TRANSAMERICA <TA> TO BUY SEDGWICK <SDWK.L> UNIT
  Transamerica Corp's Transamerica
  Insurance Co said it signed a definitive pact to buy a 51 pct
  interest in Sedgwick Group PLC's River Thames Insurance Co.
      Transamerica will buy 11 mln newly issued Class A shares of
  River Thames for 2.23 dlrs per share.
      Sedgwick wil retain a 49 pct interest in River Thames,
  which is a property liability reinsurer.
      The agreement, subject to shareholder approval, is expected
  to close by the end of the year, the company said.
      In 1986, River Thames reported net premiums written of 36
  mln dlrs.