Strong January and April renewals helped Scor Re increase profit by 22% to €135 million ($200.31 million) in the three months to March 31.

Chairman and CEO Denis Kessler says the group made significant progress at the renewals in its life operations and in the US and the London market, where it launched a Lloyd’s managing agency.

Gross written premium grew 12% to €2.67 billion ($3.96 billion), or by 15% at constant exchange rates, reflecting healthy renewals, new contracts signed by Scor Global Life and the contribution from Generali US, acquired last year.

The combined operating ratio improved to 88.9% from 90.4% on fewer catastrophes and a rise in commissions due to growth in Lloyd’s business.

Scor says premiums grew 8.5% at the April renewals.