Seaboard Underwriters Gets Redland Transportation Commercial Auto Renewals

Seaboard Underwriters and Acceptance Insurance Companies said they've agreed in principle for Seaboard to acquire the renewal rights to commercial auto business produced and underwritten by Redland Transportation, a unit of Acceptance. Seaboard will employ the current Omaha staff of the unit and lease office facilities from Acceptance.

Seaboard also will provide policyholder services to current Redland Transportation customers and, by February 1, will quote renewal coverage in various A-rated transportation specialty markets.

"We are very excited about the opportunities this transaction provides for our company," said Seaboard Underwriters President Joseph Hutelmyer. "The Redland Transportation operation complements our North Carolina operation perfectly and gives Seaboard Underwriters a true national presence. It is rare that a company can acquire an underwriting operation with a skilled staff and an excellent transportation specialist agency plant."

Hutelmyer also said the current Redland Transportation manager, Mary Zeller, has been named vice president of the new operation and that, "Mary and her staff are able and ready to provide a smooth transition for their loyal agents."

John Martin, president and chief executive officer of Acceptance, said, "This transfer allows us to narrow our focus on our core continuing specialty lines business and provides excellent prospects for our staff, agents and customers."