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A New Milestone for Roanoke Trade Services - Another 'Win' for its Clients
April 30, 2008

Roanoke Trade Services is pleased to announce that effective April 30, 2008 it will join with Watkins Syndicate, one of the largest cargo and specialty insurers in the United Kingdom. Watkins Syndicate is a member of the Munich Re Group, one of the largest and oldest (founded in 1880) insurance/reinsurance companies in the world. The Watkins Syndicate has offices throughout the United Kingdom as well as Dublin, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.

Bill Sterrett, President of Roanoke described that "Roanoke has been doing business with the Watkins Syndicate since the early 1990's. We have always had an excellent relationship, and the years we have spent working together have made apparent that the synergies between the two organizations are significant. Both parties view this as a positive move that will enhance services for Roanoke's existing and future clients, and shape greater career opportunities for Roanoke's team. This merger will allow us to expand our surety and insurance products to the international trade community and take advantage of the many products and skills offered by Munich Re and the Watkins Syndicate."

Mark Watkins, CEO of Munich Re Holding Company (UK) Limited, whose subsidiaries manage the Watkins Syndicate and related service companies said, "Roanoke will enable Watkins and its network to further diversify its portfolio of business in the United States. Roanoke is a perfect fit for us. We can now offer our products directly in the U.S. through Roanoke's extensive network, and draw upon their team's outstanding service capabilities and expertise. It further expands our ability to support our clients globally."

Roanoke was established in Chicago in 1935 and is known as one of the most prominent transportation-related insurance and surety brokers in the United States. The company is represented in 12 U.S. locations and is licensed in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Its primary product offerings include marine cargo and liability insurance, Customs bonds, Carnets and business insurance for global trade and transportation companies. Roanoke's existing management and operational staff will continue to stay focused on setting the industry standard in bringing these product offerings to our clients.

As always, thank you for your continued business - we are truly delighted to share this news with you and will keep you apprised of further exciting developments for our clients as they occur. Please contact your Roanoke account representative or our President, Bill Sterrett at 1-800-ROANOKE if we may answer any questions or be of further assistance. You may also send inquiries to marketing@roanoketrade.com.

Sincerely,


Roanoke Trade Services, Inc.
phone: 1-800-ROANOKE