E&S growth and higher profits at James River

Second quarter operating profits at James River Group (JRG) were
up 10.5 percent to $13.7mn as the specialty insurer and working
layer reinsurer reported higher underwriting profits and strong top
line growth in its E&S and admitted business.
Consolidated combined ratio improved from 97.8 percent to 96.1
percent as each of the carrier's operating units benefited from
reserve releases in the period.
Gross written premiums (GWP) in E&S climbed 25.8 percent to
$97.4mn, with submissions up 1