 391,358

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents �� 47,610 (126,240 ) 166,320
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 84,188 210,428 44,108

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 131,798 $ 84,188 $ 210,428

~~See note to condensed financial statements.~~


See note to condensed financial statements.

4142

Schedule II, Continued

W. R. Berkley Corporation
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, ~~— (Continued)~~Continued
Statements of Cash Flows (Parent Company)
(Amounts in thousands)


	Years ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:	2008			2007			2006
Net income	$	281,141		$	766,239		$	699,518
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
Realized investment losses		601			220			3
Depreciation and amortization		2,488			2,324			4,804
Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries		249,593			(260,326	)		(567,408	)
Tax payments received from subsidiaries		273,172			349,173			307,677
Federal income taxes provided by subsidiaries on a separate return basis		(140,108	)		(347,018	)		(324,190	)
Stock incentive plans		23,991			20,836			17,861
Change in:
Federal income taxes		(149,139	)		14,838			(9,055	)
Other assets		(877	)		101			43,008
Other liabilities		(23,310	)		30,884			(24,736	)
Accrued investment income		3,099			(3,299	)		1,400
Other, net		691			(126	)		—

Net cash from operating activities		521,342			573,846			148,882

Cash from (used in) investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities		197,621			86,050			29,997
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of fixed maturity securities		43,912			35,976			157,802
Cost of purchases of fixed maturity securities		(44,589	)		(278,986	)		(69,978	)
Cost of purchases of equity securities		—			(726	)		—
Investment in funds		(213	)		(68,064	)		(1,846	)
Investments in and advances to subsidiaries, net		(44,771	)		(46,051	)		(25,541	)
Net additions to real estate, furniture & equipment		(263	)		(1,927	)		(469	)
Other, net		780			255			—

Net cash from (used in) investing activities		152,477			(273,473	)		89,965

Cash used in financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of junior subordinated debentures		—			—			—
Net proceeds from issuance of senior notes		—			246,644			—
Net proceeds from stock options exercised		14,806			25,676			19,405
Retirement of junior subordinated notes		—			—			(210,000	)
Repayment of senior notes		(88,745	)		—			(100,000	)
Purchase of common treasury shares		(553,284	)		(488,794	)		(45,062	)
Cash dividends to common stockholders		(46,978	)		(36,284	)		(29,430	)
Other, net		7			(5	)		—

Net cash used in financing activities		(674,194	)		(252,763	)		(365,087	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(375	)		47,610			(126,240	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		131,798			84,188			210,428

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	131,423		$	131,798		$	84,188


See note to condensed financial statements.

Schedule II, Continued

W. R. Berkley Corporation

Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued

December 31, ~~2007~~2008

Note to Condensed Financial Statements (Parent Company)

The accompanying condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. Reclassifications have been made in the ~~2006~~2007 and ~~2005~~2006 financial statements as originally reported to conform them to the presentation of the ~~2007~~2008 financial statements.

The Company files a consolidated federal tax return with the results of its domestic insurance subsidiaries included on a statutory basis. Under present Company policy, ~~Federal~~federal income taxes payable by subsidiary companies on a separate-return basis are paid to W. R. Berkley Corporation, and the Company pays the tax due on a consolidated return basis.

4244

Schedule III

W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries

Supplementary Insurance Information
December 31, 2008, 2007 ~~2006~~ and ~~2005~~2006

(Amounts in thousands)


													Amortization														Net
	Deferred												of Deferred		Other												Investment
	Policy		Reserve for						Net				Policy		Operating		Net										Income and				Amortization
	Acquisition		Losses and		Unearned		Premiums		Investment		Loss and Loss		Acquisition		Cost &		Premiums		Deferred								Income (Loss)				of
	Cost		Loss Expenses		Premiums		Earned		Income		Expenses		Cost		Expenses		Written		Policy		Reserve for						from				Deferred Policy		Other			Net
																			Acquisition		Losses and		Unearned		Premiums		Investment		Loss and Loss		Acquisition		Operating Cost			Premiums
																			Cost		Loss Expenses		Premiums		Earned		Funds		Expenses		Cost		and Expenses			Written
December 31, 2008
Specialty																			$	136,845	$	3,177,194	$	731,409	$	1,618,915	$	188,120	$	972,729	$	343,354	$	119,301		$	1,453,778
Regional																				144,126		1,443,136		592,153		1,237,258		80,538		809,525		313,483		86,068			1,211,096
Alternative markets																				35,281		2,140,839		305,177		626,858		105,674		393,004		90,475		146,264			622,185
Reinsurance																				52,663		1,924,315		210,388		519,717		116,046		336,478		150,895		30,444			435,108
International																				25,892		314,112		127,023		286,832		35,184		176,925		100,332		(8,186	)		311,732
Corporate and adjustments																				—		—		—		—		7,918		—		—		102,735			—

Total																			$	394,807	$	8,999,596	$	1,966,150	$	4,289,580	$	533,480	$	2,688,661	$	998,539	$	476,626		$	4,033,899
			(Amounts in thousands)

December 31, 2007
Specialty	$	165,608	$	3,044,134	$	886,519	$	1,772,547	$	233,080	$	1,015,176	$	361,221	$	112,699	$	1,704,880	$	165,608	$	3,044,134	$	886,519	$	1,772,547	$	233,080	$	1,015,176	$	361,221	$	112,699		$	1,704,880
Regional		152,063		1,337,611		621,566		1,250,914		96,886		739,667		317,653		75,252		1,267,451		152,063		1,337,611		621,566		1,250,914		96,886		739,667		317,653		75,252			1,267,451
Alternative markets		35,325		1,994,569		315,676		651,909		125,698		385,837		90,096		150,886		656,369		35,325		1,994,569		315,676		651,909		125,698		385,837		90,096		150,886			656,369
Reinsurance		78,420		1,968,923		302,442		740,439		153,416		483,757		160,522		71,274		682,241		78,420		1,968,923		302,442		740,439		153,416		483,757		160,522		71,274			682,241
International		23,828		332,797		114,487		247,892		36,666		155,141		72,875		12,085		265,048		23,828		332,797		114,487		247,892		36,666		155,141		72,875		12,085			265,048
Corporate and adjustments		—		—		—		—		26,914		—		—		106,424		—		—		—		—		—		26,914		—		—		106,424			—

Total	$	455,244	$	8,678,034	$	2,240,690	$	4,663,701	$	672,660	$	2,779,578	$	1,002,367	$	528,620	$	4,575,989	$	455,244	$	8,678,034	$	2,240,690	$	4,663,701	$	672,660	$	2,779,578	$	1,002,367	$	528,620		$	4,575,989


December 31, 2006
Specialty	$	172,938	$	2,660,880	$	949,545	$	1,752,507	$	200,421	$	1,035,090	$	336,633	$	102,100	$	1,814,479	$	172,938	$	2,660,880	$	949,545	$	1,752,507	$	200,421	$	1,035,090	$	336,633	$	102,100		$	1,814,479
Regional		145,327		1,350,948		639,163		1,205,912		83,957		719,764		309,356		59,332		1,235,302		145,327		1,350,948		639,163		1,205,912		83,957		719,764		309,356		59,332			1,235,302
Alternative markets		34,277		1,632,120		274,932		658,805		114,914		352,693		91,261		143,161		651,255		34,277		1,632,120		274,932		658,805		114,914		352,693		91,261		143,161			651,255
Reinsurance		90,780		1,876,712		358,698		859,411		133,709		618,627		185,986		53,083		892,769		90,780		1,876,712		358,698		859,411		133,709		618,627		185,986		53,083			892,769
International		45,921		263,609		91,944		215,987		32,907		138,324		54,793		21,330		225,188		45,921		263,609		91,944		215,987		32,907		138,324		54,793		21,330			225,188
Corporate and adjustments		—		—		—		—		20,267		—		—		92,131		—		—		—		—		—		20,267		—		—		92,131			—

Total	$	489,243	$	7,784,269	$	2,314,282	$	4,692,622	$	586,175	$	2,864,498	$	978,029	$	471,137	$	4,818,993	$	489,243	$	7,784,269	$	2,314,282	$	4,692,622	$	586,175	$	2,864,498	$	978,029	$	471,137		$	4,818,993

December 31, 2005
Specialty	$	164,609	$	2,259,162	$	889,265	$	1,682,193	$	134,290	$	1,048,927	$	329,386	$	92,274	$	1,827,865
Regional		140,538		1,160,171		615,141		1,173,174		57,619		655,027		304,537		54,734		1,196,487
Alternative markets		36,161		1,452,578		284,572		663,478		82,617		393,783		86,696		137,851		669,774
Reinsurance		78,285		1,667,475		327,844		754,097		95,110		558,950		182,566		44,085		719,540
International		40,180		172,374		72,179		187,993		20,749		125,115		56,395		6,436		190,908
Corporate and adjustments		—		—		—		—		13,577		—		—		63,614		—

Total	$	459,773	$	6,711,760	$	2,189,001	$	4,460,935	$	403,962	$	2,781,802	$	959,580	$	398,994	$	4,604,574

4345

Schedule IV

W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reinsurance
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 ~~2006~~ and ~~2005~~2006

(Amounts in thousands)


									Percentage											Percentage
			Ceded to		Assumed				of Amount					Ceded		Assumed				of Amount
	Direct		Other		from Other		Net		Assumed			Direct		to Other		from Other		Net		Assumed
	Amount		Companies		Companies		Amount		to Net			Amount		Companies		Companies		Amount		to Net
Year ended December 31, 2008:
Specialty												$	1,577,196	$	136,557	$	13,139	$	1,453,778		0.9	%
Regional													1,370,381		174,695		15,410		1,211,096		1.3
Alternative markets													604,970		93,794		111,009		622,185		17.8
Reinsurance													4,965		23,560		453,703		435,108		104.3
International													340,976		57,621		28,377		311,732		9.1
			(Amounts in thousands)
Total												$	3,898,488	$	486,227	$	621,638	$	4,033,899		15.4	%

Year ended December 31, 2007:
Specialty	$	1,796,620	$	111,847	$	20,107	$	1,704,880		1.2	%	$	1,796,620	$	111,847	$	20,107	$	1,704,880		1.2	%
Regional		1,422,015		173,626		19,062		1,267,451		1.5			1,422,015		173,626		19,062		1,267,451		1.5
Alternative markets		645,680		101,916		112,605		656,369		17.2			645,680		101,916		112,605		656,369		17.2
Reinsurance		4,633		49,992		727,600		682,241		106.6			4,633		49,992		727,600		682,241		106.6
International		304,908		39,860		—		265,048		—			304,908		39,860		—		265,048		—

Total	$	4,173,856	$	477,241	$	879,374	$	4,575,989		19.2	%	$	4,173,856	$	477,241	$	879,374	$	4,575,989		19.2	%

Year ended December 31, 2006:
Specialty	$	1,898,741	$	104,042	$	19,780	$	1,814,479		1.1	%	$	1,898,741	$	104,042	$	19,780	$	1,814,479		1.1	%
Regional		1,394,526		180,009		20,785		1,235,302		1.7			1,394,526		180,009		20,785		1,235,302		1.7
Alternative markets		657,964		96,425		89,716		651,255		13.8			657,964		96,425		89,716		651,255		13.8
Reinsurance		3,057		48,028		937,740		892,769		105.0			3,057		48,028		937,740		892,769		105.0
International		254,605		29,417		—		225,188		—			254,605		29,417		—		225,188		—

Total	$	4,208,893	$	457,921	$	1,068,021	$	4,818,993		22.2	%	$	4,208,893	$	457,921	$	1,068,021	$	4,818,993		22.2	%

Year ended December 31, 2005:
Specialty	$	1,911,309	$	104,956	$	21,512	$	1,827,865		1.2	%
Regional		1,358,304		188,087		26,270		1,196,487		2.2
Alternative markets		696,917		111,637		84,494		669,774		12.6
Reinsurance		370		51,241		770,411		719,540		107.1
International		218,396		27,488		—		190,908		—

Total	$	4,185,296	$	483,409	$	902,687	$	4,604,574		19.6	%

4446

Schedule V

W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 ~~2006~~ and ~~2005~~2006
(Amounts in thousands)


			Additions -		Deduction-							Additions –		Deduction –
	Opening		Charged to		Amounts			Ending		Opening		Charged to		Amounts			Ending
	Balance		Expense		Written Off			Balance		Balance		Expense		Written Off			Balance
	(Amounts in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2008:
Premiums and fees receivable										$	18,252	$	8,483	$	(8,312	)	$	18,423
Due from reinsurers											2,859		2,036		—			4,895
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes											2,018		1,095		—			3,113

Total										$	23,129	$	11,614	$	(8,312	)	$	26,431

Year ended December 31, 2007:
Premiums and fees receivable	$	20,458	$	6,176	$	(8,382	)	$	18,252	$	20,458	$	6,176	$	(8,382	)	$	18,252
Due from reinsurers		2,531		328		—			2,859		2,531		328		—			2,859
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes		9,621		—		(8,027	)		1,594		9,621		—		(7,603	)		2,018

Total	$	32,610	$	6,504	$	(16,409	)	$	22,705	$	32,610	$	6,504	$	(15,985	)	$	23,129

Year ended December 31, 2006:
Premiums and fees received	$	19,460	$	8,756	$	(7,758	)	$	20,458	$	19,460	$	8,756	$	(7,758	)	$	20,458
Due from reinsurers		2,402		402		(273	)		2,531		2,402		402		(273	)		2,531
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes		6,575		3,046		—			9,621		6,575		3,046		—			9,621

Total	$	28,437	$	12,204	$	(8,031	)	$	32,610	$	28,437	$	12,204	$	(8,031	)	$	32,610

Year ended December 31, 2005:
Premiums and fees received	$	14,687	$	12,684	$	(7,911	)	$	19,460
Due from reinsurers		2,457		48		(103	)		2,402
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes		4,813		1,762		—			6,575

Total	$	21,957	$	14,494	$	(8,014	)	$	28,437

4547

Schedule VI

W. R. Berkley Corporation and Subsidiaries

Supplementary Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations

Years Ended December 31, 2008, 2007 ~~2006~~ and ~~2005~~2006
(Amounts in thousands)


	2007			2006		2005
	(Amounts in thousands)
	2008			2007		2006
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$	455,244		$	489,243	$	459,773	$	394,807		$	455,244		$	489,243
Reserves for losses and loss expenses		8,678,034			7,784,269		6,711,760		8,999,596			8,678,034			7,784,269
Unearned premium		2,240,690			2,314,282		2,189,001		1,966,150			2,240,690			2,314,282
Premiums earned		4,663,701			4,692,622		4,460,935		4,289,580			4,663,701			4,692,622
Net investment income		672,660			586,175		403,962		537,033			634,386			549,030
Losses and loss expenses incurred:
Current Year		2,837,647			2,791,500		2,531,655
Prior Years		(105,879	)		26,663		186,728
Current year									2,829,830			2,837,647			2,791,500
Prior years									(195,710	)		(105,879	)		26,663
Decrease in discount for prior years		46,808			39,507		57,790		54,494			46,808			39,507
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		1,002,367			978,029		959,580		998,539			1,002,367			978,029
Paid losses and loss expenses		1,971,668			1,777,363		1,631,725		2,388,925			1,971,668			1,777,363
Net premiums written		4,575,989			4,818,993		4,604,574		4,033,899			4,575,989			4,818,993

4648


Net reserves reported on a SAP basis	$	7,758,993
Additions (deductions) to statutory reserves:
International property & casualty reserves		308,014
Loss reserve discounting(1)		(244,260	)
Other		150

Net reserves reported on a GAAP basis		7,822,897
Ceded reserves reclassified as assets		855,137

Gross reserves reported on a GAAP basis	$	8,678,034


					Total Number of		Maximum Number of
					Shares Purchased as		Shares that may yet
					Part of Publicly		be Purchased Under
	Total Number of		Average Price		Announced Plans		the Plans or
	Shares Purchased		Paid per Share		or Programs		Programs(1)

October 2007		188,300	$	29.18		188,300		10,471,088
November 2007		3,013,400		28.91		3,013,400		17,283,500
December 2007		6,686		29.91		None		17,283,500


Number

	(4	.9)	Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
	(4	.10)	Supplemental Indenture No. 1 to the Subordinated Indenture between W. R. Berkley Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to 6.750% Subordinated Debentures Due 2045 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
	(4	.11)	Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement between W. R. Berkley Corporation, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Preferred Guarantee Trustee, dated as of July 26, 2005, relating to W. R. Berkley Capital Trust II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
	(4	.12)	The instruments defining the rights of holders of the other long term debt securities of the Company are omitted pursuant to Section (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 ofRegulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish supplementally copies of these instruments to the Commission upon request.
	(10	.1)	W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2003 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 14, 2003).
	(10	.2)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).
	(10	.3)	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for grant of April 4, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 6, 2003).
	(10	.4)	W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
	(10	.5)	W. R. Berkley Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors as amended and restated effective December 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
	(10	.6)	W. R. Berkley Corporation 2007 Annual Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Company’s 2006 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 18, 2006).
	(10	.7)	W. R. Berkley 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex B from the Company’s 2004 Proxy Statement (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on April 12, 2004).
	(10	.8)	Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the W. R. Berkley Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on May 3, 2005).
	(10	.9)	W. R. Berkley Corporation 1997 Directors Stock Plan, effective as of May 13, 1997, amended as of May 11, 1999, and amended and restated as of May 3, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on August 2, 2005).
	(10	.10)	Supplemental Benefits Agreement between William R. Berkley and the Company as amended and restated as of December 17, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Current Report onForm 8-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on December 19, 2007).
	(13)		Portions of the 2007 Annual Report to Stockholders of W. R. Berkley Corporation that are incorporated by reference in this Report onForm 10-K.
	(14)		Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Annual Report onForm 10-K (FileNo. 1-15202) filed with the Commission on March 14, 2005).

W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION

/s/ William R. Berkley

William R. Berkley, Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer