A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of American Fuji Fire and Marine Insurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of
A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating (ICR) of "a-" of American Fuji
Fire and Marine Insurance Company (American Fuji) (Long Grove, IL).
The outlook for both ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect American Fuji's low underwriting leverage and
consistent after-tax profits. Historically, American Fuji has written
commercial lines coverages for Japanese companies operating in the
United States through fronting partners and, whenever possible, on a
direct basis from July 2003 through June 2006. The low underwriting
leverage is expected to be maintained over the near term as the
company has decided to temporarily stop writing direct and assumed
business and no dividends are anticipated to be paid to the parent. In
the interim, American Fuji continues to actively explore new strategic
business opportunities.

For Best's Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating
methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.

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. For more information, visit
www.ambest.com.

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts
Duncan McColl, 908-439-2200, ext. 5826
duncan.mccoll@ambest.com
or
Joseph Roethel, 908-439-2200, ext. 5630
joseph.roethel@ambest.com
or
Public Relations
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008