Forum Selection Clause Requires Transfer of Reinsurance Arbitration Dispute to N.Y., Wis. Federal Judge Rules

MADISON, Wis. - A Wisconsin federal judge has transferred three cases to the Southern District of New York in which reinsurers are seeking to compel Arrowood Indemnity Co. to comply with the reinsurance agreements’ arbitrator selection process.

On Oct. 26, Judge Barbara B. Crabb of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin ruled that the agreements’ New York forum selection clause requires transfer and that under 9 U.S.C. § 4, the clause must be enforced.

Employers Insurance Company of Wausau, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. and National Casualty Co. provided reinsurance to Arrowood under a series of agreements …