<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-15-116155.txt : 20150401
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-15-116155.hdr.sgml : 20150401
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20150401163335
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-15-116155
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20150331
ITEM INFORMATION:		Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20150401
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20150401

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LTD
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001214816
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE [6331]
		IRS NUMBER:				000000000
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-31721
		FILM NUMBER:		15743751

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		92 PITTS BAY ROAD
		CITY:			PEMBROKE
		STATE:			D0
		ZIP:			HM 08
		BUSINESS PHONE:		(441) 496-2600

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		92 PITTS BAY ROAD
		CITY:			PEMBROKE
		STATE:			D0
		ZIP:			HM 08
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d898441d8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>8-K</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM 8-K
</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Current Report </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 1, 2015 (March&nbsp;31, 2015) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact Name Of Registrant As Specified In Charter) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>Bermuda</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>001-31721</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>98-0395986</B></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(State of Incorporation)</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Commission File No.)</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(I.R.S. Employer</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Identification No.)</B></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>92 Pitts Bay Road </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Pembroke, Bermuda HM 08 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(441) 496-2600 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Not applicable </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Former
name or address, if changed since last report) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Check the appropriate box below
if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2 below): </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#120;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e(4)(c)) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

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<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;1.01.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Third Amendment to the Amalgamation Agreement </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">On March&nbsp;31, 2015, AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (&#147;<B>AXIS</B>&#148; or the &#147;<B>Company</B>&#148;), a Bermuda exempted company,
and PartnerRe Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company (&#147;<B>PartnerRe</B>&#148;), entered into the Third Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation (the &#147;<B>Third Amendment</B>&#148;), further amending the Agreement and Plan of
Amalgamation previously entered into by and between PartnerRe and AXIS, dated as of January&nbsp;25, 2015 (the &#147;<B>Amalgamation Agreement</B>&#148;). The Amalgamation Agreement had previously been amended by the First Amendment to the Agreement
and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of February&nbsp;17, 2015 (the &#147;<B>First Amendment</B>&#148;) and the Second Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March&nbsp;10, 2015 (the &#147;<B>Second Amendment</B>&#148;).
Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, as amended by the First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, PartnerRe will amalgamate with AXIS (the
&#147;<B>Amalgamation</B>&#148;) and the combined company will continue as a Bermuda exempted company (the &#147;<B>Amalgamated Company</B>&#148;). The Third Amendment makes an administrative clarification to the Amalgamation Agreement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">The foregoing description of the Third Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of the Third Amendment, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1 and incorporated by reference herein, the Amalgamation Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to AXIS&#146; Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January&nbsp;29, 2015 and is
incorporated by reference herein, the First Amendment, which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to AXIS&#146; Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February&nbsp;17, 2015 and is incorporated by reference herein, and the Second Amendment, which was filed as
Exhibit 2.1 to AXIS&#146; Current Report on Form 8-K on March&nbsp;11, 2015 and is also incorporated by reference herein. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="10%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;9.01</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Financial Statements and Exhibits </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(d)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Exhibits </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="90%"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:39.10pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;No.</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Description</B></P></TD></TR>


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<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>2.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top">Third Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 31, 2015, by and between PartnerRe Ltd. and AXIS Capital Holdings Limited</TD></TR>
</TABLE>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Important Information For Investors And Stockholders </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or a solicitation of any vote or
approval.&nbsp;This communication relates to a proposed business combination between PartnerRe Ltd. (&#147;<B>PartnerRe</B>&#148;) and AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (&#147;<B>AXIS</B>&#148;).&nbsp;In connection with this proposed business
combination, PartnerRe and/or AXIS may file one or more proxy statements, registration statements, proxy statement/prospectus or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the &#147;<B>SEC</B>&#148;).&nbsp;This communication is not
a substitute for any proxy statement, registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or other document PartnerRe and/or AXIS may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.&nbsp;INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF PARTNERRE AND
AXIS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT(S), REGISTRATION STATEMENT(S), PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.&nbsp;Any definitive proxy statement(s) (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of PartnerRe and/or AXIS, as applicable.&nbsp;Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents
(if and when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by PartnerRe and/or AXIS through the website maintained by the SEC at <U>http://www.sec.gov</U>.&nbsp;Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by PartnerRe will be available free of
charge on PartnerRe&#146;s internet website at <U>http://www.partnerre.com</U> or by contacting PartnerRe&#146;s Investor Relations Director by email at <U>robin.sidders@partnerre.com</U> or by phone at 1-441-294-5216.&nbsp;Copies of the documents
filed with the SEC by AXIS will be available free of charge on AXIS&#146; internet website at <U>http://www.axiscapital.com</U> or by contacting AXIS&#146; Investor Relations Contact by email at <U>linda.ventresca@axiscapital.com</U> or by phone at
1-441-405-2727.</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Participants in Solicitation </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">PartnerRe, AXIS, their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in
connection with the proposed transaction.&nbsp;Information about the directors and executive officers of PartnerRe is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on
February&nbsp;26, 2015, its proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April&nbsp;1, 2014, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2014, which was filed with the
SEC on October&nbsp;31, 2014 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K, which were filed with the SEC on March&nbsp;27, 2014,&nbsp;May&nbsp;16, 2014 and January&nbsp;29, 2015.&nbsp;Information about the directors and executive officers of AXIS is set
forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on February&nbsp;23, 2015, its proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on
March&nbsp;28, 2014, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September&nbsp;30, 2014, which was filed with the SEC on October&nbsp;31, 2014 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K, which were filed with the SEC on March&nbsp;11,
2015,&nbsp;January&nbsp;29, 2015,&nbsp;August&nbsp;7, 2014,&nbsp;June&nbsp;26, 2014,&nbsp;March&nbsp;27, 2014 and February&nbsp;26, 2014. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">These documents
can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.&nbsp;Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be
contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Forward Looking
Statements </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Certain statements in this communication regarding the proposed transaction between PartnerRe and AXIS are &#147;forward-looking&#148;
statements.&nbsp;The words &#147;anticipate,&#148; &#147;believe,&#148; &#147;ensure,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;if,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;probable,&#148; &#147;project,&#148; &#147;forecasts,&#148;
&#147;predict,&#148; &#147;outlook,&#148; &#147;aim,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;could,&#148; &#147;should,&#148; &#147;would,&#148; &#147;potential,&#148; &#147;may,&#148; &#147;might,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; &#147;likely,&#148;
&#147;plan,&#148; &#147;positioned,&#148; &#147;strategy,&#148; and similar expressions, and the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.&nbsp;These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties
and assumptions about PartnerRe and AXIS, may include projections of their respective future financial performance, their respective anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in their respective businesses.&nbsp;These statements are only
predictions based on current expectations and projections about future events.&nbsp;There are important factors that could cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the risk factors set forth in PartnerRe&#146;s and AXIS&#146; most recent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and other documents on file with the SEC and the
factors given below: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the failure to obtain the approval of shareholders of PartnerRe or AXIS in connection with the proposed transaction; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the failure to consummate or delay in consummating the proposed transaction for other reasons; </TD></TR></TABLE>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the timing to consummate the proposed transaction; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the risk that a condition to closing of the proposed transaction may not be satisfied; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the risk that a regulatory approval that may be required for the proposed transaction is delayed, is not obtained, or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">AXIS&#146; or PartnerRe&#146;s ability to achieve the synergies and value creation contemplated by the proposed transaction; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the ability of either PartnerRe or AXIS to effectively integrate their businesses; and </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#149;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues. </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">PartnerRe&#146;s forward-looking statements
are based on assumptions that PartnerRe believes to be reasonable but that may not prove to be accurate. AXIS&#146; forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that AXIS believes to be reasonable but that may not prove to be accurate.
Neither PartnerRe nor AXIS can guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements.&nbsp;Moreover, neither PartnerRe nor AXIS assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking
statements.&nbsp;PartnerRe and AXIS assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.&nbsp;Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">SIGNATURES </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Dated: April&nbsp;1, 2015 </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
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<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><B>AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED</B></TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000">/s/ Richard T. Gieryn, Jr.</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Richard T. Gieryn, Jr.</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">General
Counsel</P></TD></TR>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">EXHIBIT INDEX </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:37.10pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;No</B></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:39.50pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Description</B></P></TD></TR>


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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>2.1</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Third Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 31, 2015, by and between PartnerRe Ltd. and AXIS Capital Holdings Limited</TD></TR>
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<TYPE>EX-2.1
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<FILENAME>d898441dex21.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-2.1
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Exhibit 2.1 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right">EXECUTION VERSION </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><U>THIRD
AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION </U></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Third Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, is made and entered
into as of March 31, 2015 (this &#147;<U>Amendment</U>&#148;), by and between AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, a Bermuda exempted company (&#147;<U>Axis</U>&#148;) and PartnerRe Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company (&#147;<U>PRE</U>&#148; and, together
with Axis, the &#147;<U>parties</U>&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">W I T N E S S E T H: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">WHEREAS, the parties to this Amendment are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of January 25, 2015, as
amended by that certain First Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of February 17, 2015 and that certain Second Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 10, 2015 (the &#147;<U>Amalgamation
Agreement</U>&#148;); </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">WHEREAS, the parties to this Amendment may amend the Amalgamation Agreement in accordance with <U>Section 7.3</U>
of the Amalgamation Agreement; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">WHEREAS, the parties to the Amalgamation Agreement desire to amend certain provisions of the Amalgamation
Agreement; and </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">WHEREAS, the board of directors of each of Axis and PRE has approved and authorized the execution of this Amendment. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained taken as a whole, the parties
hereto agree as follows: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section 1. <U>Defined Terms</U>. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, herein shall have the meanings
specified in the Amalgamation Agreement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section 2. <U>Amendments to the Amalgamation Agreement</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a) The definition of the term &#147;<U>Axis Preferred Shares</U>&#148; in <U>Section 8.13</U> of the Amalgamation Agreement shall hereby be
amended and replaced in its entirety by the definition of such term given below: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#147;<U>Axis Preferred Shares</U>&#148; shall mean each
of Axis&#146;s 7.50% Series B preferred shares, 6.875% Series C preferred shares and 5.50% Series D preferred shares. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Section 3.
<U>General Provisions</U>. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a) <U>Effectiveness</U>. The amendments set forth in this Amendment shall be effective as of the date set
forth in the preamble to this Amendment. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b) <U>Counterparts</U>. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, and by the
different parties in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same </P>

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agreement. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Amendment by facsimile or electronic-mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of any
such Agreement. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(c) <U>Governing Law; Disputes</U>. <U>Sections 8.8</U> and <U>8.9</U> of the Amalgamation Agreement shall apply to this
Amendment <I>mutatis mutandis</I>. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(d) Except as specifically amended by this Amendment, all provisions of the Amalgamation Agreement
shall remain in full force and effect. </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>IN WITNESS WHEREOF</B>, each of the parties has caused this Amendment to be executed on the
date first written above. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
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<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3">AXIS CAPITAL HOLDINGS LIMITED</TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Joseph C. Henry</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Name:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Joseph C. Henry</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Title:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial&nbsp;Officer</TD></TR>
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<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="3"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3">PARTNERRE LTD.</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ David Zwiener</P></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Name:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">David Zwiener</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Title:</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom">President and Chief Executive Officer</TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">[<I>Signature Page to Third Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation</I>] </P>
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