A.M. Best Comments on The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.'s Proposed Sale of First...

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Thu Jul 31, 2008 11:43am EDT

A.M. Best Comments on The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.'s Proposed Sale of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company

OLDWICK, N.J.--(Business Wire)--
A.M. Best Co. has commented that all ratings and outlooks of The
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) (NYSE:THG) and its
property/casualty insurance members remain unchanged following the
announcement that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (FAFLIC) to the
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. THG and FAFLIC are both domiciled in
Worcester, MA.

   This transaction is expected to close by the end of 2008, subject
to regulatory approval. Other than transaction costs and related
charges, A.M. Best anticipates minimal residual impact to THG's
earnings or risk-adjusted capitalization.

   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
Frederick DeLeon, 908-439-2200, ext. 5175
frederick.deleon@ambest.com
or
Gary Davis, 908-439-2200, ext. 5665
gary.davis@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
Comments (0)
This discussion is now closed. We welcome comments on our articles for a limited period after their publication.