<i>Business Insurance</i> directory ranks top reinsurers

Munich Reinsurance Co. ranks No. 1 in the Business Insurance 2011 ranking of the 10 world’s largest reinsurers published Monday.

Maintaining its leading position from last year, Munich-based Munich Re reported $29.15 billion in net premiums in 2010.

Zurich-based Swiss Re Ltd. maintained its No. 2 ranking from last year with $19.43 billion in net premiums written in 2010, a 10.7% decline from 2009.

Moving up a position to No. 3, Stamford, Conn.-based Berkshire Hathaway Reinsurance Group and General Re Corp. both reported $14.67 billion in net premiums written in 2010, a 17% increase from the previous year.

Hanover, Germany-based Hannover Re Group, which reported $14.03 billion in net premiums written in 2010, and London-based Lloyd’s of London, which reported $9.73 billion, rounded out the top five largest reinsurers worldwide, according to the Business Insurance ranking.

To view the ranking or to purchase copies of the 2011 Directory of Leading Reinsurers Worldwide, go to www.businessinsurance.com/directories.