AM Best has placed under review with positive implications the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A+’ (Superior), in addition to the long-term issuer credit ratings (ICR) of ‘aa-’ (Superior), of Sompo Japan Insurance and its subsidiaries. Best attributes these credit rating actions to the announcement that SOMPO Holdings has entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the issued class A ordinary shares of Aspen Insurance Holdings, for a cash transaction of approximately US$3.5 billion. The under review with positive implications status is reflective of the potential material benefits in Sompo group’s business profile following its acquisition of Aspen, Best says, potentially augmenting the group’s geographic diversification. Subject to regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2026, with Best’s ratings remaining under review with positive implications, awaiting the completion of the transaction. Additionally, the FSR of ‘A+’ (Superior) and the long-term ICRs of ‘aa-’ (Superior) have also been placed under review with positive implications for a number of Sompo Japan’s subsidiaries.
