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LONDON (AFX) - Equitas, the unlisted company set up to settle potentially crippling asbestos-related claims against Lloyds of London insurers, said it has negotiated settlements with a further six policyholders at a cost of 300 mln usd (167 mln stg).

The six policyholders include Kaiser Aluminium Corporation, Crane Company, and Congoleum Corporation.

Equitas said the latest round of settlements had resolved some of its largest remaining direct liabilities.

"We continue to seek comprehensive settlements and are currently in negotiations with other major policyholders. We are hopeful these negotiations will result in further agreements in the coming months," said Equitas claims director Glenn Brace.

Equitas, which deals with claims arising from policies written by Lloyds insurers before 1993, has now paid out 7 bln stg on asbestos claims since the group was set up in 1996.

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