CONTACTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - MARCH 17, 2005 12:00 AM (EST)
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the Best's Syndicate Rating of A+ (Superior) and issuer credit rating of "aa-" of Lloyd's Syndicate 1414 (United Kingdom). The outlook for both ratings is stable.
This action resolves the under review status under which the ratings were placed on March 15, 2005, in line with member companies of American International Group, Inc. [NYSE: AIG] following the announcement that the Chairman and CEO, Maurice Greenberg, will retire as CEO and due to the delay in the filing of AIG's 2004 10-K.
A.M. Best believes that the explicit support from American Home Assurance Company factored in the ratings of syndicate 1414 remains unchanged. The ratings also reflect the syndicate's excellent expected performance and the excellent profile of the syndicate. These ratings are based on A.M. Best's specific syndicate criteria. (See A.M. Best's Rating Methodology for Lloyd's Syndicates at http://www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.asp.) Syndicate 1414 is managed by Ascot Underwriting Limited (AUL).
For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit Best's Rating Center.
A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.