(by Mark Riley)

The reinsurance group Converium said on Monday it had an option to continue business as an independent company.

New independent strategy was a mere surprise for analysts as the company now mostly concentrate on non-US business. As for the U.S. activities, the actual core trouble for the company, they are decided to be sold out.

The group’s non-US premium income may fall down as much as 40% next year. Total premiums, therefore, will fall to $2 billion from predicted $4 billion, which is a twice fall.

Strategic partnership is expected to be the main focus of group’s activity for the next year. The company said it now was in talks with some potential partners in quite an advanced stage.