Axis acquires rights to Dual North America excess liability businessAxis Capital said Wednesday it has agreed to acquire the renewal rights to the excess liability business of Dual North America, a Howden-owned managing general agent. As part of the deal, John Kopach, executive vice president of Dual excess liability, will join Axis as head of wholesale lower middle market, succeeding Britt Smith, who recently retired. He will report to Mike McKenna, Axis’ head of North America. Earlier this year, Axis expanded its partnership with Dual North America to increase capacity for the MGA’s surety program, and the companies said they have worked together for many years. For Axis, the transaction follows its agreement last year to acquire the renewal rights to part of Markel’s U.S. large financial institutions professional liability portfolio.