CONTACTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK, N.J. - AUGUST 12, 2010 12:00 AM (EDT)
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A++ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "aa+" of Ancon Insurance and Petroleum Casualty Group (Ancon) and its member companies, Ancon Insurance Company, Inc. (Burlington, VT) and Petroleum Casualty Company (Houston, TX). The outlook for all ratings is stable. Concurrently, A.M. Best has withdrawn the ratings and assigned an NR-4 (Company Request) to the FSR and an "nr" to the ICRs. The withdrawal is due to management's request to no longer participate in A.M. Best's interactive rating process.
The ratings reflect Ancon's superior capitalization, consistently strong operating results and exemplary risk management strategies. The ratings also consider the extensive experience and level of commitment of Ancon's parent, Exxon Mobil Corporation [NYSE: XOM], whose management incorporates the group as a core element in its overall risk management program. Over the years, A.M. Best has taken a favorable view of Ancon's overall profile within the parent's structure and recognizes the benefits gained from this arrangement.
A.M. Best remains the leading rating agency of captive insurers rating a wide variety of more than 200 captives in the United States and throughout the world.
For current Best's Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative insurance market, please visit Best's Captive Center.
The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology - Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilized include: Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies; Understanding BCAR for Property/Casualty Insurers; Rating Members of Insurance Groups; and A.M. Best's Rating Methodology for Captive Insurance Companies. Methodologies can be found at Best's Credit Rating Methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers.