N.Y. Appellate Court Says Reinsurer, Claims Administrator Not Liable to Colgate

NEW YORK — A New York state appeals court has dismissed Colgate-Palmolive Co.’s counterclaims against a reinsurer and a claims administrator, ruling that they are not directly liable to Colgate for asbestos defense costs under a reinsurance agreement issued to Colgate’s insurer.

On Oct. 29, the appellate court ruled that Colgate may not pursue its counterclaims against National Indemnity Insurance Co. and Resolute Management Inc. because Colgate’s insurer did not assign its rights under the reinsurance agreement to NICO and Resolute.

OneBeacon America Insurance Co. and its predecessors had issued more than 50 primary and excess liability policies to Colgate-Palmolive …