W.R. Berkley Corporation announced the formation of Berkley Southeast Insurance Group. Berkley Southeast will be based in Atlanta, Georgia, and will provide standard commercial lines insurance services and expertise to a wide range of businesses in six Southeastern states: Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Products will be distributed through the independent agency system. Berkley Southeast will underwrite products on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation's regional insurance member companies, which are all rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company Inc.

The company also announced that Dennis L. Barger has been named president of Berkley Southeast. Mr. Barger has more than 30 years of experience in the property casualty insurance industry. He previously served in senior positions with other major insurers.