Lodestar Marine, a leading fixed premium protection-and-indemnity venture, is to be acquired by Ryan Speciality Group (RSG) just weeks after Navigators disposed of its rival operation.

Chicago-based RSG is not disclosing the terms on which it is buying London-based Lodestar from Tawa Associates, which is part of the business empire of French billionaire Francois Pinault. His interests range from the Chateau Latour vineyards, to the Christie's auction house, fashion brands and the Ponant cruise line.