ProNational Ordered to Arbitrate Dispute with Non-Signatory

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - An Alabama federal judge has ordered arbitration of a $1.7 million reinsurance action brought by ProNational Insurance Co. against AXA Liabilities Managers Inc. ProNational Insurance Co. v. AXA Liabilities Managers Inc., No. 08-02022 (N.D. Ala.).

Judge Inge P. Johnson of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama adopted Chief Magistrate Judge Paul W. Greene's findings that although AXA LM is a non-signatory to the reinsurance contract at issue, the arbitration clause is binding under the theory of equitable estoppel because the insurer expressly agreed to arbitrate any claims relating to the contract.

ProNational insured …