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GREENWICH, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) today announced the formation of Berkley Public Entity Managers, LLC. Berkley Public Entity Managers will offer coverages to self-insured public entities -- individual and groups. Berkley Public Entity Managers will underwrite on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member insurance companies rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, Inc. and will be headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"We are pleased to welcome Rich and Brian to our enterprise. Berkley Public Entity Managers will be well positioned to serve the public entity market. We continue to expand our presence in the specialty insurance segment of the industry."

Richard B. Vincelette has been named president of Berkley Public Entity Managers. Mr. Vincelette has 35 years of experience in the property casualty insurance industry, including over 25 years of focus on public entity risks. He previously served as the industry practice leader for public entity at a major international insurer.

Brian T. Whooley has been named senior vice president - underwriting of Berkley Public Entity Managers. Mr. Whooley has more than 25 years of experience in the property casualty insurance industry. Previously, he served as underwriting vice president for a major international insurer.

William R. Berkley, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of W. R. Berkley Corporation, said: aWe are pleased to welcome Rich and Brian to our enterprise. Berkley Public Entity Managers will be well positioned to serve the public entity market. We continue to expand our presence in the specialty insurance segment of the industry.a

For further information about the products and services available from Berkley Public Entity Managers, please contact Richard B. Vincelette at [ rvincelette@wrberkley.com ], (215) 553-7366 (office) or (215) 528-0410 (mobile).

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley 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 insurance, regional property casualty insurance, alternative markets, reinsurance and international.

This is a aSafe Harbora Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including statements related to our outlook for the industry and for our performance for the year 2012 and beyond, are based upon the Companyas 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 or any other person 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 success of our new ventures or acquisitions and the availability of other opportunities, our ability to attract and retain key personnel and qualified employees, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Companyas filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks could cause actual results of the industry or our actual results for the year 2012 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of the Company. Any projections of growth in the Companyas revenues would not necessarily result in commensurate levels of earnings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.